Anna Reddy and the Vizards; The Treasure Hunt

ANNA REDDY AND THE VIZARDS: THE TREASURE HUNT

VinayaAnna

Chapter 1 - The whole story in a chapter

THE UNVEILING SECRETS

This is a story of the early twenty first century. It was during this time the stories related to magic and wizards became really famous all around the world. The idea of wizards, witches and magic became really popular that many people started to read more of such interesting stories. While everyone were interested reading the books, one man started to search if there was anything true about it.

He searched all possible ways he could. He travelled through different countries. He learned different languages. He talked to thousands of people. He read books about witches and wizards.

After searching for years he finally found what he was searching for. He found a University hidden in the mountains of Scotland where wizards were believed to be studying. He went there pretending to be one among them and found all the secrets hidden within the giant walls of that university. Soon someone there realised this and informed about this to the higher authorities of the University. But it was too late as he had already escaped from there with all the information he could collect.

Professor Alexander Corvus rushed towards the principal’s office. He was a tall well built handsome man, neatly dressed in his black suit. He had a really long and pointed nose which stood out on his face. His hair was also long and straight which was grown up to his shoulder level. He was gasping for breath, when he opened the office door and rushed in. “Sir, we are in great trouble.” he said.

“What is it Professor? What happened?” asked Mr. Thomas Aquarius, who was the principal of the University. He had a thick white moustache on his face. Many students called him snowman because he was fat, fair and always wore a white suit which gave an overall shape of a large fluffy snowball. He looked really surprised seeing Mr. Alexander who was then hurrying towards a small silver bowl of water which was kept at the corner of the room. He too followed him there very anxiously realising there was something really bad that had happened.

Professor Alexander took out his ring which had a small grape sized blue globe on it. He slowly put it into the bowl which made the water inside it dark black tar like in colour. Soon an image appeared on the water surface and it was showing a newspaper with the headlines, ‘Cosmos University; Unveiling secrets behind the giant walls.’

“Yes, The headlines of tomorrows daily. Our little secret will be out soon.” said Professor Alexander who saw the shocking look of Mr. Thomas.

“I knew this would happen someday. But I wasn’t expecting it so soon. Is there anything that I can do still to stop this?” asked Mr. Thomas who was still hopefully expecting that there was something he could do as he was the principal, the head of the institution.

“No sir, we are too late. Nothing to be done at all is it with magic or political influence. We still don’t have any clue about the human who had broken in here last week. There are rumours spreading among the staff that, someone within the University was helping that human. And I think they are right. Not even the very few humans who know about us, even if we convince them that we won’t harm them would dare to step inside Cosmos. There is certainly someone among us who is helping them. We must find the one behind this soon or else it may even affect our survival. Cosmos has already become a talk among the general public.” Professor Alexander replied.

“Anything about ‘SHIELD’? Does anyone know about it?” asked Mr. Thomas who was really worried about it.

“No sir, nothing about it has leaked until now. But we should be taking precautions to prevent any such incidents.” Professor Alexander seemed to be really worried when he said this.

“Yes, you are right. We can’t let anyone know about it too. We should be more careful that no humans should come here ever again. Humans may turn against us completely if all our secrets are out, especially about the ‘SHIELD’. We should never let anything happen like this again, at any cost. ” Mr. Thomas slowly walked towards his chair and sat on it as he said this.

“But sir......” Professor Alexander was about to say something, but suddenly stopped.

“What is it?” Mr. Thomas asked.

“There is a talk among the public that there is something suspicious going on in here. Especially because we are not keeping our admission process open to all. The humans, they want us to take new students from them too. And this was to prove that this University was anything normal to other Universities. Some people have also come up with the request to provide complete protection to the human students once they are in. And I think the Ministry has taken this matter really serious.”

“What are you saying? Take admission from humans. That is impossible. I hope you are aware of what will happen to us if humans are allowed here. No, I will never let it happen.” said Mr. Thomas.

“Excuse me, Sir” there was a female voice from the doorway of the office and a middle aged lady with short blonde hair was standing there in a grey formal outfit.

“You must be Professor Olivia. Am I right?” asked Mr. Thomas.

“Yes, Sir.” she said as she slowly walked inside the office. She was wearing high heeled black shoes, that was bought very recently, that she was not used to it and so she was struggling to walk on it. She was about to fall when she walked inside the room but Professor Alexander rushed to support her. And in the very next moment she was laying in his hands looking at his face, and of course more focussing on his long nose that was pointing at her.

“Thank you” she said and stood back upright on her feet. He took a step back and smiled at her.

Mr. Thomas who was watching all this turned towards Professor Alexander and said, “Meet Professor Olivia Andromeda. She has just joined here as our new Professor two days back. She will be in charge of everything related to our new admissions which will be opening next month.” He then slowly turned towards Professor Olivia and asked, “Have you been waiting outside for long? Is there something you want me to do for you, Professor?”

“Oh, I just came now. I just received a mail which was regarding a meeting held by the Ministry today evening. I was asked to accompany you for the meeting.” Professor Olivia replied.

“I am sure they are calling me to ask for an explanation about everything that happened here. But why did they mail you?” Mr. Thomas asked her who simply stood there silently.

“I think they are planning to take human students for the next academic year. I heard some faculties here talking about it too. And I think that can explain why they called Professor Olivia too.” replied Professor Alexander.

“Yes, because she was in charge of the admissions. Yes, that makes sense. But, why do they have to bring humans to this University? That never makes sense at all. I really don’t know what will happen now?” Mr. Thomas had such a habit of speaking out his thoughts which sometimes have even placed him in embarrassing situations.

As expected Cosmos University became head news for all the newspapers next day.

The news spread all around the world like a fire. Many people started to come in search of the University. A huge lot variety rumours spread about the University , each story which had its own unique explanation on why the University was kept all a secret and humans weren’t allowed to get admission there. Finally after all this conspiracy, the University had to allow permission for some humans to study there. And that was the beginning of everything. Everything that was to an extent expected, but mostly unexpected!

ANNA REDDY

It was a beautiful morning, the chirping of the birds were heard from a distance. The soil was wet and the leaves were holding drops of water on it. It was cold outside because it rained the previous night. It was just like any usual day in a city life. The shops which were on that street were opening one by one. Everyone was busy their own daily activities.

There is a two storied building which has a beautiful garden in front of it. A lady who was living in the nearby house was rushing outside the front door of her house, while her two children in their school uniform were standing outside their house waiting for the school bus. She was wearing a cotton saree and her slippers were really unclean as if she had never washed it for years. She ran quickly to her children and gave the older one among them their lunch box. This is somewhat a usual site in most of Indian house during that particular time of the day.

Now, a man came out through the front door of the two storied building. Mr. Reddy, a tall and lean man of about sixty, was sitting in its courtyard and reading newspaper. There was news about the University of Cosmos which had recently completed admissions for that year. The news was as follows, ‘Cosmos to a new beginning, five humans to begin their higher studies in the great university, classes beginning next week.’

Mr. Reddy was a famous business man of his city. He was living in the Bangalore city with his only daughter Anna. His wife Alexi died when Anna was only months old. Alexi was studying in a University of Canada, when she met handsome Dev Reddy. Alexi had a special love towards India because her mother was from India. It was during the time of his higher studies they got married and moved to India.

Now there was a school bus stopped in front of Mr. Reddy’s house, and the sound of hone was heard.

”Aavo beta, jaldi aa” Mr. Reddy called out aloud to her daughter.

“Mei aathi hoom , paappa” there was a sweet voice from inside.

And suddenly there appeared a beautiful girl in her school uniform. She was wearing a dark blue skirt and white shirt with a sky blue coat. She had long golden black hair which was flying around when she jumped out of the yard. Her wide beautiful eyes were admitted by others and often told that she had the eyes like that of a fish. Everyone around her house loved her a lot because of her caring and courteous nature. She was also very brilliant in her studies. Every teacher liked her a lot. Anna was now studying in twelfth standard and currently her board exams were going on.

Anna ran through their beautiful garden which was filled with the fragrance of the newly bloomed flowers. The black polished shoes which she was wearing was now half covered with dirt and mud from the garden. Her skirt also got wet from the raindrop that was stuck on the plants as she ran through them. There were few drops falling from the trees on her forehead that slowly rolled down to her face like small shiny pearls. But nothing bothered her as she was in a rush. Anna got in the bus and screamed aloud, “bye, bye, paappa”.

Mr. Reddy waved his hands and said aloud “Write your exam well”. Soon the bus moved out of his sight very fast and he continued to read the newspaper putting on his spectacles which he had taken out from a small plastic box that was beside him.

There were only very few students inside the school bus. Anna was now sitting in a window seat. She was trying to get her breath back to normal as she was taking a book from her bag. She took it out and turned the pages very quickly so she could do a fast revision of important topics before exam. Some others who had exam too now were going through the notes they had prepared. Some who weren’t much bothered about the exam were sitting simply and looking at her beautiful hair which flowed down to her shoulders. It simply flied around her as the wind which had came through the window moved through it.

Soon they reached the school and Anna hurried to her examination hall. She was little nervous as it was her last exam of the year and every teachers had great expectations about her. She prayed to God before the question paper was distributed, ‘Please God, please help me in this exam. I will do whatever you want after this.’ Soon the sound of bell was heard and the teachers started to distribute the question papers. Anna could hear her heart beating louder and faster as she received the question paper. The only other sound she could hear now was that of the ceiling fan which was above her. It was really old and was making squeaking sounds that she suddenly started to have a feeling that it may fall on her anytime. Anna was really tensed in the first hour. But then she got an extraordinary confidence and she started to write every answer very quickly. Everything went well and Anna had an easy paper as usual.

She was really happy when she got out of the examination hall. As soon as she got out of the hall she ran towards her friends who were busy discussing the answers for the questions. Anna hated this habit of her friends. She asked them to stop thinking about what is over and start thinking of what to do next. Everyone became silent for a minute as the exam was not easy for them as they expected.

One girl suddenly asked, “So what is your plan? Which course are you taking for higher studies? You haven’t told us yet. Always told us you wanted to do something different, not very common. You were also telling us that your father had some plans about your future studies. What is it, Anna? Won’t you tell us?”

Anna was speechless for a moment as she had to face this question many times from her friends and teachers but she never had a clear answer for it. Her father always told her to wait till the exams were over.

She told her friends that even she would know about it on that day and will soon inform them. She also added, “You guys know already that I like to be a doctor. But my father always told me that I should do something different. He asks to me to think differently. I really don’t know what to do. I hope he has a better plan than what I am thinking” They talked for some time and then hugged each other and went back to their homes.

Some students cried realising that they won’t get back those old school days that they enjoyed the most. There were a lot of students in different corners of the school, some in the playground, some in the empty classrooms and some who had completely lost their control were weeping like small children inside the toilets.

All of them wanted to have some more time together. They walked through the school corridors which were filled with memories of their good old days. There were some promises made that they would come back there again to see each other and spent some time with each other.

Some young couples who had enjoyed a great time together hugged each other and parted their way in tears promising each other they will make phone calls and keep in contact.

The class teacher who was watching all this thought about her old school days in the same school. She remembered about the promises which were made to her beloved those days, a lot of them actually unfulfilled. She knew, the promises which are made were easily forgotten when everyone starts thinking about themselves and starts to live their own lives.

Anna never turned back to see all this or to look at her friends walking away. For Anna who had no siblings, her friends were like her own family. She wanted to believe that they will meet again. But she never realised that it was the very last opportunity for her to see them and they were walking away from her life forever. She was in great excitement as she wanted to ask her father about his plans.

As soon as Anna got back home she ran to her father, sat beside him on the floor and told him the exam was easy. Mr. Reddy sat down slowly on a chair nearby and poured some coffee from the teapot to a cup which was placed on a small round table beside him. He saw the excitement in her eyes as he handed over the cup to her.

She kept the cup aside, moved closer to him and asked, “Paappa, you were telling about some plans you had about my higher studies. Something really different from the usual courses. What was it?”

“Ahhh, Yes. I will tell you about it. Later.” said Mr. Reddy, who was now thinking very deeply.

“It was always you who told me to do something different when I always wanted to become a doctor. I can’t wait anymore. Tell me about your plans now itself. And if I don’t like it, I must start preparing for my entrance exam for which we have already applied as our second option. Paappa tell me now, so I can decide soon. Please. Please. Please.” said Anna who was really impatient by then.

Mr. Reddy started to laugh hearing her. He realised that she desperately wanted to know about it. He then said, “Betta, you are always in a hurry and can’t wait for anything. Just give me some time so I can have some coffee.” Telling this, he poured some more coffee to his cup from which he was drinking while Anna arrived. Now he sat back on his chair and asked her, “Betta, have you heard of Cosmos University?”

Anna thought for some time and said, “Cosmos University, is that the one which was shown in the T.V last day? My friends were talking about it even yesterday. But it was about some admission which was opened there. But we are not allowed to apply there. Only some kind of people with a special degree could apply for it. And such people were called the Half Wizards. I think they must have won some quiz competition to get such a name. And so why are you telling me about it? I don’t have that degree. Or, can I get it from somewhere?” Anna was not aware much about anything that was going on as she was busy preparing for her exams. She even hadn’t seen the newspaper for weeks.

Anna was talking continuously when suddenly her father interrupted her and told her, “Calm down, my child, let me tell you. Whatever you have heard and seen are true except some corrections. The Cosmos University have opened admission for few selected human students.”

Anna was surprised hearing this and soon asked, “Humans? So those who are studying there are not Humans!”

“Betta let me complete. They are like humans but with some special powers. They are called half wizards not because of some special degree but because in reality they have the powers of a real wizard. They are the protectors of our Universe. There are various Universities were they study. They usually never reveal their identity and lead a normal life among the general public. They are respected by humans once identified as they have a great role in maintaining the balance of our whole world. Except some humans who always cause them trouble saying they were devotees of devils and would bring the evil powers to earth.”

He stopped for a moment and continued “Now I want you to listen to me very patiently. The University of Cosmos are now taking admissions exclusively for five human students. And as you know that I have been planning for your higher studies since a long time, I had applied for your admission there. And luckily you are one among the five to get selected. Betta, I want you to think well before you make some decision.”

“I will think about it. But what are they teaching in the University? Is it something about magic or about some magical spells?” Anna was telling this thinking about the story books she had read, “I am not a wizard. Why should I choose such a University?” she asked.

Mr. Reddy explained, “It’s not anything magic they are going to teach you there. It’s all about our world and the universe as a whole. You will also learn about the cultures and historical background of different places. And your favourite topic, science too is there in your syllabus. You will be learning about trees, animals and their habitat.”

“Paa, you have done a whole research on the University. But I still have some doubts. What job do you think I can choose after this course?” Anna asked.

“Beta, you can do any job which requires great knowledge about the world. You can work with NASA or do some research with the forest department. Or you may even choose your favourite job, you can be a teacher.”

“Ok, I understand. But the thing I don’t understand now is why the wizards should learn there. They must be learning some magic tricks, to fly on a broom or to make some potion? Why do they have to learn all this?”

Reddy never expected this question even though he had prepared so much with the help of his friend Mr. William. Mr. Williams was a Professor who taught in the Cosmos University. He taught about various cultures followed by people living in different parts of the world.

It was Mr. Reddy’s wife Alexi who introduced Mr. Williams to her husband and that day forth they became great friends. Another important thing about Mr. Williams was that it was his idea to take admission for Anna in Cosmos University. He cared for her a lot and wanted her to study there.

He easily convinced the Ministry that taking admissions from humans was the only option left in front of them. He told them that this would reduce the doubts some humans had about the University. And finally when everything went the way he planned, Anna became one among the five human students.

“Betta, you know that, right.” Reddy tried to cover up the fact that he didn’t know much about Cosmos.

“What paappa, are you telling that they must know everything about universe because they protect it?” Anna asked.

“Yes Betta, I meant the same. They must have good knowledge about the earth and it’s creatures before protecting it. You are absolutely right. So are all your doubts cleared now? What do you say?” He took a deep breath of relief that he had somehow managed to explain everything to her.

Anna was really excited and at the same time very confused. But she always knew that her father would choose the best for her. She then replied, “Paappa, I know you are the best and you will only choose the best. Aapka decision mera bhi decision hai. Ab bolo, what should I do now? Wait for my results? They might want my results before selecting me, right?”

Mr. Reddy now replied in a low voice “You don’t have to wait till your results are out. They have already completed the admission procedures based on your previous performances. But you must leave for Scotland soon, as your classes will be starting next week. I have made arrangements for your passport with special permission from senior authorities.”

Anna didn’t expect such a long trip so early and she was not at all prepared for it. So she asked Mr. Reddy, “Paappa, there isn’t much time for this. Why didn’t you tell me about this earlier?”

“I know you are not prepared for this. But I never wanted you to have any distractions during the exam time. That’s why, I never told you about this earlier. Sorry dear. I know how hard it is for you to stay away from your home.” he told her seeing how disappointed she was.

Anna realised that it was going to be really hard for her to stay away from the place and people she loved the most. It was a really tough decision she had to make. She thought about it the whole night and finally decided to join the Cosmos University since she valued her father more than anyone in her life. He was her role model and her biggest dream was to full fill his dreams which he had given away in his long run to look after her. Anna called up her friends and told them about this. They all encouraged her to join there. She talked to them and finally decided to listen to her father.

She told him about this when they had their dinner. He was happy, blessed her and said. “Betta, you may not be like anyone out there but you are the best student that institution is ever going to have. You don’t have to worry if they call you a human, remember what I have always told you. ‘You are special and so be proud of it.’”

Mr. Reddy couldn’t hold back his tears now. He went back to his room saying her that he was feeling very sleepy. He cried a lot that his pillow was now wet and cold with his tears. He could feel the cold pillow cover as he pulled it close to him more tightly to hide his face from the mirror which was beside him in which he could see himself weeping as though he had lost something very precious. He soon became tired and fall asleep.

Anna had never stayed away from Mr. Reddy and so the thought of going away far made her really uncomfortable. Tears slowly rolled out of her eyes and she quickly wiped them out.

She prayed to God, ‘I had never thought of going away from my father. I always wanted him near me. I know how difficult it is for him too. I don’t know why he is asking me to go and study in a distant place. I am really worried about him. But I know, he will do everything for my better future. And that was why he gave up his job in Delhi and came here saying to his friends that he wasn’t getting enough time to take care of me. I am really thankful to you for giving me a wonderful father like him. And please take care of him while I am away.’

Anna felt very difficult to sleep that night. Her father had told her to sleep early as they had to go to buy things for her journey early the next day morning. Anna opened an old album in which there were photos of her childhood. Her eyes were stuck in one photo. It was the family photo where there was Anna, her parents, her mother’s sister and her husband. This was the last photo captured by Reddy in his camera before his wife died. Tears flowed out of her eyes as she closed the album, turned off the light and slept.

THE SECRET HIDDEN IN AMAZON

William Cygnus was a famous teacher of Cosmos University, a short man without much hair on his head, and a great friend of Mr. Reddy. It was fourth day after Anna’s board exams when he arrived in India. He came to Mr. Reddy’s house to take Anna with him to the University as Mr. Reddy had requested, because it was the first long distance travel for Anna. He was very friendly and talked to Anna about how they were happy with her performance in the school. Anna always remembered Mr. Williams as her father’s friend who visited them every year and brought her a lot of chocolates. He also brought some special food which his wife prepared specially for her every time he came. And she liked them a lot. Mr. Reddy prepared his special Chicken Biryani for Mr. Williams. They all had dinner together.

It was then Anna asked Mr. Williams, “Uncle, can I ask you something?”

“Yes, what is it? You are seeing me for a long time now. I was always happy to come and see you here every year. It was when I saw you each time I forget that I don’t have children. You are like my own daughter. So why are you still afraid to ask me something? You can ask me anything. I have given you the freedom for it.” Anna felt really happy hearing what he said.

She slowly went near Mr. Williams smiled and said, “I like to be your daughter too. I don’t mind having two fathers.” Mr. Williams smiled listening to her speaking so cutely just like the way she did when she was a small child. Mr. Reddy who heard this started to laugh.

She continued, “I asked my dad about wizards. He tried to explain to me with whatever he knew. He actually doesn’t know much about it even though he is pretending as if he knows everything.” Mr. Williams started to laugh when he saw the surprised look of Mr. Reddy when his daughter said this.

“I hope you have a better idea about them, Uncle Williams. Have you really seen wizards? Do they really exist? I am hearing a lot about them recently. Are they real?”Anna asked in a single breath.

“Yes, I know it is difficult for you to believe. But they do exist.” he said.

She was now really excited to know all about them. “I can’t believe it. This is twenty first century. How can there be anyone with super powers?”

Mr. Williams sat down on a chair near Mr. Reddy and replied, “Yes, during this century it is difficult to believe. But this happened long back.” Anna sat down on the floor to listen to him. And the secrets were unveiling slowly.

Mr. Williams continued, “The stars are the centre of the power of all living beings, just like the sun for the earth. Life cannot exist without the help of stars. You might know that there are lot of planets and stars in the Universe. And there are places undiscovered by human beings where there is powerful human like living beings. About a thousand light years away, there was a small planet that was surrounded by a large group of stars. And, here lived some of such powerful but kind hearted living beings. They were called as the ‘Wizards who lived among the stars‘. They were similar to humans in appearance but are more powerful than humans. They have extra senses and power to control what happens around them.”

Mr. Williams stopped for a moment, took a deep breath and continued, “Once upon a time there was a huge war between these wizards and aliens from other world. The aliens extracted power from the stars to make their weapons. They wanted to dominate the Universe and destroy everything that was not under their control. The wizards were the greatest opponents they had to face. So they decided to first attack the wizards who lived among the stars.

The wizards had believed that they were given the powers by the God to protect the Universe. And they decided to fight against these aliens. There was a huge war between the aliens and wizards. Even though they had powerful weapons, still the aliens couldn’t defeat the wizards. The aliens realised that they could not over rule the wizards who had great powers. So they decided to cut off them from their power source. They killed all the other organisms on which the wizards depended for their powers.”

“Wizards depended on other organisms for power? How? I thought the wizards too got their powers from the stars. ” Anna was surprised to hear that the wizards had to depend on some other organism for their powers.

He replied, “All the wizards had powers when they were born. So yes they were born with it. This power was what they got from the stars. They were created like that. But they had them, the powers, only up to an age after which they became weak, became older faster and died faster. This was one of their weak points. Later they found a way to keep this power for longer time. One wizard among them found a potion which was made from the heart of a special type of creature which lived on their planet. The creatures were as big as them but not as powerful as them. The wizards had to take a drop of this potion to keep them strong for about a week. They never harmed these creatures or killed them unless they were completely out of potion. They always tried to maintain the balance of their nature very well.”

“Oh, I understand. So what happened to the wizards when those creatures were killed? How did they survive?” asked Anna.

Mr. Williams who was happy that she was really interested to listen to him continued, “It became really hard for them to survive. Many of them died very soon. Many were killed by the aliens when they became weak. One of the wizards decided to do something to prevent them from extinction. He travelled all around the universe with the potion he had left, to create something similar to it.”

Anna became really curious at this point and asked, “Did he find a power source?”

Mr. Williams smiled and replied, “Yes, He did.”

“And where was it?” she suddenly asked.

“Here, on earth!” he replied.

Anna now took a deep breath as if she wasn’t breathing for a while. “Oh, I am so relieved hearing they found it at last. We have a lot of variety of living beings on earth. They would be sufficient for them too. Am I right, Uncle?” she asked.

He continued now in a relaxed way, “Yes, They found a more powerful source for their power here on earth. With one heart they could now make potion for about hundred wizards for a week. And the heart was taken out using magical staff, that never left any marks or created any suspicion among humans, about the wizard’s arrival or existence on the earth. ”

“Oh, that was so clever. I am sure they can help with many cardiac operations. Hey, they won’t take human hearts, right?” she asked all of a sudden.

“I think you should stop asking me questions and start listening to me now.” Mr. Williams said this really fast in his loud voice and with an irritated face.

Anna realised that he was not feeling comfortable when she kept on asking questions. But she also started to have a feeling as though he was trying to hide something from her. But she decided to keep quiet and listen to him.

Mr. Williams who noticed a sudden silence continued, “After finding the source, the great wizard returned back to his planet. He found that many of his people had already died. He had even lost his beloved wife, son and some other close relatives. Some of them were killed by the aliens and some of them became weak even to have some food and died starving. Among the very few who survived, most were children who had power from their birth. With the help of some of his friends who survived he brought about hundreds of children from there to earth. He wanted to save all the children there, but he couldn’t. He couldn’t take the risk of going back once again because he was afraid that the aliens would find them and follow them. The aliens who thought that they killed all the wizards returned back to their planet with all the weapons they could collect from there. They are still in search of powerful living beings on various planets to hunt them down and establish their domination. The great wizard who survived created his own magical land in the Amazon forest which was the secret place he raised all the wizard kids. He created magical trees, which could show him the population strength of each living being on earth so that he could have a watch on the balance between the wizards and the power source. This was done, so that, they won’t go out of power source again. He always made sure to keep this land secretly.”

“Wow, I didn’t know there was such a big secret hidden in that dense forest.” said Mr. Reddy. “I should definitely go there someday.”

Anna looked at him and said, “Papa, didn’t you hear him. Please try not to disturb him while he is saying something.”

Mr. Williams smiled seeing her speaking like a grown up. “OK, I think that is it for today. Anna, my dear I think I will tell you about this later. Let me talk to your father for some time now. Go and get some rest. Goodnight.”

“But, I want to hear more about wizards.” she said. “I really want to.”

“I will tell you my child. Don’t worry.” he replied.

“Ok then, goodnight.” She didn’t seem to be very happy when she said this. But she realised it was already midnight and decided to go and sleep.

Mr. Reddy and Mr. Williams talked for a long time on that night. Anna who found it really difficult to sleep because of their sound asked them to talk softly. She reminded Mr. Williams to sleep early because they had a flight to catch next day morning.

HALF WIZARDS: THE ORIGIN

It was a pleasant morning of the month of March. Mr. Reddy and some of his friends had arrived at the airport when they left to Scotland. Anna and Mr. Reddy hugged each other and cried for a long time. Mr. Reddy gave his camera to her. They talked for some time. And soon there was an announcement about their flight.

Mr. Reddy told her, “Please don’t cry my little girl. Why should you? You are going to do something great. Have courage and be smart, like your mother. And don’t forget to send me some photos of every new experience you have there, so that I can sit here and see my little girl grow into a brave young woman. I think, it’s time for you to fly towards your destiny. To fly towards my dreams about what you will become tomorrow. Be brave and never give up until you pursue your dreams. And yes, don’t forget about those who are with you. You should try to help them to achieve their dreams too.”

Anna interrupted him and said, “Like you. You sacrificed a lot for me. You wanted to fulfil all my dreams. And now, I promise you that I will definitely try to do my best to grow up to your dreams.” Tears flowed out her eyes as she said this.

As Anna hugged him again and walked away, Mr. Williams held tightly on Reddy’s hand and said to him in a low voice, “I hope she will understand the meaning of what you said now soon. And realise there was something more than your dreams about this decision you took half heartedly.”

The plane took off without any delay when Anna once again said goodbye to her home nation. As soon as the plane became steady she asked Mr. Williams “So Uncle, are you a half wizard?”

Mr. William looked at her as he was surprised to hear her question. “Hey, what do you think? Do I look like one? What is your idea about a half wizard and why do you think they are called always a half wizard and not a wizard?”

“Yes you are right. Why half wizard? I wanted to ask you this yesterday. But then I thought you were not in a good mood. Anyway be it half or full wizard, it never matters. I am still trying to accept the fact that there are some super powers on this earth. I really can’t believe it. You see.” Anna replied without any delay.

Mr. William now laughed and replied, “I like your frankness and honesty. And I think it’s high time you know about this, as you are now going to be a part of one of the great University in the whole world.” Mr. Williams made him more comfortable in his seat and started to tell her the long story of the so called half wizards.

Anna now became really interested to know all about it that she kept everything that was with her aside and turned towards him.

Mr. Williams now looked around to see if someone was listening. Happy that he couldn’t find anyone interested in their conversation he started, “Cosmos is a university started by the Ministry of golden and grey powers comprising half wizards of both golden and grey type. The head of golden half wizards is Mr. James Aquila and head of grey half wizards is Stephan Aquarius.”

“What do you mean by Aquila and Aquarius? Are they their surnames?” Anna asked curiously.

“Yes, they are. All the wizards too wanted to have some identity to recognise each other by their family when they came to earth. This was how they decided to name their family. They all have their family named after a constellation.”

“Constellation! Really!” Anna was surprised.

“And not only that. Everyone has a different name other than their own name which will be the name of a star in the constellation. This was done based on the powers which each baby wizard had on birth. They are believed to have the power of the star after which they are named.” he continued.

Anna was now listening to him very carefully. And so Mr. Williams now started to tell her the history of Cosmos.

“Once upon a time, during the time of wizards, there lived a great wizard named Roger Perseus. He was the head of potion making. Those days, they weren’t called as half wizards. They were the complete wizards who had access to every powers, be it golden or grey. And these wizards were very powerful. They had a golden coloured staff with a grey blue globe at its head end which was the tool used to direct their powers. Their golden powers helped them in great defence and grey powers helped them to maintain their strength which was by making the potion of power.”

“So they had two types of powers?” Anna asked. “Wow”

He replied, “Yes my dear, there are two types of powers. The golden power helped wizards to fight back all evil powers which continuously disturb our galaxy. They could also travel from one place to another, could transform anything, can control anything and in short golden power is very powerful and the wizards who were good at using it can survive any hard situations. But not everyone can do all the magic with golden powers as it takes years of meditation and concentration to do every magic to its perfection. The golden staff helped wizards to bring this perfection. But since it takes long time and no one survives that long, nobody till date had access to complete golden powers.”

