Hey guys! Crescent Rider here and I am back with an original episode! And since this chapter will be fixated on Marcus, expect a lot of OCs.
That is all I have to say and enjoy the chapter!
Smith Residence (Marcus' POV)
After I've gathered all the necessary items I need for University, All that's left is to mount my motorcycle and be prepared for the first day.
However, the family wouldn't sit idly by as Beth, Jerry, Summer, Morty, and even Rick were present for my impending departure. I'd remind them, "For the last time, I'm not going away all semester. I'll often stop by the house whenever I feel like it. The university I'm attending doesn't have any dormitories, remember,"
"We know, Sweetie. It's just..." Beth said with teary eyes, "You've been in this house for four years, and it almost feels like you'll be leaving home for a long time,"
"It kinda does, given how extensive the school schedule is. But I can manage a little time for you guys," I stated, "Without me, this place would be a little boring when Rick goes off into one of his adventures,"
"And let's not forget how clean this place is when Rick comes back with whatever mess they've made and Morty puking all over," Summer remarked,
"Good one," I said, mounted my motorcycle, wheeled it towards the road, and kickstarted it,
"Take care, Marcus!" Beth said,
"I will. And Rick, try not to portal the house down while I'm gone," I stated, then drove away from the house,
As soon as I was gone, Rick had to comment after his eyes rolled, "Geez, what kind of guy does he take me for,"
"The kind where you and Morty mess things up from who knows where," Summer remarked with a condescending smirk and arms crossed,
"Whatever, Summer. Come on, Morty, Let's go," Rick said and dragged Morty by the arm,
Half an Hour Drive Later...
As I made my way to the university, I stopped at the traffic light and waited for it to turn green. But as I waited, a car stopped by my right and lowered its window down, "Hey!"
I turned to the driver and pulled my visor up, "That's a cool bike you've got there. How fast can it go?"
I just rolled my eyes as I assumed what this conversation may lead, especially when I could hear the driver revving the car's engine.
"What? Can't seem to talk, or are you just deaf?" The Driver questioned, and my only response was the finger, "Oh, acting all tough, ain't you? How about race, see how she runs?"
I only glanced at the driver, then I revved my motorcycle to accept his challenge and the driver smirked as he revved his car. We then set our sights on the traffic light while it's still red. I wouldn't glance back at the driver as he looked all smug and confident.
A few minutes later, the light turned green and the driver pushed his foot on the accelerator hard and I didn't bother myself in racing him. Karma did its job for me when a police car from the right turned on its siren and chased after the cocky driver.
I didn't smirk, instead, I drove through the road normally and ignored the driver being questioned by the cop. For what it's worth, he'll learn a lesson before thinking twice about a challenge.
Later...
I soon arrived at the university's front gate, wheeled my motorcycle into one of the parking lanes, turned off its ignition, and removed my helmet, which I stored inside a compartment.
After the necessary locks were in place and the alarm system active, I soon turned towards the university and took a deep breath upon the sight. Though it isn't listed as one of the top universities, it's profound in attracting students with various backgrounds.
One of which would arrive from a black Audi car...
When the driver's door was opened, he went to the passenger's door and opened it for three girls, two of whom were wearing identical uniforms despite the university not having any uniform code. These mainly consisted of a coat over a white polo shirt, knee-length skirts, plain white socks, and leather shoes. What made them different was that the first girl donned dark colors that matched her mid-back-length hair while the second girl donned light blond colors that matched her shoulder-length hair.
The third girl, on the other hand, wears a sleeveless top with the bottom part tied into a long knot, black thigh shorts, her jacket wrapped around her waist, white socks, and sneakers.
(For a simple reference of their models: Kei Shirogane, Kaguya Shinomiya, and Ai Hayasaka from Love is War)
"Good morning," I casually greeted and the three girls turned to me,
"To you as well," The First Girl said,
"Likewise," The Second Girl greeted, while the Third Girl simply nodded,
"Freshmen?" The First Girl inquired,
"Of course," I replied, "I'm heading my way to registration now,"
"Then let's go together," The Second Girl suggested, "We're freshmen ourselves and on the way to registration,"
"Of course," I casually agreed, "As for introductions, I'm Marcus Smith,"
"I'm Lila Swanson," Lila, the second girl, said back, then gestured to the other two, "Elaina's my twin, and Adelynn here has been our friend since childhood,"
"Nice to meet you," Adelynn said and stretched a hand, I shook it, and then we pulled our hands apart a moment later. Then Lila insisted, "Since today's our first day, it'd be appropriate for us to go together. You wouldn't mind, right?"
