Adventures of Advik (Part 4)

Advik sat happily as he wrote down the last steps of his math problem. He did not care that he had a text coming up at the end of the week, nor that he had a long day at the construction site ahead of him. All he could think about was Hiran: his strong muscles, his shinning smile and his great sense of humor. Thoughts of them graduating together, and hanging out in the future entered his mind. If he and Hiran could work after school was finished, then Hiran would get more experience and Advik could earn more money for his family. Would they get married? Could they adopt kids of their own? More importantly, would is family be accepting of his choice? Advik did not know for sure, but it might not be too bad if he could figure out how to get magic from the homeless wizard. “Hey Advik, snap out of it and pay attention,” said the teacher who was tapping her ruler on his desk. “Sorry, sir” mumbled Advik and he turned back to his notes.

Hiran and Advik were walking outside after school, anxious to spend some time at the market. Just then, Mitul blocked their way. With Mitul’s new group of large guys behind him, plus his girlfriend, he would seem menacing if it weren’t for the hurt look on his face. “Hiran, can I talk to you for a second?” Mitul’s group backed away to give him space. The three young men huddled by a bench. Mitul stared at Advik and said, “That includes you.” “Hey,” Advik protested. “I am your close friend! Why…” Hiran held up a hand and said, “I can handle this, Advik. It won’t take long.” The looks and sneers from Mitul’s gang sent shivers down his spine and the piercing gaze from Keya made him feel like she was stabbing his soul with knives. Hiran turned back to Mitul and asked “What is this all about?” Mitul scoffed. “Don’t think that I am so oblivious. I saw you and Advik kissing and holding hands. The rest of the crowd thought it was part of the show, but I know that it goes deeper than that, doesn’t it?” “We were just having fun,” Hiran explained. “Yeah, I’m sure you really did after the dance. You two did not even notice me there.” “You could have just joined us” Hiran suggested. “Yeah, and then have you and Advik act like I wasn’t there to begin with, like you have done for a while now.” “Like someone is doing to me right now,” muttered Advik. “I heard that,” Mitul glared. “Now let us finish.” 

Mitul turned back to Hiran. “I am concerned about you, about both of you.” Mitul continued. “I don’t know what got into Advik, but I think he is influencing you in a negative way Ever since he got into dresses, makeup and girly things, I knew something was off.” 

“You do realize that I suspected that something was up with you as well?” asked Hiran. “You used to love hanging out with us and other people. You loved learning about new things and you were the one that kept us together. Then, you withdrew from everyone and even bullied others just because you could find nothing else to do! Why would you do that?”

 “When everyone around you is crazy and you have a natural desire to keep everyone in line, would you not resort to the same thing? I need to have leadership practice if I am going to be out in the real world” explained Mitul. 

Hiran was shocked at what he was hearing. He was talking about picking on others like he was explaining a math problem. “That is not leadership, its cruelty! You did that to benefit your ego and to try and distract yourself from feeling lonely and sad. Am I correct?” “No you are not,” he spat back, but both of them knew he was lying.

“What do you even see in him, anyway?” Mitul asked, “His interests and his mind are strange, I am sure the gods would not approve of it.”

 “This is not about the gods or traditions,” countered Hiran. “This is about our friendship and I don’t want it to end. I want it to be like it was before.”

 “Well sorry to break it to you, but times have changed. Why can’t you see how dangerous Advik could be? Same sex marriage is considered a crime by the law, the emperor and the gods” pressed Mitul. 

“And what has the emperor ever done for us?” countered Hiran. “What good can the gods do if mankind can barely interact with them anymore? It is our cruel actions over time that led to these problems in the first place.” 

“Looks like someone has really got into history,” mocked Mitul. “Fortunately, I have studied it myself, and let me tell you, no matter how much time has passed, the traditions have always stayed the same.” 

"And there were people who were discriminated, rejected, ignored just because they didn’t fit in!” argued Hiran. “Would you like it if that were you?” 

After a long silence, Mitul spoke again. “You know nothing about my life, do you?” he asked in a cold voice. “I have always looked up to you. You accepted me when no one else would. Why would anyone accept a shy person like me? Who wants to hear everything his parents drilled into him when he was little? Huh? You may have been spoiled by your parents and accepted by everyone you meet, but some of us are not so lucky.” 