“So are you saying that the wizards won’t be able to learn all their magic spells during their lifetime?” Anna asked.

Mr. William was a bit angry now, “The golden powers are not learned or taught. It is within all wizards and when they tell what they want to do, clear and aloud, holding their magical staff it is heard by others in the magical language which only a wizard can understand. This is the language of the nature. Even the trees, birds and animals understand it.”

“Sorry uncle, I didn’t mean to make you angry.” Anna apologised. “I am really sorry.”

“Fine.” he continued “So where were we? l was telling you about the golden powers, right? I will now tell you about the grey powers. The grey power is really different from golden powers. It’s the power residing within the senses of wizards. The wizards have inherited extra senses. They see, smell and listen what humans can’t. Those good at grey powers will sense and find the potion’s quality. They are the only ones who can prepare the potions perfectly. The grey blue globe at the end of their staff was helping wizards to improve their senses and to make use of other grey powers like talking with the dead, seeing the future and many more. It may even take months to prepare one potion. Potions can only be made with great expertise which is acquired by attaining the grey powers, which is by continuous trial and error. Only if, the senses are trained and used properly it will become sharp enough to understand even smallest mistake in potion preparation. Even a tiny mistake while making potion can endanger a wizard’s life. So those who prepare such potions usually concentrate on their grey powers.”

“So, what was that creature the wizards found on earth, the heart of which was used to make potion. It must be a really strong creature if its heart could strengthen the wizards.” Anna asked.

“I don’t know if I should answer that. But I know you will be pestering me if I don’t tell it to you now.” he replied as if he was confused whether he could say it.

“Please…..” Anna pleaded.”Please uncle”

“Ok, since you leave me no choice. I will tell you. Errr... It is really not a good thing you are going to hear now. But it is just the truth and nothing more. You should take it in a good sense and not think bad about wizards.”

“No, I promise. I know they are doing it for the good of all living beings.” Anna told instantly.

“The potion of power is made of human heart. Yes you heard me right.” he continued seeing the surprised look of Anna. “Human heart which can generate impulses on its own will boost the powers of wizards. There are other ingredients too, like the horn of one horned rhino, the fur of wild cat and so on.” Anna was now a little afraid hearing all this. He continued, “You don’t have to be afraid. No one would hurt you since all human students of Cosmos are now under special protection of Ministry. And the wizards, they never hurt innocent human beings. They usually target the people who commit great mistakes, like the ones who murder without guilt. So, in a way we are not actually a huge terror to humans except of some wizards who used to hunt down humans for pleasure or for revenge. We can’t do anything about it. The higher authority will punish them for maximum a year. This is because killing a human is not a big sin according to the wizard’s law. They can kill for the survival of their powers. And once a human is killed, the heart is handed over to the wizards who are good in their grey powers. There is actually a group of wizards, good at their grey powers who are assigned for the potion preparation. At those times, this was headed by Roger Perseus, the greatest wizard of potion making ever known.”

“Roger Perseus! Is he the head of Ministry too?” asked Anna surprised to hear this name again.

Mr. Williams smiled at her and said, “No, it is not the power which decides the position. The Ministry is always headed by the elder members of the families of Aquarius and Aquila whose ancestors had framed the laws of wizards. Roger Perseus was well known because he marked the beginning of half wizards from the real wizards.”

“What did he do to make such a difference and by the way, what is the difference actually?” Anna kept on asking questions.

“My child, I am really surprised at your curiosity. But no doubt, I have seen this before in your parents.” he sighed.

“Are you talking about my father, Uncle? I haven’t seen him curious about anything. He is really cool and calm and usually not bothered about anything which is not related to him.” Anna replied.

“That might be because you have not understood your father so well.” He quickly stopped when he saw Anna looking at him as if she did not like the statement. He then continued very soon, “Roger Perseus, was very good at his grey skills that even the Ministry bought potions from him. He was a really happy man until his son decided to join him. Felix Perseus, his son was also good at his grey powers like his father which he developed with great effort. But his father never used to admit the fact that his son was really better than him. He believed that his son was good in his powers all because of his abilities. He could not give up his great position to his son even after the higher authorities mentioned about it. He was not ready to accept the fact that someone else is better than him even if it was his own son. His son continuously tried to prove himself by creating many new potions, but at the end his father would take away all the credit by forcing him to say that his father was the master brain behind each new potion Felix made with his single effort. He finally decided to make something which his father wouldn’t dare enough to prepare. This was the potions of the prohibited book. This was the book which was highly protected by Roger himself, as he was the head of potion making. It was his duty to protect the book as it had all the great secrets of potion making. This was an old book which was written by a great wizard of olden days and it was based on his experiments on animals and never on humans. Some potions were even without any real completed experimental outcomes which were merely his calculations. Using such potions was strictly prohibited as none knew about what their side effects were. No one, even Roger himself tried to open that book. He kept it safely in his library so nobody might find and misuse it. But he never realised his son Felix had his eye on that. One day the Ministry asked Roger to make a potion which he was not able to make. And so he wanted the help of Felix to make it. Felix took this as an opportunity and asked his father for the prohibited book. But his father was very angry hearing this. He said he would never allow him to even touch it. But later after all his efforts to make that potion failed, he had to accept his son’s demand. He allowed him to see that book once. But when Roger went to the library, Felix followed him and found the secret location of the book without the knowledge of his father. He then prepared the potion, his father had asked him to make. And when his father was away one-day, he sneaked inside the library and stole the book from there. He went away far and stayed in a forest. He opened the book and read it. And finally his eyes were stuck on a single potion, ‘The potion of immortality’!”

THE POTION OF IMMORTALITY

Anna’s eyes were opened wide when she heard this. “Immortality, Really! That is really awesome, right? So you will have enough time to learn all the magic.” Anna really liked the idea. She started to think about everything a wizard can do if he could master both type of powers, the golden and grey type to its fullest. She thought it would be really cool to have more powers than others.

But Mr. Williams explained, “Immortality, the idea is really great, but a great danger is hidden with it.”

“What is wrong in having more powers?” asked Anna.

“Immortality will disturb the whole balance of the nature. If there is birth, there must be death too. It is the nature’s law. Felix wanted to break this rule by making the potion of immortality. The potion was made with the living heart of a wizard and this was the secret of the long life.”

“What is so special about the heart of wizards? They also survive just as long as a human being survives. Isn’t it?” she asked.

“The biggest difference was that the wizards had two hearts, not one.” He noticed the beautiful eyes of Anna which was wide open again when he said that. He then continued, “Yes, wizards have two hearts. One smaller one attached to another. This was something different from human physiology. They had to have extra blood supply when their powers increased. This was because even their big one heart was very weak to support the two different powers of wizards. Two hearts were therefore given to them by the nature to support the two different types of powers they had. But both these hearts worked simultaneously such that when one stops automatically other one stops too. But when used in a potion they are more powerful than even hundred human hearts. And so, when one day, a wizard was found without heart, this brought great suspicion among wizards itself. And this news spread very fast among the wizards even before the potion making of Felix was complete. The secret recipe of potion of immortality was now spread among all wizards and after this, every wizards life became in great danger. But it was a relief that only one wizard was killed before this news reached the ministry and the ministry took action. And the murderer was Felix, son of Roger Perseus because only he had reached the final step of potion making where the wizard heart was to be used. Felix killed Mr. Connor cancer, a great golden wizard who was one among the protectors of Amazon forest which was the centre of all life.”

“Amazon! ‘The centre of life’. Are you speaking about the wildlife?” asked Anna.

“No my dear, there are deeper regions not explored by human beings where the ‘Woods of life’ exist. To be exact, these are the trees planted by the great wizard to maintain the balance of all living beings on earth. As I have told you earlier, this was created by him long back when he came to earth to find a shelter. It was like a small mountain separated from others surrounding it. There is a water body, a lake surrounding it. It was called ‘The Valley of Death’ around the ‘Woods of life’, which can only be crossed by the wizards or with the help of a wizard because the bridges to the Woods are invisible and the only way to there. It can only be seen by the wizards. The valley is very dangerous and deadly, and this was the reason why it was called the ‘Valley of Death’. Thus Woods are well guarded by the nature and in addition by the wizards. The Woods were thick at the periphery and the centre was filled with apple trees all red and shiny except one at the middle. All the trees signified a growing community of people and each red apple stood for the life of a human. The trees could move around whenever needed. There was one apple on a single branch. When a man marries a woman the branches of their apple comes closer and bond each other. Every new relationship becomes a new bond arising from the same branch. And only when the woman gives birth to a live baby, the bond is complete, and a new branch, with a new apple, grows from it. And this is the reason why it is said that a family is incomplete without a child. And when a human dies the apple falls down, decay and nourish the trees.”

“The trees must be very large by now. The population is growing day by day.” Anna exclaimed.

“Yes, they are really large, larger than anything you can expect. But it never keeps on growing. After the end of a generation in a community or family the tree pulls itself inwards leaving only the existing generations. So there is always a limit for its growth. If the trees and branches that must be bonded are too far, they can even give out their branches underground and grow as a new tree on the surface. There was a tree of life for the wizards too, with green glowing apples. The rest of the story is same for wizards. It is same even when a wizard marries a human but this generally won’t occur as the children born in such a way are very week humans easily targeted by the wizards to prepare potion of power. So such relationships are not encouraged. There is a logical explanation for this. See, if the father of the child is the wizard it is really hard for the mother to meet the needs of baby, during pregnancy time especially, the extra nutrient requirement of the baby. And finally baby is born very weak and without any powers. And if the mother is the wizard, the baby finds it difficult to survive within the mother. This is because of her extra needs, compared to baby who is having a weak humanly part residing within it which is less competent and so is again born without any powers and very weak. So in both case child is very weak and easily targeted by grey wizards since they thought weak wizard kids were an undesirable life form on earth. They have only a single heart always because the human traits are dominant as it is more naturally selected on earth. It was used to prepare potion of power. So the wizards married among themselves regardless of which power they possessed more until the wizards were split into two groups, the half wizards as they are called now. This split came when the higher authority decided to divide the power among the wizards.”

“How can someone divide the powers?” Anna was surprised. “How is this possible?”

Mr. Williams replied, “Splitting power is not something easily done. And this was the reason why this incident which occurred hundreds of years ago became such an important part of the history. All the wizards came together at the ‘Woods of life’. All the great wizards gathered to do a special ritual ceremony where the prohibited book was once again used. The prohibited book contained the solution for problems it creates. And yes, the problem here was, ‘The Potion of Immortality’. So this time the only solution to revert back the situation was to divide the powers among them so there was no further need for two hearts in a wizard. And so, all the wizards gathered from all around the world. Felix was caught by now by the higher authority and the potion he made was found. The potion he made was incomplete because it needed one last ingredient. No one until this day knows what it is. It is still kept a secret and no one except head of Ministry knows about it. So no one tried to steal the potion because even if someone gets it, there is no use without knowing which that single ingredient might be as there were many ingredients used in its preparation and that too very randomly according to the availability. There wasn’t much potion to do a trial and error too. The incomplete potion was destroyed except one vial of it which is still stored secretly because it is the symbol of sacrifice of a great wizard.

The ritual could only be completed by making a potion of the prohibited book which was mentioned as it’s antidote but no one knew what its outcome would be. The potion was made by just three ingredients and they were: thousand leaves from the green apple tree, water from the Valley of death, and half the heart of a wizard. Felix, who was accused as the cause for all the trouble and found guilty, was sacrificed at the ceremony and half his heart was taken for making the potion. His father who was the head of potion making was very angry with the higher authority for doing this. The Ministry feared Roger because they knew he was very powerful. His golden staff was taken away and he was tied up and kept inside a metal cage until the ceremony was over. He screamed aloud when his son was beheaded just in front of his eyes. But not a drop of tear flowed from his eyes. He bit his teeth and clench his fist tightly and simply stared at his son’s dead body.

All wizards gathered there were about ten thousand of them in total. After preparing the antidote potion, all the wizards alive were asked to take it one sip. Those who were not doing this was said to be dead by the end of ceremony. Roger refused to take the potion created by his son’s blood. He sacrificed his life. He cursed all the wizards before he died. ‘This is not the end. We will return for the revenge’, these were his last words.

After the ritual was completed the tree separated by splitting itself into two , one tree with golden yellow apples corresponding to those who had the golden powers and the other with grey blue apples symbolising the ones with the grey powers, and this was how the two different powers were named. The wizards were split into two groups. The staff became powerless. The ones who were good at their golden powers became better in that and turned into a golden wizard. The golden tree gifted each golden half wizard with a golden wand when they grew strong enough to use their powers. The wand grew out of the branch on which the golden apple that represented them was present. And the same with those who were good at grey powers. They became the grey wizards as they are seen now. The grey blue tree gave them a grey blue globe which grew out like a flower bud on the branch which had the apple which represented them on the tree. No one can realise which apple represent them on the tree. Because it is a really huge tree with lot of branches, a lot actually twisted and turned. But the tree can recognise each half wizard and gift them with the wand or globe, whichever belongs to them when they go close to it. But yes, only if they are ready for it. Most of them received these during their teen ages, while some even have to wait longer for this, if they are not ready for it according to the tree. But no one further had two hearts and so they were hence forth called the half wizards. They now had a larger heart than earlier that made them better in their abilities. One side effect of this was that their lung size was compromised for the heart and so all half wizards feared of higher altitudes because it was difficult for them to survive there with their reduced lung capacity. One another side effect was that now even half wizards were hunted down for ‘Potion of Power’, as they too had a single heart like humans.”

“So, is that why you are carrying an oxygen mask and mini cylinder? Are you afraid of heights?” Anna asked him because she had earlier noted the mask and oxygen cylinder which he refused to put with the luggage when they boarded the plane.

“So, you noticed it, right? We half wizards usually avoid plane travels. We travel by some spells or some potions specially made for it and so I didn’t had much idea about this. So I thought I might take some precautions. But I think there isn’t much difficulty except the trouble while taking off.”

Anna suddenly thought about something and asked him, “So, if you are named William Cygnus that means you must be belonging to the constellation Cygnus. Am I right? And which is the star you are known by?”

“Me? I am known by the name of brightest star of the constellation, the ‘Deneb’.” He said proudly. All the passengers were in deep sleep by now. So he asked her to sleep as she had to wake up early morning which was when they had their landing.

Anna slept dreaming about the new experience she was going to have. She was really feeling sleepy that she fall asleep very fast but soon she got up having a dream about a stranger talking to her. He was wearing a black robe and a dark blue mask. He was standing in the middle of a dark room with a candle in his hands. The light of which made a grey black spherical stoned silver ring to shine brightly on his finger. There was a symbol of human skull imprinted on both side of the stone. He talked to her in a very powerful voice, “I was waiting for you. And finally, you are coming. It will happen again. It will happen again. It is happening again. Ha hahahah...............” he laughed aloud which made her to wake up from her sleep with a scream.

Anna told Mr. William who was already awake hearing her sound, “I am having bad dreams. Has that anything to do with me going to the University. I am really afraid. Should I go back?”

Mr. William replied, “Don’t worry. That is because you heard many things which are very strange to you today. And you are staying away from your father for the first time, right? Just close your eyes and pray. Everything will be alright.”

COSMOS: A LITTLE WORLD WITHIN THE WALLS

The next day morning they reached Scotland and their plane landed very safely in the airport. Anna got out of the plane with Mr. William to a totally different place. She could see some Scott people in their traditional dress there in the airport who was standing there to welcome some VIP guest who was expected to arrive in that flight. But what surprised her more was that Scott men had really strange outfit as their traditional dress. She liked the kilts they had worn and even wanted to purchase one like that very soon. They had to take a taxi, to reach the University that was about a hundred kilometres away from the airport.

“Uncle, why can’t you use your magic to reach the University? I hope you are good at your spells.” Anna asked.

“Of course, I am good at my powers but since this is the first time you know about all this, I thought we would better travel safely. Powers must not be used unnecessarily, just like potions. Even if a small mistake in speaking our mind out loud occur, you may even lose a life or end up in a really different dimension of the universe. So, never use spells unless necessary.” He told her.

“Why are you telling this to me? I have nothing to do with the spells. I am a human.” Anna replied.

He suddenly told her, “I am sorry. I just wanted you to know about this.” By this time the cab driver had shifted their luggage from port to the cab.

“Sir, shall we move.” The cab driver asked.

“Yes, to the Cosmos University, please.” said Mr. Williams.

Anna was thinking about her childhood all the way to Cosmos. There was a cool breeze which made her fly into a dream. She was soon asleep and started to dream about her father. The way her father cared for her when others teased her about her parents who were married from two different cultures, and two different countries. It was her father who taught her to be proud of being so. She also dreamed about what her father told her before she left India. Her father hugged her and said, “Betta, the place you are going may not be very safe. I want you to follow all the instructions of the college. Don’t go anywhere alone. You may get lost. I want you to be very courageous in every situation. Your parents are always there for you. Be careful my dear.”

Anna soon got up from her sleep when she heard the huge sound of a thunder. Few raindrops gently fall on her cheeks as she looked out through the window. Mr. Williams pointed his finger to a huge wall and said aloud, “Cosmos, right behind those giant walls.”

Soon after he said that Anna peeped out of the window to see it. But soon it started to rain heavily. Anna had to put her head back into the cab and close the window. ‘Why does it look like a huge prison with tall walls and only one gate to go in and out? As though, someone always tried to escape from here. Or, Is there something really strange going on in here?’ she started to have wild thoughts. There was a huge thunder when the car crossed the gate of Cosmos.

Anna asked “Why is it raining all of a sudden?” for which Mr. William did not give a reply.

He just looked outside as they crossed the gate to the main University building, where he could see many students. He could barely recognise a very few of them even though he was a professor at Cosmos for the past eight years. The students were running towards the University building, as they were getting wet from the rain that appeared all of a sudden. It seems like no one had an umbrella with them as it was not the season. He now thought about an incident during his childhood where he had asked his father the same question that Anna asked him just then, and for which his father replied, “It always rained in Cosmos when something great was going to happen, be it good or bad.” They soon reached the entrance of the college.

Anna realised there was something special and peculiar about the way buildings were built. So she looked around to get an overall outline of the University infrastructure, while the cab driver unloaded her luggage. She walked around the main University building, a whole circle exactly, before finally she confirmed that the building was cylindrical in shape with multiple stories one over the other. The campus was a group of huge buildings, three of them around one huge one, all cylindrical in shape when looked from far. They were about ten metres apart, connected with the main building by a bridge. The buildings were really huge with a wide circular open space in the centre. They were made with huge stones with lot of carvings. All the 3 buildings were placed at equal distances such that it was forming an equilateral triangle around the main building which was placed at the centre of them. The centre building was really the biggest and was like the sun of the galaxy, with all the buildings around it like planets around it. The bridges that connected the central building with the other building were like the rays of the sun, all at the same level and looking alike. All the three buildings around were separated from each other and from the main building by walls between them, each which had a single gate that connected it with the main building alone. The bridges were running over these walls each guarded by security guards. Later she realised that two of the buildings around the main building, which exactly looked the same were hostels for boys and girls separately and the one left was the library building with a lot of shops and general stores around it. The only way to travel from each hostel to library was through the main building. And so there was students always walking around the main building even at midnight. There were small restaurants, medical stores and even a bank in the campus. A really strange little world enclosed inside a giant wall.

The University main building was indeed very big and Anna now understood why her father wanted her to study there. The pillars were very huge and the walls were full of paintings of some great wizards. She looked into a classroom as she walked towards the principal’s office. She saw a professor who was standing and giving lecture to the students. ‘Why are there no black boards in the classroom? How will they teach without it? May be, they just read through the lessons and asked students to refer. But still? Why, No blackboards? Oh God, the classes would be really boring.’ She thought to herself.

It was when she passed in front of the next class room, had she got all her worries about the black board cleared. ‘The walls, they are magical!’ she was surprised. She saw a whole forest on the walls of the class room, where the teacher was talking about the forests. The wall then showed a large crocodile when she talked about the crocodiles of the forest valleys. In the next classroom she saw the whole Universe and the thousands of stars from different constellations in the roof and walls. Anna was really very excited seeing all this.

They soon reached the office room. Mr. William introduced Anna to the School Principal, Mr. Thomas Aquarius, who was well known for his expertise in the use of grey powers. He welcomed Anna to the University and told her that her new friends both half wizards and humans will be reaching the University very soon and the classes will be starting the very next day. He then asked his assistant a short lean man, to take her to her room and told her to take rest.

As she left the room, Mr. Thomas said to Mr. Williams, “It is raining such heavily after quite a long time now. I have a feeling that we have done something wrong by allowing human students in the University. Don’t you think so?”

“No it is just your feeling. Nothing bad will take place unless I am dead. It is just a usual rain. You don’t have to worry about It.” replied Mr. Williams.

THE PROPHESY

Anna was taken to her room with her luggage. She could see the whole hostel and its premises when she walked over the bridge, to the first floor of the hostel. She could see that the entrance was well guarded by security guards, who were about seven feet tall.

One of them, who saw her, said to the one beside him, “New student, I guess. Hope it is not the human kid.” Anna who heard this felt uncomfortable. So she just ignored it and walked forward in quick steps.

She had to walk all the way down the stairs, since her room was in the ground floor. She saw a lot of students on her way and all of them were very busy reading something. It seemed like they were going to have their exams soon. But it was later she noticed that they all were busy reading the University magazine which published all the important news of Cosmos.

She soon reached her room that was very close to the staircase. It was a very spacious room for a person. She thanked the man who had carried her luggage for her. He just walked away without even looking at her. ‘Why is he rude to me? Doesn’t he know that, it is not fair to behave to new students like this? Anyway it doesn’t matter.’ She thought.

She walked up to the window and looked out of it. She could see the really wide campus very well from there. There were many students walking around the University. She took a picture of this view in her camera, the same one which Mr. Reddy used. She felt really happy and excited that she started to dance around in the room as she was all alone in there. She then went close to a small wooden table in the corner of the room. It seemed as though no one used that table for a long time. It was dusty and even had some spider webs inside the draws. Anna just sat down on the floor to have a better look on the carvings on it. She assumed it was a really old table as she had rarely seen such carvings done in that century. She pulled the table to have a closer look. But suddenly a spider jumped out of one of the drawers and Anna just got up with a scream.

She then slowly walked towards one of the cupboards and opened it. There was a set of books in it. She went through some of them. All were having really informative and interesting topics, as she went through each page. There were also books about various things used by the wizards to improve the powers they possessed. She now saw the emblem of Cosmos on one of the books. She had seen it before at the entrance of the university. But she felt something really strange seeing it now. The emblem was in the shape of a fidget spinner inside an outer circle. It was now she recognised this was the exact shape in which the buildings were built in the campus. ‘The exact aerial view of the whole campus would somewhat look like this.’ she thought.

She then arranged her room, cleaned it, arranged her books and spread her bed. She lied down on her bed for some time, listening to some of her favourite songs. She really loved to listen to music. She slowly dozed off since she was too tired after all the travel. She couldn’t sleep properly in the flight the previous day.

She thought it might be dark when she got up. But it was still evening and she realised how hard it was for the time to pass when you are waiting for the next day. She started reading a novel which her friend had gifted her. And then ate some snacks her father had packed in her bag, as she was really hungry. She was too afraid to step out of her room, as she didn’t know anyone there.

It was about half past nine in the clock when she heard some loud voices from outside the room. She could now hear the voices of some students talking outside her room. She suddenly heard someone knocking at her door. “Hello, can you open the door. I have been waiting outside my room for such a long time. Why are you not opening this door? Come out. You didn’t had your dinner yet.” there was voice of a girl from outside which could only be heard very faintly.

Anna looked around, not knowing what she should do. ‘Why is this girl asking me to open the door? Can’t she just leave me alone? I am hungry and stuck inside my room alone, not even able to go out and have my dinner. Hey, Am I over thinking? Should I open the door? No. What if she is one of them? I should find the other four human students soon. Or else, I may starve to death.’ She thought to herself. A little fear had crept in her mind after listening to the story of wizards. She turned off the light and silently walked towards the door like a thief.

When she was about to open the door to check if that girl had left, she heard the same voice again, “OK then. Goodnight. See you tomorrow. By the way I am here, I mean in the room next to you, just in case you want something. Goodnight. Bye.” Anna had already crawled back under her blanket by then. She felt it really difficult to sleep that night with her empty stomach.

The sunrays slowly crept inside her room through the windows. The very first day of her college life and Anna was still sleeping. She was half asleep when she heard someone knocking the door. She said aloud “Stop it, Paappa, Mei aathi hoom.”

Someone replied from outside “What?”

Suddenly Anna opened her eyes and jumped out of her bed to open the door. It was Mr. Williams.

“Good morning.” he said.

“Good morning, Uncle.” she replied with her cute smile.

“Heard you didn’t show up for the class meeting yesterday? What happened? Were you not feeling well?” he asked.

“There was a meeting, yesterday? I never knew about it.” Anna was surprised. ‘Oh, Anna! What were you doing yesterday? Not even aware of a meeting that took place. How stupid!’ she thought to herself.

“Don’t worry. They were giving some instructions that you have to follow while you are here. I will explain it to you if you could just meet me in the evening.” he said.

“Sure, Thank you Uncle.” she felt happy that there was someone who could help her.

“Just hurry up and get ready. Don’t be late for your first class. And yes don’t forget to have your breakfast.” he said with a smile and left. ‘Does he know that I didn’t have my food yesterday? But how?’ she thought.

Anna got ready immediately and hurried to her class. As soon as she reached the class, she saw a girl about her age smiling at her. The smile made her feel comfortable to talk to her. So she smiled back and said, “Hi, I am Anna Reddy.”

“Good morning, so you are the one from India, right .The one among the lucky five.” she asked.

Anna wished her back and asked, “How do you know me and where are you from?”

She asked Anna to take a seat beside her before introducing herself. “I am Lora Smith. I am from Ireland. You don’t have to worry. I am a human. I know this is really weird to introduce me like this. But yes, I am one among you. I mean I don’t have super powers. I am a normal, simple human. There are other two more. Daniel Duncan. He is an American I guess and Liam brown, from South Africa.”

“But I heard there were five of us selected?” Anna asked.

“Yes, there were five of us selected, but one had backed out after admission. I think someone frightened him telling the stories of wizards.” she laughed and replied.

“But I don’t think there is any need to fear being here. I heard that the University will be protecting us from the wizards. I am sure they won’t harm us.”Anna tried to pretend that she was not afraid of anything.

“Are you serious? Am I talking to the same girl I spoke with yesterday. I called you a hundred times and you were not responding even with a little sound. I was afraid if you were alive or not. You didn’t come out for the meeting. I thought you would come out when it was time for dinner. I waited for a long time, outside my room. I had no choice, because you were the only human girl in the whole hostel. But then you just turned off the light and slept.” Lora noticed Anna who was standing there silently without any response and continued now in a slightly softer voice, “It was only today morning, when I met Professor Williams, he told me you were staying away from home for the first time. He told me you were really home sick. Don’t worry. I can help you with it. I mean I was in a boarding school from the age of twelve.”

“So, it was you whom I talked with. I am really sorry about last night.” Anna replied.

Lora continued, “Anyway, I was going to tell you something else. Wasn’t I?” she thought for a moment and said, “Ah, yes. I was not talking about the half wizards who harm humans or anything about our safety when I told you why a student quitted. I know the University will protect us. I was telling about the war between the half wizards because of a wizard. There is going to be a war between the two groups of half wizards.”

“What are you saying about? Are we going to have a war, soon?” Anna asked.

“You have not heard of the prophecy?”Lora was surprised that Anna didn’t know about it.

“No” Anna replied. “What is it?”

“The day his son was killed, Roger Perseus was really angry and gave a curse to the wizards-‘The story of the father and son will repeat. The son will do his revenge to the green. The golden, who will become the ray of hope for humans and the grey whose shadows will be feared by humans will fight for the green, who will mark the rebirth of an era. There will be war which can only be prevented by the blood of green, which will reunite the trees of life.’ It was believed that the prophecy will come true when a green apple appears which would only happen when a golden and grey half wizard have a child. Even though the Ministry took lot of precautions to prevent this from happening, despite all their efforts, a green apple was formed. After the green apple grew on the tree, many golden half wizards were killed by the grey powers thinking they were the wizard represented by the green apple. But when their hearts were taken, it was noticed that they all had just a single heart. The double hearted is still out there, in some place not found by the half wizards even after their strenuous efforts. The golden half wizards initially warned the grey half wizards but when they still continued with their unlawful activities the golden wizards also started to fight back and there was a lot of murder. Such incidents are even taking place now. The Cosmos and Ministry office are now the only places where the both groups work together. Otherwise, they are enemies trying to kill each other. But the real war is yet to come!”

“So, in short, the war has already begun!”Anna told in a low voice.

As she was saying this their class teacher, Professor Olivia Andromeda came to the class. She was taking geography class for them. She wished them, “Good morning students! Hearty welcome to Cosmos. I am Professor Olivia! What is your name young man?” she turned towards a boy who was sitting in the front row.

“Me? Oh I am Daniel. Daniel Duncan.” He stood up and replied.

“He is a human. One among the five.” there were voices from all around.

“Shhh, everyone keep quite.” Professor Olivia turned towards him again and continued, “Hello, Daniel. Please sit down.”

“Thank you, Madam.” He replied.

Professor Olivia even though, had prepared to talk a lot, suddenly felt so uneasy and started with her topic, “I will start with our first topic. Today I will be talking to you about the various continents and its peculiar features.” Everyone listened to the class with great interest in the beginning. But some had even started to doze off towards the end.

The next hour was by Professor Sophia Sagittarius. Her subject was ‘Locus’. She took class on space and all celestial bodies. One swing of her wand filled the walls of the classroom with magic. Anna could see many planets and other celestial bodies revolving around her for a moment. Students who were asleep, once again became active.

