The Source: Chapter 1

1

            “Go on, Garius, hit the target.” Lightly spoke the tall man in dark brown robes. He eyed Garius, his arms folded as he examined his stance and his figure. His head cocked as the apprentice swung in bad form, just barely hitting the leather dummy in front of him. He sighed, then stood back, ready to strike again.

           

    “You can do it. I trust you can.” The words were spoken from the towering man again as Garius stood back, preparing for another strike. The apprentice sighed, and then looked down. He focused, growing aware, noticing the smallest details; the wave of the leaves of grass, the howling of the wind throughout the field around him, the noise of the swaying trees to his left and his right. Darting his gaze back up, he firmed his grip on the steel blade in his hand and charged forward, leaping upwards, and throwing his weapon down onto the neck of the target. It sliced deep and softly, like a knife through water. He then stood back, his eyes calm and his brow furrowed, yet said not a thing.

           

    “Very good,” Said his master, “I must go now, but fret not. You shall do wonderful on the finals ahead.” He then smiled at Garius, turned about and began pacing towards a large, towering stone building.

           

    “Vel’ada ma’jal inkst va’don!” shouted a young girl from behind Garius as he stood in the same place, gazing at the incision he had made in the dummy. Garius had barely reached what may be called a young adult state of his lifespan, and was not fully capable of his inherited skills, yet was still aggravated from his failed attempts at successfully impressing his master. No matter, he thought, I need not worry of that now. He then turned around, facing his friend, a smirk spreading across his face, “I did better than you could have.” He sheathed his weapons, and then spoke once more, “I would find it amusing to see you do better.”

           

    The girl halted in her tracks and retaliated with a smirk. In quiet, she unsheathed her bow and drew an arrow, aiming at the target, “Fine.” She then fired, the arrow zooming forward and missing. It went past its mark at least two feet, causing Garius’ grin to grow, “I see you proved your skill to be better than my own. Oh, right, never mind. Perhaps you should try being a bit closer to your mark next time? You may do better, Avalana.”

           

    The young girl, Avalana, narrowed her eyes, then ran down the hill she was on and towards Garius, her brown hair flowing behind her as she strode with grace. Garius’ eyes widened, and then narrowed, taking this as a challenge. He swiftly turned on his heel and ran towards a brush of trees. Once within the small forest, he began racing over fallen logs and tall clearings of grass. Finally he was fatigued and decided to hide behind a tall rock to the side of a small, free area. A moment later, light steps were heard and he peeked to the side of his cover, giving sight to Avalana. Her eyes darted around, seeking vision of Garius. “Come on out, you little Magarius. I know you’re here somewhere, I saw you fly into this clearing. I know not your location, but that your presence is close.” Her head speedily darted its gaze to his location, to which Garius quickly hid his head and gritted his teeth.

           

    A time passed, until Avalana spoke loudly in front of him, “Discovered you. Trying to hide from an I’din is futile. We always find what we seek.” She dropped herself in front of him. Garius leaned back against the rock, his shoulders and arms relaxing. His short, purplish hair ruffled against the hard stone as he let out a deep sigh and a head shake, “I should’ve hid deeper into the woods.”

           

    Avalana smiled, her eyes glinting at him, “I still would have caught you, friend. You know I am superior in the arts of tracking.” She looked down at her nails as she spoke those last words with a bit of over-confidence and smug. The girl then looked back up at Garius, both of them staying quiet for a moment.

          

    “Avalana? Garius? Where are you two apprentices at? Supper has been served and evening is nigh. You need return to the dining hall.” Boomed a voice over the wood they were within. The words struck the two with shock, as they had not realized the time. They stood and began their way out of the forest.

           

    “We are on our way. We were practicing our techniques for hunting.” Called Avalana, “We’ll meet you at the hall.” She then turned to Garius and smiled, “I’ll see you at supper, Garius.” She then winked and darted off through the wood and out.

 

 

           

 

 

Garius sat, eating his food with all the manners he could muster, at least with all of the thoughts clouding his mind. He sighed, and then quit his attempts at consuming the putrid sustenance on the tableware in front of him.

“What is it, Garius? Are you not in need of food?” Spoke an average height boy, originating from Hef’aleem. He set down his silverware, and then squinted in confusion at Garius.

            “Not this night, my friend. Thoughts of an individual interrupt even my most important needs.” He sighed, then folded his arms and rested them on the table, his elbows barely hanging off.

