Hello everyone! Welcome to another chapter of Silent Magi's Apprentice! So sorry for not updating this story in a long time! A lot of things in real life have taken a lot of my time. And I haven't had much time to write this story. Mainly because that I had much difficulty figuring out how to continue the story. So to make up for all that lost time, I've decided to give you two chapters instead of one!

Also I want to put this out there. If you hadn't been aware, Yu-Gi-Oh's creator, Kazuki Takashi has passed away last July assisting in the rescue of three people who were caught in a rip current. Yu-Gi-Oh! was a major and influential part of my childhood, in both the anime and the card game. Because of him, I've made so many friends in real life and online that shared the same passion I had for the show. It even led to my passion for writing stories and those stories have helped others get through tough times or were inspired by me to write their own. Words can't express how humbled I was knowing that what I do that makes me happy, can make such a huge impact in someone else's life. I felt that it is my calling, helping and sharing my happiness with others through what I write. Having the confidence to connect with and inspire others is irreplaceable.

Given my love for writing stories, and the themes of Yu-Gi-Oh!, it brought out this creative side of me I never had before. This story, Silent Magi's Apprentice, is practically a living embodiment of Yu-Gi-Oh's themes of connections, bonds, friendship, and discovering oneself while learning to embrace and cooperate with it. And I tribute this story to Takahashi-sensei. Thank you sensei for creating this wonderful piece of my childhood. I am forever grateful.

Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh! All creative rights belong to Kazuki Takahashi.


The next day had already come, and night passed without anyone noticing. It had cast a sleeping spell over the inhabitants of this world, so that the sneaking darkness could slip by. When morning arrived, it was already gone. While there are creatures and few humans that can resist sleep, the rest fall into its enrapture. However, it is not a curse. It is a blessing. When they wake, they will feel reinvigorated and refreshed to start the day anew.

And this brand new day was no exception.

Shizuka had awakened early in the morning to prepare her apprentice's lessons and lectures for the day. While Kuromu had accomplished the necessary milestones, it was merely the beginning. Every apprentice had to start somewhere. That somewhere would be in the form of Magic Combat.

This form of battling was a way of life since the world's foundation while exploring the unknown. Even though life flourished and civilizations were built, monsters at its borders had the intent to do harm. The only way to defend oneself is to use magic in combat. While it is possible with traditional weaponry, spellcasters can make a better impact if they take their knowledge, the most powerful weapon of them all, and utilize it to their fullest potential, therefore becoming strong.

So Shizuka's plan for Kuromu was to teach him the basics of magic combat. It was necessary if he was to qualify as an official spellcaster, and it would help the caster in most situations. As much as she wanted him to avoid it, for his particular problem, there was no other choice. He needed to learn how to fight and defend himself in her world to survive. There will eventually come a day when she won't be able to protect him and he won't be able to depend on her. But for now, as much as she could, for as long as she could, she will. She made that promise and was going to keep it.

With her plans in motion, Shizuka made her way toward her apprentice's room. She gently knocked on the door.

*KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK*

"Kuromu? Are you awake?" Shizuka asked. But there was no response. The Silent Magician raised an eyebrow ever so slightly. She knocked again.

*KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK*

"My apprentice. It is morning." Shizuka repeated, but again, no answer.

Confused, she soon opened the door and walked into the room. To her surprise, Kuromu wasn't in bed or ever found. What struck her as odd was the plethora of books piled on the floor like a slope of a hill.

"What-"

"Zzzzzzzzzzzzz…"

Shizuka blinked upon hearing the sound of muffled snoring from the pile of books. Was her apprentice underneath? With a wave of her wand, the books floated upward and levitated over to his desk, stacking on top of each other. She turned her focus back to the floor, finding Kuromu asleep while reading a book on magic.

"He's been at it all night," Nia said, flying into the room.

"Nia?" Shizuka noticed the Dreamsprite.

"He told me what you two talked about last night," Nia explained. "He grabbed a lot of books from the upstairs library, started studying, and… well, here we are."

"I see…"

"The moment he knew he could do magic, he's been avidly reading and researching. I think you ignited a spark within that he wants to delve further." Nia giggled, floating up to Shizuka. "So, what do you have on the schedule for him today?" She asked with a smile, curious to know and help.

"He was supposed to be learning Magical Combat. Although seeing him in this state, he is getting ahead of himself, and will need to wait."

"Yeah, he needs to slow down. Well, I'll leave you to it then." Nia shrugged before flying off.

With a shake of her head, she knelt next to the sleeping boy. "Kuromu, wake up." She said, nudging him gently.

"Mmmmmmmm…" Kuromu groaned, rolling over on his back.

"We have much to do today, my apprentice. So wake up." Shizuka said as the boy stirred and awakened finally.

"Ughhh… morning already?" Kuromu groaned as he opened his eyes. He noticed Shizuka staring down at him, then looked at his surroundings, realizing that he was on the floor. "Oh crap!" He panicked, sitting upright. "I went overboard!"

"Yes, you did." Shizuka nodded, "You must not overexert yourself, apprentice. Otherwise, you will be unable to continue your studies."

"Uh… I'm sorry…" He apologized, looking down as if in shame. "I guess with those exams coming up soon…"

"For now, rest. We can focus on your next lesson later." Shizuka informed.

"Y-Yes, sensei…"

"But… that does not mean I will leave you to your boredom."

"Huh?" Kuromu looked at her.

"I will answer as many questions as possible, but I also wish to learn what you remember from your past and what your homeworld is like. A give and take." Shizuka offered.

"Uh… I could try, but I still don't remember anything from my old home."

"I see…"

"It's only been two days since I got here, anyways. So I wouldn't remember much…" Kuromu shook his head.

"Perhaps something could appear in your mind while we chat?"

"We can try. But I doubt anything will come up."

"There is no need to doubt yourself, my apprentice. There is so much more to you than you realize."

"You… think so?"

"Of course I do." Shizuka nodded with a warm smile.

Kuromu pondered on this. While there was a chance he wouldn't be able to remember, there was an equal chance that something in their conversation could trigger a memory. He was afraid of both prospects, as one could lead to him not remembering, while the other could reveal his past, and he may not like what he discovers. But there wasn't any harm in trying.

"Alright. I'll give it a try." Kuromu nodded. "I may not offer much, but I'll give it my best."

The sorceress smiled, and with a nod as she went out of his room to grab something to eat and drink together.


Chapter 3: Combat Conundrums

"Nothing…" Kuromu sighed in defeat, while sitting at the dining table with Shizuka, Elesia, and Nia.

For the two hours they had conversed, it proved fruitless. His conversation with his teacher enlightened him about the mysteries of magic, but no memories of his old life surfaced. So Kuromu decided to go to the Alchemy Apothecary to find more ingredients for his Healing Potion and went to the Capital to sell it off to Garie, earning a bit more gold.

"At least we tried, my apprentice. There is no shame in that." Shizuka reassured him.

