44 Trouble

The Castle Hall was so huge, huge like twice the size of the Michigan Stadium, packed with Gifteds. The architecture and design of the hall would just take your breath away.

"Whoa!" Andrew said, breathless as he take the view in.

With this many Gifteds, one can get easily lost. Thankfully Cameron found them just in time and led Andrew, Alisa and Jordan to their Guild Section.

Compared to the other Guilds, Maria's Guild section is fairly small, since they have the lowest number of members, but the section is still beautiful none the less. The velvet seats, the carpet, the chandelier, the paintings, and it just goes on and on and on...

Apparently each sections for each Guild has their own design, depending on how each respective Guild masters want it to be. And Maria's sections definitely is very Maria, elegant and classic.

The Castle Hall is like a throne room, theater and a banquet hall all combined into one. The Castle hall is divided into two floors. The lower floor is where the new recruits and the veteran looking Gifteds are lined up, and the upper floor, for now, is divided into four sections for the four Guilds. And in the very front of the Hall is an elevated section, where a throne is located in the middle. On the right side of the throne are four sits lined up and on the left has two levels, which has seven sits.

Andrew noticed that Maria is sitting in one of the chairs on the right side of the throne. Andrew also notice the Woman from a while ago, also sitting in one of the sits as well, while a man beside her was trying to make hush conversation to her but she just ignored him.

"Who are those three?" Andrew asked Cameron, nodding at the direction of the three sit mates of Maria.

"Oh, those three? They are the Guild masters of the other three Guilds" Cameron said "No one is really on good terms with Master Egor, so all of them just avoids him as much as possible."

Which Andrew noticed. Maria just sat at her sit, calm and composed. They were positioned as Maria being the closest to the throne, then a middle aged man, who looked like a Russian general. After him was the African woman from before and lastly, a well built man in his late twenties.

"The one beside Lady Maria is Master Egor Vasily. He currently has the largest and the strongest Guild out of the four. The one beside him is Lady Oba Odili, whose Guild composes only of females. And lastly beside her is Master Scott O'Brien, Who's the youngest Guild master out of the four and has a Guild that composes only of males. Lady Oba and Master Scott has an even amount of members and are still debating which one is stronger." Cameron explained

"Who are the ones seated on the left side?" This time Jordan asked

"Those are the Generals" Cameron answered "They are the strongest Gifteds, aside from the Guild masters, who leads the Gifteds into battle, when a war breaks with the Shadows and Chaos"

"Hmmmm...." Jordan said, Nodding his head.

The whole Hall suddenly got quite, as man stepped in front, who has an unexpected loud voice announced "Respect for the Grrrrrrrrannnnd Maaaaassssssssssssterrrrrrr!"

And everybody in the Hall moved in unison, placing their right fist into their left chest. Andrew, Alisa, and Jordan just copied everyone and acted naturally, trying to not be out of place.

The Grand Master entered, wearing a white robe with intricate details. The Grand master looked like he's in the same age as Maria.But with Gifteds you can never tell what's their specific age is. But sure enough the Grand Master looked old. The details in his robe looked like it was made from pure gold and silver, and the jewelries that he's wearing looked very real as well.

He walked to Throne and stood in front of it, facing everyone.

"Today, is a special day for our young Gifteds as they will be entering the next phase in their lives." The Grand Master said, "As of today, they will be choosing a new home where they will further grow and be nurtured as Gifteds."

The Grand Master made a whole speech about being in a Guild and the Importance of Guild. He also spoke about working hard, living life to the fullest and other motivational speeches. And when he's done with his speech, he said.

"For those who were invited into two or more Guilds, before you choose, let's hear a few words from our Guild Masters, starting from Master Egor"

After Egor, Lady Oba came next, then Master Scott. After they all finished the Grand master spoke again.

"And now, let us all celebrate the return of one of the greatest Guild Masters in history..... Lady Maria!" The Grand Master said, his voice booming across the room.

The Hall erupted in thunderous clap as Maria stood. Master Egor looked like he ate something bitter, as he forced himself to clap. While Master Scott looked genuinely happy to see Lady Maria and clapped for her, sincerely. The Grand Master lifted a hand and the Hall instantly turned quiet.