“Wow! This is far so advanced than any digital technology. See how real it feels like. This is really great!” said one student.

Suddenly Daniel stood up and asked to Professor Sophia, “Can I know which star you are known by? You are really so brilliant. I think you are known by the name of the brightest star of the universe.”

“Thank you for the compliment my child. You are really a nice boy.” She replied.

“What? Why did he even say this now? Why is he acting weird?” Lora asked Anna.

“But he is really handsome!” Anna replied.

“Seriously? Are you blind or what? How can you even say this? There are many boys who are more beautiful.”Lora was surprised.

“But none of them are humans, right?” asked Anna very seriously.

Lora just started to laugh aloud when she heard this. The whole class became silent for a moment and stared at Lora. Lora felt really uneasy. The chair made a dragging sound as Lora pushed it back and got up. “Sorry” she said and sat back on it.

Professor Sophia just stared at her, maybe she thought Lora was making fun of her. Lora became a regular target for all tough questions Sophia had in the following classes.

Following class was ‘Viventum organismo’, the study of all living beings, and was taken by Alexander Corvus. Every girl in the class was just attentive in his class, not because his class was so interesting but because he was really handsome except for his long nose.

Anna listened to all the classes very carefully and took down the notes. Everything seemed so tough and difficult to understand during the initial few weeks. She felt like there was so much taught those days, more than what was mentioned in their syllabus.

’Why are they rushing too much? There are five long years here. Why do they have to teach us so much, these days? Anyway, why should I bother about this? At least I can see Daniel daily.” She used to think whenever she felt disappointed.

No one in the class liked Daniel, except Anna. Daniel was a really strict guy in the class. He never talked to anyone except to Liam the other human student and their professors. He always kept distance from every one so that no one would disturb him in his studies. But poor Anna, she liked him so much, even after knowing all this. For her, she thought Daniel was far better than Liam who always created problems for others. She even tried to talk to him once or twice, but Daniel just ignored her because he never liked students whom he thought was really brilliant than him.

Anna was very smart in the class and answered all the questions teachers asked. There were a lot of exams conducted and there was so much to study, that many students just stopped going to daily classes.

It was during those days Anna secretly saw some of them doing some magic while they were in the hostel. The first year students were not allowed to use any spells or make any potions, in the university and premises. But some of them secretly did use their powers for which they were strictly punished. Anna became more curious to know about them each time she sighted a magic trick performed by them. The reading habit that slowly grew in her even helped her in her academics that many professors were even surprised how she could know so much in so little time.

Anna became really interested in books, that she started to spend some time with the books in the library. Lora who was really bored sitting alone in her room, too accompanied Anna for few days.

Anna read more about the wizards from their books. While Lora, just sat there and read magazines. There weren’t many students visiting the library except during the time of exams. After the first two months, Lora stopped going to library, she started to feel bored there too. But Anna continued to go there. She was always interested to know more about anything she heard.

Lora was a girl who had great knowledge about everything and could recollect any information just by hearing it once. Even though she was very clever, she was also very lazy. She never believed in writing exams to prove someone that you know about something. But she liked Anna very much. She was a very supportive and caring friend for her. She knew how much effort Anna was taking, and so felt really happy in her achievements.

Lora was really smart and beautiful that many boys in the campus were behind her. But she just played with them and made them do funny things until they got fed up of her and went away. She was really lazy even to get committed because she believed that being committed brings lot of responsibilities which she never liked. She was waiting for the right person for whom she could take up such responsibilities without regrets.

Even though, from two different cultures and with extremely different characters, Lora and Anna became great friends in a short time. They really had a lot to study and prepare for each class. But everything became easier as they helped each other. They became very close to each other really soon. Both had influence on each other’s life. Anna became smarter and Lora became more disciplined.

Anna became favourite student of their teachers in very few days. She scored high marks in class tests and quizzes that she even started to be recognised by other students of campus. She respected all her teachers and seniors. Everyone was surprised seeing her great knowledge about the world. Other students of her class started to feel jealous of her. But Anna continued her excellent performance.

NEW FRIENDS AT COSMOS

Anna was really happy with all her new experiences in Cosmos. She was happy about everything except the fact that she had no friends other than Lora in the whole University. It was always the little fear inside her that prevented her from going near other students or talking to them. She always felt uncomfortable when she heard someone talking behind her.

Everyone seemed to be busy with their own life that she could barely see someone smiling at her. But she always smiled at everyone whether she knew them or not.

Every week ends were really exciting at Cosmos. This was when the students of Cosmos were assembled together in the large ground at the centre of the main building to train them in their magic skills. Professor Alexander Corvus was in charge of this session where every half wizard students should perform some magic with the power they had. Each student had to perform something new each week that forced each of them to keep working on their concentration and other skills.

The first year students were exempted from this. Everyone thought that this was because they were new to the University and they had already a lot of workload given by their teachers. The first year students were really excited about when they could go there and do some magic in front of others. Some students had even started preparing for it because they knew it would take a long time to bring perfection in using their powers. And yes, they also knew Professor Alexander always wanted perfection be it in an answer sheet or in magic skills.

The human students were completely forbidden from going to University main building during this time. They were told that this law was made for their protection. But Anna and Lora always used to sneak out through their windows and go there to watch this. They had to be very careful while going there because they knew that the guards would take them directly to the principal if they get caught. They were really lucky that this never happened for a long time.

Anna had a habit of capturing whatever she liked in her camera. This habit was from her father. He had told her before she left, “Each day in your life is special. You must capture every happy occasions of your life in this camera just like I used to do. Take it with you wherever you go so you will never forget the path you have travelled. And if someday, you feel lonely and sad, this will help you to get over it and once again you can feel happy and loved.” She added every new events of her life to her album.

And one day, she decided to take her camera with her when she went to see the training session for half wizards. She just wanted one picture which she could send to her father. But unfortunately, the guards who were on duty saw them trying to take photos. Anna and Lora who were standing in the first floor ran through the bridge to the hostel. They soon got inside the first room they saw and locked the door. It was when they turned around they noticed there was a boy inside the room sleeping on the bed.

The boy was one of their senior, Ethan Aquila who was a tall handsome boy of Cosmos. He was a little celebrity in the campus because he was the one expected to be the head of Golden wizards after his grandfather James Aquila since his father had already died. There were a lot of girls always behind him that he often used to skip classes. And there were even situations when he had to cover his face and run back to his hostel room or to library to escape from them. He thus always preferred a self study instead of going for classes. He had just come to that room, escaping from a group of girls who were behind him and was taking some rest. It was now Lora and Anna entered this room.

“AAAAA” Anna and Lora screamed.

Suddenly the boy got up and screamed too, “AAAAhhh”.

Lora now looked at the table close by. There was just a small camera and a big book on it. She took the big book, raised it up as if she would throw it at him. She then asked, “Why are you here? Go out or I will throw this at you.”

Ethan was looking around as if he was really confused.

“Do you think this is a good weapon? He doesn’t even seem to be listening to you.” Anna who was standing behind Lora asked her in ears.

“Keep quite. Let me try to grab something much larger.” said Lora in a low voice back to Anna.

“Why are you here? Did you lose your way back? This is my room.” Ethan said.

“Your room? No, this is my room. Can’t you see...” Lora suddenly stopped when she saw that she had come to the wrong place. She slowly turned back to Anna and said, “I think we have come to the wrong room.”

“I think we have come to the wrong hostel.” said Anna who saw more boys through the window. They had actually run into the boy’s hostel. Since both looked so identical they couldn’t recognise it while they were in a rush to escape from the security.

“Escape.” shouted Lora and ran out.

“Sorry.” Anna said to Ethan who just smiled at her. She then ran behind Lora.

They somehow managed to reach back to their hostel escaping the sight of the guards who were looking around for them.

Don’t know if it was a really bad time for them, the guards became more alert after this incident. But Anna and Lora always had a narrow escape. And one day Lora was badly injured while trying to escape from the guards that they stopped going there for some time. Later as more guards were put on duty it became too risky that they had to give up this plan of going there at weekends. Weekends became boring for them very soon.

It was now Anna wished if she had a friend among the half wizards. She wanted to meet someone who could show her some magic every day. She just waited, waited and waited expecting that she would overcome her fears one day and take courage to go and talk to them.

Time passed by really fast. But still Anna never felt comfortable to talk with anyone other than her teachers and her best friend Lora. She was afraid how they would react if she tried to be friends with half wizards. She was not afraid of the teachers even though they were half wizards because she knew Mr. Williams who was a really nice person and he had told her that the protection of them was the responsibility of University. She really wished if she could be friends with everyone in the class. She decided to talk about this to Mr. Williams. And one day she went to meet him to his office where he used to spent most time of his day.

Mr. Williams was very busy writing something in his diary when Anna came in. “Hello, my child. It has been about a week since we met. Am I right?”

“Uncle, Are you busy?” Anna asked.

“No, not at all. I was just preparing something for my first class for your batch. Wait.” he stopped for a moment and continued, “Did I tell you, I will be taking class for you in the next semester. Well, that was a surprise for you, right?” he smiled and asked.

“Yes indeed. But uncle, I was going to tell you something else.” Anna sounded a little serious when she said this.

Mr. Williams closed his diary and asked her, “Yes. Tell me.” He seemed to be really serious this time.

“It is nothing really serious, you have to worry about. Just wanted to ask you why, other students don’t like humans.” Anna asked in a low voice.

Mr. Williams thought for a moment and replied, “Are you talking about the wizard kids? But I have seen Lora talking to some of them!”

Anna looked towards a window that was on her right side to avoid looking at him and said, “Ok, then. I was talking about me. I feel so uncomfortable when I am around them. And I was feeling this really awkward for few days. How will I explain it to you?” she just paused for a minute and then continued, “I was standing by a staircase one day. And some of them were staring at me. They shouldn’t do that, right?” Anna asked very eagerly.

“So you don’t like them staring at you. Is that your problem?” Mr. Williams asked. He didn’t really understand what she was saying.

“No.” Anna didn’t know how she would tell him what she was feeling. “Ok, I will tell you something else. I heard them discussing something very secretly about humans, yesterday. Really strange isn’t it? Don’t you think?” she now turned towards him and continued, “And the other day, I saw one of them doing some magic tricks. Making a carpet to fly, transforming a puppy into a kitten and many more. It was really amazing! Oh, I really like them a lot.” Anna’s eyes were shining bright when she said about the magic.

“What are you trying to tell me, actually? What happened to you? Did you hit your head somewhere?” he got really confused when she talked about things that weren’t connected to each other at all.

“I want to make friends with them!” Anna said suddenly. “But...but...”she tried to talk.

“You are scared. Am I right?” he asked. Anna just nodded her head and looked down.

“Don’t worry. Let me see what I can do.” He placed the index finger of his right hand on his forehead as though he was thinking very deeply. It was now he saw that Anna was still standing there. “Why don’t you just sit down on that chair?” he pointed to a chair beside her.

“Let’s discuss about it. I will get you a hot cup of coffee. What do you say?” he asked her.

“Thank you. But I have to go out today. Lora is waiting for me outside. I told her it would take only a minute.” Anna replied in a hurry. Anna and Lora used to go out of the University and visit different places of Scotland whenever there was a day off. There were a lot of beautiful places around the University where they could meet a lot of half wizards and humans.

“Oh, I see..” said Mr. Williams.

“I just wanted to tell you about this. I am so relieved, after talking to you. Thank you, Uncle. I will come back some other time, when you are free.” Anna said.

“You can come here anytime. You don’t need a special permission for it. Just feel free to talk to me and try to do the same with everyone. You are just over thinking about things I guess. Just feel free.” He told her. Anna just smiled for this.

“Bye, Uncle.” She said and turned around.

“Anna” Mr. Williams called from behind. “There was something I wanted to ask you too. Can I ask you?” Mr. Williams tried to imitate the way she always asked permission before asking something to him. But he suddenly burst into laughter.

Anna turned towards him, placed both her hands on her head and said, “Oh, God! Why are you doing this to me?” Anna thought that he was making fun of her.

“No, I am serious. There is something I wanted to ask you. Lora told me, you liked someone in the class. Is that boy, a half wizard? When you started to talk I thought maybe you were going to tell me about him.” Mr. Williams asked very eagerly.

Anna started to blush when he said this. She turned back and smiled. “He is a human kid, not a wizard kid.” She said aloud as she slowly walked out of his office.

Months passed really quickly and they were in their second semester. Anna and Lora were early for the class. After about ten minutes, Mr. Williams slowly walked into the class. He had his diary and a bottle of water in his hands. He walked in and kept both of it on the table. He then turned towards the students. He still could hear the faint voices and whispers from the back rows. He looked all around to see what everyone was doing.

Front rows with students who were eagerly waiting to listen to him. Middle rows were busy writing something. And the rest of them from the last few rows were either talking to their friends or were just sitting there as though they have come to watch a movie. And the four human students, they were seated separately in the front corner of the room opposite to the door. Mr. Williams went close to them when he saw that one of them was lying down on the table and sleeping.

“Good morning child, Wake up. Rise and shine.” Mr. Williams said to Liam Brown in a funny voice.

Liam was the fourth human kid, who was selected to Cosmos. He was really not interested in anything taught there. The only interesting thing he found in his life was to create troubles and make others fight for petty reasons. He was really jealous of the half wizards and that was the only reason he became friends with Daniel whom everyone hated.

Liam got up from his chair in a shock when he heard the voice of Mr. Williams. It was so sudden that the table was about to fall to the opposite side. Mr. Williams suddenly caught hold on it and balanced it. “Calm down. I won’t eat you.” said Mr. Williams. Everyone suddenly burst into laughter.

“Sorry sir.” Liam looked down and said in a low voice.

Mr. Williams asked him to sit down and walked back to his chair. He suddenly turned back and asked, “Anna, can you introduce your friends to me?” Everyone suddenly started to look at her. Anna had a surprised look on her face.

“Who me?” she asked.

“Yes. Just tell their names.” said Mr. Williams.

‘Why is he doing this to me? I told him I wasn’t so close with other students. And he expects me to tell all their names. What?’ she thought to herself.

“But, uncle..” she suddenly stopped when she saw everyone staring at her.

“Uncle, Professor Williams is her uncle?” “But she is a human. How is this even possible?” “Is he married to a human? But I heard his wife was a golden wizard just like him.” There were a lot of murmurs heard around the class.

Anna suddenly cleared her throat and said, “But I just know the names of very few of them. Sorry sir.” Anna looked at him as though she was really helpless. She then looked at every one really embarrassed about herself.

Mr. Williams just smiled and said, “Don’t worry? But do remember that you have been studying with them for about six months now.” He then turned towards everyone and continued, “I know it was really a tough semester for you all. You guys must have had a hard time preparing for the daily tests and assessments. We were intentionally giving you such a tough time.” He saw the surprised look of everyone when he said this. “Sorry we had to do this in your first semester itself. But there is a reason for it. You will come to know about it soon. But, yes, I think it have helped you to get adapted to Cosmos pretty fast.”

He then turned towards a girl who was really seriously listening to him. He asked “Yes, let us start with knowing each other. Does everyone know each other’s name? Amelia do you know this girl?” he asked this pointing towards Anna.

Amelia was really famous in the whole campus, since she belonged to the family Aquarius, one of the two powerful families in the Ministry. Amelia replied “Yes I know her. She is Anna Reddy from India. She is really a brilliant girl. And I always wanted to be friends with her, but.”

“But, what?” he asked.

“But I don’t know if she could accept me. I don’t know what she has thought about the wizards. My friends told me that humans did not like us.”Amelia said.

“You all are here to learn together, play together and become friends with everyone. And for that, you all must know each other. This is your very first lesson for today. You must not only learn the culture and traditions by listening to my classes but also by trying to understand it from people who follows it. Thank you, students. That’s it for today. Have fun knowing each other.” He went out of the class telling this.

Amelia came near Anna and introduced herself, “Amelia Aquarius. I am a grey wizard. Grey is just in my name, I never harm anyone.” Anna felt really happy but was still confused. Seeing this Amelia told her “It is true that some of us harm humans but not everyone. It’s just some who do it for the potions. You know the reason for it right. All half wizards regardless of golden or grey need potion to survive. But don’t worry, I will never hurt you. Can we be friends?”

“Yes. Why not?” Anna replied happily.

They talked for a long time. There was sound all around, every one laughing and talking. Anna and Lora made friends with a lot of half wizards both golden and grey with Amelia’s help.

Charles Leo, another grey wizard of her class was watching all this. He was very gentle and calm and was another favourite student of all the teachers, not because of his intelligence but because of his good behaviour towards them. He liked Amelia very much. He did not knew how to express this to her. So he decided to take help from Anna whom Amelia liked and cared very much.

The next day he went near Anna, “Hi, I’m Charles Leo” he introduced himself.

“Anna Reddy” Anna replied and shakes hands with him.

“So, how is it going? Did you like the college?” he asked.

“Yes, this is a really good college.” she replied when she realised how hard he was struggling to open a conversation.

“Are you able to follow everything what is being taught?” he continued not knowing what to say next.

“Yes, but what I am not understanding is that why are you asking me all this when all you need to know is about Amelia?” Anna told this to him because she knew everything very early itself. He was always behind her, whenever she noticed him. She had even noticed him following Amelia one day when she went out of the University. Anna now showed him a photo where he was looking at Amelia while she was talking to her friends. He smiled when he saw this.

“So you knew it all this time. And why didn’t you tell her about this?” asked Charles.

Anna laughed and replied “It was really nice watching you following her.”

“It wasn’t so nice for me. You could have told her.” said Charles.

Anna now smiled and said, “Don’t worry. True love never goes unnoticed. One day she will realise it and come to you.”

He deeply thought and said, “Anna, I think you must write a book, or may be a poem.”

They both laughed a lot saying this. That day forth they became great friends. Anna, Lora, Charles and his friend George became thick friends that they went for outings very often. Anna helped Charles to create a good impression in front of Amelia. She was very caring about their relationship because she had never seen such strong and sincere relationship even during her school days. She deeply wanted Amelia to like Charles, because she knew Charles was very nice guy and will take care of her well.

One day, she asked Amelia, “What do you think about Charles? Just tell me what is in your mind.”

Amelia replied, “You both are great friends to my knowledge. You might know more about him than me.”

“See, I don’t want to complicate this anymore. I know Charles very well. He likes you, I mean in the sense, he loves you.” Anna replied as she could not wait anymore.

Amelia said, “Anna, I know about this for some time. I don’t know what to tell him. It’s not that simple as you think. It’s true that we both are of same kind, the grey type, but still there is a great difference between us. I don’t really care that I am from a high family, but I cannot forget about it, only because I love him. I am bound by a large set of rules, unlike others. And I cannot break all of it just for my selfishness. I am sorry.”

Anna later realised that Amelia’s family being one of the top family of the half wizards, the Aquarius, she was having a whole lot of rules and restrictions. And this was because everyone in her family was expected to hold great ranks in the Ministry after completing their studies. She explained everything to Charles and asked him to wait.

She said, “Remember what I used to tell you. She will come back to you, if your love was true. That is the real magic of true love. Trust in the magic and it will come true.” Charles believed Anna and decided to wait hoping the best.

THE SECRET CHAMBER

One day they all went to George’s house where they met his father, John Perseus who was a great grey wizard. He was very happy to meet them that he talked a lot with them and prepared dinner for them with all his special dishes. He liked Anna very much just by talking to her for a very short time. He said that she had really beautiful hair which he had only seen for his wife, Alice.

Alice Leo was a beautiful grey wizard with long hair which every one believed was because of some kind of special potion she was using to maintain it. It was while they were studying in a University in California John and Alice met each other. His eyes got stuck on her. She also liked him, but she told him to ask permission from her father. Her father worked for the Ministry by preparing potions for them whenever they needed one. He was looking for someone who could take over this job after him as husband for his daughter. John, who wanted to become great professor, had to give up his dream for her and so he became what he is now. As, John was thinking all this George asked, “Dad, Are you okay?”

“Yes, I’m fine.” replied John.

They had dinner together. They decided to sleep there for that day since it was already late to leave back to Cosmos.

The night was really cold. Charles felt really difficult to sleep. It was then he suddenly heard some sounds from the down stairs. ‘Who is it, making such sounds? Is it a thief? May be I should go down stairs and check by myself. Should I call George too? No, why should I disturb him. Let me check myself.’ Charles thought.

George who was beside him was still asleep. Charles got out of his bed and walked towards the direction in which the sound was heard. He reached John’s room. John was not in his room. He now thought that it was just his feeling as there was no sound then. But as soon as he turned back to go to his room he heard louder sounds coming from John’s cupboard. He went near the cupboard. He couldn’t find anything there which made sound.

Charles really felt something fishy. He stood there listening to the voices for about an hour. It was then he heard the voice of two people talking to each other. One of it was John’s voice indeed. But the other voice, it was a man who was crying as though he was in great pain. Charles now, desperately wanted to know what was going on there. It was then he thought of a potion which his father gave him for his seventeenth birthday. The potion when used by someone had the ability to lead them through the right path if they wanted to go somewhere. Charles carried it always on a long chain he had worn. He took a drop of it and his eyes now started to glow yellow. He could now see a path through the cupboard which was hidden by magic. Charles didn’t see this before. He went through it down the stairs and he reached a secret chamber where there were a lot of large vessels of potion making. The chamber was only lit by fire in the furnace. There were some prisons in there. In some prisons he saw some animals. As he walked through, he saw a man tied up by rope in one prison. He looked carefully and exclaimed, “This was the farmer from the nearby village, who was arrested for cheating his wife, last week and then was found missing from the Scott prison.”

Suddenly he heard a sound from behind and turned around. “What are you doing here?” someone asked.

Charles couldn’t see anyone because it was dark. He saw something moving towards him. He took two steps backwards in fear. Suddenly, John walked out of darkness and Charles realised him.

“What are you doing here, Sir?” asked Charles.

“I should be asking this question to you? And why do you look so scared seeing this. I think your parents have still not started teaching you the lessons of potion making. And also how to hunt down your prey be it animal or human.” said John and laughed.

“Sorry Sir, right now I am not interested in all this. I know when it is time I must do it too. But, not now. I am not ready for it.” He stopped for a moment, looked at the door to return back and continued, “Right now, I want to go to wash room. I thought it was this way.”

“Who told you to come here? You are not supposed to be here at this point of time. Just go back to your room.” as John said this, George who was awake by now realising Charles was not there, came down to the chamber.

“George, please take him back. I think he took the wrong way.” said John.

George suddenly caught hold of Charles’s hand and walked back. When they reached their room, Charles asked, “What is happening here? Is he doing some experiments? Doesn’t he know that potion making by keeping humans as captives is not permitted? We are only supposed to take their heart and that too without anyone’s knowledge. If we make humans captives, they will surely come in search of us.”

“Charles, listen to me. My father is permitted to keep captives. And this permission was given to him exclusively by the Ministry because he is leading the team of potion making right now. The captives are the criminals of the prison who are bought by the ministry and given to my father. He makes new potions for the higher authority with them.” explained George.

“So, it is your father, now the head of Potion making. Am I right?” asked Charles.

“Yes, he is. Is all your confusion over now? Try to get some sleep now. We have to leave early morning to the University.” George said. And he slept soon while Charles was deep in his own thoughts.

Charles was thinking about the prophecy which was believed to come true very soon. He realised that it won’t be long for the prophecy to come real as the Perseus family has once again came to the peak of potion making. George just like Felix was known by the star Algol. But what he wanted to know was whether his father was also known by the same star as that of Roger Perseus. Roger was known by the name of the star Alpha Persei. He couldn’t wait till morning to know this because if this matched too, George will be an important part of the prophecy to come true.

Charles who was really impatient to wait now tried to wake George who was deep asleep. “George, please wake up. I want to ask you something.” George was very tired after helping his father in cooking the dinner and became really angry when Charles kept on waking him.

“Just keep quiet and sleep. Please.” he begged.

“Just one doubt, please, please.” Charles moved closer to him and pleaded.

“Ask” George who was really irritated replied.

“Which star is your father known by?” Charles asked.

“He is a super star. Ok? Now sleep.” George replied and slept again.

“Please. Give me answer and I won’t trouble you again. Ever again!” Charles said in a low voice.

“Hmm. Ok.” George turned, looked at Charles and replied.

“Which star is your father known by?” Charles asked again.

“Oh, it’s Mirfak. And why did you ask that now?” George asked.

‘Mirfak, I haven’t heard that name! Maybe I should learn my lessons properly. I never knew there were many stars that I don’t know. This must be a new one definitely. Whatever it is? Not Alpha Persei. That’s a great relief.’ thought Charles.

Charles who was now happy hearing some different name from George moved closer to him to tell him all his thoughts. But when he moved near, he found that George was already in deep sleep. Charles who was very interested to tell this to him now became angry and pushed him out of the bed. George fall down from the bed and looked around not knowing what happened. When he looked at the bed, he saw that Charles was sleeping there. He thought that he might have fallen by himself from the bed. He slowly stretched himself and got back to his bed.

Next day morning, they all got ready to go back to Cosmos after the breakfast. They said goodbye to George’s father.

Charles was a little afraid whether John would scold him, but he was behaving as though nothing happened the previous night. Charles also did not try to remind him about it. He soon got in the car and with others returned back to the University.

THE VINTRO CHAMPIONSHIP

It was winter, and the Cosmos was in preparation of Vintro Championship. Everyone was busy making arrangements for the championship. The championship was only once in every four years, in the leap year. The participants were nominated by the teachers of the University. The competition was held in the month of December. The final list of participants was announced on the first of December every leap year. All the rules and regulations were printed and published as a pamphlet. Everyone was waiting for the list to be announced.

And the day arrived, when finally the list was to be announced in the assembly. Everyone was called together in the big hall where every important function took place. Everyone arrived in the hall within an hour. Anna, Lora, Charles and George came to the hall as soon as it was announced. Lora had no idea about the Competition and so she asked Anna about it. Anna explained about it to Lora. She had read about it from the library and from the brochure which was published and circulated as a part of the Championship.

“The Championship was nothing but like a treasure hunt. There is usually a series of treasure hunts that test knowledge about various places all around the earth. The map to locate treasure is provided, and the treasure which can be anything as instructed by game Coordinator must be found and returned back to Cosmos within the time provided, to qualify for the next round. The treasure can be anything from a simple pin to a large building. Whatever it is, we must find it and get hold on it before the specified time. There are five rounds and seven teams of two members each. One team will be eliminated in each round and only three teams will reach the final round. The rounds are simple to pass and the only need for it is the knowledge about the world, about various places of the world to be specific. The Competition is conducted by the Ministry along with the University. A half wizard is sent from the higher authority, the Ministry usually, to conduct the Competition. He must be impartial and trust worthy. He will be closely monitored by the higher authority throughout the Competition. Each round is usually for two days, which gets over when the desired number of team completes the levels. There is a gap of two to three days in between each round to give extra time as required, just in case more than one team couldn’t complete the previous level. The last round is on twenty third of December and it is supposed to end by twenty fourth midnight. The winner is announced on Christmas. If the treasure or in other words the target cannot be achieved by this time for the last level, it wasn’t the extra time that was given, instead the game becomes harder. When the clock strikes twelve on December twenty fourth, if the treasure is not handed over to the authority , the Competition automatically moves to the higher level which was believed to be even life risking. All the participants in this case will naturally be taken to the cave of deadly danger, ‘The cave of dangerous monster’, where a huge dragon lives. The team which comes out of the cave first will be the winner. It was only once the Competition had reached such a level, which was during the time of Marcus Aquarius who was the great grandfather of Amelia, who defeated the dragon by his grey powers. But he was the only one among the six finalists who came out of the cave that night.”

Lora who heard all this from Anna became afraid and suddenly ran back to their class room. Anna ran behind her.

“Lora, please stop. Why are you running?” called out Anna.

Lora suddenly stopped and stood there silently. Anna continued, “The list is yet to be announced. Why are you afraid, now itself? There is least chance that we humans take part in it. We don’t have any powers and so even if we are selected, do you think we can cross two levels of the Competition?”

“That’s true. But I am afraid. Professor Sofia told me that she was going to nominate the name of a human. She hates me, so definitely she is going to nominate my name.” said Lora.

“Lora, this competition is not for punishing those you hate. You see, it was because of this Championship our teachers were teaching us a lot in our first semester. To prepare us, for it. If you are nominated, that means, the teacher likes you most. And she wants to give you an opportunity to participate in a great competition.” Anna tried to explain it to her.

Lora sighed, “Oh I am happy now. She won’t be suggesting my name in that case. She might nominate that selfish Duncan instead, I am damn sure. She likes him very much. He is very good at pretending like a good guy.”

Anna who was now not paying attention to Lora told her “Let’s better hurry, we are already late.” They ran back to the hall. The principal had already started his announcements while they entered.

“Dear students, now it’s time to reveal the names of fourteen young brave hearts who will be taking part in the upcoming Vintro Championship. The first team as you all know is the winners of the last Championship. We all know that the previous time Champions are selected as usual for the next Championship. So being a Champion not only allows you to win the title but also is a free pass for the next Championship. So I welcome the first team, the last Championship winners, Ethan Aquila and Charlotte Eridanus from the fifth year.”

The students started to clap hands and make loud sounds to cheer them. They came to the stage through the crowd. It was now Professor Olivia came up there with a huge tray. There were some scarves all different in colours arranged inside it. They were seven of them each representing the seven colours of the rainbow. She took a purple coloured scarf and gave it to Charlotte who was the one representing the first team.

Everyone, including Anna and her friends clapped their hands. Anna who suddenly recognised him asked to Lora, “Isn’t it that boy? We got into his room on that day when we ran into the boy’s hostel. Am I right?”

“Yes the same one. He is our senior, studying in his final year .Every girl in this college is behind him but he is not interested in any of them. I think he has a secret girlfriend outside this college. I mean, he may like a girl with lots of golden powers.” Lora replied very secretly to Anna.