"Of course," I agreed,
"Then it's settled," Elaina agreed,
"I couldn't agree more with your suggestion, Lady Lila," Adelynn followed,
Despite meeting for minutes, the four of us grouped up and walked to registration. But as we walked down the path, we took the time to look around the university grounds. It was just as I expected: a large percentage of these students were average, the other percentage belonged to the wealthy, and a small percentage belonged to the privileged class.
...
...
...
And three of them are walking with me.
"Heads up!" A Student yelled as he threw a frisbee off course to his partner,
It would've hit Elaina as she turned and Adelynn was prepared to step in between. But I was faster and caught the frisbee despite not looking at the ones who threw it. This sudden action caused some reaction in the girls as they flinched with widened eyes and shifted their gaze toward the frisbee and me.
I then fixed my hold on the frisbee and threw it back to the owner. After the latter caught it, I continued to make our way with the registration with the girls. Though Elaina had something to say of the matter, "Quite a catch you've made,"
"Much appreciated," I thanked,
Upon arrival, we'd join the line for registration. But this is where we'd go our separate ways as we finished our registration and received our college ID. What follows is orientation as I joined an ongoing tour group.
With the university's large grounds, I had to cover a lot of ground: Facilities, lecture halls, dining halls, gymnasiums, and fraternities and sororities houses. However, what keeps Eastview University going is the Economics and Business Administration Institute.
It may not look like much, but I've learned that this is where top businessmen graduate with the highest honors and prestige compared to the average universities. However, the percentage of students passing a full four-year course is overwhelmingly low.
If a hundred senior students participated in this major, only twenty would be qualified for the highest honors and awards. As for the remaining forty seniors, they would be considered average yet successful in the future.
And that's the major I'll be taking throughout my time here...
After showing the institute, I followed today's orientation to the fraternities and sororities houses. They weren't all that special, especially when certain people belonged to wealthy and influential students. But one particular group of college juniors did catch my eye...
When they eyed the orientation group, they soon widened their eyes as they spotted me amongst the crowd. I only glanced at them, then blinked before continuing with the orientation.
Juniors' POV... (3rd POV)
The group consisted of five junior college boys wearing fraternity uniforms, which consisted of blue and white sweatshirts or vests with large symbols that signify the house they belong to Mu Alpha Kappa (MAK), long pants, and brown loafers.
The first man of the group is a rather dashing Caucasian man with short and slick blond hair, a silver wristwatch in his left hand, and a birthmark on the left side of his neck. He's Wayne Walters, the leader of this group, the smartest and most charismatic student, and the Two-time running President of Mu Alpha Kappa.
The second man of the group is the tallest and has a bulk-up body, short brown hair, custom-made brown gloves, and a silver pendant around his neck. He's Edwin Graves, the leader's right hand and widely considered as the strongest student in Mu Alpha Kappa.
The third man in the group is an African-American man, with a black buzzcut hairstyle, and a pocket watch safely stored inside the right pocket of his pants. He's Demarien Cross, and though he is different in race, he's well-respected among his peers.
The fourth man in the group has slick brown hair, is relatively shorter than the others, wears a silver locket around his neck, and has a violin case strap on his back. He's Joseph Barnes, an exemplary violinist and lover of Demarien Cross.
The fifth to last man of the group has auburn hair, wears square-thin glasses, and holds a book titled 'Odysseys' on one hand and a few Greek-based books by his right. He's Laurence Hughes, an aspiring historian student, and Wayne Walter's loyal attendant.
(If you guys want a simple reference to these people in order: Derby Harrington, Bif Taylor, Chad Morris, Bryce Montrose, and Justin Vandervelde from the game Bully.)
Regardless of their differences in age and background, they have remained steadfast in their support for one another, and few would hesitate to seek their assistance during times of difficulty. Many individuals on campus believe that their affluence and exceptional talents have contributed to a perception of arrogance and a sense of entitlement regarding various privileges.
But they've proven themselves otherwise and become role models to their fellow students. Even Wayne Walters, elected as the Student Council President in his freshman years, steadily improved the university's noble etiquette without instilling any unnecessary prejudice between the upper class and the common students.