At this point, Hiran was getting frustrated. “Why can’t you accept Advik for who he is as a person? You don’t see me bashing on you when you hang out with your girlfriend.” Hiran mentioned. “That’s because that is different!” Mitul said. “How so?” Hiran asked. Mitul was about to speak when Advik said, “Can I come in, now?” “Quiet!” yelled Keye. There was a brief silence and Hiran spoke, “Look, I am sorry if you feel that I had been rejecting you. You will always be my close friend. But I can’t deal with being forced to choose between my two closest friends.” 

“I will tell both of your families about your relationship,” threatened Mitul. 

“Hiran, it is not too late to make your choice” Mitul reminded him. “Hang out with me, or continue your relationship and face the consequences. Do you really want to end our friendship?” 

“I could ask you the same question,” growled Hiran. “I was the leader of our group when we were younger. Now, I will make my own decision.” He made his way to Advik. “You are not going to like hearing this, but I think we need to end our relationship.” 

“Are you crazy?” cried Advik. “You are going to let our former friend take advantage of us?”

 “I am doing it to protect us,” Hiran explained. “You know how risky it is to let it continue. Be thankful that there is no one else around to hear us as we speak.”

 “We can still be together in private. We can fight the system!” 

“And get ourselves punished or murdered in the process” Hiran stated. “I hate the rules as much as you do, but that is just how it goes.”  

Advik looked like he was about to cry, but he held it in. Hiran gave him a tight side hug. “I am sorry about this. We will still be close friends. I will make sure to hang out with you as much as I can. It will be the three of us, just like before.”  Hiran made his way to Mitul. “It’s a deal. I have decided to end our relationship and be friends with both of you. There is a condition; you must swear that you will not tell our families what happened. Also, you will not bully Advik or anyone else again. To compensate, I will help you get back on your feet.” 

“Fine, it’s a deal” Mitul said after a moment. They shook hands, trying to resist the urge to break each other's fingers. “Now this leads me to my last statement.” Mitul walked over to Advik and jabbed his finger at his chest with every word he spoke. Every jab felt like a rock hitting his insides. “You. Will. Not. Date. My. Best. Friend.” Advik swung several punches at him but Keye ran over and shoved him hard to the ground. “Get away from my boyfriend, you freak!” 

“Enough,” said Mitul, holding her back. He looked at Advik and rubbed his cheek. “If I see you with him again, I will tell your family about it! Got it?” Advik nodded, hatred burning in his eyes. “Good. Come on, Hiran, let’s go.” 

 “I am going back alone,” Hiran declined. “No more fighting and no more stress. By the way, Advik, you still haven’t explained why your forehead was glowing at the festival.” Before Advik could respond, Mitul said “I have to say, Hiran, you are really out of it as well.” Hiran scowled. “I don’t care! Both of you, just let me go back in peace.” Mitul looked at them one last time and then mentioned for his gang to follow. It was only when they were both gone that Advik cried hard.

Throughout my life, I’ve tried to find

A piece of me that was not there

The thoughts lingered in my mind

A desperation one cannot compare

Then I discovered you and the gap started to fill

Acceptance came so fast

Life was a thrill, time stood still

But the moments were not meant to last

I just lost my best friend

Some wounds are too great to mend

My heart broke as you made your choice

Now I am alone with no voice

Though our interests were not the same

Our friendship would not break

But then I was the one to blame

The emotions were too much to take

Karma came in with a slam

They all thought of me as strange

But I refused to give up who I am

Even through the sudden change

India’s burning heat is not enough

To warm me inside today

For the world is cruel and rough

And the pain won’t go away

I just lost my best friend

Some wounds are too great to mend

My heart broke as you made your choice

Now I am alone with no voice

Rain was starting to fall as Advik made his way back home. This weather was nothing like the fast playful falling rain he experienced as a kid with his friends. This one was dismal, like the sky was crying as much as he was. As he walked, he didn’t notice a black snake sliding in the shadows. The snake and Taaj had been spying on Advik again and the snake had hissed in a bush when Hiran had asked Advik about his glowing forehead. Having cast the animal communication spell, Taaj was able to perceive what the snake saw as she came back. Taaj cautiously made his way to Advik. 