"At least you got a hobby to use as therapy." Nia commented.

"While making a little bit more Gold," Kuromu pouted, looking at the second pouch of gold coins he got.

"So what are you thinking about now?" Nia asked, sitting on his shoulder.

"Well, seeing as my punishment is over, I can continue my lessons… right?" He asked, looking at Shizuka.

"Of course, that was the deal." She nodded back to him.

"So… what am I learning?"

"You will be learning magic combat."

"W-Wait, what? I'm learning how to fight?" Kuromu blinked, no doubt surprised.

"There is no telling where or when you will be engaged in battle. There will be times that I will not be there to protect you. Ergo, you will need to learn how to defend yourself." Shizuka explained.

"I see…" Kuromu muttered.

"It is not easy to accomplish, but not impossible either. You will be using your wand for this lesson and must not only wave your wand with the correct movements, but also memorize and pronounce the incantations as you fight. I have a venue in this house that will see these tasks completed."

"Yes, sensei." Kuromu nodded.

"Your combat lessons will be for several days, so you have plenty of time to learn and not overexert yourself."

"Ehehe…" Kuromu laughed nervously. Somehow she still found a way to jab at him for his mistake. "It… won't happen again… hopefully."

"Good, I expected you to," Shizuka said with a slight smirk.


When breakfast was finished, Elesia and the brooms set to work on cleaning up the kitchen. Shizuka then led her apprentice to one of the many Pocket Dimension rooms that she had placed. The one they were going to was labeled "Training Room". But if Kuromu knew anything, he shouldn't take everything at face value.

Upon opening the door, he was met with the sight of what appeared to be an ancient Greek-like amphitheater. It was an open-air venue mainly used for entertainment, performances, and sports. Like any ancient ruin of this type, it was all made of stone. The caveat was formed with concentric rows of stands which are supported by arches built into the framework of the building. There were also entrances that led to the stage itself where performers would perform for the masses. And behind them was a forest and mountainous wilderness with a rainbow overhead.

"This is…" Kuromu muttered out in slight awe. Of course, nothing should surprise him at this point.

"This is where you will train, learn your limits, as well as know what each spell can do against an opponent." Shizuka stated.

"Okay. So… where do we begin?" He asked his teacher.

"Like any other lesson, we will begin with the basics." Shizuka said. She then waved her staff, and three pillars of stone rose from the ground, stopping at her height. "In order to cast a spell, you must evoke a proper incantation. Observe."

Holding out her staff, she closed her eyes to concentrate. "As Source of Thy Power, I order Thee…"

A magical circle enlarged below Shizuka as it glowed, the rays of light emitting from its lines and glyphs, leaving Kuromu stunned.

"Decipher the Laws of Creation. Bend to my will, embrace Life, and expose thyself to light my way."

An orb of light then formed at the tip of her wand.

"Light Sphere!"

With a flick of her staff, she flung the orb of light towards one of the stone pillars, exploding on contact and shattering it into fragments and dust.

"Whoa…" Kuromu murmured in shock.

"This will help you gauge how much energy you are putting into your spells and how much energy you are exerting. What you just saw was merely a fraction of my full power. For this lesson, you must control the amount of mana you store into the spell, and then use it to control the explosion."

"So this involves concentration. And if I were in a real battle…" Kuromu muttered.

"You would either kill yourself or your opponent." Shizuka finished. "Now it is your turn."

Kuromu nodded as he stood at the ready, holding out his wand towards the second pillar, closing his eyes to concentrate. "As Source of Thy Power, I order Thee…"

Like Shizuka, a magical circle enlarged below Kuromu as the rays of light emitting from its lines and glyphs glowed, "Decipher the Laws of Creation. Bend to my will, embrace Life, and expose thyself to light my way."

An orb of light formed at the tip of his wand, but it was much larger than Shizuka's. The Silent Mage noticed as much and also sensed how much power he was putting into it, alarming her.

"Kuromu, stop-"

"Light Sphere!" He shouted, flicking the wand, but upon launching it, he was met with recoil, suddenly flying backwards, "Whooooooooa!" he cried out, while sailing across, before slamming face first against the stone wall while upside down, caving in in the process. Eventually, he fell hard on his back, "Owww…" He groaned out in pain.

Meanwhile, the orb of light flew erratically in the air, completely missing its target, before exploding midflight, sending motes of light to rain down slowly.

Shizuka sighed, walking over to him and bopping his head with her staff, "You used too much mana. Pay attention to how much you put into it." She scolded.

"Yes, sensei…" Kuromu muffled out. Shizuka offered her hand and the boy gladly took it, slowly being pulled up to his feet. He shook off most of the pain, but felt one part of his face throbbing for some reason. "Ugh… why is my face hurting so much?" He asked, before looking at Shizuka, who looked at him strangely. "W-What is it?"

"Your nose."

"My nose? Wha-" Kuromu gingerly touched his noise, feeling one side of it being bumpy, while the other side was caved in. His face paled considerably and started panicking. "Oh no, my nose is broken…! Oh nonononono…"

"Relax. Breathe for a moment." Shizuka sighed with a shake of her head. She examined his nose from left to right, looking at both sides. "There is no need to worry. This can easily be fixed."

"Really?"

"Yes, but brace yourself." Shizuka said. She gently placed her hands on his cheeks then pressed her thumbs against both sides of his nose before…

*CR-R-R-RACK!*

"OHHHHHHHHHHH!" Kuromu cried out in pain, when Shizuka bent and cracked his nose to adjust it back in place. "OHH! Whoa! Haa! Whoah!"

"Now you understand the need to concentrate. You are lucky that it is just your nose. Some have lost limbs upon conjuring a spell." Shizuka said before handing him one of his healing potions.

"Noted." Kuromu panted heavily and sniffled loudly. He pulled the cork of the bottle and downed the green liquid. His body glowed briefly before the healing light dimmed from his frame. "How do I look?" He asked, as the Silent Magician examined his nose again.

"Luckily, no scarring. But please be more careful." Shizuka said.

"Yes, sensei."

"Now try again."

With a heavy sigh, Kuromu walked towards the stone pillar, stopping at a distance before holding his wand out towards it again. 'Okay, concentrate… concentrate…' He thought to himself.

"As Source of Thy Power, I order Thee…"

The magical circle enlarged below Kuromu, once more. And now smaller ball of light formed. "Decipher the Laws of Creation. Bend to my will, embrace Life, and expose thyself to light my way. Light Sphere!" He flicked the wand to shoot it towards the target, but to his dismay, the small orb of light didn't get very far. It didn't travel even an eighth of the way towards its target, as it immediately dissipated into nothing. "Ehh…?"

"You did not put enough effort into the spell. Simply believing will not achieve anything." Shizuka stated.

"I-I was trying not to use too much of my mana."

"Yes, but you were not putting in enough effort. There is a difference between putting in the energy and putting in the effort." She noted, flicking his forehead.

