“ Ejaer, my son. “

  I looked at my father. He had a bittersweet expression on his face.

  “ I’m proud of you. I’m sure you know that. Not just me but your mother and sister as well. When you leave to go to the Academy in a couple hours just remember we’ll be here waiting for you to return. I know you don’t tend to talk to others or make an attempt to find any friends. But while you’re there can you at least try to get to know one or two people? “

  I looked at him before turning to my half finished plate. I had never tried to get to know anyone. If someone talked to me I would talk to them, but I never made an attempt to get to know them. I never initiated anything leading them to eventually stop trying. I had an indifferent look on my face most of the time. Most people seemed to associate that with disinterest.

  I nodded.

  “ I’ll try, but I can’t guarantee anything. I’m not exactly the best at talking to others. “

  He smiled.

  “ Even if you’re not, I appreciate you trying. That's all I ask of you. “

  After a bit of silence my mother spoke up.

  “ Ejaer, if any girl catches your interest make sure you get to know her for a couple months. Find a good girl to bring back for us to meet. There’s a lot of bad women out there and I don’t want them to hurt or taint you.

  You may not think of it now but when you become a teenager you will get some urges. Don’t let them control and dictate your actions. Otherwise you may end up doing something you’ll regret. Don’t be promiscuous otherwise me and your father will scold you. Even if you do something bad or that you regret, take responsibility for your actions. “

  I looked at her for a bit before speaking.

  “ I’ll remember your words. “

  She looked at me for a bit, directly into my eyes. I could see a bit of sadness in her eyes. She got up from her chair and walked over to me. She bent down and hugged me.

  “ I love you, Ejaer. Always remember that. “

  I felt my mother’s warmth and the feeling in her words. I acknowledged the fact that she meant what she said. I felt my body relax a bit, similar to melting. It was then that the fact that I wouldn’t be able to see my family again for a very long time hit me. Years, 15 to be exact. I would be able to see them every half a year for 4 years. But that only lasted for a day.

  Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  I wrapped my arms around her as she did to me. I felt my vision start to blur as I dissolved my cold exterior. A side of me I rarely showed. My father and younger sister quickly joined in. They came over and we all embraced each other. A fond memory that I will remember as I now stand in an open field.

  I was outside the capital city, Ouranos, alongside thousands of other children around my age. We stood in a grassy field below a clear blue sky. The sun bearing down on us with its warm rays. Despite the beautiful scene around us, we all stared at the man floating in the sky. He was clad in a sky blue robe with intricate designs of gold. He showed signs of age, evident through his white hair and beard.

  Despite that fact he stood tall with his hands behind his back. His gaze bore down on us, making me and others feel like we were standing before a lion. He simply stood there, above us for a while before he cleared his throat.

  “ Before me stands 2576 children. Whether you are the child of a dirt ridden peasant or Duke that stands above all matters not to me. I am the Headmaster of the prestigious Ever Bright Academy. A Grandmaster of the Magic path and a Master of the Warrior path. I’ve lived for nearly 2000 years and I've been a Headmaster for over 800 of them.

  I’ve lived through 9 wars and 2 Great wars. I’ve lost friends, families and lovers. I’ve seen my children be born, grow old and die. You all are the 207th generation of students I've had the honor of raising. I’ll let you all know now that the next 15 years of your life will not be easy. Some of you may not even make it to the end. Whether that be because of expulsion or death.

  Only the best have the opportunity to be accepted into our prestigious Academy. However, only the greatest and brightest have the opportunity to Graduate. Take my words and engrave it into your heart. This will not be easy. You will have to go through hell and back. Even if you are able to do it physically many may not be able to do the same mentally.

  That’s all I have to say to you all. You’ve already said goodbye to your family and friends. Now it’s time to look forward. Board the airships and steel your resolve. I’m looking forward to your future. “

  As he said those final words his body seemed to dissipate. He disappeared alongside a gentle breeze of wind. I felt like a brick was lying in my heart. We were directed to a giant airship that had engravings and paintings all over it. It looked magnificent but I felt burdened. My steps felt heavy, my thoughts were in turmoil and I felt a vague sense of crisis.

  I looked around and could tell that many others were feeling something similar. But I had no time to focus on them. I grit my teeth, lifted my head, and looked forward. I balled my fist and moved my feet faster. I went past the others as I walked up the ramp leading up to the airship. I steeled myself as I took my first steps onto the airship, and my new future. I heard someone yell behind me and soon they appeared beside me.

  Blond hair, slightly taller than me, piercing blue eyes, and a robust physique for an 8 year old. He looked fierce as he walked onto the airship. A small smile crept up onto my lips as I quickly caught up to him.