Thinking that Mitul was coming to sneak up on him, he turned around and thrust out his foot, with Taaj backing up just in time. “What in the world?!” cried Taaj. Advik took a closer look and gasped. “I recognize you! You were that guy who kicked me out of your underground hideout many years ago.” “And you are the same curious, arrogant boy I remember,” Taaj replied. “Believe me, I am not the same anymore, after what happened.” As much as he didn’t want to hear a stranger’s life story, he wanted to get as much information as he could. Taaj asked, “Can you tell me what happened and make it quick…there are people around.” Advik looked around the crowded market and then said “follow me.” They made their way to a quieter clearing, not far from his house. 

Advik told him everything he remembered but Taaj stopped him. “Did you say that your friend saw a glowing symbol on your forehead?” “Yes,” replied Advik. “We both thought we were hallucinating, but I often wonder if he was right.” For many days, he had looked at himself in the mirror, but no symbol had appeared. “Do you know of any family members who may have passed down the symbol onto you?” “I am not sure. It would most likely be my father, since his is devoted to the gods so much.” “I see,” said Taaj. “This may sound strange to you, but that symbol appears on those who are naturally gifted with magic. My father is a wizard and he has it as well.” Magic? This strange man kicks him out of a hideout and now claims that he has powers? “How do I work this magic?” Advik asks. “More often than not, magic ability is passed down, like natural talent is by genetics. Many sorcerers who worked for the emperor are elderly now. Do you have any grandparents?” Taaj asked. “I have Vanya, my grandmother but my grandfather died many years ago.” “Maybe your grandfather passed his magic to your father, then onto you,” Taaj guessed. Advik narrowed his eyes. “Why are you interested in my life all of a sudden? Last time I saw you, you thought I was a spy and supporter of the emperor!” “You still might be,” Taaj said. “But if you are not, I am requesting your help. Specifically, help from your magic.”

 “Why can’t you do your task yourself?” asked Advik. “What do you need help with exactly?” Just then, a streak of gray ran over to Advik, meowing loudly. “I think my cat wants me to follow him,” Advik said. “We will talk again later, alright?” Advik raced after Ojas with Taaj standing still. He and Kadru then made their way back to the alley.

As they reached the house, an unbelievable sight reached his eyes. Mitul was finishing a conversation with Shray on the balcony. As they looked over at Advik, a sickening feeling crept to his stomach. “Thank you for offering to help me with chores, Mitul. I have had a long day at work.” Advik breathed a sigh of relief. So apparently, Mitul was just coming by to help his family like he did when they were younger. Perhaps the old Mitul was back at last. Then Shray looked at him and said, “We need to talk.” The dread came again. Mitul didn’t look at Advik as he walked off. Advik couldn’t believe it. How did Mitul turn into a traitor so fast? He didn’t even meet Hiran after their last conversation. 
Advik walked into the living room and kitchen, where his father glared at him. “Advik, what in the world where you thinking? Do you realize how devastating your actions are?” 

“Why would you believe Mitul over me?” Advik asked. “My actions devastating? For what?” 

“Your actions are dangerous for you, our family, even our community” replied Shray. 

“I didn’t do anything to hurt anyone,” argued Advik. “I was in love just like everyone else!” 

“You were in love with someone of your own sex,” Shray said. “That is against the rules according to the emperor and the gods.” 

“But it is just love! It is not like a crime like stealing or murder. Why it is considered a crime?” 

“What is going on?” asked Eva who was coming into the room. Shray looked at his daughter and calmly said, “Go back to your homework. This won’t take too long.” “I heard loud voices,” she said. “Is everything alright?” From the look on her brother’s face, things were clearly not alright. “Go finish your work,” Shray said. Eva did not move. “Did you hear what I said?” Shray asked, getting impatient. Eva crossed her arms and said “I am not moving until I know what is going on.” Advik gave her a small thankful smile. “Dad is mad because I found a friend that I care deeply about,” Advik stated. “Which is against the rules and will ruin our reputation,” Shray added. “We are not even that rich,” Eva explained.

 “Why is that against the rules? Can’t he choose who he hangs out with, like at the festival?” 

