Title: Prince of the Light
Author: Mysterious Phantom Shyraz
Disclaimer: Works of Harry Potter and related characters belong to J.K.Rowling, Warner Bros, publishers and distributors. Only limited characters are mine, i.e. Sena, Dana, Zephyr and the gang of people that appeared for few hundred words, so are most of the otherworldly realms, i.e. Ragnarak.
A/N: Thank you to the people who reviewed. I will not write who they are publicly because they know who they are! This chapter is dedicated to those selected few! Have fun reading.
Seventh Night-Trees and swings
The two boys, clad in something that resembles a cross between a tracksuit and jeans and tee-shirt, walked down the path paved with pebbles from a variety of white. To the sides, there were cottages with signs hanging from it. There were also a few street stores selling jewellery, accessory and other sorts of trinkets as well as quite a few alleyways that seemed too dark and mysterious for Harry's liking.
Coming across one of the many stalls littered on the side road was one that caught the attention of Harry. It consisted of a worn cloth laid out on the pathways and on it a pair of hair clips in shape of a blue butterfly. Looking beside it were two other pieces of ornaments that caught his attention. One was a simple flower brooch made up of green petals, another was a sword shaped pendent. There were also other sorts laid out beside; necklace of pearls, bangle made of gemstones as well as a few worn out daggers and throwing knives.
"Well, what will it be laddie?" the old man sitting next to the cloth asked.
"What is it Harry? Found something you like?" Zephyr came up next to Harry. "OJ! Long time no see! How has business been?"
"Well, if it isn't young Zeph! Still in training are ya? Who's this lad next to ya?"
"Harry, this is Old John, we call him OJ for short. John, this is Harry, New trainee."
"Well, tell ya what. I'll give y'all a discount if ya'ill buy sum'ing of me"
"Hm...I was thinking about getting my friends Christmas present this year without them knowing..."
"Well, this is a perfect chance. Do you have money with you?"
"I think, I remember mum gave me some before coming out..." Harry rummages through his pocket and produced a coin sachet.
"Wha'bout ya Zeph? Wanna get sum'ing off me?"
"Not today OJ. Maybe sometime later." Zephyr have half a mind of buying a sapphire pendent in shape of a tear drop but decided against the idea.
Harry, on the other hand, choose what he wanted to buy and gave the corresponding amount of money to the old man. For some reason, the money system works just the same in muggle London, where everything is in terms of the factor of ten. Only the currency name are different. Each pieces of coin were in copper, silver and gold depending on their value, written on one face. One the other face was a tree symbol. Harry looked at it for some time before handing the change over.
"That's the royal house emblem in this land. Its difference for each land and realm. Really confusing if you ask me." Zephyr commented on how the coins had different faces and shapes as they walked, telling Harry more about the history of this town. They stopped by a few more shops along the way, mainly bookshops, but finally coming to a stop at a food parlour.
"Welcome, Harry" As Zephyr stop and gestured dramatically, "to HonkyTonk. One of the most famous eat-in and take-away in Ragnarak."
The place had tables up against the walls in box seats and there were a few spaced out on the open floor. There was a bar table to where there is a suspected kitchen at other side of the back wall. The wall behind the bar was filled with cups of all shapes and sizes on its shelves, near the bottom were rows and rows of bottle. And with a normal bar, up on the suspended rails were glasses. The place itself looked quite old, yet there was a touch of modernism to it. The walls were split in half, the bottom was laid with wood whilst the top was with a shiny metal. There were ceiling fans suspended but also large sky window and overhead lights. This place looked as though someone decided to throw every trick in building together but the outcome was quite good.
Harry might not have noticed before but there was also a little bell attached to the door which they opened. So as soon as they entered the place, they were greeted by the assumed manager, lead to a box seat and handed manus.
Both called for food and an ice-cream to top it off. They enjoyed the rest of the day wondering around the little alleyways.
For Harry, this place was similar to Diagon Alley only there were a lot more shops, though most of them sold the same things, for example accessories, and that the shop fronts were more bright and attractive than those in Diagon Alley. Zephyr turned deliberately at one of the left hand side alleyways. From what he could gather from their brief conversation, he knew Harry would be interested in sports, though of which kind he cannot be sure. So the only way to find out was to bring him to Trops Alleyway, the most famous sports district in Ragnarak.
