The morning after confiding everything in Bright, Magnifer had unceremoniously barged in the Breakfast Hall to inform the Pages of their doom, a.k.a quarterly exams. And that was the least unexpected doom for Win- the more came along the way when he announced, with a fat volume of A Guide to Deciding and Planning in his arms, that Flashers will be present with the teachers in the exam practices.

Win couldn't understand if this was to be taken as a happy invitation to finally approach to duel with the jerky Flasher or a pitiful declaration to himself that he still feels unprepared.

That afternoon, Sir Tine calls for Win when he was attending his Runes classes.

"Did you call me, sir?" Win asked, peering his head in the room.

"Yes lad, come in", Tine closed the book he was reading. Win entered gingerly and stood in front of his teacher in a stiff position.

"Win", Tine whispers, "how is your training with Sarawat going?"

The latter couldn't understand why did his teacher suddenly whisper, but carried on with the suit, nevertheless.

"It's going pretty well, sir" Win answered. It is sure going well on the learning part, but the thing regarding him facing a duel, he wasn't so sure.

"That's good", Tine smiled, jutting his front teeth out and carrying on with a moderate sound volume, "You might already know the quarterly exams are starting from the next month- two weeks from now and these two weeks you'll be showing your skills to the Flashers".

Win nodded. He has heard this already from Carmel and Bright. Bright has also informed him about the "strange rules" of the exams last day on the North Tower, before disappearing mysteriously.

"I have a question", Win began, hesitantly.

"Shoot", Tine slumped back on his chair.

"Why are Flashers heading over the lessons?" Win asked.

"Actually, Flashers are much more experienced than you Pages. They'll see if any of you will need some extra guidance or not.", Tine nodded, " Plus, you have already finished half of Page's learning, so soon we will adding Flasher syllabus to make you all study advanced levels before you officially past Page's level, are we clear?"

On the very first class day, Joss did inform him about the year being special and they'll double up everything, so practically Joss wasn't lying.

"Yes sir".

"Any more questions?" Tine asked, smiling sweetly.

"Currently, no", Win answered returning the same smile, even though he wanted to ask about Bright's whereabouts.

"Alright. So, this is a bit confidential request", Tine looked here and there, in nervousness.

"Is it about Hendry?" Win asked, biting his lip, fear pooling in his heart.

"Yes. Your Practice classes start next week with Flasher's supervision", Tine began in a quiet tone. "And Hendry might pick up fights again. I want you to do whatever you have to do within that period, okay?"

Win nodded, reluctantly.

"I want to say you something too," Win began, "I've seen something in my Seeing class?"

"You did?"

"Yes, sir".

"Win, another thing, please call me Tine when we are alone, these topics don't sound good with a 'sir' honorific, especially when Preserver is in front of me", Tine smile kindly, reminding Win of his mother.

"Oh, okay... Tine. Umm, I saw..." Win explained everything he saw and felt, minus the part where Bright's elbow touched his and he felt an overwhelming surge of power mingle with him.

"The thing you saw, if you have explained the exact thing to me, is a position of the defeated in words of power dueling", Tine explained, "this might be an ideal sign that gives us an idea of future dueling with Hendry- but... Power dueling is", he trailed off.

"Not allowed until Flasher year", Win completed it.

"Exactly", said Tine, looking at his ink pen for a few seconds, "this is crazy, Win." Tine huffed, sighing right after, "we should leave this for the Universe to unfold".

"Yeah, we should", Win nodded, feeling a bit uneasy- he wanted to know who will end up defeated as the ground silhouette and who will be the latter.

"Any more questions?" Tine asked again.

"Um, yes... Don't kill me for asking this to you", Win began hesitantly.

"Go on", Tine sounded amused.

"Are you and Sarawat, um..., husbands?" Win asked, sniffing. He couldn't even get from where he got all the courage to ask his respected Sire this question that might cost him his life. Exaggeratedly speaking.

Tine blushed, widening his eyes. He opened his mouth, probably to shout at the latter but soon closed it finding no words- they currently had a confidential communication and that had probably given way for Win's bravery to find its existence in him, and Tine was not surprised a bit— he was just speechless.

"We are secretly seeing each other", he mumbled, looking anywhere but Win, "we cannot make it public since a Saver and a Royal relationship is kind of prohibited".

