As Ilya walked down the hallway with Haden behind him, he saw a familiar face. The girl named Ariel was also at this college, walking down the hall. This was unexpected, but not unwelcome, it would make a long day a bit shorter. He hoped that this time would go as smoothly as his conversation with Haden had.

Before he got close enough for her to hear, he talked quietly and quickly to Haden saying "Derek is what your parents called you. If you want to read more about your "story", I'll give you some notes in a minute. That girl up there is named Ariel Dawson, and like you, she was born in the other realm. I didn't know she would be here, but I guess this cuts down on travel time. If you want, you could handle the introduction, and I can fill in the details.""

After he finished speaking, they had gotten close enough to talk to each other. He wished he had more time to prepare, consulting notes and planning what to say, but they had to do this before she walked away Ilya looked at her, and then back at Haden, wondering who would speak up first.

Mei's class soon ended and she walked out. Thankfully, she didn't have her next class until a couple of hours, so that gave her time to get some work done. However, that didn't come to be realized as she soon spotted the professor and a tour guide being dismissed by another student, and a strange suspicious looking guy with him. She didn't recognize the older man as a professor on campus. She watched Haden as he talked about personal matters that college campus tour guides don't talk about. When the guy suddenly said that the girl in front of him was a princess and started speaking nonsense, that was when Mei decided to act.

She stepped forward and she spoke to Ariel, breaking the air between the three "Excuse me, Miss?" She pointed at Ilya and Haden as she asked "Are these two harassing you? I'll call the police," The last statement was spoken as a sort of a warning towards Haden and Ilya telling them to back off, or they can get arrested for harassment. She didn't know what the deal was with the two men, but from what she had heard, she couldn't help but think that they were either crazy or they had come up with a poor kidnapping plot at the spur of the moment. She had her cell phone out and in her hand to show the men that she was serious about calling the police and would not go back on her threat if they didn't leave.

[Colaboration between Deadlyfairy, Jade chocolate and Guardian Angel Haruki]

"Mother! Oh, Mother! I'm ready to go!" Drizella hollered as she raced down the stairs with her bags. "Mother, hurry!"

"Drizella, calm yourself, girl. It will not do to be so loud and boorish," Lady Tremaine chided as she elegantly descended the stairs. "Now, head to the car and send the driver to grab our bags. I will be right with you."

"Yes, Mother," Drizella grumbled, making her way to the car. The driver opened the door for her, and Drizella sweetly informed him that her mother required his assistance. Drizella could put on a show if she wanted to, and soon, she was going to have to put on the show of her life.

It didn't take long for her mother exit the house with the driver in toe. However , it was surprising he even made it to the car considering the number of bags he was carrying. Lady Tremaine waited until he finished loading them into the trunk so he could open the door for her. As she had always told Drizella, if you want to be royalty, you must act like royalty; never open your own doors when entering a car or castle, and always look your best.

"I'm so excited, Mother!" Drizella bubbled.

"As you should be, dear," Lady Tremaine replied, settling in her seat. She watched as the driver made his way around the car and positioned himself behind the wheel. "This is an opportunity of a lifetime."

The journey took longer than Drizella had anticipated, and she began to grow tired of waiting. "How much longer?" She demanded.

"Um-uh, a-any minute now!" The driver called back, started by her harsh tone.

Drizella huffed, sliding back into her seat with her arms crossed. She let out a big yawn and moved a hand up to rub her eye, only to be stopped by the tight grip of her mother's hand around her wrist. Somewhat bewildered, the girl looked at her mother.

"Don't you dare rub your eyes; you will ruin your makeup, and sit up straight! You will never be a princess with such lousy posture!" Lady Tremaine relinquished her daughter’s wrist and eased the tense frown that adorned her usually stoic face. Just as she was about to do as she was told, Drizella spotted the castle up ahead.

"Mother, look!" The brunette cried, throwing herself into the back of the driver's seat and pointing as though it weren't obvious. The driver jolted forward from the sudden impact, but he managed to keep the wheel straight.