"This is the sports district," Zephyr introduced "here on Ragnarak, many different types of sports are played. One of my favourites is Bukou. It's a very competitive sport played with...well...everything and anything we can get our hands on!"
"Bukou?" Harry asked, "What sort of a sport is it?"
"Well, it has quite a long history," Zephyr stated as they walked up to one of the display windows nearby. "Its rumoured that the sport started in the darkest of times when people were low on spirit as war was upon all realms. When, finally those of the side of goodness won the battle, the people wanted to commemorate this victory, started to re-enact the last battle. Then, someone suggested instead of acting it out, why not involve the audience into the play. Finally, it evolved into a sport. You can call it a 'friendly duel' I guess."
"But won't people be hurt in the process?"
"No, the instruments used are specially made so that there are no sharp points and besides, only those who are trained specifically can enter. Either that or they are students from training institutes, like the Pagoda."
They came up upon a large blue building engraved with olive wreaths on the archways leading inside. The building was a few storeys tall with small windows and a flat roof that was fenced around.
"This is a sports complex. It holds many facilities for the residents to enjoy their favourite sports." Leading the way into the building, Zephyr produced a small card. Harry gave a questioning look at Zephyr and he began to explain again. "The card is just our ID on Ragnarak. You should receive one soon enough. In most of the realmic facility, that is those governed by their Majesties, an ID is required to gain entry."
They walked around the complex and Zephyr stopped at one of the largest indoor stadium which turned out to be the tournament ground for Bukou. It turned out to be similar to the Quidditch pitch that Harry was used to. The most fascinating thing about this stadium was the elements of the ground and atmosphere could be change to provide a challenge for those participants. Next, they cam up to another floor hold various chambers. Harry was told that these were anti-gravity chambers and a ball game was played in it. It was fortunate that Harry could witness one of these games to be played as Zephyr had mentioned that the skills of the 'Sommer Ball', as it was called, had been lost between generations. Zephyr also mentioned something about the 'Ones' but Harry could not catch what he was saying as he was mesmerized by the elegant movements that the two participants used to manoeuvre their way to score a goal. Finally, when the game was over, the two left the building and the district all together.
However, before they could go into another alleyway, Harry suddenly, on instinct, turn towards another direction. One going away from the pagoda. They arrived at a grassy area, with freesia and lavender fields lining the crooked road leading up to a big tree. Just below it was a white garden table made of metal and has matching chairs.
Both looked at the surrounding in awe, this place is like Utopia, filled with evergreen trees and comforting aroma produced by the flowers. They walked into the fields, not following the road to the large tree.
"How do you know there's something like this here?" Zephyr was the first to voice his thoughts.
"To tell you the truth, I don't know myself." Harry looked around, his eyes focusing on the table. 'I wonder what that's for.'
"Well, we'd better go. It seems that this is someone else's property." Zephyr's eyes was directed to the same point as Harry's.
*** They left the place only to come up to another park. There, the group of people whom Harry saw that morning were ganging up on two other students. He recognised this by the clothes on them, the same that he wore around two hours ago. It seems that not only Harry and Zephyr noticed them, but the vice-versa. The group of six saw the two come into the scene.
"Mark! Look who's here." The girl who clung onto Harry this morning said.
"I'd knew we would meet again."
"That's 'cause you saw it!" The twin exclaimed, she began to walk toward the two at the entrance. The two 'bodyguards' were blocking the path of escape of the two victims whilst their 'boss' and the rest of the girls headed towards them.
"Where are my manners?" Mark exaggerated when they were facing each other eye-to-eye. "I haven't introduced myself to your friend have I?" Mark glanced at Harry, as if judging him. Harry returned with a similar expression he gave to Malfoy the first time he met in Hogwarts.
"I'm Mark, the twins are Jillian and Juliana. My pals, Crowe and Shaler."
"You forgot me!" the last girl exclaimed in protest.
"I didn't," He turned to the two "and this is Rishe" He hugged her in the waist and gave her a passionate kiss. At this moment, the two 'victims' made their escape by the method of a fake move. They dashed into the bushy area at the back of the park and disappeared. Mark seems to have noticed this but paid no attention whilst Crowe and Shaler stood there for a moment then squatted down, examining the sand that paved the ground as though it was interesting.
Juliana-the girl with the pony tail-which Harry assumed to be the older of the twin walked over to Zephyr ever so slowly and seductively. Her voice is no more than a whispered as she neared him to say the words. "You'll be mine again my darling."
