Max had put one condition on going with the girl: he had to go home first. Actually, he was planning on getting to his parents, so they could call the police. Maybe the police would be able to handle...whatever this was.
The girl wasn't too happy with this idea, muttering that they didn't have much time, and that their enemies were close. Nothing that she hadn't said before.
"If this is your wish, Maxwell Everett Ordinary, then I will concede. But we must be cautious."
"Stop calling me that," he snapped.
"But is Maxwell Everett Ordinary not your name?"
"It is my name, but no one calls me my full name. Except for my parents when I'm in trouble sometimes. Just call me Max."
"Max," the girl nodded. "Henceforth, I shall call you Max. My name is Sardallanstiavargelentine."
Max thought she was joking.
She was not.
"Okay, then...I think I'll just call you Sarda," he said. "You know, for time's sake."
She nodded sagely. "And time is something that we do not have much of. Clearly, you have been gifted with much wisdom, Maxwell Ev—er—Max. So Sarda, my name shall be."
"Seriously." Max whipped around to stare at her, but quickly looked away. Her eyes were distracting. "Who talks like that? You know what?" He stamped his foot down. "I'm not going anywhere until you explain to me just who you are, and why you're here."
Sarda looked very confused. "But do you not know? You challenge mighty opponents, but you do not know who you are?"
Max huffed. "I know what I am. I'm just an ordinary kid. Now who are you, and stop changing the subject?"
"I am your guardian," Sarda said simply. "And your companion through these dark times ahead. My job is to aid and protect you, for you are one of the most extraordinary people on this planet."
Max laughed, then broke into loud guffaws. "Well, that's where I know you're wrong!" he laughed. "You've got the wrong person here. There is nothing extraordinary about me!"
"I am not wrong about this," Sarda said indignantly. "You are Maxwell Everett Ordinary, and you are certainly not ordinary."
Sarda marched up to his house and knocked in the door before Max could stop her.
"Hey, don't-!"
She gave him a pitying look. "I am sorry for what may transpire, but I find that this is the only way to prove to you of your destiny."
The door opened and Mrs. Ordinary looked at both the children. Her smile wavered, but only for a second.
"Max, what are you doing out of school, honey?" she asked cautiously. "And who's this here?"
"This is Sarda," Max offered. "We really need to talk." He wasn't sure, but he almost thought he saw his mother flinch at the name.
"Yes, yes, of course. Come in."
Sarda confidently walked in, and Max followed, feeling a bit like a stranger in his own house.
"I'll just grab your father," Mrs. Ordinary said, smiling nervously.
"He's here?" Max said in surprise. "Isn't he at work?"
"No, not today...something's come up. Stay here, and I'll get him." There was that forced smile again.
Max couldn't help feeling tense as he waited for his mother to return. He wanted to believe that this was all some big mistake, but with the way his mother was acting...