“The festival was just for show,” Shray answered. “I am doing this for your protection, Advik. If the emperor finds out about it, you will face a deadly punishment.” 

“Well, screw those stupid rules! I don’t need you or the emperor to tell me how I can live my life!” 

Shray slapped him hard on the cheek and yelled, “The gods will not allow that kind of behavior. And I will not allow any same sex lover to …” “Shut up!” cried Eva. They both turned to Eva who was now beside her brother, glaring at her father. “Leave him alone!” The blue Shiva statue seemed to glare down at them in disproval. Advik then remembered how Taaj suspected that he might have magic. Magic would be a huge benefit in this situation. Advik stared at his father and thrust out his hand. Make him change his mind…make him change his mind… Nothing happened. “I don’t get it. I’m supposed to have magic! Is my forehead glowing?” Shray and Eva looked at him with blank looks. The mother looked into the distance as if she remembered something. “Enough of this, both of you!” said Shray in frantic voice. “You will bring bad karma to this house!” “Bad karma?” asked Eva. “There’s no such…”

Just then, the door opened and Samira stepped in. She was hunched over and appeared to be struggling to walk. There were marks all over her skin and her eyes had dark circles under them. All of the arguments ceased and everyone came over to help Samira onto a chair. “Mommy, what happened?” asked Eva with a whimper. Samira was swaying slightly as if she was dizzy. “It was work,” she said. “You remember when I got up to go work at the clothing factory? I was working the sewing machines and putting the clothes in a pile for many hours. There was a brief lunch break, but there must have been something in the food they served because my stomach felt queasy shortly after. When you are not feeling well in the intense heat, it is hard to concentrate on your job.” 

Advik and Eva looked at each other and for that moment, they all shared the same sad feeling. “Well, I wasn’t concentrating very well and then the supervisor noticed and…” She turned around and showed them red slash marks on her copper back. Everyone gasped. “That is how I got those.” Eva lost her tough exterior and cried in her mother’s arms. Shray was trying not to cry, but large tears fell from his eyes. “Can’t you find another job?” asked Advik. “There is not much choice,” replied Samira. “We don’t have much money and it is hard to get the other jobs.” The family hugged together some more in dismal silence.

They were interrupted by a knock on the door. “I’ll get that” said Advik. He opened it and saw Mitul again. “Uh, can I help you, Mr. Traitor?” growled Advik. “I have come to ask you about your magic,” he said in a monotone voice. Advik tried not to punch him in the face. “Look, I don’t know what you are playing at, but now is not the time for your games. Now go aw—wait… what is up with your eyes?” Mitul’s eyes were glassy and blank, like he had been possessed. Was he under some kind of enchantment? That would explain his sudden traitorous actions and his odd behavior at the moment. No, he couldn’t possibly be under an enchantment unless… Advik looked and saw a black snake staring at them from behind a rock. Mitul used the distraction to drag Advik to the side. 

Taaj bolted into the room from behind the rock. “Hey!” yelled Shray. “Intruder! Get out of my house!” However, he was knocked to the floor with a blast of magic from Taaj. Eva screamed and Samira gasped. Shray got up, but found that he couldn’t move his arms or legs. He struggled against his invisible bonds to no avail.  Advik tried to attack Taaj but was held in Mitul’s grip. “Alright, Advik. According to your friends, your forehead has the Swastika symbol on it, the symbol of well-being and in this case, magic. Unlike myself, who had to learn magic over many years, you were born with magic. That means that it should naturally come to you.” Advik focused as hard as he could and tried to turn Taaj into a frog. Nothing happened. 

“Very well,” Taaj said. “If you can’t figure out how to use magic, then tell me how to open the secret location to the emperor’s palace.” “No!” cried Shray. “The emperor will arrest you and hang you for trespassing!” 

“Not if I have an army of my followers with me. Or more specifically, my father’s followers,” replied Taaj. Samira seemed to remember something again. 

“I don’t know anything,” said Advik. 

“Don’t lie to me!” yelled Taaj, leaning his face close. “You must have some knowledge of the entrance that was passed down through your family members.” 