"No thank you, as tempting as your request may be, I must decline" was the answer that came out of Zephyr's mouth. He moved away from the girl but stood in front of Harry. "And you shall not touch him either. Now, if you please, we'd take our leave." With that, he urged Harry towards the gate that guards the park.
"Not so fast" Mark called out. With a wave of his hands, the gates shut and the wind blew harder, pushing the duo back to where they stood. "I've never known you to be so eloquent and besides," Mark cast a look over towards Harry then at Zephyr "where are your manners? You haven't introduced me to your friend yet."
Harry thought two can play the same mind games and joined into the fray. "I'm sorry," his replied dripping with the same articulacy with a hidden tone of disgust "but it seems as though in our hurriedness I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Harry and we must be leaving now." He sound as though he was polite, but hidden inside were the voices of disgust and minor hatred towards such a character.
"Really Harry, there's not need to hurry. We've plenty of time. We heard that without having met the High Priestess, you've become one of her prized and favourite student." He gestured Crowe and Shaler over towards him with a few clicks of his hand. "After all, you'll soon be leaving us," Mark looked over to Zephyr, seeing the anger that erupted from his eyes, then added "I mean soon to be studying under Lady Dana rather than us. So won't it be best for us to get to know each other a bit better?" Mark cocked his eyebrows in innocence.
"Look Mark. Your games won't work on him. So no need to try." Zephyr noticed the two bodyguards were standing behind him. He gathered up his courage and energy ready for a fight if the necessity arises. However, Harry found a better way to solve the problem.
"Really Mark, as you've just said, we've barely known each other and since I'll be leaving soon, why is there the need to know more? A relationship as thus would suit perfectly for two of the opposite polarity don't you think. The more we know, the worst it is for you." Harry smiled at him whilst searching his face for a reaction or weakness within the words without loosing his own façade.
"I'd never thought that someone like you who associate themselves with these sort of people, could be such a considerate person. However, as being one who is from the better realms, I feel the need to know as much a possible so that I could 'help' with those less fortunate later on in my years." The girls next to him stood by whilst he walked up to Harry, to face him eye to eye. "We all know how 'generous' and 'caring' Lady Dana is and one does 'hope' to succeed in her shoes" were words that reeked with sarcasm.
'Another Malfoy for sure. Those of the higher status are all the same, looking down on others. When will they learn?' Were the only thoughts Harry hold. Still, he didn't reply, and it was unnerving the boy in front of him.
"Hmph, let's go. Nothing to be found from such lowly place anyways. If I had my way, I'd have left this realm to decay altogether. What were they thinking when the Ones will return to rid the darkness that covers the realms of the universe." Mark pushed his way pass the gap between Harry and Zephyr and left the park with his entourage.
Looking around, Harry found that something was out of place. It was until he noticed a little movement from one of the bushes did he realise that the two 'victims' have not left, but merely hid away from the sight of the thugs. Noticing Harry's gaze that rests upon a certain bush, Zephyr called out.
"They're gone." There was not much sound for a while, but when the two that hid in the bushes realized this fact, they came out to face their 'rescuers'.
Both were not tall of built, nor were they muscular. They seemed to be the type that bury their heads into books and study until all the books were exhausted. One of them, with neatly cut brown hair and an insignia ring on his hand, thanked them and asked a peculiar question.
"Weren't you one of them?" This was not much of a shock, but more of a surprise to Zephyr. The time that he spent with those people were little and not many knew they were together before, that is until an incident that he does not wished to reveal just yet.
Harry looked questioningly at the two 'victims' then at Zephyr, thinking that these two were 'accusing' them of ganging up and tricking them. Upon realizing this, he explained vaguely of the short confrontation that took place in the morning and the one just a few moment ago in order to clear up any misunderstandings.
'After all, it seems that most of the people I've seen does not like that Mark person. It would be best to keep them all in the light of friendship.'
*** All four of them walked back towards the Pagoda without much to say, as all were absorbed in their own thoughts. For the two 'victims' it was the puzzle that revolved around the person named Zephyr, which walked in front of them. They had heard that he used to be with Mark but they really wanted to know why as both were extremely curious as to the incident that happened two years ago. Zephyr, on the other hand was worried because of the fact that these two youngsters know about him and also he was trying to figure out how come the incident had leaked out. As for Harry, he found that reality has finally caught up with him.