"I see it, dear. Settle down," Lady Tremaine coaxed as they pulled up to the gates. A man in uniform checked the driver's credentials before letting them through. Nearing the entrance, Drizella tried to compose herself, fixing the bow in her hair using the car's rear view mirror. Soon, they were helped out of the car and attended to by servants, each one giving a deep bow as they were instructed to. They led them through the castle, which was grand and quite a marvelous sight to behold, and it didn't take long before they found themselves at the entrance of the throne room.

Opening the doors, they stepped inside and the man who had led them bowed before the king and announced their arrival. Moving aside, he made way for them and bowed again as they passed. They approached the king and his son, stopping a respectable distance away, and gave a low curtsy. Drizella's bright red lips had plastered a wide smile across her face the moment they'd walked in.

"It is nice to see you again, your highness," Lady Tremaine greeted with a polite smile.

"It's an honor," Drizella chimed in before switching her gaze to Gustan. Trying to seem coy, she lowered her head and looked up at him through dark lashes. "It has been far too long."

It seemed that there was quite a spectacle going on before they walked in, but Drizella paid no mind to it, for it had nothing to do with her and she had more important things to focus on.

---

Gustan stood up with the help of his father and was feeling very embarrased by being tossed like a ragdoll. He stood up and smoothed out his atire ready to say something but that was when the doors opend and in came in two guests. His eyes moved to the young woman as she pranced into the room. He could tell by the look on her face that she was happy to be hear.

"It is nice to see you again, your highness," The girls mother spoke. Gustan knoded very much unsure why the two were even hear but he stayed quiet.

"It's an honor," Drizella chimed softly and looked at Gustan.

It was not like he did not expect this since his father did want Gustan to get married soon......Why did he have to push this one on him? Neverthe less Gustan was poisd. He elegantly took a step forward and took Drizella's mother by the hand after his father had done then brought it up to his lips with a smile before kissing it. 'Welcome madam," he then let go of her hand and stepped back. His eyes stayed clear away from Drizella...He knew she was way too easy and he found that boring.

"Gustan, are you not going to greet Drizella?" his fathers voice asked sternly with a hint of command.

Gustan's eyes moved to his father almost as if he had forgotten to be repecful. "Oh yes," his eyes switched to the woman. He bowed and held out his hand to her. "Dear lady Drizella, how wonderful to see you again," a smile played at his lips as he waited for her to take his hand.

---

With the same polite smile and a small curtsy, Lady Tremaine accepted both greetings. She noticed the awkward pause as Drizella waited with baited breath to be greeted in the same manner. The older woman initially raised a brow at the behavior, but, with a little encouragement from the king, it ultimately turned out well. Perhaps the boy's manners were not up to par, but he was a prince and that's really all that mattered.

Gritting her teeth through her smile, Drizella took the prince's hand with a small curtsy as her mother had. It sure seemed as though he had forgotten about her, but how could he forget about such a beautiful woman standing before him? That would be just absurd! His smile, however, melted away her insecurities.

"Of course it is," Drizella agreed. "It's a pleasure to see you, too."

"Ah, children, always so distracted," Lady Tremaine mused to the king. "Don't you agree?" She watched as the two interacted. Drizella just had to play the part and all should fall into place.

Taking her hand back when he was done, Drizella continued, "So, how have you been faring? You look more handsome since the last time I saw you."

---

Gustan bowed once she gave him her hand but not once did he bring it to his lips. He let go and smiled as best he could while she seemed ever so pleased to see him.

[I]"So, how have you been faring? You look more handsome since the last time I saw you."[/l]

Gustan couldn't help but feel amused by her words. Of course he was dashing and was getting so with every day that passed by. Who would not notice? "Aaahh Drizella you are too kind" he smiled then turned to Adam who was still in the room.

"Did you want a bone dog?" His voice was a but harsh as he tried to prove his superiority. Putting Adam down was something that made Gustan must pleased. "Take him away. I have company," the Prince ordered the guards as he held up his arm for Drizella to take it. Gustan lifted his chin up high and smirked.

