Agents of Shadow

Jan and Kairo walked with a pensive mood; eventually stepping up to the Palace House Wizard's villa entrance door.

"This life must be a strange turn for you," Jan cordially said as he gazed at the two moons on a starless night.

"It is."

"What was your life like in your own world?"

Kairo sighed as he thought back to his days on Earth. "It was full of routine, but comfortable and safe."

"A contrast to your life now."

Kairo nodded. "True. My mother once told me that most people live a routine life and never know anything else. Because of this, they fail to see all the variety that bypasses them and become stale. I guess I'm living the variety right now; not necessarily a bad thing."

The old court visor paused as he stared at this young man who saw things pragmatically. The boy wasn't afraid to ask questions, fostering a strong will to survive but not at the expense of others, especially those he had formed strong bonds with. It was no surprise that Lady Bluesteed and Genie had a shared infatuation for him. "He's a good boy." His eyes narrowed with a dark thought. "But good boys don't win wars."

Jan said his good nights and parted ways. As he did so, his eye caught a fleeting shadow headed for the villa. He felt stirrings of trouble, but saw a tiny ball of gold light subtly following at an unsuspecting distance. The light was so subtle it could be mistaken for drifting dust highlighted by moonlight. He felt confident Genie would continue to ensure Kairo's safety against the Shadow Cabal.

Kairo still couldn't get over how huge and luxurious his villa was. At least, he could get some decent rest. He was eager to hit a xelfall and crash to bed.

His pace was leisurely as he entered his bedroom and walk-in-wardrobe, which was another room.

"I guess I need new armor and clothes." He held up his ripped t-shirt and overused jeans. His eyes widened when he saw copies of his usual clothing stacked neatly on shelves or hanging up on racks along the walls. "Welp. That's sorted."

His xelfall was a quick and invigorating experience. It felt nice to be redressed in a fresh white t-shirt, sturdy jean-like pants and socks. He dumped himself on his bed and was soon in a deep sleep.

A shadowy figure crept into this room and hovered over his snoring form. It itched closer with a dagger in its hand: raised it to do a mighty stab for Kairo's heart.

"Got you." Genie caught the hand and murderously squeezed at it to make it snap and break.

The dagger fell onto Kairo's grimoire.

Kairo's eyes opened. He effortlessly grabbed the dagger and slammed it into the shadowy figure's heart. The face of his assailant briefly appeared before the body disintegrated with the dagger's magic poison; eventually, the dagger itself dissipated.

Genie saw Kairo drop back into a deep sleep. "Did his grimoire control his body to protect him?"

The thought was too scary for him to entertain. Nevertheless, he nodded with satisfaction that he had made the right decision to follow that shadow.

He did perimeter checks around the villa and reinforced his magic barrier. The fact that someone sent a Shadow Agent to kill Kairo, meant powerful enemies were making their move.

When he felt the bedroom level was secured, he went downstairs to inform his brother. He applied some of his magic on the mirror above the hearth, then activated a magical dome barrier around him that would make him and the mirror invisible to others and block sound.

"Genie."

"Brother." Genie bowed before him. "You were correct. The Shadow Cabal has made their move, but through whom is yet to be determined."

Lyon rubbed his chin, thinking of his many enemies who would make a move now on the boy. The vassal king of Etshian, a neighboring and rival kingdom, was a top suspect. He had made a surprise move by accepting his invitation to the derby event.

"Do you think someone from Manfred-nun's court has something to do with this?" Genie carefully suggested.

Lyon huffed. "If so, he's bold. I want you to move into the wizard villa. Post a guard sentry on watch for 24 turn shifts. Inform me of all assassination attempts." His eyes narrowed. "We'll see who wants to test my limits. Keep training him, for the glory of our continent."

The mirror returned to normal.

Genie removed the barrier. He returned to the bed and laid next to Kairo. His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and feelings for him. However, duty came first, which was to protect Kairo from enemies and aid the man to be a greater strength.

"I agree to do this wholeheartedly," he whispered as he twirled a piece of Kairo's hair in his finger then let it go. The man was too vulnerable right now.

He got up again, did another round of perimeter checks, then got comfortable on the ottoman to rest for the night.

Meanwhile, Kairo's grimoire pulsated with magic, which drew the man's consciousness into his sea.