Walking behind the three, Harry was more concern about the consequences to his action. In the moments he had with Mark, he felt that he was treating this person unkindly. It was, after all, the first time he had met this person and he knew he should not judge a book by its cover. Although the first impression that Mark made on him was not as favourable as Zephyr, he felt he should give Mark an apology as he does not wish to have another enemy such as Malfoy.
The four of them soon arrived at the Pagoda, passed the lake (to Harry's surprise as he did not concentrate much on thinking the water was solid) and was in front of the floating platform. And it was then, when the other three bowed, did Harry notice that standing there was Lady Dana.
"Thank you Zephyr, for taking Harry out on a tour and helping him today. But I'll take over for now." They took this as a signal to leave. However, just as Harry was about to leave, Dana told him to accompany her to the ninth floor. Harry did not find it strange as he knew it was time to begin his training.
*** A/N: Sorry for the long delay and such a short chapter as well. I know many of you thought this will be a long chapter, but I think it best to get on with the rest of the story. As much as I'd like to develop the characters, it seems that I don't have enough time (don't ask why). As for the word 'Bukou' it stems from the Japanese word for 'martial fighting'.
~BUFFET TABLE NEAR THE BACK~
Phantom: Hello people! How have you all been? Pies, tissues, cups, scripts, dictionaries and an assortment of culinary utensils were thrown towards Phantom, which cannot all be ducked away from OW! What was that all for?
Harry: That's for making us wait! You've been away for waaaaaaaay too long and we're sick of it! You need to be more diligent!
Phantom: It's not my fault! There's too many holidays. There's Christmas, New Year, Chinese New Year...the list stretches on but don't worry. I'll be more diligent ~.^
Hermoine: Really, how much more do we need to wait for?
Ron: Not that we're complaining anyways, I mean there's the food...
Whole Cast: RON!
Ron: What'd I do? Reaches for the triple-layered-extra-icing-chocolate cake
Phantom: I can give you more if you want...
Hermoine gives a stern stare at Ron
Ron: Stutters No...no thanks. I think it's better...if I finish memorizing the script...don't you think so Hermoine?
Hermoine: What's the point, it's got nothing to do with any of us...
Phantom: True...true...
Harry, Ron, Hermoine: PHANTOM!!!!!!!
Phantom runs out of the back lot...safe for now
Author: Mysterious Phantom Shyraz
Disclaimer: Works of Harry Potter and related characters belong to J.K.Rowling, Warner Bros, publishers and distributors. Only limited characters are mine, i.e. Sena, Dana, Zephyr and the gang of people that appeared for few hundred words, so are most of the otherworldly realms, i.e. Ragnarak.
A/N: Thank you to the people who reviewed. I will not write who they are publicly because they know who they are! This chapter is dedicated to those selected few! Have fun reading.
Seventh Night-Trees and swings
The two boys, clad in something that resembles a cross between a tracksuit and jeans and tee-shirt, walked down the path paved with pebbles from a variety of white. To the sides, there were cottages with signs hanging from it. There were also a few street stores selling jewellery, accessory and other sorts of trinkets as well as quite a few alleyways that seemed too dark and mysterious for Harry's liking.
Coming across one of the many stalls littered on the side road was one that caught the attention of Harry. It consisted of a worn cloth laid out on the pathways and on it a pair of hair clips in shape of a blue butterfly. Looking beside it were two other pieces of ornaments that caught his attention. One was a simple flower brooch made up of green petals, another was a sword shaped pendent. There were also other sorts laid out beside; necklace of pearls, bangle made of gemstones as well as a few worn out daggers and throwing knives.
"Well, what will it be laddie?" the old man sitting next to the cloth asked.
"What is it Harry? Found something you like?" Zephyr came up next to Harry. "OJ! Long time no see! How has business been?"
"Well, if it isn't young Zeph! Still in training are ya? Who's this lad next to ya?"
"Harry, this is Old John, we call him OJ for short. John, this is Harry, New trainee."
"Well, tell ya what. I'll give y'all a discount if ya'ill buy sum'ing of me"
"Hm...I was thinking about getting my friends Christmas present this year without them knowing..."
"Well, this is a perfect chance. Do you have money with you?"
"I think, I remember mum gave me some before coming out..." Harry rummages through his pocket and produced a coin sachet.
"Wha'bout ya Zeph? Wanna get sum'ing off me?"
"Not today OJ. Maybe sometime later." Zephyr have half a mind of buying a sapphire pendent in shape of a tear drop but decided against the idea.