"Only a Saver-Royal relationship is prohibited? That quite unfair", Win mumbled incoherently.

"In fact, all types of inter-caste marriage is seen offensively", Tine shrugged.

Win stayed quiet for a bit finding logic in the system. "But few of my classmates are of mixed blood status, what about them?" He couldn't help but ask.

Tine sighed, "There are restrictions for the officials of Magnifer's court, Win. If I and Sarawat were not such important officials in Royal Learning or advising the Magnifer, we would have been married to each other ages ago. It's just too complex".

It was probably the first time Win heard Tine speak about his and Sarawat's relationship and for the first time there was hurt and helplessness evident in his tone.

"That's not fair, I think- even though I am in no position to give my views to you- everyone deserves a happy ending! This is ridiculous", Win blurted out.

What could've been torturing other than having your loved ones so close yet, you're denied of the provisions of settling down with them, just because you serve some god damn- my apologies to him- Magnifer?

It irritated Win.

Tine said nothing, instead, he smiled and nodded.

"I want this to stay just between us two, are we clear, Win?" Tine's voice changed to the authoritative one before changing the route of the topic.

"Yes sir". Win nodded. He just couldn't wait to share this with Bright.

•••

"Really?" Bright gaped at the other boy, finding any hint of mischief in his eyes. But there were none.

"Really! I... I feel so bad for them!" Win shook his head watching the floating ray fishes in the sky.

"Yeah, I understand what you want to say", Bright smiled.

They sat still without exchanging any word. Bright probably was adjusting the news how much discomfort two lovers could be in especially when they are not allowed to settle down together for some god damn rule.

Win, however, looked at the strange rhythm the Ray fishes were flying in the sky. What would it be like sitting on it and flying across the planet?

Win sighed, "I want to ride those one day", he pointed to the floating fishes.

"Those are fascinating to ride", Bright nodded agreeing, "I'll ask Father if we can arrange one for you".

"Thank you, Bright", Win greeted.

"How is your shoulder, by the way?" He asked.

"Painful, but it's tolerable", Win moved the shoulders in a circular motion, face scrunching at the discomfort.

Bright gently touched his back. A sudden jolt of warmth filled his system.

"Hey, what was that!" Win flinched away

"Oh, I used my powers to soothe the area. Did I hurt you instead?" Bright looked concerned.

"No it's just", Win looked at the greyish flames in his hand, "the powers felt weird".

"That might be because your powers are budding still", Bright grinned, apologetically.

"I see", Win blushed for flinching away earlier, "I am sorry".

"It's fine Raven-head", Bright ruffled his hair.
They sat in silence. The atmosphere around the North Tower was colder because it faces North towards the Aster City.

"If I become the Magnifer one day, I'll eradicate all the class differentiation", Bright murmured.

"I am sure you're going to be one of the greatest Magnifers!" Win grinned and rocked forward and backward.

"I can only hope for that", he sighed. "That reminds me, I will not be there tomorrow. Father told me to be with him at the Aster Deciding Room for two days", Bright said.

"Aren't Deciders the ones who decide the Fate?" Win asked.

"Yes".

"Then what does a Magnifer do there?"

"He presides over the meeting. Not always, though", Bright explained.

"So, what are you going to do there?"

"Just going to understand what a Magnifer does in such meetings", Bright shrugged. "Deciders and Planners are a tough business to handle— they are volatile people".

"Maybe that's because of their job", Win reasoned out.

"Maybe".

"But I was thinking of doing it tomorrow, as Sir Tine said", Win sighed.

"Come on, Raven-head! Do what you gotta do! If you win," Bright jumped down from the wall, "I'll reward you something".

"What reward?" Win chuckled, jumping down as well.

Bright shoved his hands in his pockets while rocking on his heels, "Depends", he gave a boyish smile, "let's go sleep now! Tomorrow is going to be great".

Win couldn't help but smile.

•••
Win took a deep breath. His heart was hammering, threatening to jump out any moment now, the lungs were screaming out. He felt his adrenaline kicking into his system.

Today is the day and now is the time. Now or never. He has never felt this prepared and right.

Sarawat seemed to have understood what Win was up to and has quickly sprung away from the practice ground with a lame excuse he can conjure up. He had successfully hidden behind the pillar, ready to jump in action as soon as something goes out of hand.