 “I hate the emperor’s rules as much as you do,” Advik replied. “But I am not going to let you, your father and whoever else is with you, kill the emperor and bring more trouble to this land.” “How would you know that we would want to kill the emperor?” asked Taaj. “Why else would you be so bent on following me and using whatever means necessary to get the right person to open the secret entrance?” Advik gave a satisfied smirk and crossed his arms. “Now if you don’t mind, can you leave our family alone and find someone else to do your dirty work?” Outside, Ojas and Kadru were hissing at each other, Oja’s fur standing on end. Taaj reached into his pocket and pulled out a handful of glowing green herbs. “The emperor gave me some herbs that are used to heal any kind of wound. I can use them to heal your mother free of charge… in exchange for the way to open the passage. “I already told you, I don’t know any…” 

He was stopped short as Kadru looked deep into his eyes. His mind went blank and the snakes hypnotizing eyes were the only things he could focus on. “Fine,” Taaj said. “I will just have to read your mind…” There was a loud screech and a gray streak that knocked the snake off balance. Advik’s mind was slowly starting to clear. All the stress, the confusion, the pain, he wanted it to end. He closed his eyes and took several deep breaths. Mitul was still holding on, but he looked confused as to why his captor wasn’t struggling anymore. Taaj made his way to Samira, holding the herbs in his hands. “I am waiting, boy! Do you want your mother healed? Or do you want your father dead?” He lifted his hand and Shray suddenly grabbed his throat. Ignoring the background noise, Advik thought of the possibility of his father accepting him, his mother well again, Mitul back to normal and being with Hiran again. It was at that moment when his forehead began to glow. Everyone gasped in shock. Samira said, “Vanya must have passed down magic to him…like she did to me before she died…” 

A burst of magic shot from Advik and everything changed. Mitul was knocked backwards, Shray stopped chocking and Taaj was knocked forward. His fingers touched Samira’s now glowing forehead and he gasped at her visions. When Advik opened his eyes, he saw Shray getting up, Mitul groaning on the floor and a fully healed Samira with the herbs in her hands. “What happened?” asked Mitul. “What is everyone doing here?” “This is where my family and I live,” replied Eva with her hands on her hips. “Go home. You’re stupid.”

Before anyone could react, Taaj ran over and grabbed hold of Eva. She screamed and kicked with all her might, but it was no use. “Meet me over by the passageway and open it, or else.” He carried her out the door and ran back to the alley. Kadru slithered in front of them and hypnotized them with her yellow eyes. Samira’s forehead glowed again and she broke free from the enchantment. Before Kadru could strike, Samira grabbed a long piece of wood and swung it as hard as she could at the snake. The snake expected the attack and dodged, but Advik and the others were free from the spell. With a final blast of magic, Samira lifted her hand and tossed the snake far out the door with a burst of light. Advik ran outside ready to confront Taaj, but he was nowhere to be seen. “Come out and fight, you coward!” screamed Advik. 

With a determined look on her face, Samira ran outside and looked in the direction of where Taaj had escaped. “I will bring my daughter back safely, even if I have to take a huge risk. “Advik, you stay here with your father.” “No, mom! I want to come with you!” cried Advik. He started to run ahead, but Shray firmly held onto his shirt collar, holding him back. 

“Let me go, father!” said Advik. 

“No, Advik, it is too dangerous. You don’t know how to use your magic.” 

“Why are you letting mom go then? I am not a little boy anymore!” 

“I will not have you out in public causing more trouble!” 

Advik closed his eyes and focused hard, but Shray grabbed hold of his arm and led him into his room. “Let me go! I must rescue my sister!” Ignoring Advik’s protests, he pulled him into his room and shut the door. Advik banged and kicked on the door to no avail. “Tomorrow, you will be sent away from our family and be adopted by the third gender society. Let this be your final lesson.” He yelled some more and then fell onto his knees, crying.

Despair swept over Hiran like a cold blanket. Hiran was walking home after buying some vegetables and spices from the market. He felt like he had done the right thing, breaking up with Advik so that he would be safe from the authorities. Of course, he would have to be careful to not arise suspicion of his interest, but he was faced with less of a risk due to his upper class status. How heartbroken Advik must have felt after he told him his plan. Seeing the look in Advik’s eyes and the hatred in Mitul’s was agonizing for his soul. His plan came from his desire to keep his old friendship with Mitul and Advik. The closer he got to his house, the harder it was to ignore the dreadful feeling inside.