"Ow…" Kuromu pouted. "You mean I have to find balance between the two?"

"Correct." Shizuka nodded. "Do not assume this to be easy. Remember, it takes a great deal of concentration for any spell that is conjured. Whether small or large." Shizuka then took the initiative to stand behind him and hold his wrist while stretching his arm out, the wand being pointed at the stone pillar.

"S-Sensei?" Kuromu gulped with a blush, feeling her body pressed against his back.

"Come now, do not be distracted." Shizuka admonished. "Focus on what is in front of you."

"Uh… right." Kuromu said, facing the stone pillar.

"Now imagine the sphere of light that you want to cast. Take into account its shape and size, as well as how much mana you put into it." Shizuka instructed. Kuromu nodded as he closed his eyes to concentrate. There was nothing but darkness, but then a sphere of light formed in his mind.

"There you go… keep it up." She said, sensing the flow of his energy.

Kuromu continued focusing as the sphere of light in his mind's eye gradually became larger with each passing moment. 'I have to keep it balanced… not overpower it.' He said, remembering what he did with the Mana Crystal in his first lesson. This was no different.

His mind imagined the sphere of light being at what he believed to be the right size and stopped its growth before his flow of energy began pouring into the sphere. He had to contain this energy while maintaining the shape.

Shizuka smiled as she stepped back to let him continue onward with the spell casting.

With the image in mind, he opened his eyes.

"As Source of Thy Power, I order Thee…"

The magical circle enlarged below Kuromu, once again. The sphere of light that he imagined in his mind now appeared in reality. "Decipher the Laws of Creation. Bend to my will, embrace Life, and expose thyself to light my way. Light Sphere!"

With this, he flicked the wand and shot it towards the stone pillar. This time, and without fail, it was straight and true. It sailed across the arena before making contact with the stone pillar, which then subsequently shattered into fragments and debris.

"YES! I DID IT!" Kuromu cheered, jumping in the air with a fist pump.

"Well done, my apprentice." Shizuka applauded and praised, with a smile. "You have casted your first spell."

"Thank you, sensei." Kuromu smiled back, grinning from ear-to-ear. "But I couldn't have done it without your help."

"As long as you keep to heart of what I tell you, you will be capable of casting any spell." Shizuka stated. "That being said, I believe we can stop for today. The next spell would put you on your rear if we did it now."

"But… aren't we going to learn more?"

"Yes, much more tomorrow." She nodded to him. "Practical lessons are not the only lessons you will be taking."

"Oh…" Kuromu blinked.

He remembered that he will be doing lessons inside whatever would be considered her classroom. The books that he borrowed from the Royal Magical Library were already indicators of that. He was required to read and retain the knowledge given to him, and would also need to complete classwork and homework assignments. As well as any possible projects she may want him to do.

*GRUMBLE!*

Kuromu looked embarrassed when his stomach growled. He'll need to take care of this immediate problem first. "Uhh… lunch break?" He smiled sheepishly.

"Hehe, I was thinking the exact same thing." Shizuka giggled, before leading him back into the household.


"Hahahahahaha! You were sent flying to the wall and you broke your nose?!" Nia laughed, holding her stomach, as the two of them, Shizuka, and Elesia were having lunch that the magical brooms provided for them.

"Hey, I know what I did. It wasn't pleasant either." Kuromu huffed in annoyance. "Sensei had to crack my nose back into place and it didn't feel good either."

"You might as well have jester makeup for that stunt!" Nia snickered. Elesia had the nerve to chuckle silently at the Dreamsprite's remark.

"Elesia, not you too!" Kuromu complained.

"Still though…" Nia said, flying around before landing on Kuromu's shoulder, patting him, "The fact you got the lesson done is impressive, Ku-Ku! Sooner or later, you'll learn how to turn into animals!"

"Wait, what?" Kuromu blinked, before turning to Shizuka.

"She is correct. You will learn transfiguration sometime in the future." The Silent Magician nodded. "But due to your current state, you are not ready to perform that level of magic just yet. It is an advanced technique, but will prove useful."

"How exactly?" Kuromu pondered in thought.

"It is best not tempt fate with knowledge you are not ready to learn just yet." Shizuka said, poking his forehead.

"…this doesn't involve my bones crunching and breaking as I change, does it?" Kuromu muttered, paling considerably at the notion.

"I cannot say." Shizuka said… with a sly smirk, leaving it up to his own imagination to figure that out.

"Ahh…" Kuromu left his mouth open aghast that she would even play him like that.

"So… did any of your memories come back, Ku-Ku?" Nia questioned, poking his cheek.

Kuromu shook his head with a sigh, "Still nothing."

"Don't worry! You'll regain them some day!" Nia smiled, trying to be cheerful and help him out.

"Yeah, I hope so. Though, I don't know if I'll like those memories. Whatever they are… I just hope I'll be able to handle it."

"We'll be here for you regardless!" Nia smiled brightly, hugging his cheek. Kuromu smiled a bit at this, knowing that this new family he has around him, will indeed be by his side no matter what. "We won't treat you any different!"

"Heh, thanks Nia." Kuromu smiled a bit.

"And later on, if and when you're eligible to be married, I call dibs!"

"Ehh?!" Kuromu gawked. This made Elesia glare at him. "W-Wait, why are you even mad at me?"

"Ohh~? Jealous Elesia?" Nia smirked at the Mystical Elf. This caused the light-blue skinned elf to huff at the blue-skinned pixie. "Well~ I certainly don't blame ya. After all, we Dreamsprites have a tendency to have a mate if we find any interest!"

"But… you're small." Kuromu pointed out.

"And I can either make you small or…" Nia said before she glowed. Moments later, she grew full sized!

"Whoa! Whoa-whoooooa!" Kuromu cried out as he fell backwards from his chair and landed on his back. "Ow…"

Nia giggled at this as she gave a playful wink. "I can grow in size! I may be a pixie, but we can alter our appearances if needed."

"So I noticed…" Kruomu groaned.

"Aw, want me to make your boo boo better?" Nia asked with a sly grin, leaning closer.

"Er-hem. Nia. Now is not the time to fool around." Shizuka cleared her throat intentionally.

"You're no fun, Shi-Shi…" Nia huffed before shrinking back to her regular size.

"There is a time and place for everything. And this is not one such time." Shizuka added, as Kuromu managed to get himself back up with the help of the magical brooms and sat back down.

"Couldn't blame me for trying… I'm only 1,006 years old after all… I can't wait much longer." Nia pouted.

"1,006 years old?!" Kuromu gawked at the Dreamsprite. "But you look so young!"

"Aw, such a flatterer." Nia giggled, "I am, but in… mortal and human-esque years, I'm in my early 30's."

"Huh…" Kuromu muttered, before looking at Elesia and Shizuka who had neutral looks on their faces. "I'm not even going to ask…" He raised his hands in defense.

"But you thought about it, didn't you, Ku-Ku?" Nia smirked.

"…Not like I need to know." He muttered, looking away.