After he became a sophomore student, he refused to be re-elected as Student Council President again and encouraged a suitable and noteworthy candidate to take over. Since then, he's been focusing on his studies at Eastview's Administration Institute while his fellow group mates excel in their respective classes at Eastview University.
While they were chattering amongst themselves, Wayne turned up to spot the orientation of this year's freshmen and widened his eyes after he spotted a familiar face on the ground.
As the orientation group passed by their fraternity house, Marcus's groupmates noticed their leader's gaze and turned to see him staring back at them, looking perplexed. However, as soon as Marcus looked away, they shook off their daze and began conversing among themselves.
"By the Gods... Was that Marcus Smith from Harry Herpson High School?" Laurence questioned,
"There's no doubt about it," Wayne confirmed, "I've burnt his face into my mind after the incident in the gymnasium four years ago,"
"Do you think he still remembers us?" Demarien inquired,
"Of course, he remembers," Wayne clarified, "And one could tell from his stare alone,"
"Then we'd better expect him soon. Because after orientation, he'll certainly expect us to approach him for questions," Edwin stated,
"Or when we cross paths with him," Wayne clarified, "Either way, he knows we'll come to him,"
A normal person would suggest that they'd ignored him, but this group knew better than normal people. Therefore, the only course of action is to expect the encounter head-on and move on after they've finished their talks with him...
Back to Marcus... (Marcus POV)
After orientation, I memorized the possible routes for certain classrooms of my designated classes and picked a few locations for total recreation and relaxation. But before I did the latter, I went and checked the possible clubs at Eastview University.
There were various clubs to pick from, and it wouldn't surprise me that there was an anime club among them. But that wasn't the club I'd pick at Eastview University or any sports club...
Instead, I set my sights on the Music Club booth and walked there. As soon as I approached the booth, the representatives for the club's booth were a dark blue-haired guy wearing an open jacket, a white shirt with a large clef logo in front, and long pants in the middle of tuning his guitar properly and a shoulder-length brown-haired girl wearing white wireless headphones, a grey open hoodie, a white shirt with a matching logo, and jogging pants. (For a simple reference: Koji Haruta and Minori Kushieda from Toradora)
"Hello, are you interested in joining Eastview's Music Club?" The girl asked,
"I am," I replied,
"Great! Please write your name on this clipboard, provide your signature above, and give us a demo of your skills at our studio!" The girl explained, "Oh! Where are my manners, I'm Camila Maynard and this is my booth partner, Nathan Palmer,"
"Pleasure to meet you," Nathan greeted with a smile before strumming his guitar to fine-tune,
"Likewise, I'm Marcus Smith," I greeted, then picked up the pen on the table,
As I was writing my name and signature, I skimmed through the other freshmen joining this club. That's when I noticed that Elaina Swanson and Adelynn Williams were also joining the music club. After that, Camila handed me the flyer containing details of their assigned studio: "Here you go, and we welcome you to the Music Club, Marcus!"
I nodded and walked away, skimming the flyer. Their activities are allotted time every Monday and Friday and usually last over an hour and fifteen minutes. The flyer also states they play important roles in college concerts and events.
After that, I checked on the other booths out of pure curiosity. But I felt someone bump against me and thump on the ground, "Ow..."
I looked down and saw that it was a small girl with short white bob-cut hair. Her attire consists of an open jacket over a white polo shirt with Eastview University's logo embroidered over her left chest, long pants, and black shoes. She was also accompanied by another girl with upper back-length white hair, wearing the same shit and pants, but wearing an ID around her neck, 'Saniyah Quinn', white sneakers, and a satchel bag. (Reference is the Albino-Haired Sisters of Nao Hao and Shang Feng)
(3rd POV)
"Are you alright?" Saniyah inquired,
"I'm fine," The first girl replied, 'Though I'd prefer if people watched where they're going,'
"I'm really sorry for my sister bumping into you," Saniyah apologized directly to Marcus, "Most of the campus hasn't known about her short height yet, and,"
"It's alright," Marcus assured, then glanced at Saniyah's sister, "Didn't know someone was in front of me since I had my eyes on the other booths here,"
Saniyah smiled at his response, while her sister looked shocked as she raised her head and revealed wide eyes. "Marcus...?"
