A Boy, a Dog Girl and the Boy Who Had Everything: Part One

“And this brings us to the end of the first great magic war twelve hundred years ago,”  Madam VanVeer said as she strolled before the class. The History of the Magic Wars courses were always her favorites. Giving lessons on heroes and dark lords was a yearly treat she let herself enjoy.

“Akla-Hest seemed to go out like a joke,” Timbul snarked, with some of the class laughing.

“Indeed, his hubris led to his downfall. His five generals turning on him was something he never dared to imagine. And they will be what your final paper shall be about. You’ll be assigned into groups of three, and each group shall research one of the generals.”

“Ugh, final paper…” Zack groaned, sinking back in his chair and nearly sliding under his desk. Honey firmly dragged him back up.

“Sweetheart, we are learning. I want the future father of my babies to have a large and well worked brain.”

“Thank you?” Zack asked as Chista laughed beside him. Madam VanVeer slid up to them, a look of curiosity and cunning on her face.

“Ah, my three most interesting students,” she said. “I want you to research the Fallen Doctor.”

“Well, he should be easy. The doctor of demons who led the rebellion against Akla-Hest. I can bang out five hundred words on him,” Zack said confidently.

“Oh? Well maybe I should expect two thousand from you then. I want all the highlights of his life and disappearance.”

“You mean death,” Chista said. VanVeer shook her head.

“No, disappearance. The other four generals were executed before the demon lord fell. But as his last act of evil, he supposedly cursed the Fallen Doctor. The demon physician’s heart was more pure than other demons, so as revenge if he ever walked the world again he would bring a devastating plague, killing those he protected.”

“Back home I’d be researching Washington,” Zack sighed. “Okay, I’ll look up your human bio weapon. You girls ready for a long study night or two?”

“I’m ready for any long night with you, sweetheart!” Honey said, grabbing his arm. Chista groaned.

“There are days I fully regret getting you two out of the woods.”

As class ended and the students gathered their belongings, Madam VanVeer caught Zack’s eyes briefly. It was maybe her imagination, but she thought she caught a look.

Message received.

“The boy is clever, but he may be far more clever than I give him credit,” she said, a content smile creeping onto her face.

*

“Hey! Where you going?”

Timbul waved Zack over as he and the girls began to walk away from the academy. As he looked at his friend a sudden spike of remembrance hit him.

“Crap! Going to get suits for the New Dawn dance!” Zack smacked his forehead. “Girls, can you handle the research without me tonight?”

“Of course, sweetheart! I want you looking your best when we dance.” Honey gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. Chista gave an overdramatic sigh.

“I suppose I can handle most of the work tonight. But you’d better…”

Baltz had joined Timbul, Jelks following closely behind.

“Baltz.”

“Chista.”

Zack and Honey looked between the two. Neither could read the expressions on the two other teens faces.

“Well…come on, Zack! Let’s enjoy riding in a pampered stretch carriage driven by the pirate!” Timbul said, lightly punching Jelk’s arm.

“Don’t.”

“Yes sir, sorry sir.” Timbul stepped away quickly.

“Okay, well, we’re gonna go. You girls have fun studying tonight. Chista, work on making those face muscles move again. Come along Timbul. Let us abuse the privilege of the rich boy and his hired goon.” Zack pulled Timbul along towards the gleaming stretch auto carriage at the curb. Baltz and Jelks slowly followed.

“Man, this is a fancy car. Even smells like…what is this smell? Fancy cigars? Burning money?” Zack settled into one of the seats as Jelks started the vehicle.

“Do you ever stop?” Baltz asked.

“He doesn’t,” Timbul interjected.

“You know, since we’re all cozy and friendly, there’s something I’ve been meaning to ask. How are you two friends?” Zack looked between them, leaning closer, hoping for a satisfying answer.

“Actually, it’s pretty simple. Baltz and Jelks saved me from getting my ass kicked when I was little,” Timbul said casually.

“Wait, HE saved YOU from the bullies?” Zack turned to Baltz, who nodded.

“Timbul saw I was lonely. This was before I had established myself socially. He offered me a sandwich at lunch. After school I saw him being menaced by older kids. I merely returned the favor with Jelks providing the muscle. Timbul has been attached to me since.”

“More like you’re attached to me! It’s my charm which led to you getting all your friends and confidence. Hell, I remember Jelks thanking me for finally giving you a friend. Right, Jelks?”

The muscular butler merely grunted in the front seat.

“No, come on Jelks. I want to hear more stories about baby Baltz. You basically raised him, right? You must have a ton of stories,” Zack said, a slight tinge of intensity in his voice.

“I’d…rather not betray my master’s confidence,” Jelks said, his one good eye locking onto Zack in the rearview mirror.

“I see…” Zack nodded, giving a mischievous smile to Baltz.

“Let’s not talk about the past. I’m more concerned with the present. You and Honey are in love, correct?” It was Baltz’s turn to give Zack an intense look.

“I’d say so. I don’t want to use the words soul mates, mostly because she used to be my pet and it sounds weird, but yeah, I love her. Hell, I’d die for her. Why?”

“I’m having difficulty knowing what to say to the girl I want to ask out.” Baltz looked uncharacteristically uncomfortable.

“Aw, come on, girls love smarmy yet handsome dick weasels,” Zack said.

“They actually do,” Timbul agreed.

“Not Chista…”

The silence was deafening.

“Don’t think anyone expected him to say her name,” Zack said nervously.