"Hm~?"

"W-What?" Kuromu asked, nervously. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

"You did think about it! You wanna know your crush's age to see if she's closer to your age, right?" Nia grinned deviously.

"You're reading into it way too far." Kuromu deadpanned with a sweat drop. "Even if I did, I'm not ready for that… yet. And besides, I'm way younger than them. There's no way I-"

"And why tell us that, Kuromu?" Shizuka asked as the tone of her voice seemed annoyed. "Are you saying we are too old?" She questioned as even Elesia glared at him.

"No, I'm not saying that at all!" Kuromu panicked, waving his arms frantically. "I think both of you are beautiful, attractive women!" He said, but then covered his mouth.

"Elesia? Please make sure not to rough him up too much…" Shizuka requested as she gave a very scary smile. Elesia nodded and smirked with a crack of her knuckles.

Kuromu couldn't help but peep in fear.


"You are such a troublemaker…" Kuromu muffled out with a swollen cheek and a black eye to boot. He was in his room, sitting at his desk, as he was working on a few assignments that were open-booked.

"Nyeh!" Nia stuck her tongue at him.

"I am never ever talking to you about relationships…"

"Well, maybe if you learn how to talk to women properly, then maybe things wouldn't be so bad." Nia huffed.

"Mmmmmmmm…" Kuromu pouted, as he kept writing, but eventually sighed with lament. "They hate me…"

"Just give it time, and they'll move on." Nia noted, laying on his head.

"You make it sound so easy…" Kuromu looked up at Nia.

"Duh, because I'm a girl too, silly! I know how we think." She said with a poke on his forehead. "Speaking of us girls, any feelings coming up yet or are you waiting to meet your 'destined one'?"

"You're talking to a guy who allegedly doesn't know how to talk to women…"

"Heheh, well you can at least be proud of the fact you have three cuties around you all the time!" Nia snickered, trying to cheer up the boy.

"Well… you're not wrong…" Kuromu mumbled.

"See? Think of the bright side." Nia smiled, poking his nose with a giggle. "Oh! That reminds me!" She realized, before flying off from a confused Kuromu. She eventually returned with a small bracelet made from flowers, "Here! Something to show my appreciation for you, Ku-Ku!"

"A flower bracelet?"

"Mhmm! For us Dreamsprites, when we truly care about someone, we make them something from flowers native to where we're from. And since mine is isolated in that room, I can access it at any time!" Nia smiled, her wings fluttering from joy.

Kuromu smiled softly, "Thanks Nia. I appreciate it, really."

Nia smiled brightly in response, as her wings fluttered rapidly with happiness while hugging his cheek. At least he had a really good friend with him to cheer him up any time.


Shizuka sat at her study as she was was writing more assignments for Kuromu to work on, for his lessons. Though as she wrote, she couldn't help but think back to what her apprentice said at lunch.

'I think both of you are beautiful, attractive women!'

The Silent Magician shook her head from that. She was unsure why it affected her. And it was strange to have that remain in her thoughts! Sure, she had made friends of many species, but this time it felt different.

"I need a drink…" Shizuka sighed. She needed to take her mind off of this. She was the Master and him the apprentice, and that was all it should be and nothing more.

*CHIRP! CHIRP! CHIRP! CHIRP!*

Shizuka's ears perked up to the sound of chirping and looked towards her window to see Gusto Egul, perched at the edge of her window.

"Hm? You have returned, Gusto?" She asked as the bird perched on her shoulder. She then noticed a letter attached to its body, the crest showing that it was Endymion. He had responded to her letter.

Taking the letter off of Egul, she opened it and read what was inside.

After a moment, Shizuka nodded softly as she read the note, "I see… That does not bode well, but I will do my best. Elesia?" She called for the elf maid, "Please thrice check the barriers, warding spells, and protection charms."

Elesia nodded before taking her leave.

"We have to ensure that nobody can detect him… Who knows what could happen or who would want him…" Shizuka said with utter worry in her heart.


For the next several days, through classroom assignments, lectures, practical applications, and learning more spells, Shizuka kept a close eye on Kuromu.

She made sure these assignments were nothing too much for him, worried that he could do the same thing from the first lesson. She even possibly thought of dumbing down his lessons just because of that possible danger. However, she also knows that Kuromu is intelligent. And it didn't deter him from wanting to learn new things.

'I guess for now, I will keep things as they are, and hope that it will be for the best…' Shizuka sighed in her thoughts.

"Shizuka-sensei?" Kuromu asked, snapping her out of it. She was standing in front of his desk, remembering that she was giving a lecture. "Are you alright? You were spacing out."

"…Yes, just a lot on my mind is all." Shizuka nodded.

"Oh, well okay." Kuromu shrugged, as he went back to working on an assignment.

She continued the lecture like nothing ever happened, but occasionally would zone out while collecting her thoughts. Something that Kuromu caught and kept track of silently as the assignment continued. After what seemed like an eternity, the sound of a bell ringing echoed within the one-seated classroom, signaling that class was over.

"Mmmmmmmmm…" Kuromu stretched his arms out, loosening up the muscles that had stiffened up over the past couple of hours. "Finally done…"

"Good work today." Shizuka said.

"I'm just glad to get this done." Kuromu sighed in relief, "That took a lot out of me."

"How about we relax?"

"Sure, but what can we do?"

Shizuka pondered on this. Indeed, what could they do? She didn't want him holed up in his room the rest of the day to rest, but didn't want him to work too hard either. They could go into the Capital or the Citadel… or perhaps…

"I think it is a perfect time to expand your horizons."

"Huh?" Kuromu looked confused.

"You have only stepped foot into the Magical Citadel and Capital, but you have yet to explore and experience other cultures the world can offer."

"You mean… we're going on another trip?" Kuromu blinked in surprise. Shizuka nodded, giving confirmation to her apprentice. "T-That's great! But uh… where… are we going exactly?" He asked with a sheepish grin.

"You will see." she teased.

"You really love surprises, don't you." Kuromu rolled his eyes in amusement, earning a chuckle from the magician.

"Even a magician such as myself needs to have some form of entertainment, no?"

"Fair enough." Kuromu said as he stood up from his seat. "So when do we leave?"

"Within the hour." Shizuka noted, "I would recommend that you at least wear something light."

"Uh… sensei…?" He trailed off.

Shizuka looked confused, but her eyes widened slightly upon realization. "Ah yes, forgive me. You came here to this world with only the clothes on your back. Very well. I shall make a quick detour to the tailor shop." She then waved her staff and a magic circle appeared before it opened a portal that led into the Citadel. "I will return shortly."

"Wait, aren't I supposed to go with you to take my-"

He was cut off when the portal closed.

"-measurements…"

Elesia softly huffed as she walked off to do her tasks, leaving the apprentice and pixie alone.

"She already has it." Nia informed him, "Why? Secretly wanting her to feel you up, Ku-Ku?" The pixie questioned with a snicker.