Harry, on the other hand, choose what he wanted to buy and gave the corresponding amount of money to the old man. For some reason, the money system works just the same in muggle London, where everything is in terms of the factor of ten. Only the currency name are different. Each pieces of coin were in copper, silver and gold depending on their value, written on one face. One the other face was a tree symbol. Harry looked at it for some time before handing the change over.
"That's the royal house emblem in this land. Its difference for each land and realm. Really confusing if you ask me." Zephyr commented on how the coins had different faces and shapes as they walked, telling Harry more about the history of this town. They stopped by a few more shops along the way, mainly bookshops, but finally coming to a stop at a food parlour.
"Welcome, Harry" As Zephyr stop and gestured dramatically, "to HonkyTonk. One of the most famous eat-in and take-away in Ragnarak."
The place had tables up against the walls in box seats and there were a few spaced out on the open floor. There was a bar table to where there is a suspected kitchen at other side of the back wall. The wall behind the bar was filled with cups of all shapes and sizes on its shelves, near the bottom were rows and rows of bottle. And with a normal bar, up on the suspended rails were glasses. The place itself looked quite old, yet there was a touch of modernism to it. The walls were split in half, the bottom was laid with wood whilst the top was with a shiny metal. There were ceiling fans suspended but also large sky window and overhead lights. This place looked as though someone decided to throw every trick in building together but the outcome was quite good.
Harry might not have noticed before but there was also a little bell attached to the door which they opened. So as soon as they entered the place, they were greeted by the assumed manager, lead to a box seat and handed manus.
Both called for food and an ice-cream to top it off. They enjoyed the rest of the day wondering around the little alleyways.
For Harry, this place was similar to Diagon Alley only there were a lot more shops, though most of them sold the same things, for example accessories, and that the shop fronts were more bright and attractive than those in Diagon Alley. Zephyr turned deliberately at one of the left hand side alleyways. From what he could gather from their brief conversation, he knew Harry would be interested in sports, though of which kind he cannot be sure. So the only way to find out was to bring him to Trops Alleyway, the most famous sports district in Ragnarak.
"This is the sports district," Zephyr introduced "here on Ragnarak, many different types of sports are played. One of my favourites is Bukou. It's a very competitive sport played with...well...everything and anything we can get our hands on!"
"Bukou?" Harry asked, "What sort of a sport is it?"
"Well, it has quite a long history," Zephyr stated as they walked up to one of the display windows nearby. "Its rumoured that the sport started in the darkest of times when people were low on spirit as war was upon all realms. When, finally those of the side of goodness won the battle, the people wanted to commemorate this victory, started to re-enact the last battle. Then, someone suggested instead of acting it out, why not involve the audience into the play. Finally, it evolved into a sport. You can call it a 'friendly duel' I guess."
"But won't people be hurt in the process?"
"No, the instruments used are specially made so that there are no sharp points and besides, only those who are trained specifically can enter. Either that or they are students from training institutes, like the Pagoda."
They came up upon a large blue building engraved with olive wreaths on the archways leading inside. The building was a few storeys tall with small windows and a flat roof that was fenced around.
"This is a sports complex. It holds many facilities for the residents to enjoy their favourite sports." Leading the way into the building, Zephyr produced a small card. Harry gave a questioning look at Zephyr and he began to explain again. "The card is just our ID on Ragnarak. You should receive one soon enough. In most of the realmic facility, that is those governed by their Majesties, an ID is required to gain entry."
They walked around the complex and Zephyr stopped at one of the largest indoor stadium which turned out to be the tournament ground for Bukou. It turned out to be similar to the Quidditch pitch that Harry was used to. The most fascinating thing about this stadium was the elements of the ground and atmosphere could be change to provide a challenge for those participants. Next, they cam up to another floor hold various chambers. Harry was told that these were anti-gravity chambers and a ball game was played in it. It was fortunate that Harry could witness one of these games to be played as Zephyr had mentioned that the skills of the 'Sommer Ball', as it was called, had been lost between generations. Zephyr also mentioned something about the 'Ones' but Harry could not catch what he was saying as he was mesmerized by the elegant movements that the two participants used to manoeuvre their way to score a goal. Finally, when the game was over, the two left the building and the district all together.
However, before they could go into another alleyway, Harry suddenly, on instinct, turn towards another direction. One going away from the pagoda. They arrived at a grassy area, with freesia and lavender fields lining the crooked road leading up to a big tree. Just below it was a white garden table made of metal and has matching chairs.