"I'm very pleased to have returned from my mission, just in time for this magnificent day" Maria said, with a smile. "I won't be taking too much of your time, as I would just like to say that everyone may not have seen what my Guild and I are fully capable off. But my Guild welcomes all of you. My Guild doors are open, that goes both for the new young recruits and for the old members of the other Guilds, who would like to transfer."

After she said that, Master Egor turned his heads to Maria in outrage, while Master Scott's expression was just amused. Master Egor gave Maria a death glare as Maria sat back to her sit. Master Egor's arms rests on the arms of the chair, as his hands are balled into a tight fist, trying to control his temper.

After a few more speeches from the Generals, the event concluded and the New recruits were instructed that they will have to be in their chosen Guilds by the end of the day. And with that all the Gifteds erupted into cheers.

All of the Gifteds returned to their respective Guilds to prepare for the arrival of the new recruits. But Lady Maria and the rest of the Guild Masters, Generals and the Grand Master stayed, as they will be having a quick council meeting.

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Maria's Guild House,

Before and while the event is happening.

"So, you guys ready?" Miyaka asked both June and Caleb.

Both nodded.

"Okay, but before we start.... here" Miyaka said, handing June a small device that looks like a car key. "When you press that button, it will send a signal here, indicating that you're ready to come back. So make sure to be careful in pushing that, because I can only open a portal with this kind of distance, twice. One for sending you guys and one for your return."

Miyaka also explained that being caught between a closing portal could be really dangerous, Because the space can rip their bodies into shreds if ever they got caught in it.

"Okay" June said, pocketing the device.

"I can only keep the portal opened for about ten seconds, because it drains too much of my energy." Miyaka said "So, give me the signal when you guys are ready"

Both let out a calming breath, nodded at each other, then shouted in unison "Now!"

Miyaka threw a shining, silver bolt in the air that expanded, opening a portal.

"Go!" Miyaka said, giving June and Caleb the signal to enter the portal.

June and Caleb ran to the portal, while hearing Miyaka's encouragements. "Be safe guys! You can do this!"

As June and Caleb entered the portal, they were transported back to Crystal Mist. Both looked back seeing Miyaka giving them a thumbs up, smiling at them, before the portal closed.

"Let's go" June said, and Caleb nodded in agreement.

June and Caleb where transported not too far from June's house, so June navigated his surrounding effortlessly. When they arrived a block from June's house, they both stopped and hid somewhere safe.

"Any Shadows?" June asked Caleb, still panting.

"There are but they're not that strong, we can take them anytime if they decided to attack" Caleb said, also panting.

June looked around, then nodded.

They continued to run, heading to June's house. When they got near, June sprinted a little faster. He ran up the porch and burst in the front door. But he didn't expect the welcome that he got. When Caleb caught up to June, he stopped in his tracks as he saw three guns in total, pointing at them. He saw June's hands raised in the air in surrender.

"June? Caleb?" A familiar voice said.

When June and Caleb got a better view, they saw that it was Alex and Pearl. Alex and Pearl lowered their guns, both letting out a deep breath.

"Alex? Pearl? What are you guys doing here?" June asked, walking further inside the house "And where Mom?"

Alex and Pearl looked at each other, like having a conversation that only they could understand.

"Why? What happened?" June asked, worry and panic coated his words.

"That's the thing we don't know" Alex said

"What do you mean?" Caleb asked in confusion

"I mean, we don't know" Alex said

"After what happened at the school, Ms. Summers invited all of us that were left here at Crystal Mist to be trained by her. Alex and I came here everyday, but when we arrived today, there was no sign of Ms. Summers." Pearl explained, "She only left two envelopes in the Kitchen island. One was addressed to us." pointing at Alex and herself "And the other was to June" She said, walking to June, handing him the envelope.

"Our's has instructions on where the armory is and to use it whenever it is needed. She also said, that if ever June returned, tell him to 'Go upstairs, go to my room and read what's inside the envelope privately'" Alex said, "We thought that she might be in trouble, so we waited for her until she comes back, but then you guys showed up"

June didn't waste any more time as he rushed upstairs, taking three at a time. He went to his mother's room and shut the door quietly.