---

Adam caught the scent of perfume and a disgusting scent that he knew very well, and he knew that there were guests coming before the doors opened to show Lady Tremaine and her daughter. He looked at them and easily placed the scents. Lady Tremaine had the scent of perfume, but it wasn't as strong as Drizella's which was trying to mask the disgusting acidic scent that Adam easily could recognize. He rolled his eyes at how Drizella was trying to be coy as she greeted Gustan, and Gustan in return was being distant while keeping up the polite facade.

Soon Gustan finally noticed him,
"Did you want a bone dog?"
Really? That was the best he could do in order to try and prove that he was superior? To Adam, it was a pathetically weak insult. Adam grinned wolfishly. In this castle, it was NEVER a good sign if Adam was grinning. He chuckled darkly as he answered, insulting many aspects of Gustan and Drizella, "Oh no, Prince. I'm just amused. I never thought you were into Beastiality. But then again, there is no better match for the great Gustan then a squealing piglet," He then inhaled through his nose deeply and he smirked as he said again "However, she reeks of her own stomach contents, no matter how much she tries to cover it up," He noticed in his peripheral vision that the knights and servants nearby were covering their mouths. The servants were trying to contain themselves from bursting out laughing, while the knights were shocked.

"Take him away. I have company,"
The knights obliged, and took Adam by the biceps and led him out of the throne room and towards his dungeon. As he left, Adam said once again to Gustan calmly and with a smirk on his face, "Have fun with the piglet, My Prince,"

---

Drizella, acknowledging the captive man for the first time, smirked. It was a shame such creatures like him existed; however, he was exactly where he belonged. His laugh puzzled the girl, though. What could he have found so funny? Perhaps he was mad, much like that little Alice girl. Drizella was also taken aback by his comment. Bestiality? Was it true? Could Gustan possibly...?

Then it struck Drizella like a burning arrow, and she let out a bewildered gasp. That wretched man was talking about her! How could he possibly call her a pig of all things? Chances are, she ate less than he did! A pig wouldn't be able to fit so perfectly into such a small dress. Right? Well, it fit perfectly this morning. Didn't it? Perhaps, it was something she ate? When did she last eat? What did she last eat? Could it have been...Oh, it must have been the one cracker she had before she left! The salt and the starch must be making her look bloated! Gustan must be so disgusted. Suddenly, she felt incredible insecure and flustered.

The painted smile was now long gone, and the young woman's face was instead contorted with a mixture of shock and anger. She had never been so insulted in all her life! Her fists were shaking at her sides as she tried to control herself in front of the king.

"Play the part," Drizella whispered to herself. She must not disgrace the family, but how dare he? Who did he think he was to call her a pig and what would he know of good scents anyway? He was too much of an uncultured swine to appreciate such an expensive aroma! He smelled like nothing more than a common beast, the likes of which she could smell from where she stood!

A fury raging within her, Drizella refused to stand there in silence while he went on insulting her, but, just as she was going to say something, Gustan ordered that he be taken away. That brought a cocky grin to her face.

Lady Tremaine, while displeased, gave no more reaction than a glare; for no matter what he said, he would be nothing more than a prisoner. As the man was escorted out, Drizella stuck out her tongue at him, much like a child. She hadn't done that since her sister was around. It was a shame Anastasia married that baker, especially after everything Drizella had done to try to keep them apart. That girl was such a disappointment.

"Who was that?" Drizella inquired as she turned back to the king and prince, still a little fuming from the prisoner's last comment. She stood with her hands folded in front of her in order to cover her torso in an attempt to cover the nonexistent fat she was so insecure about.

"Ah, yes, he was quite the chatty prisoner, wasn't he?" The older woman remarked.