"Hendry is a pathetic excuse to the Midaster", Win stated, quite loudly for every Page and Flasher to hear.

With a loud thud, Hendry's sword fell from his hand as he looked towards the source. Carmel, Love along with others stood gaping at Win. Joss however had excitedly jumped few times, punching the air.

"WHAT DID YOU JUST CALL ME?" Hendry snarled.

"Are you deaf?" The younger boy asked nonchalantly.

"Are we brave because we have the whole Page population with us, eh Catrode?" Hendry mocked, spatting.

"I fight my own fights, Hendry! I have my values— unlike you who bullies the weaker!" Win growled.

Corner of Hendry's lips twitched, "so, no one will interfere in his fight? Are you sure, Catrode?"

"I promise! Fight without powers of you are a Royal"

"Don't cry for mama while I beat you into a plum, baby! No one's gonna save you", Hendry laughed, pouncing over Win, planting a sharp punch on his face.

Win stumbled backward, almost falling. Few from the crowd gasped.

With a wild growl, Win ran over Hendry punching down on his stomach numerous times, knocking out air from him. Hendry fisted his hair, pulling it making Win land a hard punch on his face.

Hendry shrieked backing away, clutching his broken nose, "You filthy Podding blood!"

"Give up?" Win asked, massaging his hair roots and panting.

"NEVER", Hendry growled, drawing his dagger from his belt. He started circling Win causing the Page to follow the suit.

He came clashing at each other, two metals striking together, creating a loud tinkling sound. A bit more strength made Hendry's dagger go flying in the air—out of his hand. Win immediately kicked the Flasher making him fall flat on his back.

"Give up?" Win shouted pointing his dagger at him, heaving. He was breathless, but not as Hendry was.

"Never", Hendry kicked Win's dagger out of his hand, jumping up.

He punched him again, but Win was faster, thanks to Mill, he ducked his head and grasped Hendry's waist hoisting him up and throwing him down, and then kicking his stomach.

Hendry screamed, spitting out blood. He squirmed around the ground, panting.

"GIVE UP?" Win panted heavily. His senses were invaded by strong pain. Especially his shoulder blades. He gasped inaudibly.

"I give up!" Hendry nodded furiously, panting.

"Cool", he swayed on his feet, turning away from him.

Something swiftly clutches the younger's waist, pushing him down on the ground.

"Ah!" Win groaned as his head hit the stone.

Hendry then raises the boy with his tunic up to his level. Oddly, Win felt he was paralyzed. "You think you are very clever?" Hendry laughed, his face bruised.

"What are you doing!?" He gasped, finding an orange glow in his eyes.

Hendry was using his powers!

"YOU CANNOT! IT'S CHEATING!" Win gasped loudly, trying to squirm free his hold.

Hendry smirked before throwing him away with monstrous strength. Win yelped crashing on the ground, hitting his head again.

He groaned as a set of pain invaded his system. He was again picked up by a disembodied force and made him clash on the ground like a piston.

There was now blood splaying out of Win's split lip, broken nose, head. A stream of tears made its way out of his eyes as he suppressed the pain.

Endure it! Endure it! Endure it! Win screamed in his head.

"Do you give up?" Hendry spat. He laughed hearing Win whimper. "Poor Catrode! He's a shame to all the past Preservers".

Sarawat fisted his hands, walking forward only to find restraint on his hand. He looked around to find Tine, who had somehow appeared right behind him, shaking his head asking him to give Win some time.

"Win, you can do it! Get up!" Joss screamed.

"Win! Win!" Carmel chanted with a clap.

Love followed it.

Soon the crowd followed the suit, chanting their savior's name. Hendry looked around glaring at everyone— but that in fact made the chaos double up.

Win, however, saw black, the sounds going blur with every passing second, darkness about to swallow him.

He cannot die. He has a prophecy to fulfill. If he dies now, he will prove again how coward he is! How unsuitable he was to be a Preserver!

No, he is worthy of the title. Universe didn't do any mistakes.

"Get up", a voice called. It was probably a female voice— just like his mother, "Get up! You have a long way to go".

A warmth embraced him making him sigh. He felt fire flowing through his arteries, veins, capillaries.

"Mother, help me", he whimpered, however, no voice reached his ears.