"What?! No!" Kuromu stammered with a heavy blush.

"But you were thinking about it, weren't you?" She poked his cheek teasingly.

"No…" He deadpanned at her.

Nia giggled, before smirking, "So, what are you gonna do now while you're waiting? Make a new potion? Read some books? Or try that little 'gem project' I saw you taking notes about?" Nia asked.

Kuromu flinched. "I-I don't know what you're talking about."

"Oh? So those notes about her neck width and researching super rare gems was just for fun?" Nia grinned.

"You know nothing~!" He comically shook his head vehemently.

"Oh. Then if that's the case, I'll tell Elesia to throw it out since its junk." Nia said, flying off to the elf's direction, but very slowly.

"Don't you even think about it! I'll throw it away myself!"

"Hey~ Elesia~! I have some juicy news for you~!" Nia called out to the elf, teasing the apprentice while dodging his swipes to catch her.

"Nia, you troublemaking pixie, get back here!" He cried out.

"Hahaha! Gonna have to be better than that, Ku-Ku!" Nia cackled in laughter, still dodging him.

"Kuso~!" Kuromu growled before taking out his wand. "Freeze my enemies in place! Paralyze!" He said, sending magical static at her.

"Mystical Reflection!" Nia responded as a watery mirror appeared in front of her. The spell that was sent to her reflected off the mastery mirror and went back to Kuromu. But the young boy managed to dodge by rolling to the side.

"Why you-!"

Nia spat a raspberry at him while flying off into the forest zone.

"Get back here!" Kuromu cried out, running after her.

Within the zone where they first met, several bubbles floated around. As Nia flew by one bubble, it reflected her image, and eventually every bubble had her face on it.

"Aww, Ku-Ku is mad that I found his secret love gift for Shizuka!" Nia smirked.

"Nia, this is no time to be playing games!" Kuromu snapped, looking at the bubbles all around him.

"Why not? You don't seem too busy at the moment."

"Grrrrrrr…" Kuromu growled.

"Come on, play with me! It'll be fun!"

"What game are we even playing anyway?" He groused.

"Well, you get to play target practice. You pop a bubble and see if that bubble is the real me. And every time you pop the wrong bubble, the bubble will explode water in your face."

Kuromu pouted. "…is there even some kind of prize?"

"You'll have to play and win!" She winked at him.

Kuromu grumbled at this, but eventually relented. "Alright fine, I'll play your game."

Nia smiled brightly, flying back through the bubbles, hiding her as the bubbles drifted and floated around the apprentice.

"Alright… where are you?" Kuromu muttered, walking through the forest. When he was near a bubble he poked it.

*SPLASH!*

Kuromu blinked when the bubble exploded and water splashed on his face.

Nia's laughter echoed all around him as the pixie enjoyed the sight, "Oh, just imagine if it was gelatin or glue!" She cackled.

"Please don't…" He sighed wearily.

"I'm not that cruel, Ku-Ku. Now come on! We still have time!" Nia smiled.

Kuromu frowned again, before he found another bubble to pop and-

*SPLASH!*

Exploded into water… again.

"Hahaha! You're all wet behind the ears, Ku-Ku!" Nia laughed out heartily.

Kuromu was seething, but gathered his bearings by breathing in and out slowly. "Okay, okay… it's just two bubbles. No problem. I'll still find you." He said calmly.

30 minutes later…

*POP! SPLASH!*

*POP! SPLASH!*

*POP! SPLASH!*

*POP! SPLASH!*

*POP! SPLASH!*

*POP! SPLASH!*

*POP! SPLASH!*

*POP! SPLASH!*

Kuromu was drenched in water. Each time he took a step, it made a soggy squelching noise while his clothes were heavy and clung onto his body. Nia kept an eye on him, and each time he popped a bubble and exploded, she laughed and taunted at his misfortune.

"I wonder if you can't read patterns, Ku-ku?" Nia pondered with a smirk on her face.

Kuromu sighed at this and tiredly popped another bubble.

*POP! SPLASH!*

The young apprentice groaned before falling on his back. Tired, exhausted, and wet. He had enough of this game. "I give up… I can't find you… you win Nia… just come out already."

"Mmmmmmm! Mmmmmmmmmmmm! Mmmmmmmmm!"

"Huh? Nia?"

"MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!"

Kuromu blinked as he sat up and looked behind him. His complexion paled in horror when he saw that Nia was behind him the entire time! She used her illusion magic to make it seem she was hiding in the bubbles somewhere!

"Oh crap! Nia!" He panicked, scooping her up into his hands. "Are you alright?! I'm so sorry!" he asked the pixie.

After taking a deep breath, Nia sighed, "Y-Yeah, I'm fine now."

Kuromu sighed in relief as he dropped to his knees. "Sorry about that… I didn't think you'd hide behind my back the whole time…"

"It's fine. I should have known you would have lied down where I hid." Nia reassured him. "Do you feel better now?"

"Huh?" Kuromu looked confused.

"Feeling less stressed than before?" she asked again.

"Well… all that bubble popping did tire me out… So yeah, I guess." He admitted, but then deadpanned at her. "But if you ever tell sensei about my secret project-"

"Yeah, yeah, I know." she noted before clapping her hands together, mimicking what could happen to her.

"Good." Kuromu said, before getting back up.

He then had Nia sit on his shoulder as they made their way out of the Alchemy Apothecary dimension, and returned to the classroom. By the time he walked in, a portal opened up and Shizuka came walking through.

"I have returned." Shizuka said as the portal closed behind her. "I hope that you were not waiting-" She paused mid-sentence, seeing her apprentice in his current state. "May I ask why are you soaking wet?"

"Nia."

"I see."

"I was bored. So I wanted to play a game with him." Nia shrugged, but then pouted. "Until I got flattened… I thought I saw my life flash before my eyes."

"It was an accident." Kuromu grumbled.

"I could have died, you know!" Nia whined.

Shizuka chuckled at this, 'They act almost like siblings.' She thought to herself, before snapping back to reality, "Well, since you are already in need of a new set of clothes, I have brought them." the Silent Magician said, revealing said textile.

It was a white thobe-like robe with matching pants which had some gold embroidered along the edges and there were a pair of black shoes that go with it, alongside a keffiyeh that was also white.

"Whoa… this is…" Kuromu said, approaching her to examine them. "Judging by these clothes… we're going somewhere hot."

"You would be right." she answered before smirking. "Unless… you cannot handle the heat."

"W-What? No, of course I can!" Kuromu panicked. "I don't mind, really!" he then grabbed the clothes and headed into a room to change.

"He needs to loosen up more…" Nia sighed, shaking her head.


"Well? What do you think?" Kuromu asked, showing off his new clothes to Shizuka, Elesia, and Nia after taking a quick bath, drying off, then putting his new clothes on.

"You look ready for the heat!" Nia chuckled, "What do you two think?" she asked the women.

"It suits him rather well." Shizuka commented.