Vicier said
His name was Derek? He wasn't sure which one he liked better, Haden or Derek... Both were pretty cool. And wait, there were notes? Notes would be nice. He followed the guys gaze raising his eyebrow as his own came to rest on a beautiful young girl with stunning red hair that fell down her back, he'd never seen her around before but guessing by her company and the sparkle in her eyes, she was a soon to be freshmen. Holding his arm up he smiled flicking his eyes back at the Ilya before turning back to the girl, "I got this..."Moving over to the girl he focused his attention on the professor instead, "Hey, professor Rogan, the dean was looking for you. He sent me to come take over the tour." Smiling as the guy bought his story and ran off looking for the dean of the university he turned and faced the young girl before him, holding his hand out with a warm smile on his face, "Hey, my name is Haden... Or Derek, apparently... I'm a student here, in my second year. Anyway, that's not the point." He lifted his hand up rubbing the back of his head as he tried to figure out what to say, this was harder than he originally thought, "Okay, how about a trust exercise. Trust, respect, honesty and family are big parts of life here at Burkley. Close your eyes... That's it, you got it... Now think back to your past, as far as you can think back."He reached out placing his hand on her shoulder as he took a deep breath trying to figure out where he was even going with this, "You're different Ariel Dawson, special. Answer me this, your eighteen yes..? Okay, now stay with me on this... Sixteen years ago you were adopted by a loving family, and as you grew up, no matter how hard you looked into it, you couldn't find a single thing about your real parents could you? I'm the same as you, but now I have a lead to go on. And from what I've learnt so far... Our families knew each other. I know I'm probably sounding like a complete jerk right now... I'm still waiting for the notes on it all." Sighing he glanced around the two of them shooting a look towards Ilya before turning back to the girl before him."Our families were apparently a big deal where they were... Oh screw it." He pushed back his hair his face showing his confusion and determination at giving up explaining it easily, "My name is Haden. Today, a guy who has known me since I was born told me that I'm a Prince and my name is actually Derek. Apparently I'm engaged, though I honestly don't believe that I've been thrown into an arranged marriage with some woman I was betrothed to since before we were born. Point is, Ariel, your a Princess. Our families knew each other and if you want the damn notes on your life... Like I do!" He raised his voice turning his gaze back to Ilya so that he could hear, "Then come speak to my friend over here. Like my parents, this guy has known you since you were born. Dude, I suck at breaking news..." He dropped his face into the palm of his hand his eyes closing. He was a moron, this girl thought he was a nut case, and he was engaged... Could this day get any worse?

Guardian Angel Haruki said
Mei's class soon ended and she walked out. Thankfully, she didn't have her next class until a couple of hours, so that gave her time to get some work done. However, that didn't come to be realized as she soon spotted the professor and a tour guide being dismissed by another student, and a strange suspicious looking guy with him. She didn't recognize the older man as a professor on campus. She watched Haden as he talked about personal matters that college campus tour guides don't talk about. When the guy suddenly said that the girl in front of him was a princess and started speaking nonsense, that was when Mei decided to act. She stepped forward and she spoke to Ariel, breaking the air between the three "Excuse me, Miss?" She pointed at Ilya and Haden as she asked "Are these two harassing you? I'll call the police," The last statement was spoken as a sort of a warning towards Haden and Ilya telling them to back off, or they can get arrested for harassment. She didn't know what the deal was with the two men, but from what she had heard, she couldn't help but think that they were either crazy or they had come up with a poor kidnapping plot at the spur of the moment. She had her cell phone out and in her hand to show the men that she was serious about calling the police and would not go back on her threat if they didn't leave.

Ariel looked at the professor who was giving the tour had been dismissed by Haden and watched him walk off towards the college offices she turned to face Haden for a moment and just stared at him blankly as he started talking about trust and so on. Then he brought up her real parents and being adopted Ariel thought that he was very crazy and needed some crazy pills or something however she was curious to what the older man knew. "I'm not a princess and I don't really believe what you are really saying is true, or that you have been smoking something in the dorms. But i'll hear what your old man friend has to say because I want to know my real parents, also you might want to think of a better pickup line if you are asking a girl out."

Ariel said, and looked over towards Mei who approached he and smiled softly shaking her head. "No he was probably just trying to ask me out and did a bad job at it." Ariel answered the new girl looking over at Ilya who seemed to have some answers about her real parents. "I'm Ariel by the way." She said extending her hand towards Mei and smiled softly. Before waving Ilya over to hear what he had to say.

