The Quest

Prologue - Chapter 9: Meeting a Freshman

(A/n: this will be written a bit differently from the earlier chapters and more like my Winged Child outline)

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***Main Street***

Alex POV:

Me, Jackson, and Carmin walk around campus listening to Carmin's complaining before spotting Yuu and approaching him. "Wow, so this is Main Street, huh? This is incredible! I didn't get to see it much yesterday. What's the deal with these seven statues? All their faces look pretty scary. Like, this lady here looks like she's got some reeeal anger management issues." Grim comments. "You don't know the Queen of Hearts?" An orange haired kid asks. "Queen of Hearts? Is she some kinda big deal?" Grim asks.

"The queen of hearts was someone who ruled with an iron fist, liked roses and rules, and would decapitate people who went against her rules." Jackson nonchalantly explains. "Yeah....how did you know?" the orange haired boy asks in surprise, earning a shrug in return. "Anyways, Pretty cool, right? I'm a big fan. I mean, who would bother to obey a queen that was kind all the time?" the boy asks. "Yeah, true. A leader needs to be strong. But puttin' that aside... Who're you, now?" Grim asks. "Name's Ace. I'm a first year student here, as of... today! Pleased to meetcha!" Ace exclaims.

"I'm Grim! I'm a prodigy whos plannin' to be, like, the greatest mage who ever lived.

That there's my far less interesting hench-human." Grim states proudly. "I'm Alex, this is Jackson and Carmin, and the "henchuman" Grim is talking about is Yuu." I explain. "'Yuu'? Huh. Name's got an odd ring to it." Ace comments. "I'm not anyone's hench-anything." Yuu states irritatedly. "So tell me, Ace. Is that lion with a scare in the eye a famous ruler too?" Grim asks. "Of course! That's the King of Beasts who ruled the savanna. But he wasn't born into the throne - he had to earn it through hard work and elaborate schemes. When he became king, he decreed that the hyenas would be pariahs no more, and should live among his subjects as equals." Ace explains.

"Sounds like a great guy! Not everyone's able to look past social status like that. Who's the lady with the octopus legs?" Grim asks. "The Sea Witch who lived in an underwater grotto. She basically devoted her life to helping troubled merfolk. If they were willing to pay the price, she'd help them change their appearance, find love, whatever! They say she was so good, there was no wish she couldn't grant. They also say the price was a tad steep, though. But she was granting wishes! Of course it was!" Ace explains proudly. Carmin leans in and whispers, "So our fairytale villains are seen in awe?" I nod in reply and listen to Ace and Grim. "Myaha! So you're sayin' that once I'm a great mage, gettin' rich off folks will be a total cinch?! Oh, oh! Do the dude with the big hat next!" Grim exclaims.

"That's the Sorcerer of the Sands. He was an advisor to a total dolt of a sultan. He was a smart guy. Really capable sort. He exposed this swindler once - some guy pretending to be a prince in order to trick the princess! After that, he got this magic lamp and became the greatest sorcerer in the world. Then, they say...... he used that power to become sultan himself!" Ace explains. "Wow! Guess it's true that a mage needs to be an excellent judge of character, huh? And what about this beauty over here?" Grim asks. "She's a queen who was said to be the fairest in all the land. In fact, she used her magic mirror to check how she ranked on a daily basis! When it looked like her position was threatened, they say she'd do whatever it took to keep it. Can you even imagine the level of dedication it would require to keep a record like that? Also, they say she was a master of making poisons!" Ace explains.

"Geez. She's pretty, but that sounds kinda scary." Grim says. "You think so? I gotta respect the hustle!" Ace exclaims. "F-for sure... Sounds like she fought hard for what she believed in, and never gave up! And the one there, with the flaming head? Now THAT guy looks scary!" Grim exclaims. "That's the King of the underworld! Single-handedly ruling a kingdom packed with rambunctious spirits - that takes competence! He may look scary, but he was a straight shooter who worked tirelessly at a tough job he never even asked for. I mean, this is the guy who was ordering Cerberus, the Hydra, and the Titans into battle for him." Ace explains. 'Ah yes, Hades, the one god so many wish they had as a father due to how much he actually tries to be there for his kids in some way. Eh, my father tries too.'

"Hmm. That IS something. T'think he could have that much power and not let it go to his head! And that last one there, with the horns?" Grim asks. "That's the Thorn Fairy who lived on a mythical mountain. She was noble and elegant, and a master of magic and curses - even by the standards of these seven! She commanded storms, covered the kingdom with thorns...She could use magic on a massive scale! She could even turn herself into a giant dragon." Ace explains. "Ooh. a dragon! What all monsters yearn to be!" Grim exclaims in awe. "Pretty cool, huh? Not like some piddling weasel." Ace mocks. "By the gods, this isn't going to end well..." I mutter.

(A/n: Sorry for not post to this book for so long, I lost motivation, hopefully I can regain and continue this story for the ones who enjoy reading it!)