He reached his front door of his brick house that looked different from the concrete and mud brick dwellings. It was among the several houses around that had running water and comfortable beds. It also offered a better view of the palace. The house seemed to invite him in, telling him to forget about his problems and move on to his leisurely-like life. It was all too tempting as he reached for the door handle…

Hiran suddenly turned around. He would go back to Advik’s place and apologize for what he did. He should have defended Advik and stood up against Mitul and his gang. How dare he leave his best friend behind! His pace quickened to a jog as he made his way down the dirt road. He was about to turn a corner when someone ran into him like he was shot from a cannon. They both tumbled to the ground and winced at the impact. “Hey, would you kind watch where you are go…Mitul?” Mitul looked up at Hiran and his eyes widened like he was a deer caught in the headlights. “Sorry, Hiran, I have to go!” Hiran grabbed his leg and arm as he got up from the ground and asked, “Why are you in such a hurry? Did something happen?” “Long story…have to hide…must tell my parents…” “Slow down, buddy” said Hiran.  “What happened?” 

Mitul looked around the area, then looked back at Hiran. “I have no idea. I was walking home after I said goodbye to my friends. Then this curly haired man and a black snake appeared from the darkness. They asked me about Advik’s glowing forehead and if he had magic powers. I tried to get away but…those yellow eyes…could not stop looking…” Mitul had been hypnotized. “I then told Advik’s father about your relationship and held him as the man entered…” 

Hiran grabbed his shirt and stared straight at him. “You did what?!” he spat with rage. “You traitor! You promised that you would not tell anyone about our relationship.” 

Mitul sighed and continued. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know what I was doing. The next think I knew, I was blasted back, I woke up and Advik’s sister was missing.” “What?” cried Hiran, letting go of Mitul. “We can’t just stand here! We must go save his sister and get Advik. We need to know what is going on.” Hiran started to walk but turned when Mitul hesitated. “I am going with or without you, Mitul. I don’t care what you think about us, but I am not going to leave behind one of my best friends.” Ojas came sprinting up to them, meowing. Hiran followed the cat and they made their way to Advik’s place.

They arrived at Advik’s house where it was unusually quiet. Dread and tension hung in the air. Hiran peeked in the window and saw that Advik’s mother was not home. Hiran gasped and saw Advik in his room, attempting to use magic. Hiran knocked on the door, then whispered to Mitul, “Advik’s father trusts you. Distract him while I sneak around and get Advik.” Hiran disappeared behind the wall as Shray opened the door. He was not pleased to see him. “Hello there good sir,” said Mitul nervously with a bow. “Can I help you with…” Shray grabbed onto Mitul’s shirt and backed him against the concrete wall. “You were holding down my son and allowed a homeless stranger to interrogate us. Tell me where my daughter is now, or leave.” “I-I do not know,” Mitul replied. “I know that he took her to a secret entrance, but I do not know where it is. Hence that’s why it is called…”  “Enough,” ordered Shray. Out of the corner of his eye, Mitul saw Hiran sneak into the house. He walked over to the bedroom door and unlocked it. “Advik, come on we have to go!” “Why should I trust you? I thought you never wanted to see me again.” “I did not say that,” said Hiran, putting a hand on his shoulder. “I am sorry if you felt that I rejected you. I wanted to distance myself from you because I thought…” “That I would be safer” replied Advik. “I get it, but now, I must go and save my family from that man and his father wizard.” “Wizard?” asked Hiran, disbelief in his voice. “I know where the hideout is,” replied Advik. “I just hope I can still remember the password,” he said jokingly. 