"Mei, this is none of your bloody business. Why don't you just go back to class and I don't know... Stop! Butting into other people's conversations..! It's rude and just a little pathetic,"
Mei narrowed her gaze at Haden as he glared down at her and spoke condescendingly at her. She answered him in response speaking logically, while putting away her phone in response to Ariel's answer, "Haden, were you even listening to yourself? With what you were saying, anyone would've butted in, as you so eloquently put it! You're lucky it was me, and not the professor you lied to and sent away. You could easily lose your position in the Archery Club because of what you did!" She only did what she thought was right. If someone was antagonizing another person right in front of you, would you just ignore it? Sanzang wasn't the type of person who would ignore other people if something was going on.

"No he was probably just trying to ask me out and did a bad job at it. I'm Ariel by the way,"
Mei looked to Ariel with a polite smile and she said to her in reply shaking Ariel's hand while she spoke, "It's nice to meet you Ariel. My name is Mei Tripitakas,"
When Haden spoke again, this time aiming insults at Ariel. Mei was quite irked that Haden was taking the offense she probably caused him, out on Ariel. After he finished the first part, Mei glared at him and warned "Haden. Knock it off. Right now. Any girl would've assumed you were flirting with them if you call them princess," However, Haden didn't seem to listen to her and after he spoke to the older man, he stormed away to the cafeteria.

Once Haden was gone, Mei sighed and rubbed her hands on her temples to keep a headache from coming. She looked to Ariel and she said to her, "I'm sorry about Haden. Normally, he's a nicer guy than...what his behavior demonstrated today," She then looked to the older man just as Ariel did. She was suspicious of the man. Haden seemed to know him and he clearly said something to persuade Haden into saying the things he said to Ariel earlier. Mei knew that she was normally naive and she had been fooled before, and that's why she isn't too keen on trusting this guy instantly. This could be some kind of scam.

Everyone was now staring at Ilya, waiting for him to speak. Haden had bungled his part, but it would be hard for anyone to explain this. "My name is Igor Pechorsky. What Haden here said is correct, I will vouch for him. 16 years ago, your parents gave me the task of finding a safe home on Earth for you and few others. I told this to him a few minutes ago, and he believed me, perhaps because he was at least old enough to have some memories of his birth parents. Mei, I'm sorry I couldn't find an actual family for you, but the Buddhist temple was kind and understanding.

I can tell you find this hard to believe. I do not want to frighten you, and I will never bother you again if you so choose. For now, I will walk away. If you believe me, or if you simply want to find out, hold onto some part of me, the back of my jacket, my shoulder, it does not matter. In a few short steps I and anyone tagging along will be at my farm halfway across the globe. I will bring you back if you want, but this is the only bit of "magic" I can show to you."

Ilya walked forward slowly, peaking over his shoulder to see if anyone wanted to come. Once they had made up their mind, he pictured his little house outside Murom, and concentrated. The boots he had would bring him and his companions there in the blink of an eye.

Ariel looked at Mei and smiled shaking her head. "No it's fine i'm used to guys hitting on me anyway." She said looking at Ilya again as he spoke up, he somehow knew her. She however wanted to know who her rear parents were and decided to follow him. "I guess i'll follow you, but if it's some kind of trick then I want to go home." Ariel told him as she reached up to grab the man's jacket not sure what to think of him at the moment.

Mei blinked at Ariel's answer, but didn't say anything to her and instead listened to what Igor had to say. When he apologized to her about not finding a family for her, Mei blinked in realization. Was he the stranger the Buddhist monks had told her about? The man who brought her to the temple? Almost all of her suspicion went away after hearing that. She commented to him in a mumble "You don't have to apologize for that," She listened as he continued and told them that if they believed him or wanted to know more, then they could follow him.

Mei was a bit surprised to see Ariel follow him. She stepped forward as well and grabbed onto Igor's jacket while she said "I want to find out," She wanted to see this 'magic' for herself, and she wanted to know more about the possible man who brought her to the Buddhist Temple. What did he know of her? Plus, she couldn't in good conscious, let Ariel go alone. Who knows what would happen?