“He is a golden wizard from the Aquila family? Now I remember. Aquila is the family who is a part of higher authority. He must be one of the most powerful half wizards. It will be surprising only if girls aren’t going behind him.” Anna exclaimed.

The principal continued with his announcements as everyone was eagerly waiting for it. “The second team consists of Lacy Phoenix of the fifth year and Cheng Li Scorpios of the fourth year. I hope they will form a great team even though from different years.” There was sound of applause all around in the air.

Mr. Thomas Aquarius, the principal continued “The third team is also from two different years but I hope they can do great. And they are Jacob Bootes of fifth year and Kusal Ursa major from third year. All the students whose names are announced must come to the stage.” He asked the team members to stand beside him. Professor Olivia handed over the next two scarves to the second and third team.

He then continued, “The next team is really special. The team next in line is Abigail Delphinus from second and Kim Juhan Draco from third year. It is great to have a Korean student in the competition for the very first time. Congratulations Juhan.”

Professor Olivia gave Juhan a green coloured scarf.

“Hey, did you see him? He is really handsome, right?” Lora asked.

“Yes. He looks like a Korean movie star. He is really cute.” replied Anna.

“How come, I never saw him before?” Lora exclaimed.

“He might already have a girlfriend. Just keep quite now and listen to the announcements.” said Anna who was now impatiently waiting for Daniel’s name to be announced.

Mr. Thomas then continued, “I think we have a lot of specialities for this year’s Championship. We are making a history in the story of half wizards. I am looking forward for more. This is going to be the beginning of the best Championship ever. I can see the name of a human here in the list.” Everyone was shocked for a moment and became silent. “And it is none other than Daniel Duncan from the first year. His team mate will be his friend Charles Leo from the same year. I hope he will be the very first human boy to take part in Vintro.” he exclaimed.

Charles was given a yellow coloured scarf that he wore around his neck soon and looked at his friends proudly.

Anna felt really happy when she heard their names being announced. She called out their names aloud and cheered them.

Mr. Thomas invited all the five teams to the stage and looked towards the crowd who were impatiently waiting to know the last two teams. He said, “I know how eager you are. I don’t want to make you wait so long. Of to our sixth team, oh this is great! Another student from first year! Asghur Taurus. Please come forward young man. His team mate is Miles Grus from the fifth year. I think he will do great under the guidance of one of his senior. Well that was our sixth team. And for everyone who are eager to know the final team. I think I am also very interested now, as there are only two more names to be announced. Let me check.” he looked at the list and his eyes became wide open as he saw the names of the last two participants. Professor Olivia was now waiting with the very last red coloured scarf that was in her tray.

He announced, “I am really surprised that we have still another nominee from the first year , more surprised to know it is a human and that too, a girl. Let me invite Anna Reddy the very first human girl to take part in Vintro. Congratulations dear. And your team mate is Ryan Cepheus from second year. Both of you please come forward.”

Anna was very excited hearing her name. She had never expected this would happen. She went to the stage with her team mate. Professor Olivia handed over the very last scarf to Ryan, who happily received it from her on behalf of his team. The whole University stood up and applauded for them. Anna felt really proud at that moment for being part of such a great competition in which only the half wizards took part till then. Tears rolled out of her eyes because she was not expecting her name in the list, even though she wished for it.

When all the team members were in their places, the principal continued, “Now, it’s time to invite our special guest, as usual sent by the higher authority. He is one of the most powerful golden wizards and is now working for the Ministry by protecting the Amazon. Let me invite Mr. Joshua Pegasus, who will be conducting this Championship.”

As he completed saying, a man in black coat and a black hat came to the stage. His face was covered by the hat he was wearing. He got up on the stage, wished everyone and congratulated all participants one by one. Anna was the last in the row. When he reached near Anna, he looked at her for some time and then took off his hat. He had a thick black beard, even though had a very little hair on his head. “I have seen those eyes before. My friend, he had the same eyes. Who are you, my dear?” he asked to Anna.

It was Mr. William who was watching all this answered for the question, “She is Anna, Anna Reddy. She is from India. I think you don’t have any friends in India. It might be just a coincidence that your friend had similar eyes.”

“Why are you talking like this, William? I was talking about our friend Arthur. Don’t you think she has his eyes?” asked Joshua.

“There will be a thousand people with same features. Joshua, I think there is no much time for us to waste on such silly topic. Please come with me, so we can make all the necessary arrangements for the event.” said William. Mr. Joshua just kept looking at Anna while he followed Mr. Williams to his office.

Anna was really surprised hearing Mr. Williams talking like this. But she remained silent and walked back to her class just like other students. She thought about this for a long time but never asked this to Mr. Williams.

A SHORT LOVE STORY

Anna was really happy that day. She called her father and told him about this. He was also very happy and congratulated her on her achievement. He blessed her and told her that the guardian Angel will watch over and protect her always. She talked to him for quite some time and then went to visit Mr. Williams. She had some chocolates with her which she had bought specially for him.

It was already getting dark in the evening. Everyone had left the University building early since it was a holiday the next day. The verandas were empty and no one was really around. Most of the students had gone out with their friends who got selected for the Championship to celebrate it. Anna was walking through the corridor with the box of chocolate.

It was then Anna heard footsteps of someone following her. She walked with quick steps, when suddenly she tripped and the chocolate box in her hand fall down. Anna suddenly bent down and started picking up the chocolates. She heard the footsteps slowly approaching her. She could now hear some other sound too. And that was the sound of her heart beating so fast.

Suddenly a boy came there and said, “Let me help you, please.” He just picked up all the chocolates in his long thin fair hands and came near her while she was standing there with the box. Anna was still looking down at the ground that she never saw his face but she noted the red shoes which he was wearing.

“You can keep it. Thank you.” she said and walked away from him quickly.

She went straight to Mr. Williams, “Good evening, Uncle.” she said.

“Good evening, my dear and Congratulations. You are now going to be a part of history of Cosmos. It is not a small achievement.” he said.

“I know. It was you. You suggested my name for the competition, right?” she asked.

Mr. Williams laughed and replied, “I might have suggested your name if I had a chance. But, it wasn’t me this time. It was your class teacher, Olivia. She suggested your name for the Competition.” Anna was really happy hearing this because she never expected her class teacher to nominate her name. Mr. Williams then explained to her about the Competition and its rules. But Anna was still worried how she could compete with other students who were much powerful and stronger than her.

She then said to Mr. Williams about this, “I don’t think I can complete at least one level. See, I don’t have any powers like them. Professor Olivia could have suggested the name of some half wizard student. Why did she choose me? But I am really thankful to her for giving me a chance to be a part of this great Championship.”

“Who told you that you need powers to win the Championship? You can’t depend on your powers in any way during this Championship. I thought you knew about this already.” Mr. Williams replied.

“What? But why?” Anna asked him.

“Vintro Championship, since it is taking you to all different parts of the world, doesn’t allow the use of magical spells or potions in any way. Do you think the Ministry would do anything that would let more humans know about our existence and our secrets?” he asked.

“Are you saying that there is no difference even if we were a human or half wizard, in this Championship? Both have no special advantages. But I have heard about a great wizard Marcus Aquarius who could only survive the level because of his grey powers?” asked Anna.

“Well, that is an exception. I guess it is the only level where you can use your powers, since the dragon can’t be overcome with anything else other than magical powers. There is less than a percent probability that the competition would be taken to that dangerous level. Don’t worry.” He assured her.

Anna was so relieved hearing all this. “Oh, I never knew all this before. Let me just try my best and don’t worry about anything else. Thank you, uncle. You could always make me feel better when I was feeling down.” Anna replied happily.

She then discussed with him about things which she must carry with her for the first level.

The participants were allowed to carry things which were necessary for them during the competition. But use of electronic gadgets, were strictly prohibited so that the students won’t take advantage of the technology and completely depend on their knowledge to complete each level. Each faculty of cosmos was assigned to check over one particular team at each level just to make sure they don’t break the rules. They can easily locate each team with the help of the magical scarf that was given to each team. One member of each team, to whomever it was given by the principal, had to wear it around their neck all throughout the game so that the University can easily check over them whenever they wanted to and make sure they are on the right track.

Anna returned back to her hostel before it became completely dark.

Lora was already waiting for Anna in her room “Anna, Where were you? I don’t have time to explain to you everything. Get ready soon.” said Lora in a hurry.

Anna who didn’t understand anything asked, “And where are we going?”

Lora replied, “We are going out to celebrate. It is really great news that you and Charles are selected for the Championship. So I thought maybe we should go out and celebrate this achievement. And when I told about this to our friends we got one another good news too. Amelia has agreed to come with us tonight. Charles already has gone to pick her up. Hurray.”

Anna felt really happy hearing this. Amelia’s parents were really strict and never used to send her out for any functions other than what was held at the University. Anna was now really excited and said, “This is really great. I better hurry.”

“Wait. There is something else I want to tell you.” Lora felt really shy while saying this. She was now thinking how she would tell this to Anna.

“Oh, never saw where this was coming from. Good God, are you blushing. Hey speak up. Did you get committed?” asked Anna who always could easily read Lora’s mind.

Lora nodded her head slowly and smiled. “It is actually me this time. I fall for him. I couldn’t stop myself from thinking about him from the moment I saw him. I just did a small research about him today evening and was really impressed when I heard about him. And do you know what Charles told me?” Lora asked.

“What?” Anna was really excited.

“He told me that, he have seen that boy following me several times. How come I never noticed it before? Maybe, since I always kept talking with you, while we went somewhere.” Lora thought for a moment as she said this.

“Hey. Don’t blame me for that. You must have thought about this while you were busy complaining about everyone to me. You are like a nonstop train when you start to talk.” Anna pretended to be really serious when she said this.

“Am, I too boring. Seriously?” Lora asked.

“I was just joking.” Anna suddenly started to laugh. “And yes, you never told me the name of that lucky prince, who won your heart so quickly.” Anna started to laugh even louder.

“Yes, you are right. He is definitely a prince for me. I never had such a feeling before I saw him. It feels like, we were born to be together. This is definitely, love at first sight. I hope he likes me?” said Lora very seriously.

“You are the prettiest girl in our class. How can he not like you?” said Anna with a smile.

By this time, George had come to pick them up. They could now hear the sound of his car from outside the window.

Lora softly said in Anna’s ear, “I heard he is coming for the party tonight. I will show you, my little prince. What do you say?” Anna agreed to it and they both got ready for the night.

George had parked his car just outside their window. Anna and Lora were too excited that they jumped out of the window and got in the car, instead of going through the front door.

During this time, Charles was in his car with Amelia.

Amelia apologised for taking so long to get ready. “Sorry, that I was late.”

“You don’t have to feel sorry. I am sure my friends might be just on their way, right now. We will be on time.” he said. Amelia just smiled for this and looked outside at the endless road with hundreds of street lamps on both sides of it.

Charles who was thinking about something suddenly asked, “What have suddenly changed that you decided to come with us tonight. I mean, you never agreed to come out, when Anna called you several times. How did you convince your parents to go out with us today? Or did they have a change of mind?”

Amelia who was smiling suddenly became serious.

She replied in a soft voice, “Charles, nothing has changed, yet. But I think you have a chance to bring some changes. I am telling this for our future.”

“What are you talking about? I don’t understand” he asked.

She replied, “Charles, this is your chance to prove yourself. You might know about my ancestors, they have won the Championship several times. They value it very much. If you are winning in the Championship, I am definitely sure, my family will agree for our relationship. I just want you to win the Competition. And then I will be always with you, all throughout your life.”

Charles felt happy realising that she loved him back and wanted to be with him. But he never knew how he could win the competition. It was nearly impossible according to him. But Charles, who did not want to disappoint her, promised her that he will win the Competition at any cost. Amelia felt happy hearing this.

She said, “I am really happy tonight. We are going to have a great celebration. Charles, I am really proud of you.” They reached the place as she was saying this.

Anna, Lora and George had already reached there. They all had great fun that night. They danced their mind out and played a lot of games.

It was then Kim Juhan who was another participant of the Championship, saw Anna there. He went near her and said, “Hello Anna. I hope you know me. I am Kim Juhan.” He then stopped for a moment and told her, “Can we just go outside. I think it is really noisy in here.”

Anna nodded and walked outside with him. They just crossed the road to avoid the crowd who were standing in the doorway. It was then suddenly a car rushed towards Anna. Juhan who was then turning back towards her, saw it and pulled her. Juhan was looking at the car that rode away fast from his sight, while Anna was just staring at his handsome face which she had never seen so closely.

She had definitely seen him during the time when his name was announced for the championship. But then she was busy listening to the names of other participants and had never noticed how beautiful he was. ‘He looks just like an actor in a Korean drama. Oh God, he is really handsome and cute. He must be having a girl friend for sure. Anna, just be a good girl. You are supposed to be with Daniel. Please don’t keep on looking at him like that.’ She thought as she couldn’t take her eyes away from him.

Juhan had already seen her looking at him. He just cleared his throat, when suddenly Anna looked down taking away her sight from him. He had already noted her, blushing when he held her hand tightly and pulled her towards him. They walked to a bench which was there and sat on it. They simply sat there silently for some time. Anna was thinking very seriously about what he might be going to say.

Juhan suddenly looked at her face and said, “Anna, you are so pretty.”

Anna wasn’t expecting this all of a sudden.

“You are handsome and smart. Far better than me.” said Anna who was really surprised why he said that. No one had spoken to her like that before.

Juhan smiled at her and replied, “It was a compliment. You don’t have to praise me in return.”

Anna smiled and said, “No. I am serious. You had won the title ‘Best student of Cosmos’ last year, if I am right? Yes, I have seen your name in a magazine which I picked from the library last day.”

“You saw that?” Juhan was surprised that she knew about him.

“Yes. And, that’s why I told you, you were far better than me. I wasn’t trying to praise you.” She stopped for a moment and then continued, “Just look at me, I feel nervous at times. I feel I am alone always. I am just an ordinary girl unlike others here. I always jumped into some kind of trouble, Always. But look at you. You are so smart and beautiful.”

“You don’t have to be afraid about anything here. You are always watched by the faculties of Cosmos all throughout your game. They won’t let anything bad happen to you. And yes, you should always stay with your teammate because they are tracking just one of you. And in your team it is Ryan. So just stay with him, and the higher authority will take care of you.” Anna just nodded her head while Juhan continued, “There is one another reason why they are tracking Ryan. This is because he is the one having the grey power just like me. And the higher authority thinks that there is a high chance a grey wizard would use their power to pass the level. They don’t trust us a lot. They always take extra caution to make sure we don’t carry any kind of potion with us. But don’t worry. Ryan won’t do any such sort of things. He is really intelligent. He is always interested to know more about various countries. He is a really good guy. You can trust him. I heard he was really excited from the moment he came to know that you were going to be his teammate.” Juhan said. He was saying this to make her feel comfortable.

“I am greatly relieved with your words. You are really a good person. I wish if everyone were like you.” Anna smiled at him because she was really happy at that moment. She got a confidence that she could speak anything in her mind out freely without fear. “I don’t have a lot of friends here. But I think I am happy with the few I have. I trust them like anything. And you are one among them now. Thank you.” said Anna.

He replied, “It is my pleasure that I could talk to you. Actually I had been observing you for a long time. It was my friend who told me about you for the very first time. He used to tell me always that you were really different from others. And I think he is right. You are unique in your own way. You are really special.”

“Thank you so much. I think I haven’t heard such a wonderful compliment from anyone recently.” said Anna.

“Anna. There is something else I want to tell you. I wanted to tell you this for a really long time. But..” Anna’s eyes were open wide when she heard this. It was then suddenly her phone rang.

Anna took out her phone from her pocket and said to Juhan, “Please Excuse, me.”

She then took the call, “Hello.”

“Anna. Where are you? Come back soon. We have to drop Amelia back to her home before returning to hostel. Hurry up.” It was Lora on the other side.

Anna suddenly looked at her watch and said, “Oh, I am late. Bye Juhan. See you later. Bye.”

She then crossed the road and started to walk quickly towards their car. It was then she suddenly heard Juhan calling her from behind. He was really gasping for his breath as he had run so fast to reach near her. Anna just stood there waiting for him to tell something.

“I love you!” he suddenly said. Anna was really shocked hearing this as she was not expecting this so suddenly. She knew that he was interested in her from the way he talked to her but wasn’t expecting him to tell it so soon. She just stood there staring at him not knowing what she should tell him in return.

Juhan who realised this suddenly smiled and told her, “Just give me a reply tomorrow. I will be waiting in the restaurant opposite to the library building. Don’t forget, tomorrow, evening.” He just walked away after saying this.

Anna thought about this all throughout her journey back to hostel. She was so into it that she never listened to what her friends were talking in the car.

‘Why did he say that all of a sudden? Or was he making fun of me? No, way. I heard he was really a decent guy. He won’t just simply say anything. So, does that mean, he really likes me? No. How can that be possible? I am a human. He is a grey wizard. But, what if he is really serious? What should I tell him tomorrow? Oh. I am really confused. Hey, wait. What are you saying, Anna? What about Daniel? You like him right? But why does he always avoid me. What should I do now?’ Anna started to feel confused as she thought all this.

But Anna felt really happy that day. She was not expecting that someone would come and talk to her like that. She thought about everything that Juhan told her that night and how he saved her from the car that suddenly rushed into her. She suddenly remembered about what her father used to tell her, “Don’t worry. There is someone who is watching over you always. Your guardian Angel. The Angel will protect you from all the danger.” She smiled as she thought all this.

It was then her phone suddenly started to ring. It was an unknown number. Anna just picked up it and said, “Hello.”

“Hello, it is me. Juhan.” Juhan replied from the other side.

“How did you get my number? I am sure I didn’t give it to you.” she replied.

“Did you forget that I am a grey wizard? I can find anyone’s number just using my power.” He said in a proud voice.

“Really?” Anna was a bit afraid now as she thought he was able to do something like hacking her phone to get all her files, and some of it being her really old photos where she was looking really weird.

“I was just joking. It was my friend who gave me your number. Didn’t I tell you about him today? He is a great fan of you.” Juhan started to laugh all of a sudden. “Hey, is it Anna?” there was a male voice talking to Juhan on the other side of the phone.

“Who is that?” Anna asked.

“He is my best friend. He said he don’t want to reveal his name. He told me that he collected this number from your classmate. Ahhh....not from your classmate, really. He wants me to tell you that he got your number from his friend Ryan, right?” there were a lot of voices heard from the other side of the phone that Anna couldn’t understand anything what was spoken.

“What is happening there? Are you Ok?” Anna asked.

“Sorry Anna. My friend has really gone mad. He doesn’t like anyone to know that he searched for a girl’s number. I will tell you about him tomorrow. It is not a very good atmosphere here right now. Goodnight. See you tomorrow.” Juhan said.

“See you tomorrow. Goodnight.” Replied Anna and laughed. It was then she suddenly thought of something and continued, “Hey, was that you whom I saw today evening in the college veranda?”

“Yes.” Anna heard a deep voice from the other side and his call ended all of a sudden.

‘Why did he sound so different when he said that?’ Anna thought. She realised that she was falling in love with him slowly. She just sat on her bed and started to think about him again.

It was then Lora just came in there. “Who was it on the phone? Was it Daniel? Hey, why are you blushing?” asked Lora who suddenly noticed Anna’s face.

“No, nothing.” Anna just laughed. “Hey, why are you here so late? I saw you turning off lights an hour ago. What woke you up all of a sudden?” Anna just pulled Lora and made her to sit on her bed close to her.

“Hey, did you forget? I told you I will tell you about my little prince.” Lora asked.

“Oh, yes. But you didn’t tell me anything about him after that. Who is that lucky guy?” Anna asked curiously.

“I saw him when I got in there. But later when I searched for him he was gone. I searched for you too. I couldn’t find you either. I thought maybe you could help me just like the way you helped Charles to impress Amelia. You are the only one, whom I can trust. You see.” Lora said.

Anna was really surprised why she was talking like this. But she realised Lora was deeply in love with someone. “Whom are you talking about? I can’t really understand. Anyway I am really happy for you, that finally you have found your ideal one. You’ve been searching for a long time, for the perfect one, right? Now just tell me, who it is?” Anna was very impatient this time when she asked this.

“Well, I have asked you about him when his name was announced today.” said Lora.

“When? I don’t remember.” asked Anna.

“Ok, I will give you a clue. He is a cute boy from Korea.” said Lora in a soft voice and smiled.

“Kim Juhan?” Anna got up from her bed in a shock.

“Hey, that was an easy clue. Wasn’t it? But I never thought you would guess so fast.” Lora was surprised Anna found it so soon. “I couldn’t sleep since I was thinking about this all the time. Thank God, I could tell this to you. At least I don’t have to worry about it now. I have someone else to help me now. Right?” Lora pulled Anna back to her bed and made her to sit down. Anna was not still out of the shock and just kept on staring the opposite wall without looking at Lora.

“Anna, are you all right?” asked Lora who now looked at Anna’s face.

“Yes. I am fine.” replied Anna in a low voice.

“I think you are so tired after the party. Take some rest.” said Lora.

“Ahhh... I am suddenly having a headache. Let’s talk tomorrow. Goodnight.” said Anna in a low voice.

Lora asked her to sleep and went back to her room. Anna started thinking about all the strange things that had happened to her all of a sudden. She felt really confused for a moment when she thought about Juhan. But she knew that Lora was more important for her than Juhan.

‘I must definitely help, Lora. I can’t ignore her feelings for Juhan. I know her for a long time now. Juhan, I just met him today. It won’t be difficult for me to forget him. But what will I tell Lora, if she realise that I was with Juhan while she was searching for me? And yes, she thinks that, Juhan was following her wherever she went. How can she bare it if she comes to know that he was behind me? She expects me to help her. She hasn’t asked me for any favour until now. I should help her at any cost. But what will I tell Juhan when I go to meet him tomorrow? I should find a reason, to tell Juhan, and to convince Lora that I had never liked him.’ She felt it really very heavy inside her heart when she thought all of this.

The next day, Anna went to meet Juhan to the restaurant. He was already waiting for her. And when she arrived, he got up bowed at her and wished her a pleasant evening. Juhan noticed that Anna was not feeling well. And so he asked, “Anna, you look so tensed. What happened?”

Anna just looked down to the table, breathed out slowly and replied with a heavy heart, “I am sorry, Juhan. I can’t be with you. I like someone else.”

“I will not believe that.” said Juhan. “What happened to you?”

Anna thought for a moment and replied, “I like Daniel Duncan. You can ask anyone, if you find it hard to believe. I am really sorry. Bye.” She then turned and walked back towards the door.

It was then Juhan called her from behind, “Anna. Why are you lying to me? I know you love me. I have seen it in your eyes each time you looked at me. Why can’t you just admit it?”

Anna was suddenly about to cry, but then she pulled her up together and replied to him, this time with a stern voice, “How can I be safe when I am with you. What if you hurt me? I am really sorry to say this. But I am really afraid of grey wizards. How can I trust a grey wizard like you if the higher authority doesn’t trust you either?” Anna didn’t even turn back while she said this. She was in fear that looking at him would prevent her from saying it.

Juhan was really hurt hearing her talking like this. He just closed his eyes and stood there silently for a moment.

But then he suddenly couldn’t resist himself from saying something. So he walked close to her and said, “That’s enough. I won’t be a disturbance in your life anymore if that is what you want from me. Take care, Anna. You are so fragile that anyone can break your heart easily. And, Yes. Never hesitate to tell someone you love him, next time. He might be expecting to hear it from you.” Juhan just walked away from there, completely disappointed. “Come, let’s go.” Juhan said to his friend who was sitting there.

Anna just stood there looking down not knowing what she must do. She saw the red shoes walking away from her. A drop of tear flowed out from her eye and rolled down her cheek. But she knew she was doing what she thought was right. And that gave her a relief.

THE GHOST

It was Forth of December, early morning, the day of Championship. All the participants arrived in the big hall, very early itself. All participants had a small bag in which they could take some necessary items with them. Participants were arranged according to their team.

Anna was talking with Ryan about the Competition during when Mr. Joshua Pegasus arrived along with other teachers and the Principal. He became really angry when he heard a lot of noises as he entered there. He was a man of strict discipline and he always wanted perfect silence when he was talking something.

He said aloud, “All of you keep quiet and listen to my instructions. I want perfect silence while I am talking.” Everyone became so quiet listening to his loud sound that echoed in the hall.

He then continued, “I hope all of you know about the rules of the Competition. This is a game where you must be smart, intelligent and fast. Following are some important things you must keep in mind while playing this game. No one must use their powers, be it golden or grey during the Competition. Strict punishment will be given if anyone breaks this rule.”

The principal, who was sitting there, now stood up and said, “All of you must submit your wands and potions before starting the Competition. Our faculties will be continuously monitoring you wherever you go. Keep this in your mind.”

Joshua then started explaining about the Competition, “The first four rounds are simple and in the same pattern, which I will be explaining to you now. The fifth and final round is a bit different, which I will explain to you then. As, you all know, one team goes out of the Competition in each round, and finally just three teams will be remaining for the final round. All of you are now provided with a map which must be taken care very well because it is the only helping device throughout your competition. It will take you to your destination and also guide you to the treasure. No one will get another map in any case you lose the one you have. Take extreme care of it because it is your only door in to the next level. Only thing you have to do is to solve my puzzle and find the place of treasure. When you have found the place, touch on the place in the map and tell the answer of the puzzle very clearly. Think before you say, because the map takes you to the exact place once you have said it. If you are at the correct place, the map will show you the locations of all the treasures. If you are at the wrong place, naturally you won’t be able to see anything on the map. So be careful before telling anything. Think before you speak.”

He took a sip of water from the bottle which was placed on a table there. He then continued, “In the first round you will have six treasures and the teams who find it and touch it first will be completing the level. As soon as you touch the treasure your team will be reaching back to the University automatically. You have two days and two nights for completing the level but remember, you can only go to next level if you are faster than others. The first level must be completed before the second sunrise of Cosmos. The time varies in different places. So just keep an eye on the time too. Are all of you clear about the instructions?”

“Yes Sir” All the participants replied together.

“Did all the teams receive your maps?” he asked.

“Yes Sir.” they again replied together.

He then showed them a plant and said, “The treasure you have to find is this ‘The golden plant in a silver pot’. I hope you can easily identify this by the silver pot in which it is planted. And the puzzle is very simple.” He looked at the face of each participant and continued, “ Listen carefully -‘ I am a wonder made in the spring and autumn, shield of a country, even admired by celestial creatures, yet called the longest cemetery on earth.’ Think before you make a decision. There are many hints within the puzzle. Find it and you have the answer.”

Everyone started to think. Two teams left the hall after about an hour discussion. Anna was thinking deeply but she couldn’t find a place very apt for the puzzle.

Suddenly Ryan who looked around and found that there were only three more teams left to solve the puzzle said to Anna, “I think it is Spring Grove cemetery of Ohio. We must not waste time again. Four teams have already left. If we wait longer, all the treasures will be within their hands.”

Anna had no other option but to go forward with the idea because she didn’t know a better answer. So they opened the map and said the place name. In few minutes they reached the place. That was an old cemetery and they couldn’t find anyone nearby. They walked around for some time.

“I am noting feeling very comfortable. I think we should leave from here. The map is not showing us any location, means we are at the wrong place.” Ryan said.

“What happened to you?” Anna asked him when she saw that he was really tensed from the moment they entered the cemetery.

“Nothing.” he suddenly noticed Anna looking at him, “It’s that I am a bit afraid of the ghosts.”

“Are you serious? You are a grey wizard with a lot of powers.” Anna started to laugh aloud.

“Anna, stop laughing. You will wake up the ghosts who are sleeping.” said Ryan with a faint voice.

Anna started to laugh even louder. She then suddenly stopped laughing and said to Ryan very seriously, “Stay still. I see something behind you.”

“What is it? Is it a ghost” he asked slowly trying to turn his head over his shoulders.

“Don’t move. It is coming close to you.” She said suddenly.

“You are joking, right?” asked Ryan in a trembling voice.

“No. It is going to touch you now. Three... Two...One...Now” Anna said aloud.

“No......” Ryan screamed and ran out of the cemetery. Anna just stood there and laughed even louder.

Ryan who saw this understood she was making fun of him. “Why are you doing this to me, Anna?”

“That was fun.” Anna smiled and replied while she walked towards him.

It was then they heard some sound from behind a bush there.

“I told you to keep quite. I guess the ghost is awake now.” Ryan said.

“No. It is an old lady. I can see her standing behind that tree. Look.” said Anna who saw an old lady who was looking at them.

Ryan saw her too hiding behind a tree and looking at them. But when the old lady saw that Anna and Ryan saw her, she just tried to walk away. They went near her while she tried to walk quickly from them.

Anna asked her, “Who are you? Please tell us the truth.”

“I don’t have to lie to anyone. I am Brianna Capricorns.” she said.

“Why were you watching us from here? Do you know us?” Anna asked curiously.

“No, I don’t know you. But I know where you are from? I saw the map with you and realised that you were from Cosmos. I worked in your university for quite some time. What are you both doing here?” asked Brianna.

Anna introduced themselves, explained the whole story and about the puzzle to her and asked her for help.

She said, “I am sorry, I can’t help you. It is against the rules. But I can definitely tell you one thing, if Ryan could think of this place, then definitely Anna must know the answer for the puzzle. Anyway, it is not here, as even the map is not showing the location of any of the treasures.”

“But how could I know about a place like that? I mean, Ryan has travelled more than me.” Anna asked her.

“Anna you don’t have to travel a lot to know this answer, you just have to think why I said, you might know the place” She disappeared from there after saying this. They both became very confused.