The two men gave embraced tightly, tears falling down their faces. “I missed you, Advik. I will never let you down again.” “What about Mitul?” asked Advik. “Oh, he is outside distracting your…” Angry eyes in an older face rested on them. “…father,” finished Hiran. Shray had caught them as they were breaking apart from their hug. “You two!” he bellowed, clenching his fists. “The gods would kill you for your sins, but since they do not connect with us as they did before, I’ll do it myself!” He threw a hard right at Advik’s face and he fell backward with a yelp. Hiran punched him several times at his side, but Shray pushed him away.  On his back, Advik made a kick for Shray’s stomach, but he moved out of the way. Mitul sadly watched in the doorway, unsure of what to do. “Get out of here, traitor,” called Advik to Mitul. “We don’t need your help.” Unfortunately, Shray didn’t get distracted and his foot found its mark in Hiran’s sensitive origin. Hiran howled in pain and fell to his knees. Large brown hands gripped Advik’s throat and he struggled. “You…can’t do … this…” gasped Advik. Shray raised his fist for the final blow when Hiran asked, “You were abused weren’t you? Who did it, your mom?” Shray gasped in shock, as if realizing what he was doing for the first time.

His mind flashbacked to several rapid memories: him as a little boy laughing with his father at the beach. Shray being taught about the gods by his teacher. Being bullied by his classmates. Being hit and scolded by his mother for disobeying the rules. Learning magic from his father, only to lose it after he was not allowed to practice it. Hearing the news that his father had died during an earthquake…

An explosion of noise and pain shot him back to reality. Ojas had a firm grip on his leg and Advik was yelling. He turned around and gave Advik an apologetic look before everything went black. Mitul was standing over him holding a long piece of wood, the same wood that Samira had used against the snake. “Come on, let’s go,” he said. After several looks of disbelief, the three fellows locked the door and ran outside, Ojas settling on Advik’s shoulder.

Instead of leading the group toward the alley, Mitul led them in a different direction. They traveled along a road until they arrived at an old cluster of buildings. In a secluded area were a group of individuals wearing tattered clothing. Some were cooking whatever food they could find. There were many others who were sharpening knives, swords and other sharp tools. “Yes, I have known about this rebel group for a while,” said Mitul. “It was formed from people who did not like the emperor’s rules. Now, we are all aiming to save this land from the evil wizard Advik mentioned.” The leader standing at the front was none other than… 

“Keye?” asked Advik in shock. Keye glared at the men, but softened when she saw Mitul. “Gather round everyone,” called Keye as people started to shuffle in. “As many of us know, living a working class life has been hard for many of us.” The citizens solemnly nodded. “Indranil has protected this land and helped our people in the past, but now he sits in his room like a spoiled child, scared to be involved with the outside world.” This led to murmurs and angry bursts from the crowd. “That man only cares about himself!” one man blurted out. “Will he ever raise our wages?” asked another. “I have my entire family to feed, and not much room!” yelled a woman who was surrounded by her five children. “Will you all shut up for a moment?” Keye yelled. The crowd slowly grew quiet. 

“Okay, I know,” said Keye, calming the crowd down. “I know that he is not perfect, but right now, we are faced with a bigger threat. According to my boyfriend’s friend…” she glared at Advik, “there is an evil wizard named Kiaan who wants to kill the emperor and rule this land…and eventually, the world.” The crowd grew deadly silent. “The worst part is that there are other people who have bought his products and want the emperor dead. These citizens are followers of Kiaan and could be hiding in plain sight.” “What must be done?” asked another person from the crowd. “First, we must get to Kiaan’s secret layer as fast as we can without being seen. Does anyone here know how to use magic?” A few people raised their hands. “Can any of you use magic to conceal us. “I can do that just fine,” said a voice. Several people cleared a path for an elderly woman making her way up to the front. Her hair was white, her skin wrinkled and there was a walking stick in her left hand. She wore a dark blue dress with a headscarf. Small vials of potions and healing herbs were stuffed in pockets on her outfit. “My name is Parinazz” she said. “I have lived here for a while, dedicating myself to helping people like I did before. But time is growing short. We must rescue Advik’s family before they open the passage. I will put concealment spells on us, but they won’t last long.” Keye turned to a group of healthy looking men and several women carrying weapons. “I have trained all of you for a while, in case a war had to happen. Now, it is up to you to join me in a mission to save not only innocent people, but also our land.” She was met with cheers and cries as the rebels raised their fists in the air. “Down with Kiaan! Down with Kiaan!” they chanted. “You will come with me and my friends to the hideout.” Keye pointed to another group. “All of you will stay here and guard the hideout.” After the meeting was done, everyone gathered their belongings and made their way to the city.