"Rise and act, son", the soothing voice replied, before vanishing.

Win mustered all his strength left and fluttered his eyes to find his hands glowing.

"HIS POWERS ARE COMING OUT!" Love shrieked.

Win smiled at the new strength. The pain that was consuming him a few moments ago, he was now riding it, running over it, mocking it.

"Get ready, Hendry", Win said as he imagined lifting Hendry from the ground and throwing him away, and almost instantly the golden flames cast from his fingers shot down towards the shaking Flasher raising him and throwing him away with as much strength he can conjure up.

Hendry flew away and away, crashing on the ground with a scream. Bones were probably broken already. Another hand splash gave a sharp punch in his face.

"GIVE UP?" Win screamed, but Hendry just cursed out a few words before passing out

The crowd broke into applause and screams of happiness while Win exhaled a shaking breath as the fire in his body subside down. His knees wobbled weakly as he swayed left and right before falling and succumbing into the darkness with a smile on his face.

He did it.

•••

Win slept for two consecutive days and when he got up, he was shocked to find all the Pages and Flashers congratulating him. The whole palace gleamed, celebrating among themselves.

Sir Sarawat however scolded him for breaking a rule by picking fights. Win, however, didn't take it seriously as he knows the chiding was only a show. If he could, Sarawat would have been jumping in glee. Tine, bring his invigilator, too, gave him loads of homework to do as punishments, after showering him with candies of all sorts.

"Hendry left the Palace", Joss announced entering Win's room with Love and Carmel.

"Why?" Win stood up.

"Because you defeated him", Carmel punched Win's shoulder lightly.

"I don't understand", Win looked around cluelessly.

"Sometimes we forget you are not born as a Numan", Joss sighed, "if someone from the lower class than you defeats you— it is taken as your shame."

"That's why he left?!" Win asked, "but I don't belong to any class, or do I?"

"You don't. And that's even pathetic for Hendry", Love sighed.

"Anyways, he deserves it", Carmel shrugged, " so, happy ending".

"Plus, you got your powers!" Love giggled, sitting on his bed.

"Right", Win nodded flexing his arm, summoning the flame to flow out of his veins, making it glow, "I love the color".

"You might have a healing Gift, Win. I already feel refreshed", Carmel sighed.

"Really?" He stopped the glow.

"I guess, a Palace Healer might be able to tell you that", Love pointed out.

A knock on his door broke their little conversation, "It's me Potsdam, Win. Your Highness asked you to meet him in the kitchen."

"Bright is back? And he calls only for you?" Joss raised his eyebrows at Win.

"They seem suspicious, Joss", Love nudged Joss, chuckling afterward.

"Stop it, ya all", Win shook his head, walking out.

Potsdam guided him to the palace kitchen, before leaving him there and going back. Win creaked open the door to get greeted by the darkness.

Didn't Potsdam say Bright wanted him to meet him here? Huh?

"Bright?" He called out.

There was no reply, except a swish sound invaded the air lighting up the room.

"SURPRISE, RAVEN-HEAD!" Bright shouted, holding up a platter with something on it along with a candle.

"God! Bright you... Surprise me indeed", Win grinned.

"I am sorry I cannot be there while you fought. But I came back as soon as I can and made this one for you", Bright gave him the platter.

Win blew away the candle, "It's not my birthday, but that's alright", he grinned.

"Candles are only used on birthdays? I got another wrong information", Bright groaned.

"That's alright. We are celebrating after all", Win chuckled at the Prince. "Is this a treacle tart?"

"Uh-huh! Brought the ingredients from Earth via the Messengers", Bright declared.

"This looks beautiful! Didn't know you can cook".

"Only my friends know about it. It's a secret", Bright answered, "Go on eat up, and tell me how it is!"

He took two bites, moaning at the taste.

"What do you think? How's the reward?" Bright asked with expectant eyes.

"The treacle tart was worth it!" Win smiled, paining his cheeks.

"Phew!" Bright faked a sigh before chuckling in contentment.

________

Hello ya all! I am still alive hahaha <(￣︶￣)>
But, I am totally out of energy and motivation these days because of filling up college admission forms with sucky internet! They are soooo tiring I am telling ya! Oof—

Anyways, we are heading towards the climax!!

Thoughts? ( ╹▽╹ )