HUNDRED GOLDEN PLANTS

It was evening by then and they decided to have a coffee. They went to a nearby restaurant. Anna was deeply thinking about what Brianna told. Their coffee and snacks had arrived by this time. Seeing Anna very depressed, Ryan said, “Anna. Just calm down. We will surely find the answer.”

But Anna was busy thinking without even knowing that her coffee was served. Ryan felt sad that he couldn’t help her. He said, “I am really sorry. It was because of me we ended up here. I couldn’t think of any better place because this was closest to my home and very familiar to me.”

Suddenly Anna became very happy and jumped up from her chair. She said, “Yes, I got it. It’s the Great Wall of China. Come on Ryan, we must leave now.”

He asked, “If you are so sure, we must definitely go there.”

Anna opened the map and said, “The great wall of China” touching the place. Soon they reached in a busy street of China. There were a lot of people on the street. There were lot of shops on both sides of the street selling a variety of things. Ryan saw a large shop full of colourful wooden toys that were arranged on the racks. Anna was so excited to see a shop that sold the traditional garments of Chinese people. All the dresses were so colourful and with a lot of floral designs on it.

It was still morning when they reached there. The streets were getting more and more crowded as the time passed. Ryan seeing this said to himself, “I wonder when I will be sleeping if we travel with the sun.”

Suddenly Anna opened the map and with great joy told him, “Look at the map, Ryan. It is showing the location of the treasures. But” she started counting the number of treasures left, “there are just four more treasures remaining. I think we must hurry to the nearest treasure.”

Ryan was already tired by then and said, Anna I think we should take some rest before finding the treasure. There is one whole day left.

“Didn’t you hear the instructions properly; we must be there with the treasure before second sunrise of Cosmos, which means we have just twenty eight hours left now. And also remember, the competition is not to find the treasure in two days but to be among the first six to find it.”

But Ryan managed to change her mind and they stopped to take some rest in a nearby inn. It was owned by a Chinese couple who welcomed them thinking they were tourists who had come to visit their place. Anna felt it really difficult to communicate with them. But it was then she met their twelve year old son Bing Wen who talked to her in English. The little boy who liked Anna very much helped her to communicate with his parents. Anna too liked the kid that she took a photo with him before she left from there.

Anna couldn’t sleep even though she was tired. So she just sat there talking with the little boy. The boy told her about his family and various traditions they had. He even gave her a traditional dress of his mother to try it. Anna found herself looking so funny in those dress. She even tried to imitate a Chinese woman whom she saw in the street talking with her friend.

Ryan was deep asleep even though there was huge noise from the street. Anna wondered how he could sleep so peacefully while she was so worried about the Competition. She tried to wake him up after two hours. But she had to continuously call him for about thirty minutes before he finally got up. Then they went out of the inn, to complete their competition.

They opened the map and realised that only three more treasure were left. Three were already taken back to the University by three other groups. Suddenly Ryan noticed that one of the treasures was located very close to them. They walked towards an old bungalow which was there following location shown by the map. There was a huge garden with lot of plants in front of it. They wanted to find the golden plant in the silver pot.

There was a guard for the bungalow. He was a really huge man in his black uniform. He saw them entering the garden and blocked them from going in any further. He heard them talking to each other about some plant. He asked “Who are you? Why are you here?”

They told him the story of the Championship and the treasure which they were looking for. He couldn’t believe what they said and replied, “I have been working here for more than a decade now. There are lots of golden coloured plants but never in a silver pot.”

He then took them to the part of the garden which was full of golden coloured plants. There were about hundred of them. They were all grown inside pots which were spread around on the ground. But all of them had lots of drooping leaves and branches which covered the pot in which it stood. Anna asked him to allow them to search for the right plant. But he refused even to go near the plants of the garden. After lots of efforts, he finally agreed to give them just one plant which they can select, but without entering the garden or searching.

He said, “I will give you one chance to test your luck. That too, since you have travelled so far to reach here. You can have one, just one plant which you can point out and I will be giving it to you. But you are not allowed to touch any plants or its pots.”

They thought if they could find some plan with which they could handle that situation. But they had no idea but to give a random choice. Anna now got disappointed and looked up for some help from God. But she could only see the bright midday sun which was shining at them. Suddenly she got an idea.

Anna said, “Ryan, wait, I have an idea. Let us water it, and wait for some time. I hope this will work.”

Ryan realised what she was thinking about and said, “But we don’t have much time. Only a day left.”

But finally he agreed to give her idea a try but on the condition that they will wait only for two hours. Anna watered the garden and they both waited there observing the plants. But there was no change observed. Anna was really disappointed. “Let’s just wait for an hour more and leave from here.” she said.

They sat under the shade of a tree but they both fell asleep after a while. Anna was too tired after staying awake for a whole day. After two to three hours the guard waked them up seeing them sleeping under the tree. When they got up, they were really surprised that their plan had worked.

All the plants were ones again standing erect. All the branches and leaves which were drooping down and covering the pot in which it stood, now ones again became fresh and rejuvenated. In the large group of golden plants, now they saw the plant which was in the silver pot. Ryan soon pointed towards it, showing it to the guard. The guard, who was surprised by this, handed over the pot to him. Ryan wanted to thank him for giving it to them, but as soon as he touched the pot they reached back to the big hall of University. They realised that they were the fourth group to complete the Competition. Charles and Daniel arrived at last, as the sixth team to complete the Competition.

All the teachers who were there congratulated the winners. Shortly after that Mr. Joshua arrived with Jacob and Kusal who were the participants of the team which was eliminated of the game at that level. They also congratulated the winners of the first level. Mr. Joshua went near Anna and congratulated her specially for completing the level successfully. Daniel who was watching this became jealous. But he kept it in his mind and congratulated her after Mr. Joshua.

After the official end of the level, the name of the participants of next level was announced. It was then Ryan asked Anna, “But how can the Great Wall of China be the answer for that question?”

Anna smiled and replied, “I didn’t know that ‘The great wall of China’ was called the longest cemetery until we came back here. It was Mrs. Sophia who explained to me why it was the answer. She told me that it was built in the spring and autumn and also that it was the only human made world wonder visible from the space.”

Ryan asked, “Then how did you find out the answer, if you didn’t know all this?”

“Don’t you remember what Brianna told us? If you could think of that place where we reached first, then I will surely find the answer. After that, we went to the restaurant where you told me that you had thought of that place because it was close to your home. It was then I thought about my mother land and the country China which was close to India. I also remembered a line of the puzzle saying that the answer was the shield of a country. And finally I came to a conclusion that it must be ‘The great wall of China’. That’s it.” she said.

“You are really clever Anna. It was just because of you we could complete this level. I was really careless this time. I thought that the game was simple. It was only at the end, I became serious and really panic. But you managed to calm down me. I think we should be very careful next time. If this is the first level, the next level will be even harder.” said Ryan.

Anna thanked him for supporting and believing in her. Later they returned back to their rooms to take rest after the long and stressful two days. Anna added all the new photos she took during her visit to China into her album. She called her father and talked to him about everything that she saw there. Mr. Reddy felt really proud to know that she completed the first level so successfully. Anna slept peacefully feeling happy about her achievement.

NO POWER CAN ERASE TRUE LOVE

Anna came to the class as usual the next day. The first hour was by Mrs. Sophia and she was conducting a surprise test for the students. It was while she was busy dictating the questions to the students, Daniel arrived to the class room. He became really happy seeing her. He believed that she would let him in unlike other teachers who would punish for being late, because he knew that she liked him than others. But this time, something different happened.

She said, “Daniel, I did not expect this from you. Participating in a Competition doesn’t mean you can come late for the class. You know that I am very strict about time. I am very disappointed about you. I thought you were the best in the class, but now I think Anna is better than you, just like every other teachers are saying.”

Anna felt really sad hearing this because she knew how proud he was, to say that he was the favourite student of Mrs. Sophia. Professor Sophia didn’t allow him to enter the class or write the test because she was very disappointed by his performance the previous day. She expected him to complete the level before Anna. She was angry with him and this was the reason for her bad mood. She couldn’t continue in the class after that and so she left all the students early after the test.

Daniel was very sad and very angry after this. He cried for hours just because of this incident. He couldn’t believe that a teacher who liked him very much suddenly changed her mind and is saying someone else is better than him. He was very depressed about what she said. He talked about this to his friends. They tried to console him. But he became more and more bothered about it each time. He became very jealous when he saw Anna walking out of the class happily with her friends. He followed her for a while and saw that every teacher liked her a lot. He was completely broken when he heard Mrs. Sophia speaking very proudly about her. He ran away from there and cried a lot.

Anna saw him running through the stairs and said to Mrs. Sophia, “Professor, I have to tell you something.”

Mrs. Sophia said, “Tell me, Anna, what is it?”

Anna continued, “I think you must not have reacted too harshly to Daniel. I think he is very sad. You must talk to him.”

Mrs. Sophia said, “I thought about it too. I was a bit too harsh on him. You see, I had great expectations about him and when I saw him being in the last team to pass the level, I couldn’t accept it. I scolded him because I like him.”

“But I think he has not taken it in the right sense.” said Anna.

Mrs. Sophia too agreed with what she said and tried to talk to him many times after this. But each time she tried, he just avoided her. And later, Sophia noticed that his behaviour had changed a lot and he can never again become her favourite student. She lost hope and even stopped talking to him even during the college time. Earlier they used to talk a lot. This bond between them was lost forever.

It was seventh of December, the day before the second level. Anna came to the class late on that day and the teacher let her inside. Daniel was observing all this and became more and more angry.

Liam who was observing him told him, “Did you see that. It was only yesterday, you were sent out for being late. But see what happened today?”

“What should I do? Everyone likes her.” said Daniel.

“She cannot be overcome by power. She can only be defeated with love.” said Liam.

“Are you saying that I should love her? No never. I don’t hate anyone else like her right now.” replied Daniel.

“She takes everybody in her hands with her loving nature. I think no one has ever cheated on her. She must know how painful it is. I think it is clear for you now.” said Liam.

One other friend told him soon, “Don’t do anything very soon. Wait before taking a step. At least till the next level is over. You must concentrate on your game now.”

Daniel’s mind was full of evil thoughts now. But he decided to wait until he gets an opportunity to do his revenge. Daniel, who was silent for two days, suddenly became active and started to talk with everyone after this.

Anna who noticed this change in him, felt happy. She went and talked to him that afternoon. Daniel also talked to her very friendly.

She said, “I thought you might be angry at me. Thank God, I am happy now.”

Daniel smiled at her even though his mind was filled with anger against her. They then started talking about the Competition. He told her that his mother had great expectations about him and if he couldn’t grow up to that, his mother would be very disappointed. He also said that his mother wanted him to reach the final level, which he promised her, he would achieve.

Anna now wished him luck and said, “Daniel, you will definitely reach the final level. I am sure. God will surely listen to your mom’s prayer.”

Anna always thought very positively. She liked to be the winner, but when she heard him saying about his mother’s expectations about him, she also wished if he was the winner. She decided to help him however she could because she knew it was also going to help her friend Charles who was his team mate. She wanted them to win the Competition if she couldn’t.

It was now, Ethan who was the winner of previous Championship and a participant of the present Championship came there. “Hi, I am Ethan. I came to congratulate you for completing the first level successfully. And if I can do some favour for you, please don’t hesitate to ask. Feel comfortable.” he said.

They thanked him for his caring nature.

Before he left he called Anna near him, “Anna. There is something I wanted to ask you very personally.” he said.

“Yes. What is it?” asked Anna.

“I know what happened between you and Juhan. Anna, he really likes you so much. Why are you pretending that you don’t like him? I can read it from your eyes. Look at me and tell that you don’t like him.”

Anna saw his beautiful eyes when she looked at him. She explained to him everything that had happened that day.

“Please don’t tell Juhan about this. He deserves someone better than me. I think Lora is much suited for him. She is much prettier, smart and above all she likes him so much.” said Anna.

“Why do you have to sacrifice for someone? See Anna, You are an independent person. You must decide for yourself. Why do you have to give up for your friend? If you like him, Can’t you just tell him? Why did you tell him you liked Daniel? If you ask me, I can even use some spell to erase Juhan from Lora’s mind.” Ethan said.

“I know you have a lot of powers. You can do anything. But, please don’t. I believe there are things more powerful, which are beyond anyone’s control. Like true love! You can never erase it from anyone’s mind. It will always find its way back however hard you try to destroy it.”

Ethan now realised how much she cared about her friends. “I am sorry Anna. I can understand you now. I won’t tell about this to Juhan.” said Ethan who was really touched by her words.

Anna showed her hand as if she wanted to shake hands with him. “Deal?” she asked.

Ethan turned her palm upside and placed his long fair hand inside it. “Promise.” he said.

They talked for sometime but soon it was time for the next hour and Anna said, “I think I should leave now. It’s time for the class.”

Ethan said, “I am sorry. I did not notice the time. All the best for tomorrow.”

Anna went back to her class after he left. Daniel listened to all this from behind the door close by. Suddenly Lora came that way seeing this.

She asked Daniel, “It is not a good behaviour to listen to others hiding somewhere.”

“Please don’t tell this to Anna. I don’t know what she will think of me if she knew this.” said Daniel.

“Are you stalking her? I am seeing this for several times now. Do you like her, Daniel?” asked Lora.

Daniel soon got a wicked plan in his mind. He just smiled and walked away when he heard her question. Lora followed him to know what was in his mind. But each time when she tried to talk to him, he kept on asking more and more about Anna. Lora now greatly suspected if he liked Anna. She tried a lot to make him say it. But he never said anything about it. Lora finally decided to talk to Anna about this. Daniel had a crooked smile on his face when he saw his plan was working.

Anna and Lora talked a lot that night. It was then Lora said to Anna, “I think Daniel likes you.”

“What are you saying? We are just friends.” she replied.

“He asked a lot of things about you to me, today. He also asked me if you were in some relationship.” said Lora.

“And what did you say?” Anna asked.

“I said that currently you are not in any relationship. And also told him, that I don’t know if you are interested.” said Lora.

Anna blushed hearing all this but she didn’t knew why. Lora said, “Oh my God, you are blushing. You like him right?”

‘He must have known about what I told Juhan. Thank God, Lora doesn’t know about it.’ Anna thought.

Anna just smiled and said, “Ofcourse, I like him. What is wrong with him? He is handsome and intelligent. All the teachers here like him a lot.”

“He is not that handsome. But he is very intelligent. So did you tell this to him? ” asked Lora very excited.

“No. Right now, I don’t have time for such things. I have to concentrate on my competition. I have promised my father that he will be proud of me some day.”

Lora said, “Yes. Let the Competition be over. And then I will tell him what is in your mind.”

Anna and Lora talked about a lot of things that night. Anna asked her more about Daniel because she knew that Lora knew more about him than her. Lora didn’t know much about him as he never used to talk to anyone unless he was in need of something. According to her he was a student struggling so hard to get a good compliment from someone. He was really hard working too. Lora had only talked to him once or twice that too when she knew Anna liked him a lot.

Anna really loved the way he used to talk to his professors. He had a special ability to talk to everyone in a pleasing way. But poor Anna never knew about his selfishness or about the trap hidden behind his sweet words.

THE EVIL GAME

It was the day of second level of Championship. Mr. Joshua, other teachers and all the participants were there in the big hall. The hall was very silent even though there were many people there. Mr. Thomas seemed to be very serious when he came inside the hall. Joshua again explained to them the rules of the game.

He said, “The game is getting harder each level. I want all of you to remember whatever I have said to you earlier, throughout the Competition. I want you to have a healthy Competition. All the best, to each one of you. Please stay with your team member always. There is just one map to guide both of you .If any one among you get lost, or get trapped somewhere, don’t panic. If this happens, only thing you can do is to complete the game as early as possible. As soon as your level is completed, both of you will be reaching back here. I hope you might have understood this by now. You can ask me if you have any doubts.”

He then took an umbrella from his pocket and said, “This is your treasure for the next game. And your puzzle is very simple. Here is your puzzle –’I was found long back in the nineteenth century in the rainbow land. The largest city in the world not situated on a river, lake or coastline. Everyone praise me as the city of gold.”

Everyone started to think deeply about the answer for the question. Suddenly Charles asked, “Sir, how can we recognise the umbrella. It’s just an ordinary one. Or is there something special about it.”

“All the treasures of the Championship have some significance. Like the golden plant kept in the silver pot, it is an important ingredient of potions for the defence against animal attacks. Similarly, this umbrella is also used for protection of half wizards from the dangerous spells. It is powerful and so it never rains above this umbrella. It is easier if you could find the University symbol on it. But, before thinking about treasure, try to solve the puzzle my dear.”

He went out of the hall saying this. Everyone started thinking deeply. The students who had gathered there to hear the question went back to their classes. Now only the participants and some faculties were left in the hall.

Ryan said to Anna, “We should not be wrong this time. There must be something in the puzzle which can help us. I have heard about this somewhere.” Ryan kept his hands on his head and sat down on floor closing his eyes so tight as if he was trying to think about something very hard.

“Ryan” Anna called him.

He got up from there and said suddenly, “South Africa”

“What?” Anna asked.

“Rainbow land, South Africa is also known as the rainbow land. But where exactly in South Africa?” he asked.

Suddenly Anna said, “It’s Johannesburg, the city of gold.”

They soon went there. It was noon when they reached there and they went directly to a nearby hotel since both of them were hungry. They opened the map and found that all the five treasures are within the city. But it was really hard to find out an umbrella from such a large city. After food they went out in search of the treasure. Their map could only show the place where it was present but not the exact location of the treasure or exactly with whom the treasure was with. They reached near a big market of Johannesburg in search of the treasure. They realised that the treasure was within the market, by the location in the map. But there were a large number of shops and hundreds of people there. It was impossible to even find who all had umbrella with them.

Suddenly Ryan said, “I wished if it rains now. That would make our job much easy.”

Anna said, “We can’t wait for the rain. We must do something right now.”

They tried many ideas to artificially create a rain, but since it was not the season people realised that it was them and shouted at them. About three hours passed by then. They were tired and sat down near a shop. Anna opened the map and looked at the location of the treasure again.

Ryan said, “I am sure, the treasure won’t be here now. The person who has it might have already left the market. Let us look for treasure of some other location.”

Anna replied, “It is still here. What does it mean?”

Ryan said, “The shops. If it is still here means, it is not with someone, it is in a shop somewhere nearby. And it is easy to find as there are very few shops selling umbrella here. Come on Anna, we don’t have much time to waste now.”

They started to go shop by shop, searching for umbrella which had the symbol of Cosmos on it, because all the treasure was having the symbol of Cosmos on it. And it was the only way they could find it. They searched all the umbrellas kept for sale. Finally they got into the last shop which sold umbrellas. The owner of the shop was an old lady. They were searching for the right one in that shop. Lacey and Cheng Li who were in another team was following them.

While Anna was searching in the shop the owner kept on talking to them about her shop. She also talked about her umbrella, which she bought recently. She liked it very much and said that she won’t be selling it for any price. Ryan felt very irritated hearing this. He asked her to keep quiet and what was so special about it that she would not sell it. She was really angry when she heard him saying this.

She said, “I don’t have to tell this to you, but I thought it might help you.”

Ryan had lost his temper already. “What do you mean, help us. You don’t have any idea about who we are. Why are you then pretending that you know who we are or what we are searching for?” Ryan asked.

Anna asked Ryan to stop scolding the old lady. Anna felt that there was something strange about her. She went close to the old lady. They had not even looked at her because they were busy searching for the treasure. Anna looked at her and realised that she was an old staff of Cosmos.

She asked, “You are Mrs. Grace Lyra. Yes, I have seen your picture in the university magazine. You might know about the umbrella too. Please help us, madam.”

Ryan apologized for being so rude towards her. Grace made him promise that he won’t be behaving in such way to others. Ryan promised her that he would always respect his elders and would never shout at them.

Lacey was watching all this very closely. She had worn a large black hat that covered her face so that no one would recognise her. Cheng Li was watching this from outside the shop.

Grace talked to them about her family and then told Anna, “You have beautiful eyes, I have seen those eyes before.”

Anna could not understand what she was talking but just smiled at her. Grace took out her umbrella from her case and kept it on her table.

She said, “I hope this is what you are looking for. You can take it.”

Anna saw the symbol of Cosmos on it and moved forward to take it. But suddenly Lacey pushed Anna and took the umbrella. Lacey and Cheng Li soon disappeared from there as they were watching. Lacey had left a small piece of paper there with ‘Thank you’ written on one side and ‘Sorry’ on the other side. Anna who was not expecting this became shocked seeing what happened just then. Ryan felt angry and started to shout again.

Grace who was watching all this said to them, “This is all part of the game. It was the rule, that you must touch the treasure first and then, only then, you can own it. It was a bad luck that you could not touch it even after finding it with great effort. But there is something else you should know very importantly. The game will definitely increase your knowledge and skills but will also bring hatred and envy among you. You may not know what others are thinking even when they talk to you very friendly. Better be careful.”

Ryan felt sorry for shouting at Anna when he heard this. “I am sorry Anna. I was so shocked when I saw someone taking away the treasure. I was thinking about the effort we had taken to find it. And when suddenly it was gone, I couldn’t accept it all of a sudden.”

“It’s ok. We will definitely complete this level. Don’t worry.” Anna told him.

“It was this evil game that made me speak like that. I was really harsh on you. It was not your mistake anyway. I am so sorry. I mean it.” said Ryan.

“I told you. I’m fine. After all, you are my friend. How can I be angry with you?” asked Anna.

“That’s true. How come I forgot about that?” Ryan said in a funny way and laughed.

Grace felt happy seeing all this and said, “My children, you will definitely find the treasure if you are together. Never leave each other during the game, you may have distractions but focus on what you want and it will be yours.” Grace who had foreseen what was going to happen was warning them. Anna and Ryan thanked her and left the shop in search of the next treasure.

THE DARK CLOUDS THAT APPEARED FROM NOWHERE

They located the next treasure in a church nearby. When they went there, the prayer ceremony was going on. They were really tired by then. They sat down under a tree there to wait.Ryan said, “There will be at least two hundred people in the church and it will be difficult to find it, the treasure.”

Anna closed her eyes and prayed, ‘Dear God, Please help me. Please send my guardian Angel to help me. Please, God.’

“What are you praying Anna?” asked Ryan.

Anna looked at the sky and said, “I wish, if it rained now.”

Just as soon as she completed the sentence, many large dark clouds came and it soon started to rain. Ryan suddenly couldn’t believe how that happened. But he realised there was some magic that happened all of a sudden. He never told about this to Anna who believed it was the God who heard her prayer. The rain was really a blessing for them.

They felt really happy now. They then noticed that people were coming out of the Church after the holy mass. Ryan ran to the roof of the Church and saw the umbrella, which was dry even during that heavy rain. He pointed out it to Anna who now saw the magical umbrella in the hand of a lady.

Anna ran close to her in the rain and stopped her from going. Ryan now came down with an umbrella which he had with him.

He handed over that umbrella to her and asked her for her umbrella very politely. The lady really didn’t understand anything that happened there. She was thinking why those young children had come in search of her.

But she was really happy seeing Ryan’s gentle behaviour and soon handed it over to him. They soon reached Cosmos all wet but still holding the second position of that level. Their hard work paid off and they were appreciated by everyone.

Mr. Williams came near Anna and said, “Congratulations. You are improving at each level.”

“Thank you uncle.” she said. Anna now searched for Ryan her teammate to introduce him to Mr. Williams. But he had already gone from there to search for his friend.

It was Abigail Delphinus and Kim Juhan Draco who were out of the game at that level. They were actually disqualified from that round for using magical spell in that level. Abigail was really angry with Juhan when the Principal scolded them. The principal shouted more at Abigail because he knew that she was the golden wizard among them who could use magical spells. Grey wizards could only use their powers with the help of potions, which was all taken away before they left for the game. But he was angry at Juhan too because he thought Juhan never tried to stop her from using the spell, which was a big offence too according to him. He now lost his belief in the golden wizards too.

Mr. Thomas warned every participant about the consequences they had to face if they break the rules. “I had told you all not to use your powers during the championship. I had only my doubts on the grey wizards until now. I trusted the golden wizards despite the fact that I am a grey wizard. But today I lost that too. We will be taking extra caution from now on so that no one will break the rules ever again. And if found so, strict punishments will be taken. You will be eliminated from the round without any explanation.” Mr. Thomas shouted at all. He was really angry when he walked out of the hall after saying this.

Mr. Joshua was so shocked to see Mr. Thomas talking like that. He said aloud to everyone, “I am sure the game was not tough even at this level. Everyone here knows about Johannesburg, the city of gold which was found in the nineteenth century and is located in the rainbow land, South Africa. And being the only city not having a prominent water body close to it, make it more special. This level was pretty simple I guess. But don’t expect such simple clues in the following levels. Game is getting tougher. Expect the worst.” He had a smile on his lips as he left the hall after saying this.

Everyone was silent for a minute. They all left the hall after the announcement of the final list of contestants who will be taking part in the next level. Daniel and Charles were the last to complete the level as usual. But more than being happy about his achievement, Daniel was worried and disappointed about Anna who always completed the level, before him. He couldn’t tolerate this anymore and decided to soon do something to throw her out of the Competition. He was talking about this to his friends and thinking about a plan, when suddenly Charles came there to speak to him.

“Keep quite. Charles is here.” said Daniel.

Charles, who had reached there, asked “What are you talking, guys? Can I join? I was looking for a company. Anna is really busy there talking with others. Lora and George haven’t come here since they are not well. Do you mind..”

“No. It is our pleasure. We were talking about Anna. She is really a brilliant girl. Am I right?” asked Liam to Charles. Others who were listening to him suddenly looked at him not really understanding what he was up to now.

“Oh, she is one of a kind. She is really brilliant. She can easily complete any level even if it is impossible.” said Charles.

“How can you be so sure? Just imagine, if she is out of this game in the next level. What would be the reason for it, according to you?” Liam asked to him softly.

“I don’t think anyone can beat her so easily. But if she loses, it can have only two reasons. Either she might have lost her map or she must have given up the competition by herself. But she is so brave that neither of this will happen. And I have a strong feeling that she will be the winner of this Championship.” It was then suddenly Charles thought of the promise he had given to Amelia. He wished them a goodnight and left from there.

Liam and Daniel now looked at each other and smiled as though they really had planned something really big in their mind.

Anna really thought about everything that happened that day as she went to sleep. She remembered the words of Grace. She deeply thought about what she said. But poor Anna was still not aware of the hidden meaning behind this. Anna had taken a photo of her. She added this to her album.

She slept peacefully as she had to go to class the next day.

FAKE LOVE

It was tenth of December and classes were going on as usual at Cosmos. Daniel was also there in the class. He was discussing something with his friends. That day morning, while Anna was coming to class, some boys blocked her way and teased her saying that she had relationship with Ryan who was the senior with whom she was taking part in Competition. Anna explained to them, that he was just a friend and not anything beyond that. But they never stopped. She started to feel afraid as her friends were not with her. Lora was having a cold because of the strong winter. Anna could do nothing else other than to stand there quietly listening to whatever they said because they never seemed to believe her however hard she tried to explain to them.

One of them said, “Why are you lying? We can see Ryan always behind you. He is always following you, with one of his friends. Just turn and look there.”

Anna turned back and found that Ryan was standing few steps away from her talking to his friend. She now thought of going near him so that the boys won’t disturb her. But then she thought they would tease her more if she does so.

It was now Daniel came there, “Why aren’t you feeling shame to ask such questions to a girl? Everyone in the university knows that, it is all part of the game, to spend some time with the team partner. But you don’t have to take it in the wrong sense.” They suddenly left from there without saying anything.

He shouted at them when they disturbed Anna on the same topic that afternoon. And in the evening, when she went to library, they made sound and disturbed her there too. And now again, Daniel came there to save her and they all left the library.

‘Why is he caring me so much all of a sudden? Does he really like me? Ah, Yes. Now I can understand. He might have heard me the other day, when I told Juhan about him. I never thought it will come true so soon. Oh, Daniel, I never expected you were so cool. I never thought you can handle those boys so easily. I really like you.’ Anna thought to herself while she was smiling at him. She was really happy.

Before leaving one of those boys came near Daniel and said in his ear, “I think our plan is working. Now it’s your turn.” Daniel understood what he was trying to say, because it was all pre planned.

“Just get out.” said Daniel in a loud voice. Anna was suddenly shocked for a moment.

“What did he say? Was he trying to threaten you?” asked curious Anna.

“Don’t worry about it. I can manage it.” He replied.

“No. We should complain it.” She was really worried about him now.

“No.” He said in a loud voice. But then suddenly he saw Anna looking at him, surprised why he was saying so. He then said to her in a low voice, “Don’t worry about me. Come. I will walk with you to your hostel. They might come again to disturb you.”

Anna just kept silent for a moment looking at him and said, “Ok.”

Daniel walked with Anna to the front door. They talked a lot as they were walking.

Anna asked, “Why are you caring me so much? I haven’t asked you to help. Is it because my friends are not with me today?”

“Well, if you want to think so, you are free to do it. But all I wanted was some time with you. Anna, will you believe me if I said I like you? What would be your reply?” he asked.

They had already reached near the front door of her hostel while he asked this. Anna just smiled and walked towards her room. After walking few steps she thought of what Juhan had told her. Juhan had told her to tell it, when she likes someone. She now desperately wanted to tell Daniel that she likes him before anything goes wrong again.

She turned back and came near him again. She asked, “Are you sure?”

Daniel was standing there very disappointed that his plans won’t be working if Anna wasn’t giving a positive reply. He suddenly didn’t understand what she said and asked, “What?”

She looked down just the way she did always before when she was tensed. “Are you sure I am the right one for you? I don’t know what I should say. I…. I….j just want to tell …….”

“Anna, just speak it out. I know you like me.” he said.

Anna finally decided to tell him what was in her mind and holding his hand very tight said “l love you, Daniel.”