Marcus turns at Saniyah's sister and recognizes her from her looks alone. But remains casual rather than expressing a shocked look, "Little Ray..."
Saniyah soon expressed surprise as she eyed both of them. After a short silence, Marcus stretched his hand and Little Ray stared at it before taking it as she stood on the ground again.
"You two know each other?" Saniyah inquired,
"We've met," Marcus revealed, "First Year at Harry Herpson High School,"
"Now here you are, a freshman in Eastview University," Ray nonchalantly remarked as she reverted to a stoic expression,
"Oh? Then this meeting must be fate!" Saniyah said with glee, then took Marcus by the hands, "And in case you don't know, My name is Saniyah Quinn. Sophomore Student of Eastview University, I'm also Little Ray's older sister,"
"Nice to meet you," Marcus greeted, "I'm Marcus Smith, Little Ray's First Year Brother Figure,"
"Brother-figure?" Saniyah mouthed in question, then she turned to her sister after she released Marcus' hands, "You never told me you had a brother-figure,"
Little Ray doesn't hold distaste towards it but affirms his words as truth with arms crossed and stoic eyes, "He was... Until he graduated early and ghosted everyone he cared about for four years,"
"But despite your bitterness, here you are... Talking to me with the same look as I met you," Marcus stated,
Little Ray frowned as she clicked her tongue, and Marcus went about his way to pat her head a few times while Saniyah looked more surprised than she already was, 'They weren't kidding... Most people wouldn't pat Little Ray's head without her retaliating against them. Just how deep is their relationship,'
"I'd best get going. There's another booth I want to check out, and I wouldn't want to get in both your ways," Marcus declared and walked past them
"Before you go... Have you noticed anything different?" Little Ray inquired without their heads turned towards each other. However, Saniyah kept switching her gaze towards the two...
After Marcus sighed, he openly answered, "Less than a few centimeters... That is all I've noticed,"
Then, he left for another booth while Saniyah stayed her gaze towards her sister. Little Ray would only shrug her shoulders and walk in the opposite direction. Then her sister had questions about the matter: "I've always seen you lashing out at people about your height; even I can't tease you about it. Now you've let someone like Marcus tell you that? Are you sure you're my sister?"
"Don't push it, Saniyah," Little Ray warned, "Or you'll regret it,"
"Alright, Alright. If you say so," Saniyah agreed, then gave a sly glance at her, "Shorty..."
This earned her a quick stomp on the foot from Little Ray, and Saniyah later confirmed that she was indeed her sister, as obvious as it looked. But from the receiving end of her sister's stomp, Saniyah was curious about Marcus and his connection with her young sister...
(Marcus' POV)
After I looked through the various club booths available, I joined two clubs with manageable schedules: the Music Club and the Dance Club. Their schedules may deviate and interlock with each other, but they will suffice if they fit my interests. However, I discovered that Elaina is part of the Music Club while Lila is part of the Dance Club.
Whether or not it's coincidence or fate, I've decided to accept it and finished looking into the rest of the club booths. Then came another familiar voice within University Grounds, "Hello, Marcus,"
I looked upward and was met with one of Eastview University's staff, a tall but voluptuous woman with long luscious silver hair. She wore a dark brown blazer with a white collared polo shirt, matching long jeans, and heels. (Character Reference: Lohen from What Happens Inside the Dungeon)
"Dean Zyphara," I greeted, "I see you are well,"
"The same to you, Marcus Smith," Zyphara replied,
Among the masses, Dean Ailana Zyphara is one of the most gorgeous and uptight women on Eastview University's faculty. Even her icy gaze and intimidating stature are part of her exquisite beauty.
The truth, however, is that she belongs to an alien species whose appearances are akin to female humans, and classified as a notorious threat within the Galactic Federation's line of wanted species. They are commonly known as Diliminians, ancient habitants of their lost homeworld of Agarth. (Diliminians are similar to the Dathomirians from Star Wars, their overall culture and power are similar to the Nerazim, and the homeworld is similar to Shakuras)
As for how I managed to look through her facade because she and all other Diliminians were relocated here on Earth with my suggestions and directions. Thus, the Diliminian Race were grateful for my deeds, as they rejuvenated their numbers and restored their beloved culture on this planet.