Elesia furrowed her brows, giving him a once-over look, before shrugging, feeling rather indifferent. To her, he was the same boy no matter what clothes he wore.

"Very well then, it is time to go." Shizuka said, then turned to Elesia and Nia. "Look after the house while we are gone."

"You got it!" Nia saluted while Elesia only bowed.

With a nod, Shizuka turned around and took out her staff. She pointed it forward and her portal opened up, where the other side was a desert. Thankfully, it wasn't windy so no sand would come through. Shizuka and Kuromu then walked through the portal and once they crossed over, it closed. Almost immediately, the sun radiated an intense heat to which Kuromu was starting to feel a bit warm, but it wasn't uncomfortable.

Up ahead, his eyes squinted as he saw what appeared to be a town. And not just any town, it looked to be some sort of Middle-Eastern town. There were several large areas bustling with people going about their lives. Markets flooded with people while several children played, and the buildings were made of colorful clay, sand, and bricks. When the boy looked at the horizon, he spotted a large Arabian-like palace looking over all of the town.

"Whoa…"

"Welcome to the Desert Town." Shizuka said. She then walked ahead, with Kuromu following after, going towards the gates. "This town's bazzar rivals that of the marketplace in the Capital. Some scholars believe this town to be magic's place of origin."

"Really? Magic first started here?" Kuromu got out.

"Indeed, there are even games invented here that are still played to this day." she continued explaining.

"Huh…" Kuromu murmured, while pondering on this. Games and magic… why did that sound familiar?

"Now, come with me. I will show you around." Shizuka told Kuromu.

"Yes, sensei!" Kuromu smiled as he followed behind.

Once they were at the gates, they saw two guards at the entrance. Shizuka told the guards who they were and stated their business, and immediately, they let them through. Kuromu was in complete awe, seeing the new environment before him. Much like the Capital and the Magical Citadel, it was bustling with business as its citizens carried on with their day.

"Everything's so lively around here." Kuromu commented.

"Yes. Merchants sell magical items here that you would not find in the Capital or the Magical Citadel." Shizuka stated. "Those rare finds are sometimes buried beneath the sands outside of town and they sell for a high price."

"And because magic originated here," Kuromu pondered. "…was the Progenitor of the Church of Ultima from here?"

"There are some speculations, but it is possible." Shizuka speculated. "Though how true that theory is remains to be seen."

"I see. Well, I guess it's all the more fun to solve that mystery."

"Hmhm, yes, I suppose you have a point there."

For the next hour or so, Kuromu and Shizuka visited the many sites that the Desert Town had to offer. The young apprentice sampled the local cuisine which was rather delicious. They even visited several shops where those rare items that Shizuka told him about were sold. Of course, the Silent Magician picked up a few things herself for her own personal use to bring back to the house. Still, it was turning out to be a good day.

"Are you enjoying yourself?" Shizuka asked.

"Definitely! I'm having just as much fun when I first walked around the Capital and Citadel." Kuromu grinned widely.

"That is good to hear." Shizuka smiled softly.

"So where to next?" he asked his mentor.

"Well, how about we find a nice food stall to sit and relax?" She offered.

"Sure. I know we only sampled a few things, but all this walking is actually making me hungry again." Kuromu chuckled sheepishly. "Plus, I don't want to stay under the sun for too long."

Shizuka giggled as she led the way for them to have a nice meal together. But as they made their way through, they heard someone shouting.

"STOP! THIEVES!"

"Huh?" Kuromu said, as he and Shizuka looked up to see a pair of thieves running through the streets, towards them, carrying a load of stolen merchandise in large bags. "Sensei, we need to stop them." He said with concern.

"This is a good chance to test your skills. But be sure not to kill them. It is barbaric and not needed." Shizuka informed the young mage.

"Right." Kuromu nodded, then quickly rushed off to block the thieves' path. Taking out his wand, he pointed it at them. "As Source of Thy Power, I order Thee." He said, as a magic circle appeared below his feet. "Decipher the Laws of Creation. Bind the wicked with thy chains and render them immovable! Chain Energy!"

As the chant ended, yellow energy flung out of his wand towards the two fleeing thieves. It bound their legs and arms, making them fall to the ground with a heavy thud before the energy solidified into magical chains. The merchandise that had been stolen, promptly fell to the ground around them.

"What is this?!"

"Unhand us this instant!"

"Sorry, but that's not going to happen." Kuromu glared at the thieves, while approaching them. "And you're going to stay here until the authorities arrive."

"Che, stupid brat, you think this'll hold us? Once we get out of here, we're gonna show you who you messed with!" One of the bandits snapped.

"That is if you get out of those." Kuromu said, tightening his grip on his wand, which prompted the chains to tighten around the thieves' arms and legs.

"Owowowow!" The other one cringed in pain, "Coward! Using such tricks on us! Be a real man and fight us with your hands! Bet you wouldn't last one second without that fancy wand!"

"Keep telling yourself that." Kuromu said, as Shizuka arrived. "Sensei, are the authorities here?"

"Yes, they will arrive shortly," Shizuka nodded, before the pair heard the thieves wolf whistling at her.

"Say, girly… How about you let us go and we'll show you a better time than that brat?" One of them spoke up.

"Yeah, we can give you something good. Maybe even teach you a thing or two?" the other chuckled.

Shizuka's expression became absolutely horrid as her head was raised, eyes looking down on them, while showing her superiority to them. Those in the surrounding area could've sworn that the temperature lowered significantly. "Care to repeat that again?" Shizuka asked, as she pointed her staff at them. An orb of magical energy formed from its tip, scaring the thieves.

"S-Sensei, I thought you said not to kill them." Kuromu gulped in fear.

"I did. It does not mean that I cannot show them that I am capable of killing them…" Shizuka pointed out, before she lowered her staff the moment the guards came to arrest them. Once they were led away, the merchant came towards the two.

"Oh, thank the Progenitor! You saved my merchandise!" The merchant said with celebrated relief. Though what surprised Kuromu was that the merchant was an oversized bug! It was a beetle-like creature with six arms and two legs, as it wore a pair of red shorts and had a large shell for its back. It carried a large yellow sack that would be full of merchandise.

"Of course, sir. I hope everything else has been resolved?" Shizuka smiled softly at the merchant.

"Thankfully, yes." The anthropomorphic beetle said as it used its six arms to pick up some of the merchandise. "Those thieves have harassed me with their ridiculous bargain deals and have been attempting to scam me for quite a while. Good riddance to bad rubbish I say."

"I am glad my student here could help you, good sir." Shizuka said, as she gently pushed him forward to speak.

"Eek!" Kuromu squeaked, now suddenly hiding behind Shizuka.

"Is something wrong, my apprentice?" Shizuka asked in confusion. "He is showing his gratitude that you stopped those thieves."

"Yeah, and I appreciate that, it's just…" Kuromu trailed off, hesitantly. "I… uh, I have a fear of bugs. And… this is the first time I met someone like him. S-Sorry!"

