Ryder POV

    Oi. That was strange. I know that Thomas's family is well informed, but I didn't think he would look into me like that. The Pincher Group is the second point on the Tenshi Star, which, as you have already guessed, means that he is also the son of one of the top six.

    I feel like I should explain the Tenshi Star, so I'm gonna. 'Tenshi' means 'Angel' in Japanese, and the story goes like this: An angel came from Heaven to observe the Earth. He had found an island with many flowers and fruits of different kinds. He decided to claim the land as his resting place. He wandered through the trees and foliage to find a pack of wolves. They provided him with food and water every day, and he grew to love them. But all good things must come to an end, and the angel returned to Heaven. Years passed, and more species wandered onto the island.

    The angel came back to visit, and he was shocked at the chaos that had ensued after he left. He found a descendant of the wolves he had loved and discovered that there was harmony and peace in his heart. The wolf led him to a small area, where there was a fire dragon, a centaur, a pegasus, a water nymph, and a metal wyvern. All the five elements were gathered in one place, and it warmed the angel's heart.

    But even though five of the six creatures gathered were of the elements, the angel felt the strongest pull from the wolf. He gave the wolf a star from Heaven and etched it in his fur, along with the five principal elements. The wolf was grateful for the gift, and the angel made the six the heads of the island. To honor the wolf for his strength, courage, and strong desire for peace, he named the island after him. He chose Lycus, an adaptation of Lykos, which literally translates to 'wolf' in Greek. He then left him with the responsibility of keeping Lycus safe.

    From these six, a government was established, and they became the most prominent names in Lycus. Like the six gathered, those who classify as ranks two through six are at the points of the star. Number one is the center of the star, where the others rely on and revolve around it. Just as it has been for decades, the points are occupied by these names: Thompson Towers, Pincher Group, Rivers Corporation, Kendrick Trust, and The Flying Dutchman Institution. For the past 20 years, no one knows who the head of the number one leading company is. But it is supposed to be announced publicly in a year.

    Now that I have explained that, back to my current location. I am still shocked at the fact that I wasn't beaten up. And also that Thomas had so much information on me. I don't even know why my species registry says human. My mom says that we will find out soon what 'he' has been hiding, but I don't know who this mystery person is.

    I check my surroundings, then walk to the front of the school. Instead of going straight to my house, I go the opposite way toward the skating park. When I glance at my watch, it reads 2:45 p.m. Mom said to be home by 4 o'clock, so I have an hour just to watch others skate or do some skating myself. The park is my quiet place, my own safe spot. I sit down on a bench and just breathe. That is until I hear someone talking to me.

    "Hey, kiddo. Long time no chat."

    I look around, and no one is there. I respond anyway. "Hello, how are you?"

    "I am old, but I guess you would know that," the voice responds.

    "I don't mean to be rude. But will you please show yourself?" I waited for an answer until finally, it came.

    "Because you asked, I can," the voice said.

    "Huh? What do you mea-?" Everything went black, and I found myself in a forest surrounded by tall trees. I walked around and saw all sorts of fruits and flowers, even ones that were supposed to be extinct. I pull a banana off a tree and peel it. To my surprise, the banana has seeds. I take one out and plant it. Almost immediately, a banana tree springs up from the ground. I walk past it to see a pond of sparkling water. It is so clear, I can see the creatures who live at the bottom. I take a drink and feel utterly relieved. Then I splash some on my face and start to look at my reflection.

    "It's fascinating, is it not?" the voice said. I turn around and look toward the direction of the sound, only to come face-to-face with a giant wolf who has gold-dipped wings and seven tails. His eyes were blue, and one look into them would send you through eternity and bring you back. I gasp and stumble backward, grabbing hold of a tree before blinking rapidly.

    He looks at me softly and speaks again. "Ryder. I know you, and you know me. Come. Let us take a stroll through the forest."

    "Um, okay?" I ask more than say. We walk back toward the trees and enter into a clearing with many flowers. We sit on the small stone bench in the middle of it. Well, more or less, like I sit on the seat, and then he lays by it. I look over at him and feel a sense of familiarity when his gaze meets mine. He smiles as best as a wolf can, and he nuzzles my hand. I hesitate at first, but I rest my hand on his head anyway.

    I can see myself as a kid playing with my toys. "Mom, Gary is hungry. He also says that only dad should be able to see him, besides me."

    My mom giggles. "Well, tell Gary that I wish I could see him. I hear he is very soft." My ears and my face turn a bright red, and my mom dies of laughter at my reaction as she leaves my room.

    I move my hand from off of his head. "Gary?"

    He looks at me and says, "Yes. But I think it is time for you to learn my royal name."

    "Your royal name? Are you a king of some sort? A duke or lord? Why are you talking to a peasant like me? Where are we? Have you been talking to me all this time? Observing? What?" I take a moment to breathe. "Should I bow?"

    Gary chuckles, "That won't be necessary. Yes, I have been with you since conception, protected you, and conversed with you finally at the age of six." He pauses to watch a bird flutter by us before continuing. "The rest of your questions will be answered in due time. But for now, you must return."

    He swishes his tails, and a portal appears beside me. "Wait. Before I go, tell me your name." I start to get sucked in.

    "My name is Garien. Call on me when you'd like, and we will talk again." And with that, everything went black.

    I wake up, only to be in the skating park again. Shoot. Mom is gonna kill me. I have been gone for hours and I haven't called anyone. I pull out my phone and go to call my mom. I look at the time and my eyes widen. I put my phone back in my pocket, grab my board, and make my way home.

    3 o'clock.