            “Of whom? Lack of context makes this difficult to decipher. Please elaborate.”

            “Avalana, of course. I thought you would put that together sooner than that, Baronil. “ Garius pulled his arms out from a fold and then pushed his plate forward as a sign of finishing his meal. He then leaned back and relaxed as his friend continued speaking.

            “Avalana still? I thought you decided against it as to preserve your relationship with her.” Baronil slid his meal forward as well, and then rolled his shoulders, a few pops escaping from the action. He then reached into his pocket and pulled out a small device, and then pressed a button upon it, causing it to flash on and make a lengthy beeping noise. Baronil proceeded to tap wildly upon the item, occasionally looking up at Garius.

            “I know that I spoke of getting over what I felt, but the emotions consume me like a wave from the strongest ocean whenever I see or speak with her.” replied Garius, looking down at the shin-covers of his dress pants.

            Baronil nodded, then looked up from his device and at Garius, “Then tell her what you feel, friend. If you wish for you and her to be with one-another, then you ought to confess. What harm could be done?”

            Garius scoffed at this, then spoke, “You must be reveling in this. Or perhaps you know not what love with an individual other than your caretaker feels like?” Seeing Baronil smirk after these words, he decided to continue, “You cannot simply tell the one you love that you love them. It may damage your relationship with them, or possibly ruin it. At the least, things will be most uncomfortable for the both of us.”

            Baronil sighed, and turned off his device before leaning forward and watching Garius. After a moment of thought, he spoke, “My friend, there is one thing you must understand and one motto you must always follow; what you want is always on a pedestal and it is there for others who want it as well. If it’s able to be taken, then what is stopping others from taking it from the pedestal? Get it while you can. Do not wait. Follow your heart as long as morals are in the right condition.” He then nodded and looked down to his half-empty plate.

            Garius’ eyes gazed through Baronil as he heard these words. He then nodded and stood from the table, “Thank you, my friend. I will take your words to heart.” He stepped from the bench and walked away from the table and paced quietly and lightly across the dining hall. Other apprentices of the hall began to do the same, the bustling noise that was once being produced slowly fading away.

 

 

            The wooden door groaned open, allowing Garius entrance. He stepped into the room and sighed, his eyes darting from object to object throughout the living area; the red, plush couch, the metallic tables on either side of it, the glowing monitor on the back wall, and so on. He stepped to the back of the room after shutting the door. Garius looked up at a photo on the wall of him and Avalana on the day of their arrival into the Academy. His locking of eyes to the portrait was ceased when a soft knock hit the front door of his room. He rolled his shoulders, then dusted off his white-azure robe-suit combination, then went to open the door. Garius stopped, his hand gripping the handle. He then looked up and opened it, a light smile on his face when he realized who it was.

            “Hello, Garius.” said Avalana, a smile taking over as her expression. She loosened up her arms from a fold to an idle state as she beamed at him.

            “Hello, Avalana.” replied Garius, his right foot taking a small stride forward, and then back to his side, “How may I help you, my friend?”

            She opened her mouth as if to say something, then shut it and smiled for a moment. Her right hand reached down to the floor and pulled up a small wooden crate labeled with a large, red apple on the front, “Master told me to retrieve this and deliver it to you personally. I could have declined, but I figured you and I could talk for a while?”

            “Of course, Avalana, I’d love to speak with you.” He stepped aside and waved her in, “Please, enter. Get comfortable, my friend, I wish for you to feel relaxed here.” He then shut the door when she strode in and sat herself upon the sofa, setting the crate on one of the side tables. Garius proceeded to walk to the couch and sit beside her, his right hand gently resting on her left as his eyes met with hers, “Now, what do you need?”

            “Garius, I did not just come to speak with you in normal terms.” Her eyes glistened as they met his, “You see…”

            Garius clung onto her every word, his expression forming into a serious shape. He blinked, waiting, feeling as though a century had passed until her next words. His heart beat faster, his hands gripping the cushion on the couch.

            “I… would love for you to assist me with something.” She quickly stood, then turned. For another moment, she paused, and then looked back to Garius, “The finals are coming, however my swordsmanship hasn’t improved in quite a time. Would you mind teaching me some more about the melee style fighting?” She turned, cocked her head, and gazed at him.

            He cursed himself for raising his hopes, then shook it off and turned to face her. Garius smirked at this, then stood and met himself in front of her, “I suppose I could. But I thought you were going into archery as your primary?”