"Oh! Heh, do not worry young one. I understand having such fears. I personally have a fear of spiders, yet one of my friends is one!" The merchant chuckled with amusement.

"…eh?" Kuromu said in surprise, slowly coming out of hiding behind Shizuka. "Really?"

"Of course. There is life all around us, as each life is different. Not everyone can be the same or get along so easily. But as long as there is no malice or discrimination, I believe we can strive to improve ourselves, even in fear."

Kuromu looked at the bug. "Huh… I… never thought of it that way before." He mused.

"Well, I believe a reward for helping me is in order. Come, come. I'll show you to my shop and whatever you want, you can have it for free."

"Oh, you don't have to-"

"I insist, young man. I'm not called the Magical Merchant for nothing y'know!" The anthropomorphic beetle laughed heartily.

"Magical… Merchant?" Kuromu blinked.

"That's right. I have a knack for finding rare magical artifacts from the grains of sand beneath our feet ever since I was a little larva! And quite the shrewd businessman if I do say so myself! Or a business bug in this instance! Hahahaha!"

"Hehe… right. Uh… here, let me help pick these up." Kuromu said, as he produced his wand once more. "Rise from the ground and flow with the wind. Levitation." He said, before all the merchandise that were on the ground, floated up in the air.

Shizuka smiled at his use of the spell before the two of them followed the merchant back to his shop, as she knew that there'd be something within he'd want, much like how she was omce upon a time.

When they arrived at the shop, Kuromu's eyes widened at how much merchandise he had. From gold to jewelry, and several magical artifacts, these items sitting on the shelves were waiting to be bought. "You… sell all of these?"

"Of course! I am the No.1 Magical Merchant in this city after all! Everyone comes here!" He said, with another hearty laugh. "Set those you brought here to the side." He instructed, to which the boy nodded and used his Levitation spell to float all of them to one spot of his shop. "Now then, as I said, whatever you want here, I will give to you for free, for today. I'll even throw in a special discount for future purchases."

"Thanks, and don't worry, I won't be greedy like those pair of thieves. I don't want you going out of business so soon." Kuromu chuckled. He then scanned the shop around to admire the items he had to offer. In all honesty, he didn't know which one to pick.

However, he eventually had his eye on one item in particular. It was a golden incense lamp which had simplistic intricacy in its design, the kind that one would rub and hopefully a genie would come out. "This one," He said, picking it up. "It's some kind of… Mystic Lamp?"

"Ah yes. Surprisingly, nobody has been able to summon the djinn that resides within it." The merchant noted. "It could be empty as far as we know. But it's hard to say as it kept being returned to me."

"Only one way to find out." Kuromu said, as he decided to rub the lamp.

"Kuromu, I do not think that is-" Shizuka began, but then… smoke came out from the spout. "Wise."

Smoke formed in front of Kuromu and Shizuka. Both of them see a figure before popping out of the smoke. Floating in front of the young man was a male genie whose skin was colored green and muscular. He had golden bangles on his wrist, arms, and collar bone, followed by a thin black moustache that hung below his chin and wore a tiny blue skull cap with a red rim.

"Hmmmmmmmm… free at last…" The green-skinned genie hummed as he flexed about to loosen up. "It was becoming rather cramped in that lamp."

"Uh…" Kuromu gulped.

"Ah, finally! I'm contracted to a young one and not some old coot or greedy nobleman!" The genie said with delight.

"Uhhhhh…" Kuromu got out, looking at the Magical Merchant, hoping for some answers.

"I take it you've never heard of a genie before?" The anthropomorphic bug mused.

"Only from stories. I didn't think they were actually real." Kuromu answered.

"As real as anything else you have heard from other stories and legends, my apprentice." Shizuka answered.

"Huh…" Kuromu managed to say.

"What is your name, young man?" The genie asked.

"Uh… Kuromu." He answered. "I'm a mage in-training."

"Kuromu… hmm… an interesting yet fine name." The Genie pondered, "Yet it sound… familiar."

"What do you mean?" Kuromu blinked.

"Your face and name sound familiar to me. As if I've met one of your kind long ago…"

"Who are you exactly?"

"I am La Jinn, Mystical Genie of the Lamp, at your service, young Master." He bowed. "Still to think one of you still existed! I thought you were all wiped out, long ago."

"I'm sorry?" Kuromu blinked, but Shizuka looked very alarmed.

"Are you not aware of what you are?" La Jinn raised an eyebrow.

"I'm human." Kuromu raised a brow in confusion.

"No, no. Young Master, about you being a-" Yet before the genie could finish, Shizuka silently waved her wand for a spell, sending the genie back into the lamp as the said djinn yelled, while entering his prison once more. The lamp shook violently, as Jinn tried to break from his lamp.

"Huh? Wait, what just happened?" Kuromu looked surprised.

"It must be the lamp's failsafe. Certain lamps and sealings for Djinn and Genies usually have them as a safety measure." The merchant noted, as it seemed he didn't know what happened either, "Remember, these beings are immeasurably powerful. Letting them run freely is dangerous even if they're a pacifist or not."

"Uh… right." Kuromu blinked, still looking at the Mystic Lamp in his hands. "Well, at least things will be more lively back home, right?" He looked at Shizuka.

"You are going to purchase the lamp?" She questioned with slight surprise.

"I did say that whatever item he wants for today, is free." The Magical Merchant reminded the spellcaster.

"Surely… there could be something more fitting, yes?"

"I believe your apprentice is dead set on it." The beetle answered.

Shizuka turned to see her apprentice's eyes. The same eyes that told her that she truly couldn't deny him before she let out a sigh of defeat and nodded, knowing that at least she can have her spell set on until she could talk to the Djinn within before more trouble occurs. "Very well."

"Yes!" Kuromu cheered.

"Haha! Take good care of him and you're welcomed here anytime."

"Thank you, uh…" Kuromu trailed off. "Y'know, I never actually got your name."

"You can call me 'Kata'." The merchant said.

"Kata. Got it. Well, I'll be sure to visit here again sometime." Kuromu smiled.

"My doors are always open."


With his souvenir of a Mystic Lamp and his new friend La Jinn in hand, Shizuka and Kuromu returned home through the magic portal that the former had opened. Upon arriving back, however, the Silent Magician asked him if she could borrow the lamp temporarily. Her reasoning was that she could ensure that the lamp didn't have any curse the lamp had prior to being purchased.

Kuromu didn't see a reason why he shouldn't, so he gave the lamp to her. Thanking her apprentice, she went into her study room while Kuromu went to find Nia and tell her about his time through the Desert Town. Once she locked the door and set up a barrier to ensure that it was secured, Shizuka rubbed the lamp somewhat furiously and Jinn came back out.

"That was rather rude and unappreciated." La Jinn frowned crossly.

"Apologizes, La Jinn. But there was a reason why I sealed you back in your lamp." Shizuka said curtly.