"So? Have you come to chat, or are you here because you want to reminisce something important?" I asked,
"I've come to know how his excellency is faring. You're well aware of his occupation since you've grown so close to his family," Zyphara said,
"Don't you mean, your family? You do know your status under his excellency is extended to his family," I reminded,
"True, but I belong to half of my people here while the other resides in Emeros. Even as his Imperial consort, Empress, and Crowned Prince aren't considered my family. You know this better than anyone," Zyphara clarified,
"He would say otherwise, and Her Excellency has always considered you family just as he would deem it to be," I added,
Thus, Zyphara sighed upon such knowledge, but it didn't change her mind from the first question she asked: "I ask again, how is his excellency?"
"Being Emperor, he's always tending to several matters of his empire. There was little time for anything personal until I went and came to visit His Royal Highness. The Emperor himself declared that I was treated as one of his own and used some of his time to celebrate a birthday,"
"So he's fine then. That's good to know," Zyphara replied as she averted my gaze, and fiddled around an earring she had from her left ear,
I merely sighed at this and remarked the following: "Seriously... You and your daughter should visit him. It's not like him to avoid his wives so carelessly and if you two talked for once, he'll find any means to make time for both of you,"
"Let's stop on that topic, and focus on the other. Which course do you plan on partaking in?" Zyphara questioned,
"The one under your observation, and I expected you to treat me in the same manner as your students would," I stated,
"Of course, Eastview University's Economics and Business Institute eagerly expects its students to achieve success with high expectations from its faculty whilst under rigorous yet crucial criteria," Zyphara explained, "Even with your history towards my people, I will neither bend nor break any rule for you and everything the course has to throw upon you must be gain by your merits and efforts alone,"
"I can manage that," I replied, "Thank you for your time, Dean Zyphara,"
Zyphara bowed her head in response and walked past me. I spent the rest of orientation familiarizing myself with University Grounds and spent what little time was left by a large tree that had proper shade and a comfortable angle to lean on.
I would sit down, pull my phone attached to earphones, and play music until the appointed time had passed. Since I memorized the time on my watch and the minutes of every song on my playlist, I wouldn't have much issue with time and I'd be walking my way towards the one place I can sleep for tonight.
Meanwhile... (3rd POV)
Elaina and Adelynn had memorized the routes around campus grounds and briefly observed Marcus from a distance. As for Lila, she had other matters to tend to at this moment.
"Adelynn, what have you managed to find about Marcus?" Elaina questioned,
"From what I've gathered, Marcus Smith's school record is quite notable despite being part of Harry Herpson High School's curriculum. He also earned several certificates and trophies ranging from regional competition, boxing, and martial arts," Adelynn revealed, "All of which were committed and done at the age of twelve and as a first-year student,"
"So he's a young prodigy of a regular curriculum? If anything, those airheaded teachers of his school should've just awarded him with the graduation rather than kept him," Elaina said,
"They did, but Marcus was made a failed applicant for Meadows Coast Tech across the west coast of America," Adelynn revealed, which earned Elaina's absolute curiosity, (Reference to Ford Pines becoming a failed applicant to West Coast Tech)
"Now that's certainly interesting to hear. Meadows Coast Institute of Technology is another prestigious school and applications for first-year students are near impossible," Elaina clarified, 'And all matters of information are strictly confidential except for their failed applicants,'
"After failing his application, he was sent to a hospital after sustaining injuries from a car accident. His medical record shows that he was clinically dead for five minutes and revived afterward," Adelynn revealed,
"He was dead?" Elaina remarked,
"Yes, but not completely unscathed. I looked around his background further and discovered that he was charged with armed assault on five senior students. Details of that incident were currently obscured. Various witnesses were told to remain silent, and everything but the motive had been redacted for inexplicit reasons,"
"What motive would that be?" Elaina inquired,
"Anger towards bullies," Adelynn said, "But after he served his sentence in juvie, he quickly graduated from Harry Herpson Highschool and remained inactivity until today,"
Elaina soon cupped her chin as she pondered the possible cause of his inactivity. He could've attacked the bullies for foiling his chances in Meadows Coast Tech, but that wouldn't explain the accident that required months of recovery and rehabilitation. Then there's the matter of most of the incidents that landed Marcus in jail.
If someone was capable of silencing and redacting information about that incident, it had to be someone powerful and influential—even if it was from a school as common as Marcus'.