She ran to her room and looked out through the window. She could see Daniel standing near the front door from there. Daniel was about to step inside through the door when suddenly Anna called out his name through the window.

Daniel turned to his left and there she was, sitting on the narrow space on which window was placed. Daniel walked close to her when he saw her. Anna just felt so happy seeing him coming near her. He came there, looked inside the room and said, “Your room look so neat.”

“Oh, is it? Thank you. Want to come inside?” she asked.

“No. I must leave now. I will meet you tomorrow. Bye.” he said and walked away.

“Bye” she shouted from aloud as he walked away.

Anna was very excited that day. She talked to Lora about this. Lora was very weak due to cold and was very tired that day. Lora saw that, Anna was very excited and asked her to go to bed not wasting time thinking about the same thing as she was staying awake too late. Anna went back to her room and tried to sleep but felt very difficult. She kept on thinking about Daniel the whole night before she finally fell asleep.

Next day she got up late. She was in a hurry to go to class. And as she was rushing to get ready, she found that her cupboard was lying open. She remembered closing it before going to sleep. She suddenly started searching for something in it. It was then Lora came there.

“Hurry up, Anna. We are getting late for the class. I told you yesterday itself, that you must not stay awake late if you are not used to it. Anna, aren’t you hearing me?” she asked this seeing that, Anna was keeping on searching without listening to her.

She went near her and saw that Anna was very nervous. She asked, “What happened to you? Tell me? Anna, tell me?”

Anna replied, “The map, Ryan had asked me to keep it safely. It’s missing Lora. I don’t know what to do.”

“Don’t worry Anna. We’ll definitely find it. Look carefully in the cupboard. Where else would it go.” said Lora.

They searched for it everywhere. But they couldn’t find it.

“I think someone had entered my room last night. That too, after I slept. I think I forgot to close my window after Daniel left last night. Oh, how foolish was I?” Anna said to Lora very disappointed.

“But how can they know this was your room? How come the guards never noticed someone who get in your room through your window, that too after you slept?” asked Lora.

“I don’t know anything. I had seen the map when I opened my bag to keep it. I can’t find it anywhere now. It must be definitely someone who hates me the most who have taken it.”

“I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like you here in Cosmos. What if it was a thief? Did you lose any of your valuables?” asked Lora.

“No, it’s just the map. I looked for it everywhere.” Anna started to cry.

Lora told her not to worry, they would find it together. They then went to the class together.

NEVER BELIEVE ANYONE BLINDLY

W

hen they reached the class, Daniel came near her and asked her if she was alright. Lora told him that she was fine and told him about the map.

“Don’t worry. I know you haven’t done anything wrong. Don’t feel bad for it. There are other competitions where you can participate. Don’t worry.” he told her.

“What happened to your finger?” asked Lora who suddenly noticed a bandage on it.

“Nothing” Daniel tried to cover his finger with other hand.

He then moved closer to Anna and said, “Don’t be afraid. I am here for you. Let me see what I can do. After all it is just a game. Don’t take it so seriously.”

Anna started to cry again after hearing this. But she had no other choice but to accept the fact.

Charles and George told her to inform this to the University.

But then she refused to do this. “What if someone had taken it by mistake? And even if we complain there is no much of benefit. The authority would not do anything about this since each map is the responsibility of each group.” she said.

Anna was more worried about how she would tell this to Ryan. Ryan had always asked her to take good care of the map.

Anna went near Ryan to tell about this to him. He was talking with his friend when Anna slowly walked towards him with her head down really tensed about what might happen next. When his friend saw that Anna was coming there, he left from there. Anna came near Ryan and told him about the map. He was really angry but didn’t tell her anything. Anna expected that he would scold her. Instead he left from there without talking anything. Anna was standing there expecting that he would scold her. But he didn’t speak a word.

He talked about this with his friend. His friend told him that he had an idea and not to worry about anything. He also told Ryan that he had suspicion on Daniel whom he had seen the previous night talking with Anna. Ryan just kept all this in his mind because he knew Anna would never believe him if he say about this unless he prove it to her. He knew Anna loved him.

Anna was very sad and depressed that day. Daniel came to meet her while she was returning from the library that day. He called her to go out with him. But Anna said that she was not feeling well.

He then told her, “I know what you are going through. Don’t worry. Everything will be ok soon.”

Anna could not tell him back anything. She just hugged him and walked away from there.

She went back to her room and cried a lot. Anna now opened her album and looked at the picture of her map that she had taken on the day they got it. There was a secret Anna had hidden in it. She had secretly kept a small flacon of perfume that smelled jasmine inside the wooden rod on which the map was rolled. She did this in such a way that the map would smell jasmine each time she opened it. She thought that its fragrance would make her feel fresh and help her think well each time she opened the map. It was her favourite scent and she loved it a lot. Anna was sitting there on her bed thinking about all this.

Suddenly she heard someone knocking at her door. She opened the door thinking it was Lora. But to her surprise it was Abigail.

“Hi” she said to Anna.

Anna wiped out her tears with her hands and replied, “Hey, just come in.”

“No, thank you. I just came here to give this to you.” she said and gave Anna the map which her team had used. “My friend, he asked me to give this to you. And yes, don’t ask his name. He doesn’t like to reveal his name.”

Anna was surprised seeing the map and said, “But you have to return this to the University. Why are you giving this to me?”

“Don’t worry. I can take care of it. I can tell them it went missing all of a sudden. They won’t take this issue much seriously. And yes, don’t tell this to Ryan. He doesn’t like breaking the rules. Keep this little secret safe with you.” said Abigail.

“Thank you so much” Anna couldn’t hold back her happiness that she suddenly hugged Abigail. Anna could suddenly see two angelic wings for her.

Abigail was surprised seeing her reacting like this. “Good night” she said and walked away.

Anna stood there looking at the angel who saved her. She felt really happy that they were back to the Competition.

She called and informed Ryan that she got back their map. She said that her friend had returned it back when he found it abandoned by someone on the roadside. She also told the same thing to her friends so that they won’t go to complain about this to the higher authorities. She strongly believed that it was Daniel who had asked Abigail to do this. She called him to thank him but to her surprise he was not at all aware of such an incident. He said that he had asked his friends for help and it might be one of them, because he did not want the credit to go to someone else. Anna thanked him anyway.

Next day morning Anna came very early to the hall for the Competition. She saw that Ryan was already there. Suddenly Ethan came near her and asked, “You are really early today. Hope you have not forgotten to take the map. Please take great care of it. If you lose it again it would be very difficult to replace. Everyone won’t be very generous and caring always.”

“Oh, thank you for caring about us. And how did you know about this. I thought no one knew anything about it.” Anna asked.

Ethan kept quiet for a moment, looked at Ryan and replied, “It was Ryan who told me all this. How else shall I know about it?”

“Oh. I never knew you both were so close friends.” said Anna.

“Anyway have a great day, take care of yourself, Anna. Don’t worry too much about the game. We are all there to support you.” Ethan said.

Anna was shocked for a moment thinking that her secret was out. But she felt so relieved when she heard it was Ryan who told him about the map.

Daniel and Charles had reached the hall as they were talking. When Anna saw them she went near them to talk to them. Ryan who saw suddenly felt really irritated. But then Ethan asked him to calm down.

After some time when everyone had arrived, Anna went back to her allotted position and stood near Ryan waiting for Mr. Joshua to arrive.

Ryan who couldn’t really hold back his tongue suddenly said to Anna, “Anna, never believe anyone blindly. They may pretend like they love you. But the reality may be different.”

“Whom are you talking about?” Anna asked.

“Whom else? I was saying about Daniel. Everyone in the University is now talking about you two.” said Ryan who was a bit angry.

Anna replied, “Ryan, How can you talk like this? What harm did Daniel do to you, for you to talk against him? I like him and he too loves me. I had told about this to you. And why are you telling this to me now?”

“Because I think the map was with him the day you lost it. He might have thrown it on the roadside when he became afraid that the higher authority would punish him. He was with you the night it went missing, right?” he asked.

“And how did you know he was with me that evening? Are you jealous that I talk to him more often than you? Are you following me everywhere? This is just a game and we are just teammates not anything beyond that. I don’t want to believe what some of my classmates teased me about last day. Even I wonder if anything they said was true. And I don’t want you to follow me or talk to me about my personal life.” Anna said.

Ryan replied, “You have changed a lot within few days. Why are you talking like this Anna? Is there anything wrong I did to you? I always wanted to be your good friend. Do you remember what Grace said? Always keep it in your mind, Anna.”

Anna remembered what Grace said. She suddenly felt so sorry about everything she said. “Ryan, I am sorry if I hurt you. I just want you to give me my own space.”

Ryan who didn’t wanted to talk about it anymore now told her, “It would be better if we stop talking about this now. Why should we worry about other things when we have enough and more to worry about?”

As they were talking, Mr Joshua arrived and there was perfect silence in the hall.

THE INVISIBLE STONE

Mr. Joshua had come to the hall with a wooden box that day. Everyone wondered what was hidden so secretly locked inside the wooden box. He said. “Are you all ready, for the real treasure hunt..?” He looked all around the hall. Everyone was surprised why Mr. Joshua was speaking like this now.

He continued, “This round will be a real hunt for one of the most valuable stone….of Cosmos. The diamond of the North will be the treasure for this level.”

He took out the large diamond piece from the wooden box. He said. “This is one of the most costly and sacred weapon of wizards. It can control the powers both golden and grey. This is also called the sacred stone because of its great magical powers.”

The stone was glowing bright green. Everyone was looking at it greatly surprised. They had never seen something like that before.

He continued, “So it is time for the puzzle. Listen carefully, it is such a simple puzzle, there is nothing to think too much. And here is the puzzle. ’I was made during the era of British empire. I became world famous as the king’s library and as the collection of curiosity. I am visible even though in the big smoke.”

All the contestants became really surprised hearing the puzzle. Even though it sounded simple, no one immediately got a clear cut idea. There were only five groups left to play the game. So it was really important to solve the puzzle faster. Only four teams could reach the fourth level.

All thought very deeply about it. Anna was thinking about everything that happened the previous day. She couldn’t concentrate on her game because she had a lot of thoughts in her mind at that moment. Ryan who was seriously thinking about the puzzle suddenly told her, “Anna, I got it. Anna. Are you listening?”

Anna suddenly came back from her thoughts and said, “Yes”

Ryan continued, “Anna, the last line, isn’t it catchy? We can never see a thing clearly through the smoke. So ‘big smoke’ really isn’t a smoke at all. It is the nick name of London. But, I still have no clue about where exactly in London? Why am I always getting stuck in the middle of this?”

Something suddenly struck in Anna’s mind. “The British Museum, yes the diamond is there. I have a feeling this is the right answer. Ryan let’s go there.” Anna said.

Ryan noticed that his friend was now looking at them and smiling. He wondered what he was doing.

Ryan soon asked Anna, “How? How can you say it is the answer so confidently? I mean, it can be anywhere in London. Why are you so sure it is the British Museum?”

Anna didn’t listen to him. She suddenly pointed at the location in the map and said “British Museum of London” and they ended up in the road in front of it.

“See the map there are three treasures outside and one inside the Museum.” Anna said.

“But how did you know it was the right answer.” asked Ryan who was still surprised that they could solve the puzzle so fast. But Anna also had no explanation for it.

She said, “I was just looking at the map thinking something else. But suddenly I had a feeling as though someone was taking my focus to where the Museum was located. I had no idea how I started thinking about it but it was then I realised that it was the answer for the puzzle. It is world famous and had a large variety of collection, ‘The collection of curiosity’. It also had some of the books donated by the king George himself because of which it was called the king’s library. But I just still can’t explain how I came to think about it. It felt like some invisible power which was trying to help me.”

She just looked at the map in her hand and said, “I have a feeling that this map will bring us luck.” Ryan all though heard this, did not reply to this. He was now thinking about his friend.

They were standing just in front of the Museum right then. They walked closer to the Museum and were really amazed by the huge infrastructure.

Ryan asked “So what is the plan? Are we going for the diamond inside?”

Anna replied, “I think that would be easier as we don’t know where exactly are other treasures located and this is the nearest one we can get to right now.”

“And finally, I hope, we will be back at Cosmos first this time. We always have a narrow escape each time. Come, let’s do this.” said Ryan proudly.

They entered the Museum, but it was so vast and the treasure could be anywhere in there. They really became tired searching for the treasure. They searched everywhere they could but finally decided to give up. It was really a huge building. They realised soon that finding a stone from there was not an easy task.

Anna now said, “I wish if the map showed us the right location of it in this Museum instead of only the place of it.”

As soon as she said this the stone started to glow. A tourist who was standing there became afraid seeing this, screamed and ran outside saying there was some ghost in there. But Anna and Ryan were really far from there and didn’t know this. They saw a lot of people leaving from there but never realised what was the reason for it.

They finally got out of the Museum and walked to the street in search of a restaurant for having some food as it was already evening and they were really tired. They heard a group of people talking about the presence of a ghost in the Museum.

Ryan who heard this said to Anna, “Didn’t you hear that? ‘Ghost in the Museum’! I will never go back there. It must be a ghost from the cemetery we had gone. It has started to follow us. Good that we got out from there. What if the ghost had attacked us? Oh, I can never imagine.” He continued talking about ghosts and his fear about them.

Anna laughed replied, “Why are you worried about so many unnecessary things when we already have many things to worry about?”

Ryan now looked at her very disappointed that she was not interested in what he was saying. “I was trying to say something very seriously and why are you taking it as a joke?” he asked her.

Anna just smiled and pretended as though she was very serious now. She said, “Let us think of some way to complete this level. And just like you said, let us just not go back to the Museum to search for the treasure. It is such a large space. And think of the security system there? I don’t think we could get any closer to the stone even though we found it. It is better that we left from there.”

“And the ghost, did you forget about it? I can never think of a ghost having feast on Me.” said Ryan. Anna laughed hearing this. After having a light snack they left the restaurant in search of the treasures outside the Museum.

They walked a lot in search of the treasure. But they couldn’t find it anywhere. After a while Ryan sat down on a bench which he saw there and said, “I am really tired. I can’t walk a step more. I give up. I really can’t walk a step more.”

But Anna was now completely involved in the game letting away her other thoughts which were till then really disturbing her. She just stood there leaning on a lamp post, thinking about the treasure. Ryan was surprised seeing her still not tired even after walking a long distance. She was really thinking about something very deeply.

Ryan who found that Anna was not listening to him asked her, “What is it? What are you thinking about? What happened?”

“I was thinking about the stone. I thought it would be easy to find it. But there is something else about this which makes it harder to get closer to it. And I think I just got a clue about that.” said Anna.

“What is it? Is this stone hiding somewhere when we reach near it?” Ryan laughed saying this.

“Actually, yes. The stone is always hiding from our sight. It is ‘Invisible‘.” said Anna.

“What? Invisible? Are you joking? How can we find it unless we can see it? There must be something that is special about it. Think, Anna. You might know it too, I am sure. Just think about where you read this.” said Ryan.

“Can’t you see? I am thinking. Give me some time.” replied Anna.

“This level is really tricky. ‘An invisible treasure’. Wow, that sounds great. So that’s why we couldn’t find it till now. No wonderful others haven’t found it too.” said Ryan who realised no other team had completed the level too. He could see all the treasures still in the map.

“You are right. The game is really getting complicated. There must be something we have missed. But I can’t remember it. I just can’t ….” she said.

As they were talking, Daniel was coming from the opposite street. He called out, “Anna, over here.” Anna turned and looked at him. She was really surprised. “Daniel, Why are you here? And you are alone? Where is Charles?” she asked.

Daniel replied, “Oh, he is taking a nap. I thought, I could take you for dinner tonight. What do you say?”

Anna was really confused. She couldn’t deny Daniel. But at the same time she didn’t want to leave Ryan alone in the midst of the game. She just stood there silently looking at Daniel.

Ryan who realised this suddenly stood up and said to Daniel, “Aren’t you having any sense at all? Can’t you see, we are all in the middle of a game and you want to take your girlfriend for a dinner? Just keep quiet and leave, Daniel.”

Anna was still standing there silently. Seeing this Daniel asked her, “Why are you silent, Anna? Can’t you hear what he spoke just now? Or is it that, you just don’t want to spare an hour for me? Is it so?”

Ryan just pushed him gently and said, “Just leave, and don’t disturb us again.”

Daniel started to pretend as though he was really hurt when Ryan pushed him on his chest. Anna who saw this thought Daniel was really in pain. She got between them, turned to Ryan and said, “Ryan, please. Don’t be so rude. It’s just the matter of an hour. I will be back soon. Just take some rest until then.”

Ryan didn’t say anything for this because he knew that after all, she had no choice but to go with him because she loved him deeply. He said, “But I want you to return back in an hour. Whatever, happens.”

MAGIC OF A MAGNET

Anna and Daniel took a cab and left from there. Daniel had a crooked smile of success on his face. And Anna who didn’t knew anything was enjoying the sight outside. The city lights were really beautiful and Anna just enjoyed it. The cool breeze made her hair fly around her. The streets were full of people busy in their own activities. Some children were looking at her from a nearby building as the car slowed down in the traffic. It was cold and dark. Soon they reached near a huge restaurant and they got down there. Anna was really happy seeing the illuminations around her. “It’s really beautiful!” she said.

Daniel replied, “It’s like you.”

Anna smiled when she heard this. She really enjoyed that moment. She looked at Daniel who was paying for the cab. He took out his wallet which had the currency of all countries. He talked with cab driver in English but he couldn’t understand the amount he was asking for. Anna felt it really funny.

She suddenly interrupted him and said, “May I”

He moved aside, while Anna took her purse from her pocket and paid the amount.

Daniel said, “Hey, I am sorry. I will give you the money if you tell me how much it is.”

“Please don’t talk to me like that. I thought there was nothing like yours or mine. Or, is there?” asked Anna.

“I am sorry. I was not saying it that way. Please don’t take me wrong. I thought you could save that money. It was me who invited you tonight for a dinner. I must pay for it, right?” he asked.

Anna saw that he was really nervous when he said this. She smiled and said, “Hey, just calm down. Why are you so nervous? As though, you were going to do some crime.”

“No, I am not nervous. Why should I be?” he asked.

Anna just moved close to him, hugged him and said, “I know you are trying so hard to impress me. It’s really a short time since we started to be so close. But I already feel it’s been long time. I know you very well. You are just a simple human, who is trying really hard to impress everyone. I like you from the very beginning.” Daniel just smiled back at her when she looked at him.

They got into the restaurant and ordered for the food. They talked for sometime before the food arrived. Daniel served the food for Anna. They then had it together. Anna noticed that the drink she had was having a different smell and asked about it to Daniel. He explained that it was a special type of drink made for them. Anna spoke with Daniel about a lot of things that night. But after sometime she seemed very disturbed.

Daniel asked, “What is it, bothering you so much? Are you worried that you won’t reach back on time?”

“No, it’s just a feeling that, someone is watching me always. I even had such a feeling, while I was with Ryan. I mean as though, someone was following us, and I thought it might be you just checking out if I was safe. But it’s not you. I am still having such a feeling. Maybe, it’s just nothing, and just my thoughts. Or it may be someone from Cosmos just checking if everything was alright. I don’t know.” said Anna.

“Someone from Cosmos, following us, no way. They might be behind Ryan and Charles now. They are the ones who are continuously being observed. The higher authority is always behind the grey wizards. They don’t trust any of them. Thank God, we don’t have such powers. Or else they would have found my entire plan.” said Daniel.

“Plan? What plan?” she asked.

Daniel started to stumble not knowing what to say. Suddenly he said, “To take you for dinner. That was my plan”

“You were planning all this? I never knew. I thought you suddenly got this idea to take me out when you saw me.” she said.

“Hey, it’s such a beautiful place. How can you not think of spending some time enjoying here?” he asked.

“You are right. It’s the most wonderful place I have seen ever. Really. Everything here looks so beautiful. I would have missed them all if I hadn’t come with you. But I am still worried about Ryan. He must be there all alone there. I must go back to him soon.” she said.

“Just leave it from your mind. I want to have your full attention for a moment now.” Ryan took out a ring from his pocket as he said this. Anna just smiled as he wore it on her finger.

He kissed on her hand and said, “You keep on attracting me Anna. I just can’t leave you.”

As he said this, Anna remembered about something and tried to stand up with excitement. But her legs felt really heavy. So she sat back on her chair.

She said, “I just remembered something. And it’s about the diamond. I think I should tell this to you too. It can help you get near it faster.”

“What is it? Just say it to me.” he asked her to tell him faster because he knew that with the dose of sedation he gave her in the drink, she will be falling unconscious soon.

Anna said, “The diamond of North, it’s actually a magnet. It can be easily found out with another piece of magnet.” She felt her head really heavy as she said this. She realised she must take some rest. And so she said to Daniel, “I am just not feeling well. Just leave me, go search for the stone. I will make it to Ryan somehow.”

Daniel told her to take rest and left from there. But there was someone else who was watching all this. He saw that Anna was too weak and walked near her. He asked her, “Anna, are you OK? What happened to you? Anna, are you listening?”

Anna was already half in sedation and told him, “Just do me a favour. Just tell my friend about how he could complete this level. You should tell him that ….” Anna fell down from her chair suddenly.

She couldn’t speak anything else as she was already unconscious by then. But he replied, “I have already told Ryan about the magnet. Don’t worry. I will tell him to start searching for it now.” He took her to his relative’s home and left her with his aunty. He soon went near Ryan and said, “She is really weak. You must complete this level for her.”

Ryan asked “But how? I can’t do it alone.”

He took the bag which Anna had given Ryan to keep with him till she return. There was a small compass attached to the camera she was using. He told Ryan, “Use this. It will guide you.” He left him saying this.

Ryan was stuck in the middle all alone in the darkness. He opened the map and saw that there were only two more treasures left. One was really far from there. And the nearest one was, back in the Museum. And he had no other option but to go back to his ghost, that too in the midnight. He took his courage to go there and somehow secretly managed to enter the Museum. He walked around the hall without making noise because his fear was about waking up the ghost whom he believed was sleeping right then, than about the guards who were walking around with the gun. He walked forward through the huge collection of historical works. A type of fear started to crawl over him. He felt really alone in the middle of that huge building.

As he reached a particular section, he saw that the needle of the magnet was moving violently. He thought it was the ghost and started to run around screaming. He hid inside a room to escape from guards who came there hearing his sound.

“Someone has entered here. It must be a thief.” one of the guards who were really scared said to the other.

The other one who was more scared said, “What if it is the ghost? We can call others too.”

“Yes, let us just leave from here. Let us come with others if we hear some sound again.” he agreed to him.

They soon left from there. Ryan, who realised that the guards had left, went back to the previous location as he realised it was the treasure and not the ghost which was in there. He saw a lot of fearful artworks in that room when he lit the room with his torch. Some of them were painted with bright colours that Ryan found it difficult even to look at them. It was then he thought about what he had heard about the invisible stone. The stone could glow when another magnet is brought near it.

With all the courage he gathered, he walked in the direction which made the needle move violently again. He walked more and more forward in the direction from which the magnet was reacting to. And he finally reached near an artwork which was kept inside a glass case. He leaned over the class box to have a better look. And the stone which was until then invisible started to glow green.

The alarm rang loudly and guards came there. Ryan had no choice but to get the diamond soon. He opened the box and got the diamond with his eyes closed so tight because he was just expecting an attack from a guard, who was approaching him from behind. But luckily he was back at Cosmos along with Anna as he opened his eyes. He took her back to her room with the help of her friends as she was still under sedation .Anna didn’t wake up that night. Ryan didn’t understand what had happened to her. But he was really angry at Daniel.

THE QUARELL

Anna woke up from the sedation early in the morning the very next day. She found that she was in her room and Lora was lying beside her. She was not remembering anything what happened the previous night. She tried to wake up Lora, who had slept very late the previous day.

“Anna. Not now. Just let me sleep for an hour more.” she said half asleep.

“Lora, please get up, now. I want to know what happened to me yesterday. Please, Lora.” Anna continued to call her until finally she got up and explained her, what happened the previous day.

She said, “There is no clear explanation on what happened to you. The University is still trying to find what happened. You were unconscious when you reached here. What happened to you really, yesterday?” Lora asked her.

Anna felt really relieved when she realised that Ryan had completed the level. She tried to recall what happened the previous night. But she felt it really hard. But the more she tried to recall just one scene flashed in front of her eyes, where someone came running to her calling out her name, talked to her something and took her to a lady who was sitting beside her as she fall into deep sleep and everything blurred out. She also remembered seeing the red shoes, the same one that she had seen before. But she knew that Juhan can’t be there without a map. It must have been someone who was living there or someone who was still in the competition. She then thought it might be someone Daniel had asked to take care of her. So she just didn’t tell about this to anyone especially to Lora.

She couldn’t see the face of any of them clearly as her vision was very much blurred at that time. She wanted to thank whoever it was. She thought about it the whole day as it was a holiday for them.

She talked to Lora about the time she spent with Daniel and everything he told her. Lora who heard the whole story what happened before Anna went unconscious, said “So it is Duncan. He is the one who cheated you. I am sure. I didn’t believe Ryan when he told me first. But now I am sure. It is better that we realised it at least now.”

Anna asked “What are you saying, Lora? Do you think he will do this to me? How can you ever think of it?”

“Anna, do you still believe that it wasn’t he who did this. He might have added some kind of poison in your food. Thank God, someone came there to save you. And just think of how Daniel left you alone in that restaurant. Is that what a boyfriend does at such situation? That itself shows his selfishness. And did he come to see you after that? No. What does it say?” asked Lora.

Anna said, “That says nothing. It was me who asked him to leave me there. He is really innocent. He might be busy to come and see me. I don’t want to believe what you are saying without any sense at all.” They had a small quarrel on that topic that day but finally they decided to talk to Charles who was Daniel’s partner in the game, the next day, for better clarification.

Daniel was expecting this too. So he went to visit Charles who by then came to know, that Daniel had gone to visit Anna without telling him, while he was still searching for the treasure. Charles was really angry when Daniel came near him.

Daniel sat near him and started to explain, that it was for their better future, he was doing all this.

“What do you mean by saying, our better future? You don’t have to leave my friend alone in an unknown place, for just winning a competition. What explanation do you have?” asked Charles.

Daniel smiled and said, “What if I have done more than just leaving her there? What if I can explain why I gave a drug to sedate her?”

As he heard this, Charles jumped over the table and caught hold on Daniel’s collar. “So, it was you. I always had a doubt on you.” said Charles.

“Calm down Charles. Why are you behaving so rudely to someone who came to see you? After all, you are the one who is going to be benefitted. Isn’t it?” asked Daniel.

Charles left his hold on the collar, stepped back and started to think about something. Daniel continued, “Don’t pretend that you don’t know anything. It was one of your fears that Anna would become the Champion. And I knew it from the beginning, when I saw you doing a lot of extra effort to complete each level. But that isn’t enough. No game can be won so easily playing fair. I was doing all this for you. Believe me, Charles. And don’t let anyone know this little secret. Instead of trying to be an honest saint in front of Anna, try to understand the truth and stay with me if you want to win the Championship.”

“But I would never do anything to harm her. And why should you think I always feared her victory. I am confident in my abilities.” Charles replied.

“Don’t pretend you haven’t done anything and you are not afraid of her. This was your one and only fear from the day Amelia told you about winning the Championship. Don’t think I am not noticing your visits with Amelia after completing each level. And, after all it was you who gave me the idea to steal their map.”

“What are you saying? When did I? So you stole her map too. How could you do such things?” asked Charles who was shocked to hear this.

Daniel smiled and replied, “Don’t ever think of telling all this to someone else. If you do so, I will have to tell them it was your idea. All my friends have heard you telling me to take away Anna’s map, when Liam asked you what we should do to win the game. See, the thought was always inside you. And I just went on with it. I executed what you said, nothing more.”

Charles replied, “I was joking about it. I didn’t really want to hurt her. I..” Charles felt suddenly out of words.

“You don’t have to convince me. Try to convince yourself.” Daniel said.

After talking for very little time Daniel made him realise that there was no other option left in front of them to win the game. Daniel explained his plans about the next level to Charles. And Charles finally had no other way but to support Daniel, to win the game. Daniel left from there after a while. He had his crooked smile on his face once again, as if he was succeeding in all his plans.

THANK YOU MY ANGEL

The next day morning, Charles saw that Anna and Lora were waiting for him as he came to the class. They came near him and explained what they were fighting upon the previous day. Lora said, “This girl won’t believe me unless I prove it. I want you to explain what actually Daniel’s plan was. I am sure he was planning something for past few days. Isn’t it right, Charles?”

“Plans? What are you saying?” Charles was really afraid when he heard Lora talking like that.

Anna said, “Tell me Charles, I believe you more than anyone. Don’t you think Daniel loves me truly? Or is there anything else going on within him without my knowledge? Do you think he will try to harm me?” Charles wanted to tell her the truth, but then he suddenly remembered the promise he gave to Amelia.

He said, “No, I don’t think he will do anything against you. Why should he do something to harm you? You haven’t done anything wrong to him. He was really worried about you yesterday. I think he really likes you.”

Anna was really happy to hear this. She turned around and told Lora, “See, I told you. He likes me. And so he can never harm me, it’s that simple.”

Lora realised that Anna believed Daniel blindly. She didn’t have any other way but to agree with what Anna said. But she was now angry with Charles seeing him supporting Daniel.

Daniel was watching all this. He came near Anna and said, “Anna, I am Sorry. I couldn’t come and meet you yesterday.”

But Anna simply smiled and said, “Why are you doing this? I know how concerned you are about me. And I know it was you who arranged someone else to take care of me that night. I am sorry I can’t remember who it was. Maybe if you could tell me who it is, I could thank him. Even though only half conscious, I could understand that he was really worried about me from his words. But his face, I can’t remember it.”