"I get the distinct feeling that you don't want him to know about his heritage."

Shizuka remained silent at this, "You need to understand. If he knew what he was now, his mentality would shatter beyond repair, and I cannot allow that to happen."

"He's that unstable…" Jinn questioned with a frown.

"Yes…"

The Djinn pondered to himself. This was a bigger task than the last time he was contracted to one of them.

"Very well. I shall not reveal this secret to the young Master."

"That would be much appreciated." Shizuka sighed, before looking out the window. "My only wish is for him to live a happy life, to be as happy as he can, for as long as he can."

"A complicated one… but I will do my best to grant that wish." La Jinn noted as his sealment bands glowed to accept the wish.

"Thank you. Now that we have that established, I believe you should formally enter a contract with him."


"Wow, you really caught those crooks?" Nia asked as she was sitting on Kuromu's shoulder, listening to the story while he was in his room. He was back in his old clothes after Elesia had washed and dried them.

"Yup. Chain and all."

"Kyaa~! If I was there and you saved me like that, I'd fall for you, Ku-Ku!" Nia giggled out with glee as she cupped her face. Kuromu swiftly learned that Nia was a sucker for all things romance.

"It's not like someone's out to get you. And besides, they were more focused on the merchandise than anything. Well… they tried to flirt with Shizuka-sensei, but then…" He trailed off as he shuddered at the memory of his teacher acting all high and mighty.

"Hehe, she sent them to the moon!" Nia laughed heartily, holding her stomach from it.

"More like sending them six feet under with her stone cold gaze…" He muttered.

"My idea was more fun." Nia playfully huffed before she flew up and landed on his head. "Still though, you had a fun date with her, huh?"

"Uh…" Kuromu got out. Was it really a date? Granted, they were sight-seeing the Desert Town, but… would he really call it a date? "I mean, it was fun. Though I don't know if I would call it a date."

"Please~! You two went out together and had fun. That's a date, Ku-Ku." Nia pointed out. "Now if you two would just kiss… then all of this tension can be gone!" She groaned out before laying on her back.

"K-K-Kiss?!" Kuromu stuttered with embarrassment. "B-But, she's my teacher! I don't know if I'd… really go that far."

"Ku-Ku, it's obvious you have a thing for her, don't lie to your friend like that." Nia poked his scalp.

"Ow!" He winced in pain, but then pouted after. "Even if were attracted to her in that way, how would that even work out? It's not like I need to be in a relationship right away."

"That's something for you to decide, not me."

"Mmmmmmm…" Kuromu pouted harder.

"Young Master."

"Hm?" Kuromu looked towards the doorway and saw Shizuka approaching with the Mystic Lamp and La Jinn floating beside her. "La Jinn?"

"How would you like to forge a contract with me?" La Jinn asked.

"I'm sorry, what? Forge a contract. As a familiar?" He asked in confusion.

"In a sense. With this particular contract, I can grant any number of wishes instead of three. Granted, it is through normal means of wishing rights. After all, natural law dictates that I cannot grant wishes that are humanly impossible."

"Oh, so… how does it work?" Kuromu got out.

"Simple. Ask me, and I will grant it."

"Huh… well then…" Kuromu said, as he stood up. "La Jinn, will you be my retainer?"

Jinn smiled with a nod before his sealing bands glowed, "Contract and wish granted."

"That… was easier than I thought it would."

"Indeed. Now, I have to go over the rules of what wishes can or cannot be granted." La Jinn stated as a list appeared in his hand, though that list fell to the floor and rolled to one side of the room.

"Ehhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh?!" Kuromu gawked at the roll of paper of a list. "That many rules for wishes?!"

"Ahem…" La Jinn cleared his throat, ignoring his outcry. "To start, you cannot wish to bring the dead back to life. Necromancy is forbidden. Secondly, I cannot force someone to fall in love with you, nor alter their memories in such a fashion. I cannot grant you powers above mortals, meaning that becoming a king or ruler would be the highest I can grant." He then continued off naming many more things, just to cover every basis of the contract.

"Aiyaiyai, this is gonna take forever…" Nia deadpanned as Shizuka merely chuckled at the scene.


Hours later…

"Ughhhhhhhhh…" Kuromu groaned in a daze. his head was dizzy and his eyes were spinning while laying in bed. La Jinn had finally finished going over the rules on wish granting; as there were articles, paragraphs, sub-paragraphs, clauses, sub-clauses, and many more that had to be covered. The more La Jinn spoke, the more his head hurt. Hence, his current state.

"Wow… you did a number on him…" Nia commented in mild shock.

"At least he attempted to follow." La Jinn frowned with a glare at the Dreamsprite, "In the past, the few Masters I've contracted with never listened, abusing my rules and powers. As punishment, they suffer for eternity in the very pits that us Djinn and Genies use for when we want to… 'vent'."

"Like genie Hell?" Nia deadpanned.

"It is a daycare for infant genies. And they're the 'toys'." La Jinn grinned.

"Oooooh, that's devious. I like you." Nia snickered.

"Come now you two, leave my apprentice to rest." Shizuka reminded as she approached the two. "He has had a long day."

Nia rolled her eyes as she floated off of Kuromu to let the mage rest while La Jinn retreated to his lamp.

Shizuka sighed as she looked at her apprentice, a sad smile etched on her face. The poor boy couldn't handle all those rules being read to him, but at least he tried to follow. She placed a hand over his head and a wave of energy washed over him, to at least cure him of his headache.

"Ugh…" Kuromu groaned, coming to as his vision corrected itself. "Sen… sei?"

"Shh… Take it easy and rest up. Not many can handle the entire Djinn rule set in one sitting after all." Shizuka said with a smile, petting the boy's head gently.

"I didn't think there would be that many…" Kuromu sighed.

"It is a Djinn after all. They have to have these rules for their near infinite power. Otherwise we would not even exist."

"That's a fair point…" He added, as he looked up at the ceiling. "At least… today was fun. I never said this earlier, but I think I remembered something about my memories. Where I said that I was afraid of bugs."

"Oh?"

"When I was young, for as long as I could remember, I never really liked bugs. Spiders, flys, bees, grasshoppers, the list goes on. Probably because some of them crawled on me and I never liked that jittery feeling, or when it's flying towards me, I wanted to swat that bug away."

"Even harmless ones, like a butterfly?" Shizuka questioned and giggled in response.

"Well… I mean, I'd probably still feel jittery, but I guess it's fine, and I can watch them from a distance…" He muttered embarrassedly, looking away.

Shizuka giggled again. It was adorable to hear how he feels about bugs.

"Well, hopefully ones like our new friend Kata, will help you overcome such fears, right?" She noted.

"It's a start." Kuromu stated. "I guess we'll just have to… see…" He trailed off, as his eyes became heavier, eventually falling asleep as his head tilted towards her.

The older mage smiled softly, moving a few strands of hair out of his face before covering him up with a blanket.

"Rest well, my apprentice."