            “Indeed, Garius, but the swordsmanship portion of the exam I am not skilled in. I know almost nothing about swinging a blade, the vital cutting points, the-. “ She was stopped by Garius’ right index finger on her lip.

            “Shush.  I suppose I can help you.” Quickly realizing he may have overstepped a boundary, he pulled his finger from her lip, “But you must understand that it shall not be a simple task. It is not just a matter of hack and slash, Avalana. There are techniques. There are important motions and stances to be made in order for that perfect strike to complete, in order for that deathly touch to make its way to your opponent.”

            She nodded, listening intently. When he was done, she looked down to her feet, then back up, raising her left hand to push a strand of her brown hair from in front of her eye, “I understand. I will try my hardest to be patient and as adaptable as possible. Thank you.” Avalana leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek, then stepped back, her face blushing a bit. She cleared her throat, nodded swiftly, then turned to her right and exited the room, leaving Garius alone.

            He sighed, then turned about and walked into his bedroom, pulling off his boots, robes, and undershirt, then threw himself onto his bed, eventually falling asleep.

 

 

           

            Giggles and laughter of female students seeped through the cracks from under Garius’ door as he sat, studying a large tome on his lap. He sighed, irritated by their incessant tittering. Garius threw his book shut, and then placed it on the side table next to his sofa. He stood from the seat and marched to the wooden door, threw it open and scowled at a group of woman apprentices to his left, “Must you all do this here? It is hardly morn; the sun has not yet even risen. Can you please exit the premises, I am attempting a study session on the magical arts, and if you all do not leave soon, I will be forced to call upon the Haven Guard.”

            The girls finally quit their snickering, and then turned to gaze at Garius. The tallest of them all, a blonde-haired Magarius woman, narrowed her eyes at him, “Oh. My apologies, Garius, we realized not that you were yet awake. We were on our way elsewhere, anyhow.” She bit her lip and rolled her shoulders nervously, looking down at her boots.

            A Hef’aleem girl beside the blonde looked up at her and frowned, “Kith’nala, must we leave? This fool should not be up yet, and that entitles our station here.” She snapped her eyes to Garius, her arms folding and her lips slightly opening, “Knave, leave the hall and return to your home. And how would you know of any sort of event we are currently partaking in? For all you know, we may be in a school association and waiting for a friend, or waiting for the moment we should exit and head to our respectable room.”

            Garius frowned at the last speaking girl, and then retaliated, “You call me a fool for being awake at this time, yet you yourself are up and dressed at this moment, outside joking with your comrades.” His eyes examined her clothing, “And  say not that you are in a sort of club, early meeting session that occurs daily and or weekly, or any other sort of association, because you lack any odd, unusual, or significant identification of such a thing. Now, tell me, how are your reasons for being awake superior to mine?” His gaze locked to her eyes, his lips staying expressionless.

            The woman that attacked stood defenseless; her arms limp to her side by this time, and the others around her taken by surprise. She finally spoke, her words coming out in nervous stutters, “We will take our leave, apprentice.” Only those words were said, even though her mouth stayed agate. After nearly a half minute, she looked to her friends and nodded, and they all then left the hall.

            Garius sighed, then turned around to reenter his abode, but was taken by shock when he met Baronil face-to-face. He took a step back, surprised, “What are you doing, Baronil? Why were you simply awaiting me there, why did you not wait until later?”

            “I spoke to the Master, Garius. Finals have been pushed back two and a half weeks. That allows us two months, rather than one. Is that not fantastic?” He smiled widely, and then folded his arms, almost a bit too cockily.

            “That is great, Baronil.” He eyed his body language, and then narrowed his eyes, “What else do you know that you speak not of, my friend?” He leaned his head back and a bit to the side, a showing of suspicion.

            “I also spoke to Avalana. We talked a lot.”

            “What did you two speak of?”

            “Oh, we only spoke of my great friend Garius.”

            “Why would you two privately converse of me, my friend? Was it all in negative or positive context? Was what you told her vital or was it simply mockery? I need answers, Baronil.”

            “Calm yourself, Garius. We spoke of you, but I did not want to. I only approached her in the first place due to the fact that there was no one else to speak with in the Master’s meeting room. As a matter of fact, I wished to speak of the newest Galic devices, but she seemed too interested in talking about you.” He sighed, and then leaned back on the doorway of the entrance to Garius’ room.

