Before James passed out, Milliard grabbed him by the waist and hoisted him over his shoulder like a toddler. Their bodies dematerialized into a beam of light, and they zipped into a far-off mirror stationed on the wall of a large city.

  Milliard sighed as they soared through the air. “Man. It feels good to be back.”

  Nightfall was giving way, and the rising sun illuminated the grand city as its radiance painted the glass buildings with an orange glaze. He elegantly glided across the sky, into one reflection, and out the next. He watched the students shuffle into their academies and was filled with joy as he reminisced about his days as a young student. Kalios would love this sunrise! I can’t wait to see his shining smile again! I wonder if he’s strong enough to melt sand yet…He was always mad saying stuff like. “How dare you defy me!” He’s so silly.

  The crowds of civilians gave him a standing ovation as he zipped across the city. “It’s Milliard!”. “He’s back!”. “The GOAT has returned!”. “Marry me!”. “Is he carrying a pervert?”. “He must have apprehended him!”. “Great job you beautiful black king!”

  Milliard smiled and waved as he rocketed through the city. He looked to his right and saw large, ruined districts that were drenched in darkness. He swallowed, turned away from them, and turned toward the palace. He accelerated, zipping and maneuvering faster than the eye could see until he rematerialized inside the throne room of the palace. A group of royals in fine attire sat around a U-shaped table.

  “Good morning, everyone! I’m HOOOME!” Milliard joyfully cried out as he dropped James on the ground.

  The impact of hitting the glass roused James in a daze. He vomited and passed out again. A collective gasp rose from the royals, and they murmured amongst themselves. “How dare he interrupt this meeting.”. “Why has the boy brought a pervert into the palace?!”. “Clearly Basilas’ boy has gone mad…”. “And I thought his other son was dreadful…”

  King Basilas rose from a distinguished seat and raced over to Milliard. He desperately embraced him. “I thank God that you are home my son! I was almost overcome with worry! What has happened to you?! Who was able to harm you in this way?!”

  A flaming, pristine blade sat on the wall above the throne. Its heat grew in intensity and raged. A young man who stood near the throne stormed out of the room. The royals turned their attention to the blade and then back to the conversation at hand.

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  Milliard smiled as blood leaked onto the ground from every extremity. “Don’t worry father! It’s just a scratch! You should see the other guy!” He gestured wildly. “We had an epic battle. I caught him and we fought in the air like, WHOOSH, and we crashed down, and our swords went BANG, and then we…”

  “This is a meeting of the National Council; we will have time for a full mission debrief another time.” A pompous voice called out from the roundtable.

  Another voice rang out. “And a more important question, who is this vile, unkempt deviant that you have brought before us on this day, boy.”

  Milliard stood at attention. “I extend an apology to the entirety of the council, sir! Upon my return I should have checked to see if a council meeting was occurring before entering the throne room, sir! The boy I have brought with me today is my new friend James, sir! He is enjoying a visit from the other side, sir!”

  The council members swiftly flipped the table and cowered behind it.

  “You brought a foreigner, HERE?”. “We don’t know what kinds of diseases, or strange powers he may have!”. “For all we know, he could kill us all where we stand before even you could stop him, foolish boy!” “His calves are extremely repugnant as well.”. “I want him executed at once!” Voices called out from behind the table.

  Milliard saluted. “With all due respect, sir! I admire the dedication necessary to develop such refined calves, sir! James is a close friend, and he has given me no reason to suspect him, sir! Please allow us to be inspected and treated, sir!”

  A head poked up from behind the table. “Absolutely not! For all we know that boy could be an affiliate of the interloper you were sent to track! This is an unprecedented situation, and we must act swiftly before…”

  The king rose to his full height, flipping his bright red cape in the breeze. “Councilman Branch; If my son says he trusts this…vile, vile, boy, then he is worthy of our trust as well.” He glanced at James and his stomach turned. “Everyone in this room can sense the reprehensible energy emanating from him. We need to research this phenomenon to ensure the safety and progress of this kingdom.” He turned to Milliard. “Archigos, take the boy to Research and Development so that your brother can inspect him. After that ensure you are both treated. Post. Haste.”

  Milliard winked. “Sir, yes sir.” He tossed James over his shoulder and instantly dematerialized.

  A councilman pounded the table. “Basilas, you fool! How dare you speak out against this council! You put the entire nation’s security at risk! This should have been a joint decision and if you weren’t so very necessary I would…”

  Basilas retook his seat. “Chairman Branch. He who controls the Kai Fos, controls this council.” He glared. “He who controls Milliard, controls this nation. Don’t make me remind you of that fact again.”

  The council stewed in rage and shock at the king’s words as soldiers raced to fix the roundtable.

  Basilas smiled. Oh, my goodness, that was incredible! I can’t believe I just stood up to the council! This is the best day ever! I can’t wait to tell my wife and kids when I get home!