"What of his family?" Elaina inquired,
"Both parents deceased, raised by grandparents, then uncle and aunt-in-law, and lived with two cousins and grandfather-in-law," Adelynn revealed, "Both grandparents are retired and his uncle, Jerry Smith, was fired as an advertising agent. As for his aunt-in-law and cousins, Beth Sanchez works as a veterinarian for equine medicine, and her children, Summer Smith and Mortimer 'Morty' Smith are attending the same school as him,"
"And their grandfather?" Elaina questioned, not wanting to leave anything out,
"Not much details I could find about him, though I did learn that his name is Rick Sanchez, Father of Beth Sanchez," Adelynn said, "Everything else about him seems... messy to begin with,"
"You've done well, Adelynn. Thank you," Elaina thanked, "But now that we've covered his family, I'll focus all my efforts on Marcus next,"
"Of course, my lady. And I wish you the best of luck with Eastview's Economics and Business Administration Institute," Adelynn said,
With that, Elaina was intrigued with Marcus as she stared at him afar. But upon an appointed time, she returned to her twin as they planned on settling in with a sorority house. Adelynn spared one final glance at Marcus, then joined her lady afterward.
Hours Later... (Marcus' POV)
After the day had come to pass, it was time for me to find a place to settle in for the night. I didn't need a dorm room to sleep in, instead, I walked my way to the fraternity house of Mu Alpha Kappa.
I didn't take a breath as I gazed upon the size of the place, nor did I feel anxious as I walked towards the door.
With just a couple of knocks, I waited for someone to respond.
Eventually, the door was opened and I was met with Wayne Walter himself, and behind himwass his loyal right hand...
"I was wondering when you'd come," Wayne said,
"And here I am," I replied,
"Right this way," Wayne invited and I walked inside,
With the door shut, I was escorted to the recreation room and we all sat down on our respective couches Wayne gestured his right hand for non-alcoholic beverages and appetizers...
Since it's just the two of us, I proceed with the conversation, "I would like a place in this house,"
"To become part of Mu Alpha Kappa is a simple task, even newly applied freshmen have the chance of that position regardless of their intended course. But what concerns me is how you'll be involved with the affairs of new members of this fraternity. Even though today's orientation is for freshmen, these members belong to prestigious and well-influenced families across a few states. You'll surely face their prejudice, once they've learned you belong to common ground,"
"Their opinions of me don't matter, and I don't require your protection against them," I clarified, "But if they somehow become a nuisance to me, I can handle them much like I did back in Harry Herpson Highschool,"
"It's good to know that you're prepared. But I'm quite worried about your methods," Wayne expressed, "Especially after what happened four years ago,"
"I assure you that my methods will not fall to such barbarism," I clarified, "Even if it presents itself as a last resort, an alternative, and my only option to the problem,"
"And should you truly fall, I will have no other choice but to remove you from this house," Wayne stated, "Not to preserve the nobility and honor of Mu Alpha Kappa, but to avoid the same incident as the gymnasium,"
"Agreed," I replied, then Edwin finally arrived with the appetizers and drinks,
After the latter sat down, the three of us filled our respective glasses with our desired drinks. But for the sake of our relationship with Mu Alpha Kappa, I raised my glass to them, "For Mu Alpha Kappa,"
"For Mu Alpha Kappa," Wayne and Edwin chanted and raised their glasses as well,
After that, we drank our drinks and ate Edwin's fine appetizers, and the latter would escort me to my room. When I arrived, I was told that the jersey for Mu Alpha Kappa is in the works, sleepwear is inside the closet, and everything in the room must be maintained by its occupant at all times.
In other words, I have to keep things in the room nice and clean as no one is assigned to clean the rooms for them. Anyone who does otherwise will be questioned and potentially warned by the president and his peers, who currently happen to be Wayne Walters himself.
I examined the room, and it was everything a freshman would expect from a fraternity house for rich and prestigious students. Even the bed mattress was soft and comfortable compared to my bed at home.
I would sleep comfortably on this bed after every class if I wanted to, but I prefer the open air to enclosed places any day. For now, it was time for me to sleep as orientation day came to a close and tomorrow would be the first of many days at Eastview University.
Meanwhile... (3rd POV)
Having eaten her dinner, and switched to her pajamas. Little Ray went to her bedroom for the night. Though she remained awake for the past half hour, and it was all to look at a certain picture frame she had displayed next to her alarm clock.