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June's house,

First Floor

"I'm glad to see you guys safe" Caleb said, but his eyes kept searching for a certain someone.

Pearl noticed and said "If you're looking for Isa, she hasn't left her apartment even for a day, since after what happened at school" Her voice laced with concern.

"What? Why?" Caleb asked

"Well.... after everything that's happened, she went straight home and locked herself there. Every time we tried visiting her, she wouldn't open the door and asks us to just leave her alone" Alex said, also worried.

"We have to find her or else she'll be in trouble" Caleb said, hurrying to the front door. "Do you guys know her address? and also I have to barrow your car."

"Yeah" Alex answered, as he and Pearl followed Caleb out to Alex's car. Alex tossed his keys to Caleb, who caught it effortlessly.

"Text me the address" Caleb said

"Already sent it" Pearl said

"Thanks guys, I'll see you all later" Caleb said, grateful. Then got in the car and drove off.

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Castle council hall,

Same time.

Depending on how things went earlier, Maria wasn't shock when the council became a disaster. The moment everybody got seated, Master Egor exploded.

"What stunt were you trying to pull, Lady Maria!" Master Egor demanded "You only got back and you already got the nerve to steal our members!? You have gone to far! And I demand that your action are to be punished!"

"What are you talking about? I was just giving everyone a chance to be nurtured under my Guild.... Is that such a crime?" Lady Maria said, who's still composed and relaxed which made Egor slam his fist on the table.

The council table is made out of gold, and Master's Egor hand started steaming, melting and putting a hole on the table. While Master Scott just enjoyed the events as they unfold.

"Order!" The Grand Master's voice echoed around the council hall.

"Stealing the members of other Guilds, is a crime" Master Egor accused, his voice cold as ice, which is ironic because he just melted the table.

"I never said that I was stealing your members. I was just merely inviting them to join my Guild with their own free will. I was just giving them some options to think about. Plus, if I'm not mistaken, you also did the same in my absence, correct." Maria said

"Are you accusing me of stealing your members!" Master Egor said in fury, standing up. "What utter rubbish! You should know that you are the reason why your members have left your Guild. Plus am I the only one who took someone of your Guild members?" Master Egor turned to the Grand master and said "Grand master, are you not going to stop her and just let her do whatever she wants?!"

The Grand master just stayed quiet as suddenly the doors of the Council room opened. Entered a young, beautiful woman.

"Stop hiding behind your pitiful excuses, Father! You're only embarrassing yourself as it is." The young woman said.

Everybody in the council room turned to see who it was, but the Grand Master looked like he already knew that she was coming.

The young woman has a long, braided, brown hair; has blue eyes and a modelesque physique. She's wearing a black, leather jacket, t-shirt, fitted jeans and combat boots. She looks like she's in her early twenties.

"Minerva... what are you doing here?" Master Egor said, stunned.

Minerva ignored her father and faced the Grand Master. She placed her fists on her chest, bowed in respect and said "Grand Master I would like to request a transfer from my previous Guild to Lady Maria's Guild" which caused the council to erupt in whippers but Mater Scott just shook his head, as he enjoys the unfolding of events.

"What non-sense are you spouting, Minerva?" Master Egor asked in disbelief.

Minerva just kept her head bowed and stayed quiet, while Maria studies her. Maria was shocked as well by what Minerva said, especially when she is the daughter of Master Egor. Maria just couldn't quite figure out what her real intentions were.

The Grand Master lifted his hand and the Council room automatically became quite.

Then Master Scott said "I say you let her"

"Master Scott!" Master Egor shouted, stupefied.

"I agree, I say we let our members decide for themselves, what they wanted to do." Lady Oba said.

Master Egor's head spun from all this craziness. Was he the only one thinking, that what Lady Maria is doing is stealing and very much in shameless way, and everyone was okay with it?

"I was a witness when you took some of Lady Maria's Guild members. So I think it's just fair that anyone who wants to join her Guild can join, right?" Master Scott said, looking at everyone in the council room.

The other council members nodded in agreement.

"So what's it gonna be, Grand Master?" Master Scott asked, returning to Grand Master.