Ilya could feel the girls holding on to his jacket as he walked down the hall. He was a little saddened that Derek did not want to come, but he could not blame him. He pictured his home, a rustic wooden farmhouse next to his fields. The paint was old, and the wood was well worn, although the foundation was still solid. He let this image fill his mind, closing his eyes as he continued his stride. In an instant, the magic of his boots triggered, and he disappeared from the university hallway in midstep. His foot set down in Russian soil when he opened his eyes.

It was 4 am in Russian time, and it was still dark out. The sun wouldn't rise for almost two more hours, though the deepest part of the night was over. His lights were on in his house, he had made sure to keep them on in case he got back late. The weather was cold, not below freezing but very farm from the warmth of California's climate. Ilya's jacket and years of adaptation meant that he didn't feel it very much, but he wondered about his companions.

He turned around to address them, hope to calm them down a bit. Ilya said "Do not be alarmed. This is my farm, we're in Russia now. I can bring you back if you want, but I would like to at least give you the papers I have been saving for you. I will be back shortly, if the cold bothers you can follow me into the house." He walked on the path into his his humble abode, trying to remember where he had left the files he intended to give them.

Belle had finished the paperwork for their newest member and stretched at her desk.
"You need to stretch your legs," Cynthia said. "Why don't you go for a walk or something?"
Belle smirked. "Translation : go and get lunch for us at subway."
Her friend shrugged. "What can I say? You know me well. So... please?"
Belle laughed. "Alright. Meatball sub with American cheese and sun chips?"
"You know me very well," she said and handed her money for the lunch.

---

Belle walked to subway rather then take the bus. It was a nice walk and Cynthia had been right, she needed to stretch her legs.
She was walking by an empty lot when she heard whimpering. She stopped and listened, hearing it again. It sounded like a dog.
"Hello?" she called softly, entering the lot through a hole in the fence. She whistled lightly. The whimpering sound came again. She looked under some branches and found a stray dog. She couldn't tell what kind it was, only that it was dirty and looked like it was starving. When it moved she saw it holding up it's paw, which looked like it had been bitten by some kind of animal, possibly a raccoon or a possum.
"Oh you poor thing," she said, lunch forgotten. She held out her hand for the dog to sniff. It limped forward and was soon sniffing and licking her hand, it's tail wagging.
She checked it's neck for a tag. It had a collar on, but instead of a tag it had some kind of strange trinket.
"What's this sweetie?" she asked in a soothing voice as the dog continued to lick her. She touched it and felt a jolt go through her arm. She gasped and tried to pull away, but it was like the trinket wouldn't let her let go. A light built from the center of the trinket, glowing brighter and brighter.
Belle screamed as the light engulfed her.
When it cleared, both girl and dog were gone...

---

Belle woke with a ringing in her ears. Then something wet lapped at her cheek.
She opened her eyes to find herself lying on the ground in a forest. The dog from before was licking her cheek quite vigorously.
"Okay, okay I get it," she said and sat up. "Just what the hell was that and where have you taken me?"
It's response was to bark and spin around in a circle a couple of times.
Belle sighed. "Can you at least lead me to a phone?"
It barked a few more times and ran around her and then went off into a direction through the trees.
"Hey!" Belle shouted, running after him. "Wait up! You have four more legs then me!"

Mei suddenly felt a strong gust of wind and she had closed her eyes out of shock. When she opened them, she saw that they weren't at the university anymore. Instead, they were now at an old farmhouse, and it was clearly the middle of the night. She looked around and looked to see Haden and Ariel were with her as well. She looked to Igor as he spoke and then walked off. The cold didn't really bother Mei that much. After Haden asked his question, Mei asked "I'm alright. I don't think we're hurt," When Haden made his last statement, Mei raised her hands defensively in a mock surrender pose and said "Wasn't even thinking of doing such a thing!"
She then asked the two "Shouldn't we follow him inside?"