            “Me? Why would Avalana wish to speak of me, my friend?”

            “Can you not put two and two together, Garius? She talked of you with a friend she knew hardly. All she could go on about were your eyes, eyes, eyes! Vax’mala isk ba’nal. I wish she was interested in other things. Would have made the wait less irritating, Garius.”

            “Baronil, quit your off-tracking. I need more detail than this. Does she fond of me, friend?” His eyes widened, interest seeking him as he leaned forward, his eyes locked on Baronil.

            “Yes, my friend. She seeks a relationship with you. But that was not what I intended to speak of when I came here, Garius.”

            “I apologize, my friend. I am sincerely grateful that the exams were delayed longer than they were normally set for, as it allows for me to teach Avalana.”

            “You are to train her, Garius?”

            “Yes, my friend. She needs help in her swordsmanship and she asked for my assistance.” He yawned, looking around the hall and then returning his interest to Baronil.

            Baronil smirked, then straightened himself, “Sounds like a date, Garius. Anyways, I must be going. I need to study for exams and then get some rest.” He placed his right hand on the left shoulder of Garius, “Good luck, my friend.” Baronil then turned and walked down the hall, then moved around a corner and disappeared from sight.

            “A date?” questioned Garius to himself, “What is he meaning by that?” He shrugged, and then sighed, proceeding to enter his home, shut the door, and resume his studying.

           

 

            Garius shut his eyes as the warm sunlight rested over his face. He leaned back, his primary blade in his right hand and his head resting on the post of the dummy. In silence, he relaxed, listening to the sound of chirping birds and ruffling leaves.

A while had passed, when finally a familiar voice was heard, “Garius! Are you ready to begin my training?” Avalana strode down towards Garius, and then sat on her knees in front of him, a wide smile on her face.

Garius opened his eyes and smiled lightly, “Yes, Avalana.” He stood, and then positioned himself in front of the training dummy, “Do you have your blade?” Avalana nodded, unsheathing her sword and placing herself in the correct stance. “Good. Now, strike, I wish to see how well you are at this point.” Avalana nodded, then ran forward and attempted to strike the target, yet her false form caused her blade to barely indent itself into the forearm of the dummy.

Avalana sighed, then pulled the sword from the target and stepped back, “I am not skilled in this area, you see? Show me what was done wrong, Garius. I truly appreciate this all.”

“Alright, Avalana, I will. Firstly, your form was fine in your standing position.” He stood himself in the same figure she was in, “Yet it was disrupted when you ran and struck.” He then charged forward, representing the misshapen form that she had taken upon herself when she attacked. Garius then stepped backwards and took the advanced stance, “Try this stance instead. It allows you to easily transition into a strike, while the other form makes the transition rough and difficult.” He then charged towards the target once more, demonstrating the fluid motion made when attacking.

“I see, Garius. I will attempt that stance instead next time, friend.” She nodded, and then took the position that Garius had used, still watching his actions.

“Alright, then, your other problem was the way you attacked.” He stood, and then ran forward, stopping right before he attacked the dummy, freeze-frame in action. Garius spoke in the frozen position, “Your motion before hitting is false as well. Hit the vital points; neck, shoulder, chest, calves, and so forth. You should only not attack those when attacking there would be futile or when you would do minimal damage. If not attacking those, aim for less-vital parts; the wrist, thighs, fingers, etcetera.”

“I understand, Garius. Please continue.” She paced a bit closer to him, grabbing onto his every spoken word. She smiled at him, her eyes squinting in the sunlight.

“And do not lose form when attacking. When you hit, you start off well, but your wrists get a bit… wobbly when striking. Keep your wrists firm and tensed when you meet the perfect position as to avoid missing your mark.” He then nodded and stepped a dozen or so feet backwards, “Next, make sure you charge and hit with both strength and precision. Precision is useless without something to make it critical, which is why you need strength.” He then stepped out of the way and waved her to his previous position, “Now you attempt it.”

“Are you sure? I don’t feel... prepared.” She cocked her head and looked at him, clearly nervous.

“You can do this, Avalana. I trust in you.”

Avalana let out a deep breath, nodded, and then charged with speed, jumping and throwing her blade down onto the shoulder of the dummy with all of her strength; the strike went clean through, deep into the mark of her target. Avalana stood back and jumped up, hands in air, and let out a squeakier laugh than normal, “Thank you plentifully, Garius. I cannot believe what I had just done.” Her grin widened across her face as she ran towards Garius and wrapped her arms around him, “I have had tutors before, my friend, but they were all unable to train me to complete an action such as that.” She pulled herself back and smiled, “I hope you can teach me some other days.”