The Grand Master was quiet for a moment, thinking. But when he's done he said "I will approve of Lady Maria's open invitation, but if disagreements may arise, everything must be settled in the arena."

"Grand Master I beg of you to kindly re-think your decision" Master Egor implored.

"My decision is final and irrevocable, and with that I conclude this Council meeting. You are all dismissed" The Grand Master stood and left.

The other council members also stood and left the council hall.

Maria stood but before she could move, Master Egor passed behind her chair "Mark my words, one day you will pay for this" He threatened. (*Writer speaking* I mean like father like son, right?")

When Master Egor left, Lady Maria rounded her chair and headed for the exit.

"I just have to say, it's so good to have you back Lady Maria. Never a dull moment with you" Master Scott said, following behind Maria.

"Agreed, And it seems that it's only gonna get better from this point on" Lady Oba agreed, with a hint of smile.

"And you are still the same as ever, Scott" Maria said, with a smile. Then she turned to Lady Oba's side. "Lady Oba it's nice to see you beautiful as aways."

"What can I say, I was thought by the best" Scott replied.

"You flatter me Lady Maria" Lady Oba politely replied.

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The Old Castle,

Petra

When Harper arrived at the old castle, he was immediately led to the private quarters of the Queen. But when he arrived at the door of the room, the noises coming out of the room wasn't what he expected to greet him. Loud moans, grunts, cries exited the room (*Writer speaking* You get the point right? Thank you) that made Harper felt so disrespected. He wasn't expecting for a grand welcoming, but at least the Queen could properly greet him upon his arrival, since he was dragged there and all.

Harper pushed the doors of the Queens room and walked in. The servant tried to stop him but was too late. The Queen's private quarters is fairly big and has a medieval feel to it. In the very middle of the room is a huge canopy bed with chiffon curtains spread around it.

The noises stopped when Harper entered the room.

"Who dares enter my private quarters with out my permission!" The Queens said, enraged.

"I do" Harper said confidently, as he walked near the side of the bed, catching sight of the Queen and a man in a intimate position.

When the Queen heard Harper's voice and saw him, through the curtains, standing beside bed, her face brighten.

"Harper! How lovely to see you!" The Queen said in delight as she breaks away from the man and stepped out of the bed in all her naked glory. The man in the bed however has the decency to cover himself up with the blankets.

"I wish I could say the same" Harper replied "Zenayda"

"You know I don't go by that name any more" The Queen's voice turning cold.

"Could you please put on some clothes, it's hard to have a proper conversation when you're talking with a naked woman" Harper said, crossing his arms

This made the Queen's mood lighten again. "Oh, You never change do you" She said, laughing as she heads to her closet.

When Harper got a better look at the man inside the bed, his heart fell. The man made eye contact with Harper for a moment and saw the sadness and disappointment in them.

"Adam" Harper just said, while Adam dropped his gaze, unable to look at Harper.

"Oh, yes I remember!" The Queen exclaimed, walking to Harper, now wearing a robe. "Adam was one of your former students, is he not?"

"Yes, he was and he was one of the best as well" Harper replied, turning to The Queen with so much resentment. "I know why you wanted me here and unfortunately for you, you won't be able to get me to talk"

When the Queen felt the change in Harper's mood, she smirked and walked closer to him.

"Let's see if you can still say that after I rip you heart out" The Queen said, then reached for Harper's chest.

Harper gasped as the Queen's hand went through his chest.

But when the Queen searched for his heart, it was not there. "What is the meaning of this!" The Queen demanded.

Harper smirked and said "I was the one who taught you how to reach for peoples hearts, remember?" His voice, raspy

Seeing that she has been out smarted by Harper, The Queen retracted her arm, making him drop to ground trying to catch his breath.

"You may have won this time Harper, But I'll make sure to make you talk." The Queen said, removing her robe and getting back into the bed. She snapped her finger and Harper's escort came rushing in.

"Take our guest to his chambers, and make sure he is treated nicely. I have a feeling that he will be staying here for quite some time." The Queen commanded, as she climbs on top of Adam, continuing where they left off.

The Servant helped Harper up, giving him one last chance to look at the Queen and Adam, Before he's led outside.