After gaining answers to as many questions as possible, Rexie was only too happy to lead Darren, Hannah, and Steven back to Yuriko's house. As they approached, Darren could see a young Adian woman come out on the porch.
"About time you showed up," Ayami exclaimed. The succubus paused as she now watched the three young teens following behind the familiar. "Rexie I thought Yuriko told you to get the rings nit bring them back here."
The angelic familiar shrugged looking back at the teens before speaking. "Easier said than done," she stated. "The rings bonded to this kid. I think hes the Catalyst."
Ayami's eyes went wide as she gazed at Darren. "Okay but did you have to bring his girlfriend and his buddy with you?"
"Um Hannah's not my girlfriend," Darren replied sheepishly as the two teens blushed.
"Heard that before," Ayami grumbled rolling her eyes. "Look, just take a seat I'll get Yuriko."
Entering the old womans kitchen, Darren and his friends now studied the home. "I was expecting something I dont know scarier," Steven mumbled.
"Looks can be deceiving child."
The three teens jumped at the deep voice, turning and gasping as a six tailed kitsune studied them carefully. "So these are the thieves from the other night," Akira stated.
"Hey relax big guy," Rexie interrupted. "Look the rings bonded to the kid. Chances are hes the Catalyst."
"I see," Akira said slowly. "We shall let Yuriko decide on that until then wait patiently and do not touch anything."
Darren and his friends simply nodded, the teens studying the serious looking kitsune in wonder. "So do you live here?"
"I have protected Yuriko since she was an infant," Yuriko stated. "Just as I watched her godparents before her." A sad look now crossed his face as Rexie now patted the kitsunes shoulder.
"Zack," Rexie said sadly. "And my niece Mia. They passed away a few years back. None of us took it very well."
"How did they die," Hannah asked.
"Old age," Akira stated. "Despite having the ability to extend their lives they choose to live a mortal life. After their passing they asked that we continue to watch Yuriko. It was their dying wish."
"And I thought you just liked staying with me," Yuriko stated with a smile.
Darren looked up at Yuriko, the elderly Adian woman giving the group a warm smile as she entered the kitchen. As she studied everyone she paused as she looked at Rexie. "Well now this is different."
"What do you mean, " Rexie asked.
Yuriko now picked up the chubby white cat, studying the angelic familiar. "My goodness this is quite impressive," Yuriko whispered. "Tell me, did you plan on changing Rexie."
"Changing Rexie," she exclaimed.
"Um no I dont think so," Darren replied sheepishly.
Yuriko nodded, waving her hand as the white tabby cat became black once more. Rexie shook her head, before transforming into her imp form. "Okay what the hell just happened," Rexie exclaimed. "Is this kid the Catalyst or not?"
Yuriko now slowly approached the young teen, leaning in close as she studied the boy. "The boy is," Yuriko whispered. "This is incredible. The Ring hasnt had a true owner since Katie. Still, this boy has much to learn about control."
"So what does this mean," Darren asked.
"You have tremendous raw power within you Darren," Yuriko said. "Power that comes along once in a century. Still, you are untrained. If you do not learn to harness and control this power, it could destroy you."
Darren gulped, he could feel himself breaking into a sweat. "So what does that mean," he stammered.
"I have not trained anyone in magic in decades," Yuriko whispered. "But, the duty falls to me. I promise you Darren. I will train you to become the most powerful wizard in existence.