Garius stood in silence, yet smiling, shocked by her immense glee. A moment passed before he spoke, “Of course, Avalana.” He nodded his head, his expression relaxing along with hers. He then cleared his throat as blush covered Avalana’s face.

Pulling her arms from around him, she nodded, and then looked down at her shoes. Tucking her hands behind her and locking them together as she talked, “Well, thank you, my friend. I sincerely appreciate the assistance.” She looked up, gave a small smile, and then ran back up to the academy.

Garius gazed at her as she left, then looked up to the sky when she had faded from sight. The sun had almost set and the smell of supper could be smelt from his location, and in turn had decided to follow Avalana’s actions and return to the academy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

            “I am simply unable to grasp the truth that you did not kiss him,” said a tall, green and white robed female student, “You like him, yes?”

Avalana nodded, still focused on the cards in her hand.

“You were perfectly able to kiss him. Right in the midst of the field at sunset, alone, the wind blowing your hair.” She sighed at her, peering at her eyes, “It was identical to a romance novel.”

Avalana looked up and sighed, setting her cards face down, “It was not, Miala. It was more like a… common occurrence.” She nodded properly, and then looked down at the board in front of them, thinking of her next move.

“Please. It was exactly like those romance novels you read during your spare time.” She threw down a card and moved a piece on the odd board in front of her, “The man holding the woman, her hair blowing, her face blushing, and their lips about to meet…” Miala trailed off, a smile on her face and her eyes stuck to a small green man on their game.

Avalana sighed, and then stared up at Miala, “Fine. Perhaps you are correct, I should have kissed him, but I did not.” She folded her arms and leaned back, “So what am I to do now?”

“You wait for the next time you see him and the next perfect �" or almost perfect �" moment. Then you do it.”

“And what if he does not wish to kiss me, Miala?”

“Then you deal with it and mark it as one that was not meant to be.” Hastily replied Miala, leaning forward and staring at her, “But know that if you never do it, you shall never know.” Miala then stood and brushed off her skirt as footsteps were heard behind her.

“Greetings Avalana,” said Garius, entering the room, “Miala.” He sat in a chair beside Avalana, and then reached for a book on the side table next to him. Garius then flipped it open, skimming the pages before him.

Miala grinned widely at Avalana, “Well, I must be going.” She gave an awkward thumbs up at Avalana, then turned and exited the library.

“Hi Garius.” replied Avalana, her arms folding as she sat back and smiled at him.

“How are your studies going?” He bookmarked the tome temporarily with the corner of his page and turned to Avalana, a smile on his face.

            “The studies are going well, Garius.” She nodded happily, “I believe I will do fine on the exam, so long as you continue to help me.”

            “That is wonderful, Avalana.” Garius nodded as well, a reply, “And I will most definitely help you with the melee portion.”

            “Most wonderful indeed,” replied Avalana, “I, uh, must go now.” She spoke oddly, her shoulder rolling uncomfortably. She then stood and picked up her board game and cards, packing them into the box and tucking it under her arm.

            “Alright, then, good luck with your studies.” he smiled widely at her, “I hope you and I can practice your melee soon.”

            “As do I, Garius.” Avalana smiled, and then paced out of the library and from Garius’ sight.

           

 

 

 

 

           

            A month and a half had passed by this time, and Garius had spent most of it studying. At times he would assist Avalana with her melee pursuits, of which she rapidly improved in, and other times there were arguments, yet they stayed strong through it all. Some days it rained, others it was bright, and eventually it came to a week before the exams.

            “Baronil, must we continue this repetitive quiz?” argued Garius, “This is a nuisance that I find unnecessary. I already have knowledge of the answers to the exams, the ins and outs, the vital strikes to be made and how to make them.” He sighed, and then rolled over on his side, his head resting on the arm of his red sofa.

            “Fine, I suppose we can take some time off this week, but we must keep you polished and not rusty.” Replied Baronil, “What shall we do, though?”

            “How about we do something entertaining for once?” suggested Garius “watch some broadcast, play on some Galic devices, and sleep in for a change.”