Daniel who was not at all aware of all this but instantly replied, “Yes, yes. It was me. I asked one of my friends there to take care of you. And don’t stress yourself. I will tell him whatever you want to tell.”

“Who is your friend in there who helped you? Just tell me his name. I think I should meet him and express my gratitude for saving my friend.” asked Lora.

“I can’t tell his name now. Please, Anna. Try to understand.” said Daniel not able to think of anything all of a sudden.

“I know you can’t tell the name, because what you are telling is nothing but a lie. The Ministry have already found that it was a half wizard who took care of her. There was a magic spell of healing that was used on her. Maybe she had got injured somehow. I don’t think you have such a friend there. I don’t even think you have much human friends.”Lora said.

“Lora. Please stop talking like that. That’s enough. I know you don’t like him. But that doesn’t mean you can say anything about him.” Anna was a little angry now.

Lora kept quiet for then but she felt really suspicious about Daniel. Daniel who understood this tried to keep Anna and Lora separated from each other as much as he could on that day and the next.

On the day before the next level, Anna went to the library as usual. She had a senior there whom she used to meet daily. He was really caring that Anna went and met him whenever she wanted an advice. Anna never knew who he was because he always covered his nose and mouth with a mask saying that he had dust allergy. Yes there was so much dust in the library since there were lot of old books stacked on the old wooden shelves.

Anna had noticed his blue eyes which she had only seen in very few students of the University. They started to talk to each other without introducing their names, but soon they became great friends. Anna never tried to ask him his name as she thought it would be weird if she asks him his name after such a long time. They both came to library very often because they were really interested in books.

Anna was talking to this senior and there were only two of them other than the librarian in there, when Daniel called her telling her to immediately come outside the library. Anna was not expecting a call from him but she was really excited.

She saw him standing on the other side of the road. She ran out of the library and as she was crossing the road to reach near Daniel who was standing across the street, a car came to hit her. But suddenly some magic happened there. Anna became really surprised how she safely reached the other side, when there was a car rushing on to her the previous moment.

She looked around but didn’t see anyone. She asked Daniel, “Did you see that? So this was what my dad was talking about. The guardian Angel is always with me you see. Don’t know if it was really the Angel. But I think I am really lucky.” “Thank you my angel.” she said aloud with happiness.

“You are welcome” she thought she had heard a faint voice from behind. She looked around, but no one was there. She asked to Daniel, “Did you hear someone speaking now?”

“No” said Daniel who was standing there surprised, realising that his one another plan also became a failure. He realised that someone was watching them. He thought what Anna had told him once, about her feeling as though someone was following her.

He suddenly noticed Anna looking at him. He asked, “What were we talking about, just now?”

Anna replied, “What happened to you? You look really tensed. Don’t worry. I am alright. Actually I was talking about what my father told me always. He told me not to worry about anything. There is my guardian Angel who is watching over me. And the Angel would take care of me. And do you know what I told him yesterday when he said this to me? I told him I knew who my Angel was.”

“And who is it?”Daniel asked her, to know about that person who saved her always. He started to have such a feeling because all his plans were going wrong in one or the other way.

Anna looked at him really surprised hearing his question and seeing the fear on his face. Daniel was waiting to know who that was.

And suddenly Anna laughed, and replied, “I haven’t seen you so tensed before. Who else can it be? It is you.”

Daniel didn’t talk to her anymore that day, as he was in great fear that someone was hearing everything what they were talking. He told her that he will talk to her later, as he was really shocked on seeing what happened just then in front of his eyes.

Anna kept on thinking about what just happened to her and how she was saved. This thought filled her mind completely with joy when she went into the library. Seeing that she was smiling, the librarian asked her, “You look really happy, my dear?”

Anna replied, “Actually I saw some magic just now. And I am really fond of it. I wish I had some powers too.”

Suddenly someone replied for this from behind her. It was her senior. He said, “You don’t need powers to do magic. You can do magic in others life, with your words and actions. There are things more powerful than magic. Isn’t it?”

Anna replied, “That’s true. You are indeed very clever. I thought you had left already. I mean, you always left on a usual time. And I used to see you in the restaurant outside with your friend when I leave.”

“Are you indirectly telling me to leave from here?” he asked and smiled.

“No, I thought it was your routine and is surprised, right now, to see you staying longer. I don’t mind if you stay here for a whole year.” she laughed.

“But I do mind. I can’t take care of this big boy.” said the librarian. They all laughed.

He then looked at his watch and said, “I just had to complete some assignments. I was about to leave. Just a delay of ten minutes from my usual time. Am I right, Madam?”

Anna looked at her watch, smiled and replied, “You are right, Sir. Actually eleven minutes by the way.” They all laughed again.

“Anna, All the best for tomorrow.” he said and gave her a handshake.

“Thank you sir.” she said and laughed.

And the librarian said, “It is just the two of you who comes here regularly. I just wish some magic happens and few more came here.”

All of them talked and laughed a lot that day. And then Anna returned back, and slept peacefully and happily in her room. She felt really happy because she was laughing so much after a long while.

THINK SMART, NOT HARD

It was the day of the fourth level. Everyone gathered in the big hall as usual early in the morning. All were silent, but still there was some sound in the big hall. The principal, Mr. Thomas Aquarius was late to arrive on that day. Mr. Joshua was waiting for Mr. Thomas. All other professors had arrived so early. Professor Alexander and Professor Olivia were standing at a corner of the hall and talking to each other in a very low voice. Professor Olivia was smiling in between as though she had heard some joke. Some students were observing them. There was a little rumour that had spread among the students that they were in a relationship. Mr. Thomas who saw them both together just smiled as he climbed up to the stage.

There were some strange sounds that echoed in the hall now. Everyone wondered where it was coming from. They understood that it was some bird which was making the sound. All of sudden Mr. Joshua took two birds out of his pocket and let them fly. They both flew together around the hall and then came back to him and sat on his two shoulders. Everyone suddenly noted that the birds became black in colour when they sat on his two shoulders because they had the ability to camouflage. They had changed their colour to black when they sat on his black coat.

He then said aloud “And the puzzle time. This must be the toughest level you are going to play. And the puzzle is, ‘The birds flew around the great apple. Not because they were hungry, but they were attracted by the huge woman with the light who was there.’” He now looked at all the participants and said, “Go, get the bird, there are just four teams and the time is really less. Three teams who complete this level first will enter the final round. So this is a gate pass for the next and final round. Do your best, my children.”

He walked out of the hall after saying this. The participants started to think about the answer. One of the groups suddenly got the answer and disappeared from there. Three teams including Anna’s team was still there thinking about the answer.

Anna had no idea about the bird or the answer for the puzzle, so do Ryan. They later realised that there were only two groups left. And it was Charles and Daniel who were in the other group. They also could not find any answer.

Finally losing all his hope Ryan said, “It is almost evening, we must either hurry or quit. I don’t have any idea about this. I am sure this place is going to be really tough to find out. I wonder how he could make this entire puzzle so tough.”

It was then the first group for the final level arrived back with the treasure. It was Ethan and Charlotte who had become the first finalists just like the previous Championship.

“Anna, just think of some really big ladies who are very fond of lights.” Ryan said to Anna.

“I have heard that Florence Nightingale is called as the ‘Lady with the Lamp’. But is she that huge? She has a big heart indeed.” said Anna.

“I have seen a lady holding a torch in the logo of Columbia Pictures. I don’t know if it has something to do with this puzzle.” said Ryan immediately.

“Woman with the Lamp, it is a painting I have seen in Mysore. Should we go to India?” asked Anna.

Now Ryan said to Anna, “Just two more treasures left. Think hard, Anna.”

Suddenly Ethan who heard this replied, “Not hard, think smart! Sometimes you just have to hold the nose straight instead of holding it round the head.”

“What are you trying to say, Ethe?” asked Ryan.

“I was just trying to help you. And by the way, Anna, do you remember about the Cosmos magazine you asked me for, while we were in the library. Do you remember about it?” asked Ethan.

Anna replied, “What? When did I ask you for a magazine? Actually, I can’t remember, anything right now. I am really blank. I don’t think I can complete this level.” Anna was really tensed.

Ethan told her, “Never mind. Why are you worried when the answer is in your hands? You just don’t even have to think for it.”

He motivated her so that she would not give up again. When he went away Ryan said, “That was really nice of him. Even though he couldn’t tell us the answer, he motivated us with some soothing words.” “What if he was not consoling us? What if he was trying to give us a clue? What if we were really making this round complicated by thinking hard. Come on Ryan, just answer me simply. What came to your mind when you heard about the question?” asked Anna.

Ryan replied, “Actually, I was thinking it was something in New York, because it is also nicknamed as the Great Apple. But I don’t know any ladies there? And that too, very attractive for a bird to fly around.”

Anna laughed and replied, “Aree, stupid. You are really good at this. I mean with the nick name stuff. Why didn’t you tell me this earlier? You are right. Let’s go.”

“But what about the lady? Do you have her address?” Ryan asked.

“Why are you thinking, the lady to be a real one. We all are living in a developed world. This is the twenty first century. There is no scarcity of light, here. And why making it so complicated, just tell me which is the famous lady with the torch in New York?” asked Anna.

Ryan suddenly replied, “Oh my God, how could I forget about the statue of Liberty. Hurry up Anna. Let’s begin the hunt.”

Anna opened the map and said, “The statue of Liberty, New York.”, and they reached their destination.

Meanwhile, Charles asked Daniel, “What is your plan now? All the groups have left and one have already arrived back. What was the plan you were talking about?”

Daniel took a small machine from his pocket and said, “Now, this was the plan I told you I have. There is a tracker in the ring I gave her. And don’t worry no one can find this. This was specially made by my friend and is completely different from other mobile trackers. According to this machine they are now in New York. Come with me now. Let me show you how to play this game with brains.”

They also reached the New York City in minutes. Charles asked, “What now? Are you going to track, Anna to find the treasure?”

“Actually, yes! But I can’t take risk. There are just two treasures left. What if I can’t get hold of the treasure, even after following her? And I think, Anna, have some doubts on me. She was telling about someone who was protecting her, the other day. No, I don’t want to take risk. Let’s split and search.” said Daniel.

Charles asked, “What do you mean by split and search? The map is with you. How can I search alone that too without the map?”

“Open your bag, before you speak.” said Daniel.

Charles found a map inside his bag. He said, “This belongs to, Anna, Right? And what if anyone finds out? I am afraid.”

Daniel shouted at him, “Just do what I tell you, if you want the treasure. Take the map and find the treasure before, Anna. I will keep a watch on her, and try to get the treasure she is looking for, before her. I have a plan. Don’t worry. Now, just do what I say, Ok.”

Charles didn’t speak anything else. They parted their ways there.

THE TRAP SET FOR THE BIRD

D

aniel went to meet, Anna, using the tracker. He could easily find her with the help of it. Anna was surprised to see him, in the midst of the game, once again. Daniel said, “The world is too small, that I am seeing you always whenever I wish to do so.”

Ryan who was now really angry asked him, “Why have you come again? Don’t think you can take her out this day too. I haven’t forgotten what happened the previous time. Just leave us alone, Daniel.”

Daniel said very softly, “I don’t want to take her out in the middle of this game. I just want to speak with her. Actually, Charles is not well. And he really needs someone to help him right now. He said he forgot to take some kind of potion.”

“’The potion of power’?” asked Ryan.

“Something like that. I can’t handle this alone. So I thought I will help you first to complete this level so you can inform the authorities and make arrangements to take him back to Cosmos. Once he is safe, I will continue my game. Please you have to trust me. I really want to help you.” Daniel pretended he was really serious this time.

Anna suddenly asked, “What happened to Charles? I want to see him now. Daniel, please take me there.”

“Don’t worry about him. I have safely reached him to a nearby house and asked people there to take care of him until I return. The competition is more important now in front of you. Don’t think about anything else. After all Ryan trusts you a lot. You should complete this level first, if we have to do something. So complete this level and take him to Cosmos where the remedy for his condition lies.”

Anna asked, “Ryan, do something. You are a half wizard too. Can’t you do something for him?”

Ryan replied, “I am sorry, Anna. The potion has no substitutions. If the authority had allowed us to carry potion, maybe I could help him. But they have forbidden us from carrying any kind of magical items with us. This is a strict law followed in this game. No magic can be used by any half wizard. And the potion, that includes in this. We carry it everywhere because we can’t survive without it. But this game forbids taking it with us, since each level was only having two days duration and there was intervals between each level when we could take it if needed. The potion is very important for a wizard. This is a real curse for all the half wizards. Humans can survive without food longer than wizards without potion. We must take it at least once a week. But, it all depends on how much power he uses and how often. Some wizards are too weak that they can’t even survive a day without potion. But I don’t know about him. We must get him the potion as soon as possible. But, how can he be so careless to forget this? He might have known it already, when he started feeling weak. This usually never happens until we completely don’t have access to potion. But that can’t be the reason since he himself can make potion. He is a grey wizard.”

Daniel now said, “May be forgot about it because of the game. We don’t have much time now anyway. He must take the potion as soon as possible before he completely becomes weak.” Ryan also agreed to this. They decided to find the treasure together.

Ryan asked, “So what are we going to do now? This is not going to be easy as the treasure is a bird and it is continuously changing its position. What is the plan?”

“Don’t have an idea how to get it?” said Anna.

As they were talking Daniel said, “I think this is the same bird which was on the cover page of Cosmos magazine.”

Suddenly Anna said, “So Ethan was trying to tell me about this magazine. But, why?”

Ryan now suddenly remembered about that magazine which he had only read recently. He said, “Even, I have seen it? And read too. And now I know what he was trying to say. I have a plan. Let us do this together.”

He made a bird just like the real one and placed it in an open but silent area and told everyone to wait till the bird came there.

Daniel suddenly asked, “What are you up to?”

Ryan said, “What did you see in the cover page?”

“The bird” replied Daniel.

Ryan said, “It wasn’t a bird, right? Actually there were two birds in that picture. One of it was really dirty looking, I still remember. I wonder if it doesn’t take bath since it is not visible. But this is not what I was going to say.” Ryan thought for a moment and continued, “So I was saying that there were two birds in the photograph. And you were able to see it despite the fact that they camouflage and disappear everywhere they sit. Why?”

“Yes, you are right. The birds were blue despite the green background.” said Daniel.

“But how is this possible.” asked Anna who was now really curious about it.

“The cameraman might be a magician.” said Daniel.

Ryan said, “Oh, It is not any magic. It is their feature that they become visible only to their partner. Which means, they change their camouflage only when they come together to mate. They are invisible always, except when they get attracted to their partner and then make it visible so that its partner too can see it and come near it. And I have used the same principle. I gave it a partner but at the same time made a trap for it. Just wait for my plan to come to action. I hope it won’t take too long for it.”

They all waited there patiently for about half an hour. Anna was looking at the map to make sure there were two treasures left so that both their groups could reach the final round. Daniel was at his peak in acting in front of them pretending as though he was very worried about Charles that even Anna now started feeling pity for him.

She consoled him, saying that he will be able to reach the final level. “Don’t worry. We have made some plan for you. Both our teams will go to the final level.” she said.

Soon everyone became surprised seeing Ryan’s plan work. The bird as expected flew into the trap set by them. They became really happy seeing this.

Anna was so happy that she was jumping with excitement. She hugged Ryan and told him, “Wow, that was unbelievable. I never expected this would work. You are really amazing!”

Ryan now replied to her very proudly, “I am feeling so happy now. I was waiting for this day when I could really show you how intelligent I am.” He then changed his accent a little and started to praise himself in a proud voice, “You know, actually, I am best among all my friends. Be it in terms of good looks, intelligence, talents or whatever it is. But see I am so humble. You should be really proud you have got someone like me as your partner.” He took a deep breath and moved closer to Anna. “I am the best. Isn’t it?” he asked in a funny way.

Anna now suddenly burst into laughter. She felt it really funny hearing his tone of speaking.

She just hugged him again and said very seriously, “Yes. You are the best.”

Ryan was so shocked seeing her reaction. He was expecting that she would make fun of him, just like the way she do each time when he tries to crack a joke. Ryan suddenly felt so happy hearing her words that he knew was directly coming from her heart. He just hugged her more tightly and said, “Don’t make me emotional. I am about to cry.”

She just took her face from his shoulder, looked at his face and asked very seriously, “Really.” They both then started to laugh.

“Err.... I think your boyfriend is not happy at all. I think he is jealous of me.” said Ryan.

Daniel was standing there silently thinking about how he could get hold of the bird before them. Anna saw that Daniel was really tensed. She now slowly walked towards him.

She held his hand tightly and said, “I know you are thinking about, how you would complete this level alone. Don’t worry, this treasure is for you. There is one more left for us. I have already spoken with Ryan. He too thinks that it would be better if you could go back first because you are the only one who can take Charles to Cosmos very fast. Go ahead, take it. It is all yours.”

Ryan even though still didn’t trusted Daniel, had agreed to Anna, when she asked this while they were waiting. He agreed for this because he cared about Charles, who was a good friend of him.

Daniel was surprised to hear this. He thanked them a lot and went closer to the bird to touch it. But Anna and Ryan was surprised to see what happened next.

All of a sudden, even before he touched the bird, he disappeared. Anna didn’t understand what happened. But Ryan who understood what happened suddenly held her hand and touched the bird he caught. They soon reached Cosmos.

Anna who was not out of the shock soon got another shock. Charles whom she thought was ill was standing in front of her along with Daniel. He was perfectly alright and jumping with happiness, as he could complete the level.

Charles ran and came to Anna. He said, “See, I did it alone. I found the bird alone.”

“So you weren’t ill?” asked Anna in a faint voice.

“What are you saying, Anna? I was searching for the treasure alone. Actually I thought locating the treasure from this map would be hard, but it is not so.” Charles took out the map which was with him in great joy. There was the fragrance of jasmine that spread all around. Anna realised it was her map that was with Charles.

Suddenly Daniel hid the map which was with him all through that level while he was with Anna.

Anna who saw this turned towards him and said, “Don’t try to hide it Daniel. I just want to know now, how my map reached in Charles’s hand. Or is it some kind of magic to duplicate the map?”

It was only then Charles came back to his real sense of what actually he was doing. Anna cried and ran to her room.

Ryan, who was expecting this to happen someday, didn’t speak a word and left from there.

Daniel said to Charles, “Just leave that. She is mad. After all, this is a game. I will go any extent to win.”

“You will. But don’t expect me to.” said Charles who now realised his mistake. “It was you who thought we couldn’t find the treasure in the right way. But now I know that I alone can do it in right way. How can I believe someone who doesn’t have belief in himself?”

Charles then went near Anna and explained everything that had happened. Anna who heard all this starts to shout at him loudly since she couldn’t accept it all of a sudden, “Just leave me alone. I don’t want to talk to you. How could you do this to me?”

“It was my mistake. I am sorry, Anna. But it is all part of the game. You must accept the truth. It doesn’t matter if we play fair or not. All that matters is if we could win. You should not have trusted Daniel. He can go any extent just to win the game. And me, I didn’t had any other option, because he was chosen as my teammate. I can’t do anything about it.” Charles said to Anna.

“You could have told me the truth. Why did you lie to me? I trusted you like my life. How could you even you even think of....” Anna couldn’t stop her from crying again and again.

“Anna. Please believe me. I like you so much. And I know you will realise it one day. You will know how much I cared about you, and what I did for you today.”

Lora and George who was there tried consoling her. But it was really hard because she was not expecting such things would happen to her. All four of them sat together for a long time.

A LITTLE TRIP TO INDIA

A

nna was completely depressed the next day and was not at all willing to go to the class. She was really sad that she didn’t want to talk to anyone. She was also too weak as she hadn’t eaten anything after returning from the University.

Lora asked, “What happened to you?”

“Didn’t you see what happened yesterday? How can I forget him all of a sudden?” asked Anna.

“It’s just about a month you both were together, but I am with you for about a year now. I know it’s hard for you because you loved him sincerely. But believe me. You are lucky enough to know it this early. What if something had happened to your game because of him? I can’t imagine about it.” replied Lora.

Anna now said, “It’s the game. This is what makes everyone act selfishly. It has almost destroyed me. It has made me feel really unsafe that I can’t trust anyone now. Even my own shadow looks so scary to me now. I don’t like myself anymore. I don’t want to continue in such a game.” She suddenly started to cry. Lora tried to motivate her seeing she was completely depressed.

Anna realised how hard Lora was trying to bring her back to the game and said, “I can’t. Please don’t force me. Can’t see the real face of some people who where once everything for me. I have made the decision. You don’t have to wait for me to go to class. I won’t be coming this whole week. I want some time alone.” She walked out of her room after saying this.

Lora realised that it won’t be easy for her to manage the situation. She decided to meet Mr. Williams and ask him for help. She soon went near him and told him everything that happened.

Mr. Williams replied, “I too heard about it. But I never thought Anna would think about quitting the game. She is really a brave girl. I was expecting her to face this situation with courage. But I think it’s time to give her some support. Come with me Lora let’s prepare her for the Championship. Let us prepare her to be the winner of this game, which made her cry. Let’s make that wicked boy Daniel, count for each drop of tear that rolled out of her eyes.” They then together went to meet Anna.

Anna was in her room watching through the album she had. She was crying each time she saw herself smiling in the photos. It was now they both arrived at there. She got up from her bed, ran towards Mr. Williams and hugged him.

She said, “I don’t want to stay here. I want to go back home. I want to see Papa. Uncle, won’t you help me to get to him. I want to talk to him now. Please.” Anna started to cry again.

Mr. William’s realised that it won’t help too much, even if he talks to her now. He understood that it was only her father who could help her out in that situation.

He said, “OK, then let’s leave now itself. Come here, both of you let’s go to India.”

Anna now wiped her tears and said, “Yes, let’s leave now itself. But I have to pack my things before that. And get my passport too. It will take only an hour or so if you could just wait.”

Mr. William’s said, “Everything will reach there, on time. You don’t have to worry about your luggage. Now just, give me the map you have. Let’s do some magic this time.”

Anna smiled at once and handed over the map to him. Meanwhile, Lora asked Mr. Williams, “What are you up to? What about our plan?”

“This is our plan.” he said.

“Why are you taking her back home? I don’t understand anything. You are supposed to talk to her and change her mind.” she said

Mr. Williams replied, “The plan is on action. Now just keep silent and hold my hand tightly.”He opened the map and touched on the location. He then said, “Take me to Anna’s house.”

Soon they reached their destination. Anna ran and hugged her father who was now looking at her surprised. “What are you doing here? You must be there at the University preparing for your next level which is two days away. What happened to you? My child looks so dull?” he asked.

But Anna kept quiet and stood there silently.

Mr. Williams replied, “It is her house. She can come here anytime, right? Just kidding….” he smiled and continued, “She wanted to see you before the final level. Just for your blessings, my friend.”

Mr. Reddy now looked at her who was standing there surprised hearing what Mr. William said. He asked her, “Is it so, my dear? Are you here for my blessings? But you always know my blessings are with you. I am waiting to see you with the crown of the Champion. Anything is possible for you if you work for it because you are my kid.”

Anna realised that her father had great expectations about her. She didn’t want to tell him the truth. So she just hugged him without replying.

Mr Williams continued, “I think you must come with us to Cosmos. Your presence will be great encouragement for her. You can stay with me. You see, I also need some company for the Christmas. It’s really boring to celebrate Christmas without any friends. We are really going to have a great time together, my friend.”

Mr. Reddy thought for a moment and replied very seriously, “That is definitely a wonderful idea. But, I have some duties which I have to do. I have some work to complete for which I have to stay here. I think we can plan it some other time. What I am concerned now is why Anna, looks so dull. I haven’t seen her like this before.” He then turned to her and asked her, “Is there anything else bothering you that I don’t know? Is there anything you are worried about?”

Anna now smiled at him and replied, “Nothing pa. I was a little tensed about the final round. I don’t know, if I can perform according to your expectations.”

“I have told you this before. But let me remind you again. ‘You are already a winner in my heart. It doesn’t matter if you lose a game. But give your best until the end.’.” said Mr. Reddy.

“Yes, Papa. I will try my best.” she said in her soft voice.

“Now that sounds like my child.” said Mr. Reddy and smiled.

Lora who heard these words became really happy that Anna had changed her decision and decided to take part in the Competition.

She said, “Anna, we all believe in your ability. It is just you, who must trust in yourself. You knew from the beginning, the very first round onwards, how tough it was going to be. Everything that happens in the game is a part of it too. Once you have completed a level, forget about it and think about the next. There is nothing we can gain by keeping on thinking about our past. Learn from your mistakes and try to improve.”

Mr. Williams also spoke to her trying to motivate her. They all had dinner together. They decided to leave back to Cosmos the next day.

All got up so early next day morning. When they were about to leave, Mr. Reddy said to Anna, “I will be waiting to celebrate this Christmas with the Champion of Vintros. And never think that you are alone. Your Angel is watching over you always. The Angel will protect you from all the harm.”

They all bid goodbye and got out of the house. As soon as they got out, Anna pulled out the ring which Daniel gave her and threw it far away. She then handed over the map to Mr. Williams and said to him in a powerful voice, “I think now I am ready for the final level.”

When they reached back to Cosmos, it was almost afternoon there. The University was decorated beautifully for the Christmas celebrations which were going to be hosted there in two days.

Anna thanked Lora and Mr. Williams for trusting in her. She said, “Thanks for not allowing me to take a wrong decision in my life. Thank you for not leaving me alone when I really wanted help.” They all went back to their daily routine after that.

Anna and Lora decided to go to a nearby restaurant to have food. As they were waiting for the food, they saw Ryan and Ethan coming to the same restaurant. Lora exclaimed, “I wonder why they are always together?”

As she was saying this, Ryan came near Anna to talk to her, “Hi, Anna. I hope you are preparing for tomorrow. How are you? Is it a good time to talk to you?”

“Why not? I am fine. Or feeling much better than yesterday.” replied Anna.

Ryan asked, “Where were you yesterday? We were looking for you in the whole University.”

“Oh, that was an unplanned visit to my house. Lora just thought that I would feel much better if I talk to my father. And we went to see him. I guess she was right. I am feeling better after talking with him.” said Anna.

Ryan said, “We were worried about you, yesterday. Actually, Ethe and I were talking about you just now. Anyway, don’t worry about things that have happened already. Just forget it. We have greater things now to focus upon. Remember, what Madam Grace told us in the second level. It’s all part of the game.”

“Thanks for being so concerned. You were always my support and encouragement. And I know it will remain the same. I thought I was always right about judging people. I am sorry. I didn’t listen to you when you warned me about Daniel. I trusted him for every word he said. And now, he is not at all concerned about me. I was actually shocked to see his expression, when we saw him as we came here. He has changed a lot. He was hesitant even to look at me. I pity myself, for trusting him for a long time.” said Anna.

“But I think, you must be feeling happy to realise the truth at least now. I hope the higher authority would take some action soon. Ok, then. I will leave now. Ethe is waiting, for me.” said Ryan. He then left from there asking her to take care.

It was now Anna thought about something, and turned to look for Ryan. But he had already left the restaurant. She wondered why he left without eating anything.

Lora asked her, “What is the matter? Did you forget to tell him something?”

Anna replied, “Not him. I wanted to talk to someone else. But it’s fine. I will meet him later.”

They had their breakfast and then they went back to the main building for making some preparations for the next day. They had to stay late to help out in some decoration works.

It was already very late when Anna remembered about going to library. She hadn’t gone there for few days. She told Lora about this. Lora told her that, she could go there later, as it was so late. They decided to return soon, as Anna had to get up early the next day for the final level.

As they were walking through the staircase talking about the Christmas celebrations, they again saw Ryan and Ethan going to the big hall with lots of packages. Anna felt really happy to see them again.

She asked, “What are you guys doing so late. Don’t you have to sleep tonight? Don’t forget it’s the final round tomorrow.”

Ryan replied, “Oh, You are right. But don’t forget its Christmas in two days. We can’t stay back in our rooms when our friends are working there.”

Anna agreed to this because she knew Ryan was very fond of celebrations. Ryan always loved to go out with his friends for parties mainly because he could see a lot of girls there. He was really very interested in beautiful girls but no girls had found interest in him. He was really jealous that there were a lot of girls behind his friends but none behind him.

Ethan said, “You guys are coming from the hall, isn’t it? You might be tired. Go and take some rest. Goodnight.”

Anna suddenly said, “Ethan, I wanted to thank you that day itself. It was because of you we could complete the level. But, I was not in a good mood that day. Anyway, thank you so much. Errr.. I don’t know why it always takes me so long for great realisations.”

“That’s fine. Ryan had already told me about it. I just wanted to remind you, that incident which could help you get the answer. But, I am sure. You might have solved the puzzle yourself even if I had not helped you.” said Ethan.

Anna even though didn’t understand him completely said, “That is really kind of you. Thank you.”

“All the best for tomorrow. Believe me. You will never be alone again.” said Ethan.

Suddenly the decoration lights that were there started to glow that everyone looked at it. The whole place was lit so bright that Anna’s eyes were shining with happiness. She looked all around her in great surprise.

“Why are you always so happy when you see the lights? Do you like it so much?” asked Ethan.

Anna was surprised how he knew she loved it so much. She gently smiled and replied, “I love them. My father, he decorates our whole house with a lot of decoration lights every year on my birthday. ‘More lights, brighter your life’ that was what he said.”

“He is so clever.” said Ethan thinking very deeply.

“He is my father.” said Anna proudly.

“You like them because you like your father. Am I right?” asked Ethan.

“It seems like you know a lot about me.” said Anna.

Ryan now smiled and said, “It’s getting late. Bye, girls. Come on Ethan. Tell them Bye.”

Ethan now laughed and said in a soft voice, “Bye...”

