The Onyx Prince

File 4

March - 18 - 1979

Heidenskee, Eldora.

The air cracked as Alex and Pig appeared in the ritual circle. Having served its purpose, the circle evaporated away, leaving smoke in the air and marks on the wooden floor.

"Shit" Alex cursed as he struggled to stand on wobbly knees. "The ritual. I forgot about the ritual."

"I haven't."

Kuroni was waiting for him.

"It seems I won't be the one to kill you."

Kuroni held Alex's gaze as his eyes twitched angrily.

"I'm afraid fate has other plans for you. I can only guess what sort of horrible destiny has been arranged for you. It must be truly awful."

Alex took a deep breath. Returning to the world was not kind to his body. Now he learned that he had cursed himself as well?

But he was already cursed, and it sucked.

"Mark my words, you will meet your end. Fate knows no mercy."

"Could you just-" Alex held up his hand. He took a deep breath. "Please."

"Ready to give up?" Pig probed. "Come on, this is more effort than it's worth."

Alex glared at it.

"Do you want me to just die?"

The bird tsked.

"Among other things. Nice little library, by the way. Did you dig this hole in the wall by yourself? Don't get me wrong, I think it has a certain charm-"

"I'm going downstairs. You can stay here."

"No can do. That wasn't our deal, kid. I'm coming with you, whenever and wherever I please."

"But I don't want you here."

"Oh really?" Pig implored. "That's too bad. You gonna use your scary new magic against me?"

"I can't even use magic. Stupid bird."

"You can now. Stupid brat."

"What? Is that true..."

He turned to Kuroni questioningly.

"He's right, Alex. Your soul has been unsealed."

"How is that possible? You can tell?"

"We can both tell."

Alex suddenly felt sick.

"So? What is it?" he hesitantly asked.

Pig rolled his eyes, as if to say, 'just figure it out yourself.' But Kuroni humored him.

"A boy who disrespects the gods and the rituals deserves nothing but black magic."

"Black magic? I've never met a Janman with black magic."

"I'm not surprised. They keep to themselves."

"Your magic was black when I found you." Pig added. "I wasn't sure at first, you were radiating something stronger. It messes with my tiny bird nose."

Then it grumbled something that sounded like 'I hate birds.'

Alex gave it a weird look and took a seat by the table. He brought his hands to his face and sighed.

"Well? Are you disappointed?" Kuroni growled. "You don't deserve that luxury. You angered the god of fate. There is nothing but disappointment in your future."