Both looked at the surrounding in awe, this place is like Utopia, filled with evergreen trees and comforting aroma produced by the flowers. They walked into the fields, not following the road to the large tree.
"How do you know there's something like this here?" Zephyr was the first to voice his thoughts.
"To tell you the truth, I don't know myself." Harry looked around, his eyes focusing on the table. 'I wonder what that's for.'
"Well, we'd better go. It seems that this is someone else's property." Zephyr's eyes was directed to the same point as Harry's.
*** They left the place only to come up to another park. There, the group of people whom Harry saw that morning were ganging up on two other students. He recognised this by the clothes on them, the same that he wore around two hours ago. It seems that not only Harry and Zephyr noticed them, but the vice-versa. The group of six saw the two come into the scene.
"Mark! Look who's here." The girl who clung onto Harry this morning said.
"I'd knew we would meet again."
"That's 'cause you saw it!" The twin exclaimed, she began to walk toward the two at the entrance. The two 'bodyguards' were blocking the path of escape of the two victims whilst their 'boss' and the rest of the girls headed towards them.
"Where are my manners?" Mark exaggerated when they were facing each other eye-to-eye. "I haven't introduced myself to your friend have I?" Mark glanced at Harry, as if judging him. Harry returned with a similar expression he gave to Malfoy the first time he met in Hogwarts.
"I'm Mark, the twins are Jillian and Juliana. My pals, Crowe and Shaler."
"You forgot me!" the last girl exclaimed in protest.
"I didn't," He turned to the two "and this is Rishe" He hugged her in the waist and gave her a passionate kiss. At this moment, the two 'victims' made their escape by the method of a fake move. They dashed into the bushy area at the back of the park and disappeared. Mark seems to have noticed this but paid no attention whilst Crowe and Shaler stood there for a moment then squatted down, examining the sand that paved the ground as though it was interesting.
Juliana-the girl with the pony tail-which Harry assumed to be the older of the twin walked over to Zephyr ever so slowly and seductively. Her voice is no more than a whispered as she neared him to say the words. "You'll be mine again my darling."
"No thank you, as tempting as your request may be, I must decline" was the answer that came out of Zephyr's mouth. He moved away from the girl but stood in front of Harry. "And you shall not touch him either. Now, if you please, we'd take our leave." With that, he urged Harry towards the gate that guards the park.
"Not so fast" Mark called out. With a wave of his hands, the gates shut and the wind blew harder, pushing the duo back to where they stood. "I've never known you to be so eloquent and besides," Mark cast a look over towards Harry then at Zephyr "where are your manners? You haven't introduced me to your friend yet."
Harry thought two can play the same mind games and joined into the fray. "I'm sorry," his replied dripping with the same articulacy with a hidden tone of disgust "but it seems as though in our hurriedness I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Harry and we must be leaving now." He sound as though he was polite, but hidden inside were the voices of disgust and minor hatred towards such a character.
"Really Harry, there's not need to hurry. We've plenty of time. We heard that without having met the High Priestess, you've become one of her prized and favourite student." He gestured Crowe and Shaler over towards him with a few clicks of his hand. "After all, you'll soon be leaving us," Mark looked over to Zephyr, seeing the anger that erupted from his eyes, then added "I mean soon to be studying under Lady Dana rather than us. So won't it be best for us to get to know each other a bit better?" Mark cocked his eyebrows in innocence.
"Look Mark. Your games won't work on him. So no need to try." Zephyr noticed the two bodyguards were standing behind him. He gathered up his courage and energy ready for a fight if the necessity arises. However, Harry found a better way to solve the problem.
"Really Mark, as you've just said, we've barely known each other and since I'll be leaving soon, why is there the need to know more? A relationship as thus would suit perfectly for two of the opposite polarity don't you think. The more we know, the worst it is for you." Harry smiled at him whilst searching his face for a reaction or weakness within the words without loosing his own façade.
"I'd never thought that someone like you who associate themselves with these sort of people, could be such a considerate person. However, as being one who is from the better realms, I feel the need to know as much a possible so that I could 'help' with those less fortunate later on in my years." The girls next to him stood by whilst he walked up to Harry, to face him eye to eye. "We all know how 'generous' and 'caring' Lady Dana is and one does 'hope' to succeed in her shoes" were words that reeked with sarcasm.