“Err.....That’s it for today. Bye girls.” Ryan said and walked away pulling Ethan by his hands. Ethan was struggling so hard to balance everything that was in his hands as he followed Ryan.

It was the winter solstice, the longest night of the year. It was unusually very cold too. All slept calm and quiet under their blankets. The sky was clear. Anna fell asleep as she was watching at the stars in the sky, through her window. But the stars, they were still awake and were looking at her.

THE RED BEAUTY

It was twenty third of December, the day all were awaiting, the day for the final level. It was the day when Christmas celebrations begin in Cosmos. The University was completely decorated .All the students had gathered in the big hall to witness final level of the most famous Competition of the University, the Vintro Championship. Everyone was waiting impatiently for the grant entry of Mr. Joshua and the final three teams who had reached that far. And all of a sudden, the door was opened and the musicians started to play their instruments. Mr. Joshua was the first to enter followed by the three team members. The principal, Mr. Thomas Aquarius and other teachers followed them.

Mr. Joshua went to the podium and said aloud, “Silence, please.”

As he said this, the musicians stopped their music and the students who were making noise maintained silence.

He said, “This day is one of the most awaited one for many of us. We had seven teams when we started our journey. And now, here we are with the final three teams. Let me introduce to you the very first team, the winners of the previous Championship, Ethan Aquila, the forever handsome boy and Charlotte Eridanus the super smart girl.”

They stepped in front as their names were announced. The whole University clapped their hands and cheered them. Some of their friends called out their names to cheer them. As the sounds were fading, Mr. Joshua announced, “The second team of this Championship, let me introduce to you Charles Leo and Daniel Duncan from first year.”

Only very few students cheered them. Some even started to murmur against them. Hearing the sounds of the large crowd Mr. Joshua who already knew the reason simply asked them, “What happened? Why aren’t there any cheers for them?”

Suddenly Lora said, “I hope you are aware of what was happening in this game for the past few days. How can you pretend that nothing has happened? I don’t think Daniel is fit to continue in this game. I want to know why you are not taking any action for this.”

Mr. Joshua who was already expecting this question, replied, “My dear, I had already explained this to Mr. Williams yesterday. But since you have asked me, let me tell you something for your knowledge” he then turned towards all and said aloud, “This is for the attention of all those students who have the same query in their minds. It was found that Daniel and Charles were doing malpractice during the Championship. Their parents were informed and the punishment was decided yesterday itself. They are suspended from all the activities of the University for two month duration from here forth. But, since they had already started this game and according to the rules already made by our ancestors, since we need to have three teams in the final level, they will be allowed to take part in this Championship.”

He then turned towards Daniel and Charles and continued, “There is something more I want to tell you about. This is your warning for the first and last time. If anyone of you tries to do some mischief again, you will be strictly punished under the laws, without any excuse. Keep this in your mind, always.”

He then turned and smiled towards Lora, who was now smiling at him. He liked her courage to question him in front of others.

The students were waiting for him to invite the next team. He then said, “The third and the last team. She is really a beautiful girl. And yes, she is very famous, for showing extreme talents just being a human. Her extra ordinary curiosity and interest to know new things have always amazed everyone. Without further ado let me introduce to you, Anna Reddy and of course her teammate Ryan Cepheus.”

Anna and Ryan moved forward and stood close to him. Mr. Joshua then continued, “I don’t know much about Ryan, except that he is a great friend of Ethan, since I have always spotted them together.” He then said to Ryan softly in his ear- “I had even wondered if you were gay.”

Ryan looked at him surprised. “Just joking.” Joshua said.

There were cheers from everywhere. The hall was echoing with the sounds. There were a lot of students who were dressed in purple and red coloured dress. This was to show their support to the teams they liked. Lora was wearing a red frock on that day. There were only a handful of students in yellow dress. And they were mostly some grey wizard friends of Charles. Daniel’s friends were not wearing any of these colours just like some other students who didn’t support any of the teams. Daniel now understood how trust worthy they were.

Daniel was really angry now not only to Anna but also to others in the University especially Mr. Joshua for calling his parents and insulting him in front of them. He was even angry at Charles but realising the fact that he could not take part in the Competition without Charles he decides to keep him on his side.

Daniel even had to cry in front of Charles to make him believe that he had completely changed. Charles didn’t believe him in the beginning.

But it was then Daniel said to Charles, “I was wrong all this time. I actually thought about everything you said, yesterday. I really couldn’t hold my tears when I saw my parents standing silently in front of the Principal. Please forgive me.” Charles believed this time because he had seen Daniel crying for real when the Principal scolded his parents. He thought that Daniel had a real change of mind. He decides to give him one more chance, because he knew that there was mistake in his side too. And yes, he had no other way but to cooperate with Daniel because he was his team mate.

Mr. Joshua was now giving some basic instructions which were already given to them before each level as a pamphlet. At last he said, “I hope you all have knowledge about the rules and regulations of this game. But still want to remind you very few things. As you all know, this Championship mainly aims at finding the best or the brilliant one. Your curiosity to know a thing, decision making capacity and general knowledge about the world are tested by the puzzle. The hunt tests your ability to face situations instantaneously, your observing capacity and your ability to apply knowledge and logic. We strictly have given you instructions that you are prohibited from using any other easier ways for the game. Be it magic or technology. Some of you, but have still tried to do this.”

Daniel suddenly thought if his tracking machine was also found. He suddenly sneaked his hands inside his bag to see if it was there. He was shocked to find it was broken into pieces. He was now waiting there expecting that his name would be called out and he would be mocked in front of others again. But it wasn’t him, Mr. Joshua was referring to. He only understood this when Mr. Joshua turned towards and asked a girl, “Am I right, Lacey Phoenix?”

She had tried to call her brother for help during the Championship, but was caught red handed and disqualified from the game in the third level. This was also an important reason why Ryan could complete that level easily alone and that too even after being too late to find the treasure. But Ryan never knew this until Mr. Joshua told him, one day that their team was very lucky to pass that level and explained to him about this personally.

Mr. Joshua continued, “We had already taken, necessary precautions to prevent any malpractice. At least some of you might have noticed that you cannot use your phone once the game has started. This is because we have inserted a jammer in all the maps which blocks all the phone signals. It gets activated once the puzzle is being announced. We were also strictly monitoring you with our faculties who are really good at their spy work.”

Mr. Joshua continued, “All the teams are here now after strict checking. I think it’s time for the puzzle now. As each round passes, I think you are realising the fact that you are solving the puzzle faster, but never forget, the game is still getting tougher and tougher. No one can help you other than you. So don’t try to cheat this time. And the highlight that I have added to this level is that, you will not know what the treasure is. You can only find it by searching for it with the clue and location given in the puzzle.”

Everyone was shocked for a moment. Mr. Joshua continued, “Here is the puzzle for the last level. So, this is going to be the question which decides the Champion until the next leap year. Listen carefully now, ‘the wide greenery, the wet weather, the fresh air, the hidden dangers and at the centre the source of life. The treasure is the red beauty which can be found when there is light when actually there is not’.”

Ethan listened to the question very carefully. He then suddenly thought of something and turned to Charlotte. Charlotte was now thinking really hard for the answer. But when he turned towards her, she also looked at him.

She said, “Please tell me you got the answer. I want you to help yourself instead of others in this game.” He smiled and replied, “I got the answer. Are you happy now?” He said the answer in her ears. Charlotte was very happy and said aloud, “You found it so fast. I think no one has ever solved a puzzle like this. You are a genius, Ethe.” She was really overexcited and was jumping.

Ryan who heard this said to Anna, “What are you thinking and standing? They have already got the answer. Anna, hurry up.”

“I am thinking about the answer only. What else do you expect me to be thinking so seriously now? And by the way what are you doing except looking around and smiling at beautiful girls. Don’t think, I haven’t seen it?” Anna smiled saying this.

Ryan now pretended as though he was really serious and replied in a stern voice, “This is no joke, Anna. Why are you being so silly?”

He then started laughing when he saw the surprised look of Anna.

She then understood Ryan was making joke of her and said to him very seriously, “You are always motivating me so well. Now let me encourage you.” she laughed and continued, “Ryan, you are a grey wizard. I am just a human. You might have travelled more than me. You..”

Suddenly Ryan interfered and said, “That’s enough and more. If I have travelled kilometres, Ethan might have travelled miles. He always love travelling and have travelled more than me. I have seen him taking weeks of holidays just to go in search of forests and mountains. No wonder he solved the puzzle so fast.”

Anna said, “Don’t try to make excuses, Ryan.” but suddenly she stopped, thought for a moment and told him with excited face, “Or may be that wasn’t an excuse at all. Didn’t you just tell the answer now? Good job.”

Ryan asked her, “What is it? Did you get the answer?”

Anna now smiled and replied proudly, “I found it again and so all the credit goes to me. But, thanks to you for helping me find it. At last, I am going somewhere I always wanted to visit.” She was really happy as she said this.

Charles heard what Anna spoke to Ryan. He suddenly told Daniel, “I think, we got the answer too. If there is a place Anna wished to go and see, it can be just this one.” He took out the map from his pocket.

Ethan and Charlotte were the first to leave the hall, followed by Anna and Ryan. And finally it was time for, Charles and Daniel. Daniel asked, “Charles, are you sure about this?”

“Trust me on this. I know her very well.” said Charles .He then ran his finger over the map to a place in South Africa and said, “The Amazon”.

DARKEST DREAM OF ANYONE

All the three teams reached the Amazon forest, but at different locations according to the place where they pointed with their fingers in the map. They took their maps and started walking in the direction of the treasure. Anna and Ryan found themselves on the banks of the Amazon River. Anna went near it and drank some water from it.

She said, “This water is really cold. Ryan, come and have some water. The jungle is so deep. We might have to walk a lot since this is a jungle and there is no transportation available here. Can’t say where we can find another water body.”

“I don’t think that water is healthy. The wild animals take bath in it.” he said.

Anna replied, “Oh, I forgot you are Mr. Healthy of Cosmos. Lora had told me once, how you reacted to her when she came to University without polishing her shoes.”

“Oh, don’t remind me of that girl. I was actually trying to talk to her since she was really pretty. But it was then I realised her real behaviour. She doesn’t respect her seniors at all. Do you know what she did to me when I told this to her. She stepped on my shoes and made it dirty. She is really crazy.”

Anna started to laugh hearing what he said about Lora. She then opened her bag to fill her bottle. But suddenly she noted that the bottle was missing.

She asked, “Where is my bottle? Ryan.”

He suddenly turned to her as though he had reminded about something then, all of a sudden and said, “Actually, I was going to take it. But since we were in a rush, I thought it was least important.”

“What are you talking about? I remember, very clearly. I had put the bottle in the bag. How can you forget it then.” asked Anna.

He replied, “I’m sorry. I dropped it in the hall while I was taking out the map. I am really sorry.”

“Ryan, but how could you be so careless? That was the only bottle I had taken.” she said.

“Can we stop talking and move now? I will buy you one, when we get back.” said Ryan and smiled.

They walked a long distance through the forest. The canopy was thick enough that it protected them from the heat of the sun.

After about an hour, they reached the heart of the forest. Anna saw a lake which was looking very beautiful with lots of rocks in it. She ran towards it to get a closer look.

Suddenly Ryan cried out, “Stop, there. Anna. It’s dangerous. Don’t go any further.”

Anna stopped there and turned at him. He was already near her by now. He caught hold on her hand and told her, “Look at the lake very carefully. Watch the movement of the water.” Suddenly she saw that one of the rocks was moving.

She pointed at it and asked, “Why does that rock move?”

Ryan replied, “Because, that is not a rock. This is the valley of death, the darkest valley of the world. And what you see in this lake are the most dangerous creatures of the world. They are not rocks, they are killer crocodiles.”

Anna was a bit afraid now and moved backwards.

Ryan, who noticed this, told her, “We must go through the trees of life. This is the easiest way. Believe me I can take you safely through this. But we must be really fast. Humans are not allowed to get in those woods. We must move fast without delay before the guards are aware.” They crossed the valley and moved forward through the trees with much difficulty. As Anna was walking through and through enjoying the beauty of the nature, she suddenly saw that, Ryan who was walking in front of her stopped all of a sudden.

She pulled him aside and asked, “What happened?”

But what she saw next was really shocking and surprising. It was the trees with the golden and silver apples. She stayed there for a while staring at it.

Soon Ryan said, “I think, it’s time we leave now. We must cross the woods before the guards are aware.”

Anna said, “Please, Ryan. Let me have a closer look at it.”

Anna pointed at the green apple which caught her sight for about a while.

But Ryan stopped her from this, “No, please stay away from it. It is really dangerous even to go near it. We are not even supposed to talk about it.”

Anna didn’t understand why he was behaving so strangely when she asked about it. But then they decided to leave from there. As they were moving closer to the valley at the opposite end, to finally cross it and reach the other side safely, the wind started blowing so fast.

“What happened?” Anna asked.

“This is how the nature inform the guards, that a human have entered the woods. Hurry up, Anna. We must cross the valley before they arrive.” replied Ryan. She caught hold on her hand and ran quickly.

Somehow they managed to cross the valley before anyone came there. As they were taking rest under a tree, they heard a large sound from behind and turned back. It was Daniel and Charles. They both were thrown out of the woods by the guards. They walked past Anna and Ryan without looking at them.

After taking some rest Anna and Ryan started walking again. It was already afternoon and Ryan was really feeling very thirsty. But he didn’t tell anything to Anna. After walking a while, Anna suddenly found her water bottle lying on the forest floor. But she found that it was with someone else before because there wasn’t any water in the bottle when she put it in the bag. Now it was half filled. While she was standing there thinking all this, Ryan who was very thirsty took the bottle and drank some water.

Anna screamed, “Ryan, no”

But he had already taken two sips and suddenly told Anna that he was feeling dizzy. She took the bottle and smelled it. She realised it was the same thing which made her unconscious in the third level. This reminded her everything that Daniel had done to cheat her. She threw away the bottle in distress and anger.

She started to cry because all of a sudden she felt very helpless and lonely. She tried to wake up Ryan who was already completely unconscious and was lying down now.

Suddenly it started to get dark even though it was still afternoon. And it started to rain. Anna somehow managed to pull Ryan under a tree. It was getting colder and she was getting wet. Anna felt that the huge raindrops falling on her were like huge rocks falling on her. She noticed that it was getting darker by the minute. She then searched for a torch in her bag. She was in great fear as she could hear the sounds of wild animals from surrounding.

She suddenly heard something moving just behind her. Her heart beats became quicker. She gathered all her courage and turned back. It was Ethan and Charlotte who had come there seeing the light because they didn’t had a light source. Ethan saw Ryan lying down on the ground. He tried to wake, him. But found that Ryan was unconscious.

He then asked to Anna, “What happened to Ryan?” Why is he not responding to me?”

“He is unconscious. I tried my best to wake him.” said Anna. She explained everything that happened.

Charlotte said, “That crazy boy is really causing menace. I wonder how the Ministry could allow him to participate in the Competition.”

Ethan said, “We don’t have much time to waste. And it is not at all safe to stay in this jungle for a long time. There are lots of wild animals out here. We must move fast.”

“What about Ryan? I won’t leave him alone, here.” said Anna. Ethan knew Anna was really serious when she said this.

“I will carry him” Ethan replied and carried him over his shoulder all the way. They then walked forward in the direction of the treasure.

Soon they reached the location, but as soon as they reached there the location disappeared from the map. It was already getting dark there.

Charlotte asked, “What is this place? It is really strange.”

She was looking at a large field of green thorny herbs as she said this. The flowers of it were like giant sized cabbages that opened and closed like a human mouth at regular intervals. They belonged to some rare type of creeper variety. Soon she saw a very tall plant at the centre of it. Suddenly she saw something very strange too. A bird flew over the tall plant and suddenly some red coloured flower came out from the top of the plant and ate it.

“Is that the red beauty we are looking for?” asked Charlotte.

“Yes, exactly” replied Anna who had noticed that Daniel and Charles was already there. Suddenly there was a pack of wild wolves which came to attack them. They fought the wolves very bravely. Ethan caught one of it and threw it on the green herbs. One of its flowers instantly spitted out its enzymes and swallowed the wolf. Other wolves ran away seeing this.

Ethan said, “The red beauty and all the green herbs which protect it are omnivores. They feed on fresh flesh. We are trapped in the darkest dream a person can ever have.”

Everyone was afraid hearing this. Suddenly Charlotte took out the map and tried to go back to Cosmos. Ethan who saw this said to her, “There is no way back. Don’t forget that the map is of no use in a level once we have reached our destination, solving the puzzle. It then can only act as a guide towards the treasure. You cannot escape from here unless one of us becomes the Champion.”

Anna said, “He is right. We must get hold on the flower somehow. And for that first we must first solve the puzzle completely. ‘When there is light when actually there is not’, what can it be?”

Ethan replied, “The green herbs are active only when there is darkness. They cannot withstand the light falling on them, and becomes inactive. During day time the huge red flower open up and provide shade for the herbs thus making them active. And at night when it is dark and the shade is not needed the red flower closes its petals and hides under its leaves. In short, the herbs are active in night time and daytime when under the shade of red flower. The flower is sensitive and comes out only when there is light. So the flower comes out of the leaves and become visible only during day time. The only opportunity we can get is during the sunrise, at the most about ten minutes when the sunrays just start appearing until the sun rise above the horizon. This is the time, the precious ten minutes the red flower takes to open up. And it is only during this time the green herbs are exposed to sun light thus inactive. But the problem is that we must survive this night and wait until next morning for this.”

“Stay here for a night. No way. We must find another way out. Tell me something, Anna.” Charlotte couldn’t even think about staying there a night.

Anna was observing Daniel and Charles who were standing on the other side waiting for them to find a way in.

She said, “We must get there before them. There must be another way for sure.”

She thought for a moment and said, “The light. Any light source can irritate the green herbs. We should use the light to distract the herbs so it feels like it is going to be sunrise. Once we are in the centre, we should climb to the top of the plant, cut open the leaves and get hold of the flower. We should get as much as light possible.”

Charlotte said “I am afraid our only light source is that torch with you. I don’t think that would be enough to take all of us in there. There is just a lighter with me. But I think it is not of any use because all the woods and leaves here are completely wet.”

Anna agreed with Charlotte. “She is right. All of us can’t go through with this torch light. The charge is also very low since we were using it continuously for hours. There is very little left and so we must take a decision soon. I don’t think I can go there leaving Ryan alone. But I don’t want Daniel to win this competition. I would be happy if you both become the winners. After-all it was you who could solve the puzzle. I think you must go for the treasure Ethan.” Anna said without any delay.

Ethan replied, “This is a competition, Anna. I want you to stop giving up for others at least when you are so close to being a champion. I have decided something.”

He caught hold on both Anna’s and Charlotte’s hands and took them forward near the herbs.

“We can finish this, in the right way, with a real Competition. Both of you must go there and one of you should definitely complete this level as soon as possible. I will stay back and take care of Ryan if the wolves return. We don’t have much time, girls.”

Ethan pushed them forward saying this. They slowly moved towards the plant at the centre with the help of the torch.

THE ANGEL WHO SAVED THE CHAMPION

Daniel realised what they were doing, and walked forward with Charles who had the torch. But they could only take a few steps through the herbs before the light went out. They tried to run outside but fall down.

Charlotte who saw this was afraid and the torch fall off her hands. She soon ran out without much injury. But Anna was stuck in the midway not knowing what to do. She tried to take the torch but the herbs had got a strong grip on it and its light was going off.

Ethan, who had somehow managed to pull out Daniel and Charles, saw this and ran towards her. He took off his coat, set it on fire and threw it over the herbs. He then walked over it and carried back Anna in his hands.

Anna, who for a moment had thought she was going to die, was really shocked seeing Ethan risking his life for her even without giving a second thought and without any delay. She felt really happy that he cared for her. She was really surprised why he was helping her a lot even when she never asked for it.

‘Maybe he did it for Charlotte, since she dropped the light.’ Anna thought.

She just kept on looking at his beautiful eyes while he carried her back and placed her safely under a tree there. She had a feeling as though she had seen it so close before. She was completely out of words that she even forgot to thank him.

They decided to wait till morning, before doing anything else. Daniel and Charles were deeply injured and were taking rest under a tree.

Charlotte now came near Anna and said, “I am really sorry for what happened. We could have easily reached there if I wasn’t so careless. Now we are stuck here with just one day ahead to complete the level.”

Ethan said, “Don’t say one day. We have got just one last chance tomorrow morning, and that will, that must decide who is going to be the Champion.”

They slept there waiting for the dawn. They decided to take turns to sleep as it wasn’t a safe place.

All were awake by early morning, next day. The sun was slowly rising above. It was Ethan and Anna now went through the green herbs. Daniel also crawled over the herbs with his injured leg because he was not ready to give up.

“You have got just ten minutes until the herbs are active again. Just be aware of this, Daniel.” warned Ethan.

They all finally reached the centre but as they were trying to climb the plant, it suddenly started getting dark. The clouds covered the sun and it started to rain. The red flower started to close its petals and the herbs were active again when the sunlight went out.

All three of them were stuck in the centre. Ethan called out Charlotte for help.

She replied, “I wish I had my phone with me. It is dark everywhere. I can’t see a thing.”

It was now, Anna reminded of her camera in her bag.

She handed over it to Ethan and said, “Use the flash light. Just keep on clicking it. Take Daniel with you. I cannot carry him.”

Ethan realised what Anna was trying to tell him, and did as she instructed. He used the flashlight to protect them from the herbs. He threw the camera to Anna when he reached outside with Daniel.

It was her turn to go out. She saw that the flower was about to close. She realised that it was impossible to complete the level anyway. It was then she suddenly thought of taking a picture of it to add to her album. And so she quickly turned back and tried to take its picture with her camera. But something strange happened all of a sudden.

The flower which was attracted to the flashlight opened up and swallowed Anna with her camera. It spitted out the camera after a while, which rolled over to the foot of Charlotte.

“It ate her.” she screamed and ran.

It was now Mr. Joshua arrived and said, “I think it is time to get back. Come on my children.”

“But you must save Anna.” said Charles.

Ethan who was till then standing there not understanding what just happened, turned back and found Ryan was not there either.

He then smiled and said, “I think, we have found our Champion.”

They soon reached back Cosmos which was now preparing for the Christmas celebrations next day. Anna and Ryan were already there in the big hall.

. Abigail and Kim Juhan went near them and congratulated them for being the champions. They welcomed them with the bouquet for the winners.

And finally Mr. Joshua announced their names officially. All applauded for their new champions. Ryan was really excited to find himself a winner when he just got out from a sleep. Everything seemed to him like a dream

Anna and Ryan came early for the Christmas celebrations next day, which was when they were to be crowned as the champions.

They were waiting outside the big hall in front of the giant door for it to be opened. Everyone including all the special guests who were invited from Ministry was waiting for their grant entry as the Champions. Anna was a little nervous right at this moment.

“I don’t know. I feel so tensed. Is it ok to feel like this?” she asked to Ryan.

“I don’t know what you are feeling now. But I feel so proud that you were my team mate. I never thought you were too good when my friend told me about you. I always had my doubts whether we will reach this far. But now I know, why he told me so.” said Ryan and hugged her.

It was now Ethan and Juhan came near them to inform them the door will be opened soon.

“You are beautiful and smart. And now you proved that you are brave and courageous too. I always knew there was something special about you.” said Juhan.

“Thank you Juhan. You are so sweet.” she said and hugged him.

Anna now turned towards Ethan who was standing there looking at her. Anna was looking so pretty that day in her lavender coloured frock. The silver bracelet on her hand was shining in the sunlight.

“What? Don’t you have anything to say?” Anna asked in a funny way.

Ethan smiled at her and cleared his throat as if he was going to tell something to her.

All of a sudden, the doors were opened. Anna who was standing there to listen to him now realised it was time for her to go in. She then slowly walked inside with Ryan.

“Anna..” she suddenly heard a deep voice from behind. The voice echoed so loud in the hall that all the students turned to look who it was.

Anna slowly turned back to see who it was. It was Ethan who was now standing there silently seeing everyone staring at him. “Congratulations Anna.” he said.

Anna just stood there and smiled at him.

Mr. Thomas now announced the names and called them forward. Anna and Ryan hurried to the stage.

The head of the grey wizards, Mr. Stephan Aquarius crowned Ryan with a silver crown as he was a grey wizard.

There was usually only a golden or a silver crown which was given to the champions according to the family in which they belonged to. But this time there was something different too.

‘A crown that was made with both gold and silver’.

The head of the golden wizards, Mr. James Aquila slowly placed it on Anna’s head and there was a lot of applause which made the hall to Echo.

The ministry was really confused in the beginning on what they will do about the crown. It was then Mr. Williams came up with the idea of making such a crown. And everyone liked his idea.

Ryan thanked Anna and Ethan for saving his life. Soon started the grant Christmas celebrations. Mr. Joshua gave Anna a special gift. It was the map which she was using which was to be returned after the whole Championship. “You can keep it with you.” said Joshua.

The principal also gave her a gift which was a bottle of potion of healing power made from the red flower. Anna used it to heal the wounds of Charles who was deeply wounded.

Daniel was arrested and sent to jail for two years. He screamed aloud and said, “Never think, this ends like this. I will come back one-day for the revenge.” Anna who was still angry with him told in a low voice, “I will be waiting”

She then celebrated the Christmas with her friends. Everyone who had gathered had Christmas feast in the afternoon. All then returned back to their homes and hostels. Everyone was so excited that it was going to be vacation for a whole month.

Anna also was very excited as she was going back home the very next day to celebrate Christmas with her father. As she returned from the main building thinking about everything that she was going to do after she gets back home, Ryan called out her name from behind, “Anna, wait.”

He ran towards her and gave her a present, “This is for you. Somebody asked me to give this to you. Merry Christmas, Anna.”

“Merry Christmas, Ryan” replied Anna. Ryan ran back soon as though he was in a hurry.

She then went to the library. She was surprised to see that there was lot of students now in the library. The librarian said, “Don’t be surprised. It’s the same place you come every day. Except that there are many people here today. Do you remember what I had wished for this Christmas?”

“You wanted more students to come here. And it has come true. How is this possible?” asked Anna.

“Remember the boy who was always with you. He has not come today, although. He is really a great guy. I think he took it, I mean my wish, so seriously and made it come true. And this is the best Christmas for me now. He had also sent me a gift, a pair of red shoes. I don’t know why he picked that colour. But he is a lovely boy indeed. Merry Christmas, my child. May all your wishes come true.” said the librarian.

“I am happy he gave you a Christmas present. But he never gave me one?” Anna said.

“How come that happens? He will never forget about you even if he forgets about me. He likes you so much that he always talked about you to everyone who came here. I even had thought that he was coming here to meet you every day. I had never seen him here before you started coming here. Ah, that boy is so weird.” He replied.

Anna soon went to her regular place in the library, and took out the gift Ryan gave her. She opened it and found a lot of chocolates and her camera along with an album. The album was special as it had all the beautiful moments of her college life in it. She felt really happy to see all of it which was captured by someone unknowingly. She was laughing and playing with Ryan in many of them. Some pictures she noted were taken a long back, during her first semester when she was so shy to talk to everyone and always walked with Lora. Some pictures where she was dancing with her friends on that night when the participants list was announced. Yes there were some photos which reminded her of the days when she was so depressed. But in most of them she was actually smiling so cutely after getting into some troubles. She now thought of all the crazy things she did along with Lora. She was even called one day to the Principal’s office for trying to climb the giant walls of Cosmos to go out to Amelia’s house. She was suddenly surprised seeing one photo particularly. It was her photo which was taken on the day she arrived at Cosmos. To be exact, it was a photo taken from one of the bridge when she went to have a look around the main building to get idea about the exact structure of it.

She then took her camera and looked through the photos she had taken. She suddenly thought of the photo of the big red flower and quickly moved to the last photo captured by her camera. She saw the red flower indeed. But it was not the last photo in it. The last picture was an unclear image of someone’s legs. And yes there it was the pair of red shoes she was searching for. She could now suddenly connect to it why librarian got a pair of red shoes and how she got her Christmas present from her secret senior.

‘So it was him? The boy in the red shoes was the senior whom I saw everyday in the library. How stupid was I? I never asked him what his name was. But why was he hiding his face from me? And the chocolates, they are the same ones which I bought for Mr. Williams on that day when I first met him. And I never looked at his face that day. But why did he give me this gift? How did he get my camera? And from all the photos, it seems he was watching me for a long time. There were even photos of me taken while I was roaming around during the time of Championship. Was he watching over me always? Yes, I think so. Maybe that was how he reached to that restaurant too, when I was unconscious. Oh God, he was so caring and concerned about me always. And I never knew it? But why was he doing this? I can’t really understand anything. Hey, the red shoes, was it Juhan actually? There aren’t many boys here who wear a pair of red shoes. And Juhan is the only one whom I have seen wearing it. If so, it might have been him who asked Abigail to give me their map. But how come I never recognised him. How did he take my photos in the last two levels without the map? I am sure he can’t travel such distance in any other way. Or was it someone who was with me in the final level. Not Daniel, for sure. So Charles, Ryan or Ethan? But Ryan told me this was a gift from his friend. Was he lying? But the blue eyes? None of them have blue eyes!’ Anna was really confused.

It was when she turned the pages and reached the last page of that album, she saw something much strange and surprising there. It was a chocolate wrapper with something written on it, “Merry Christmas to my special one. With love, by your Angel”

‘How come he knew about the story of angel that my father told me? I had only told this to Daniel.’ Anna thought. It was then she suddenly thought of that day when she told this to Daniel. She realised that the voice she had heard on that day was for real. She knew there was someone who had saved her that day from the accident. Never thought it was someone who loved her a lot.

She now looked at the photo of the red shoes which was in her camera. She said to herself, “I will soon find you, my Angel! Merry Christmas..”

Merry Christmas!!!

The story is yet to begin!!!