I didn't know what to expect when I returned to the Council Chamber, but everyone was looking at me expectantly.
"Ian," intoned the Leader of the Council, "we have decided that you will be allowed to live."
"What!" exclaimed the leader of the warlocks, "He is an abomination!"
"He is a member of the magical community, and is protected by this council!"
You could feel the tension between the two leaders, and I knew this wouldn't end well.
The second in command of the warlocks stood up in defiance. I noticed that he was the leader of the three that helped examine me.
"I cannot stand by and allow this creature's destruction. He is a one-of-a-kind marvel and is a powerful member of the Council."

The sound in the room died. No one moved, and hardly anyone breathed. The head warlock looked to his second, pure hatred in his eyes.
"You wish to harbor this creature? You are no longer a member of this fellowship."
A murmur passed through the non-warlock members of the Council, and some of the warlocks looked to each other nervously.
"This could get interesting," pondered Misery.
"Very interesting," replied Pain.
"That's it!" shouted the head warlock, "any you who wish to follow this foolish traitor can stay. Those who wish to follow me are leaving. Now."
Just over half the warlocks stood up and left. I was crestfallen to see Greta was one of them. A few moments of silence passed, then a clamour rose from the hall. There was a loud bang, and Greta stormed into the room looking furious. I would not have wanted to cross her path, especially with the way I saw her now.
Greta made 13 warlocks who stayed, exactly half the warlocks who came to the council.
"In view of recent events," began the Leader of the Council, "I say a magic 'guard' should be formed to help hide Zach from the warlocks, and defend him if need be."
"Not that you need protecting," whispered Zaak.
"All classes will have one representative who--"
"What!" cried the now lead warlock, "How can that be asked--"
"A full trio is too many, and with the social taboo on pairs, the only thing that can be done is to only send one warlock."
"I'll do it." Greta stood as she spoke, defiance gleaming in her eye.
"Very good. Any more volunteers?" Zoe and Alisha stood.
"That shouldn't be a problem since you already know Ian... Now all we need is a mage."
I almost vomited on the floor.
"I'll go." A small japanese girl that spoke with a slight accent stood up, a smile on her face.
"Thank you Kukichi," replied the Leader of the Council, who couldn't help but smile.
Zaak stood, and at first I wasn't sure what he was up to.
"I wonder I if could join as well, since--"
"I understand. That would be completely fine."
"If it would be helpful," replied Zaak, "we could stay at my house, at least for a while."
"That is something you should suggest to the team, but I don't see why not."

We met outside the council complex, not sure what to do next.
"Well I caused all of this, so I guess I should introduce myself, Kukichi. I'm Ian Kemt, and I am-- was a wizard."
"Nice to meet you," replied Kukichi, absolutely beaming.
"So, Zaak, what's the plan?" I asked.

The plan was that we made our way to Zaak's in three groups. And that we went the slow way. Kukichi and Zaak would arrive first, followed by Greta and I, and then Alisha and Zoe.
Greta and I flew the first leg to Olympia, but then we had to WALK the rest of the way. I was PISSED. But there wasn't much I could do. As Greta and I made our way into the Cascades, Pain began to laugh.
"This is going to be fun."

Shut up, Pain.