'Another Malfoy for sure. Those of the higher status are all the same, looking down on others. When will they learn?' Were the only thoughts Harry hold. Still, he didn't reply, and it was unnerving the boy in front of him.
"Hmph, let's go. Nothing to be found from such lowly place anyways. If I had my way, I'd have left this realm to decay altogether. What were they thinking when the Ones will return to rid the darkness that covers the realms of the universe." Mark pushed his way pass the gap between Harry and Zephyr and left the park with his entourage.
Looking around, Harry found that something was out of place. It was until he noticed a little movement from one of the bushes did he realise that the two 'victims' have not left, but merely hid away from the sight of the thugs. Noticing Harry's gaze that rests upon a certain bush, Zephyr called out.
"They're gone." There was not much sound for a while, but when the two that hid in the bushes realized this fact, they came out to face their 'rescuers'.
Both were not tall of built, nor were they muscular. They seemed to be the type that bury their heads into books and study until all the books were exhausted. One of them, with neatly cut brown hair and an insignia ring on his hand, thanked them and asked a peculiar question.
"Weren't you one of them?" This was not much of a shock, but more of a surprise to Zephyr. The time that he spent with those people were little and not many knew they were together before, that is until an incident that he does not wished to reveal just yet.
Harry looked questioningly at the two 'victims' then at Zephyr, thinking that these two were 'accusing' them of ganging up and tricking them. Upon realizing this, he explained vaguely of the short confrontation that took place in the morning and the one just a few moment ago in order to clear up any misunderstandings.
'After all, it seems that most of the people I've seen does not like that Mark person. It would be best to keep them all in the light of friendship.'
*** All four of them walked back towards the Pagoda without much to say, as all were absorbed in their own thoughts. For the two 'victims' it was the puzzle that revolved around the person named Zephyr, which walked in front of them. They had heard that he used to be with Mark but they really wanted to know why as both were extremely curious as to the incident that happened two years ago. Zephyr, on the other hand was worried because of the fact that these two youngsters know about him and also he was trying to figure out how come the incident had leaked out. As for Harry, he found that reality has finally caught up with him.
Walking behind the three, Harry was more concern about the consequences to his action. In the moments he had with Mark, he felt that he was treating this person unkindly. It was, after all, the first time he had met this person and he knew he should not judge a book by its cover. Although the first impression that Mark made on him was not as favourable as Zephyr, he felt he should give Mark an apology as he does not wish to have another enemy such as Malfoy.
The four of them soon arrived at the Pagoda, passed the lake (to Harry's surprise as he did not concentrate much on thinking the water was solid) and was in front of the floating platform. And it was then, when the other three bowed, did Harry notice that standing there was Lady Dana.
"Thank you Zephyr, for taking Harry out on a tour and helping him today. But I'll take over for now." They took this as a signal to leave. However, just as Harry was about to leave, Dana told him to accompany her to the ninth floor. Harry did not find it strange as he knew it was time to begin his training.
*** A/N: Sorry for the long delay and such a short chapter as well. I know many of you thought this will be a long chapter, but I think it best to get on with the rest of the story. As much as I'd like to develop the characters, it seems that I don't have enough time (don't ask why). As for the word 'Bukou' it stems from the Japanese word for 'martial fighting'.
~BUFFET TABLE NEAR THE BACK~
Phantom: Hello people! How have you all been? Pies, tissues, cups, scripts, dictionaries and an assortment of culinary utensils were thrown towards Phantom, which cannot all be ducked away from OW! What was that all for?
Harry: That's for making us wait! You've been away for waaaaaaaay too long and we're sick of it! You need to be more diligent!
Phantom: It's not my fault! There's too many holidays. There's Christmas, New Year, Chinese New Year...the list stretches on but don't worry. I'll be more diligent ~.^
Hermoine: Really, how much more do we need to wait for?
Ron: Not that we're complaining anyways, I mean there's the food...
Whole Cast: RON!
Ron: What'd I do? Reaches for the triple-layered-extra-icing-chocolate cake
Phantom: I can give you more if you want...
Hermoine gives a stern stare at Ron
Ron: Stutters No...no thanks. I think it's better...if I finish memorizing the script...don't you think so Hermoine?
Hermoine: What's the point, it's got nothing to do with any of us...
Phantom: True...true...
Harry, Ron, Hermoine: PHANTOM!!!!!!!
Phantom runs out of the back lot...safe for now