The picture consisted of six people, four boys, and two girls, all of which were smiling happily with wacky smiles and two fingers up. The four above were a band of seniors that graduated five years ago, and the two below were Marcus and herself.
She often finds it hard that the boy giving the wackiest grin on this picture would cause such a horrifying incident at Harry Herpson High School and the images of his bloodied knee and five unfortunate ruffians at his feet were burnt into her mind.
After a long thoughtful gaze, she tucked herself in and slept with a rabbit plushy in her arms. A stitched label can be seen on its chest stating 'From Ray's Bro'...
(Bonus Scene)
When Zyphara took Marcus' words to heart, she sent an invite directly to a contact tagged 'Her Beloved Excellency'. It was for a dinner night on Emeros, and the latter agreed with the appointed time and place.
From there, Zyphara had her hair properly tied and wore a dark green semi-formal dress, a fine melanite garnet necklace, and heels matching the color of her overall dress. As for her makeup, she required none as Dilimian women are naturally beautiful.
The only thing she did was cleanse and rinse her face of impurities. Afterward, she wrote a letter for her daughter and placed it on a concealed and well-preserved meal before going over to her room and using an ancient incantation that transports her from Earth to Emeros.
Despite its convenience, the duration of her travel from one planet to another is arguably longer than Marcus' portal gun.
Emeros
Vagron is standing outside the palace at night wearing formal clothes instead of his Imperial attire and two of his royal guards are ever present at his side. Upon the last stroke of the minute, a circle appeared before him and black smoke emerged before them.
His royal guards raised their weapons, but Vagron stopped them and waited for the smoke to disperse. Once it did, he saw a pair of green glowing eyes and finally her very appearance to the Emperor.
"Your excellency," Zyphara greeted with a formal bow,
"Beloved," Vagron greeted with a stretched hand,
Zyphara would take his hand, and two locked arms as they walked towards the palace. But as they made way, she had something to tell him first, "If the news hasn't reached you, Marcus enrolled at Eastview University. Where I happen to work as its college dean,"
"I see, and what of our daughter?" Vagron inquired,
"Still at the top of her class, straight A student, her faculty may as well graduate her and transfer her to an institute that matches her intellect and competitive spirit," Zyphara revealed,
"Will there be an event where you and her are available? If so, I would like to spare both of your time," Vagron inquired,
"You're an Emperor. Until the crowned prince has taken his place, you still have a role in all this and responsibilities to uphold. Why spend such precious time on family, than your empire?" Zyphara questioned,
"Publicly and politically, you are an Imperial Consort. Second only to my wife and empress, Diolra," Vagron clarified, "But in my heart, you and all those I've chosen as my brides are my family. If I'm able to spare my time for them, I'll take it,"
Zyphara only had to look at his face, and saw the same imperial prince she once met. To hear his words nearby, she turned away, arms closely wrapped around his, and a smile curled up from her lips.
After they'd had their dinner date within the palace, Vagron had asked if she wanted to accompany him to bed. She asked if she wanted much closer time together or if he desired another child.
He didn't mind either option and Zyphara ended up spending her whole night within Vagron's bed chambers...
That's it for this chapter. Sorry for the long wait, I've been busy. But it's here and the next will be the original chapter: 'I-RICK-YOU Dilemma'. And I promise that it'll be different than the previous version of this story.
With that done, it's time to reply to the reviews of the previous chapter!
Tombstone50: Yes, the Vindicators will try to arrest Marcus for the crimes he may have committed. But that wouldn't be easy given how he's trained and I just might change their fate. As for Evil Marcus, you'll know when I post that episode.
lucifer black: This chapter may tell you why he's ready to kill them. As for the OC that Marcus will be paired with, I will tell you that they're on Earth and nowhere else.
AvidReader2425: Thanks, and as for Morty Jr.'s funeral. Listening to Raeb's Lament is what inspired the scene...
Guest99: Actually, Evil Marcus was killed in the old Rick and Morty Story and was controlled by Evil Morty just as he did with Evil Rick. In this version, I have something else in store for him.
Gamelover41592: I appreciate the compliments, thanks!
That is all I have to say for the reviews, and I'll see you all in the next chapter!
The Crescent Rider has signed out...