            Baronil grinned at this, and then nodded, “Wonderful! I have been waiting for this, Garius. I suppose it would be healthy to take some time off.” He stood up straight, packing his scrolls and books under his arms, “However, make sure you stay on top of your research and studies.” Baronil smiled, and then left dorm room, shutting the door with his foot behind him.

            Garius straightened out, relaxing himself on the couch. He closed his eyes, a stinging sensation from his tiredness. A deep breath escaped his lips right when a light knock hit the door. He sat up, and then stared at the door for a minute, slightly irritated by the thought of standing and walking. Finally, he overcame his sloth-like thoughts and stood, pacing to the door and opening it. Realizing who it was caused him to awake and smile, clearly surprised that this individual would arrive to his dorm at such an early time.

           

            Avalana grinned widely at him, then spoke, “I can comprehend that you may be shocked at my appearance so suddenly and at such an odd time, but I had to come here.” Her eyes wide and glinting at him, she peered at his.

            “Avalana?” replied Garius, clearly confused, “Why did you arrive at such an odd time?” He took a step forward, his brow raised and a light smile on him.

            She bit her lip, unsure of what to do or say next, “You see, I…” She then looked up and paused. Avalana sighed, then threw her arms around Garius and embraced him firmly, “I had a nightmare.” She lied, “I could not sleep and all I could do was think of it, yet you have a way of… making those things go away…” She trailed, “So, I came here…”

            The warmth of Avalana comforted Garius, forcing a calm smile upon him, “That’s alright, Avalana. You are welcome here.” He pulled back and looked at her, his eyes engaging with hers.

            There was a pause, one that felt as though it was forever. Finally, Avalana narrowed her eyes, and threw her lips onto his, kissing him deeply. Taken aback, Garius did not initially engage, but eventually came to his senses and retaliated, grabbing her hips and pressing himself against her.

            Hesitantly parting her lips from his, Avalana cleared her throat as she looked down to the floor, “I’m sorry, I…” She looked up at him and his surprised expression, then unhooked herself from him, “B- bye…” She turned and began to run down the hall and back to the female dorm branch.

            Garius stood alone in the middle of the hall, clearing his throat. His eyes stayed in the same locked position they were in prior to Avalana departing, unbelievably shocked and confused. Eventually he shook his head, turned about himself, and reentered his dorm room.

           

 

           

 

 

            “That is spectacular, my friend!” Exclaimed Baronil, “Do you know what this means?” He leaned over the bowl in front of him, narrowing his eyes at Garius.

 

Garius leaned backwards and pushed his plate forward, and then folded his arms, “What, Baronil, what does this mean?” He sighed and peered at him, the bustling of the dining hall around him beginning to fade.

“You both can now embark on a relationship.” nodded Baronil, “I have been waiting for you two to finally come to your senses, watching as you flirted and blushed, holding one-another “on accident”.” He laughed and nodded another time, then reached into his pocket and pulled out one of his multiple Galic systems.

“A relationship you say, Baronil?” inquired Garius, “What is the intended meaning of that?” He leaned forward with interest, his hands resting on the dining table.

“You can finally be together, Garius.” replied Baronil, “Like you have always dreamt.”

“Your proposition is… inclining me to feel the same.” Garius smiled widely, “Perhaps you are right.” He stood and nodded, then stepped away from the table, “I must find her, Baronil. Tell her how I feel.”

“I am afraid you cannot, my friend.”

“But why can I not, Baronil?” questioned Garius, turning to face him with a narrowed set of eyes.

            “Because she left.” Quickly replied Baronil, “As did all of the other female students.” He sighed, leaned back, and folded his arms after placing his Galic device back within his pocket, “They were forced to leave.  Apparently all of the females are being sent to receive their future military uniforms and details. They’ll be back when exams are issued.”

            “The females are going?” said Garius, “What about us males? When shall we be sent to have our details organized?”

            “Next week.”

 

 

           

 

            “Alright, students.” Boomed the Master, “We are going to board the flagship and embark on a ride to Mith’rala, a large city on the northern part of Ji’dule.” He walked from side to side of the stage, “When we board the ship, you will find your respectable seat, of which you will be issued when boarding said ship. When at your seat, you will stay there until we arrive. Before you ask, yes, sustenance and hydration will be served to all of the apprentices aboard.” He then stopped in the midst of the stage, his eyes scanning over the massive stadium filled with students, “When we arrive, you will follow your color-coded group and you shall be taken to a dorm branch where you shall stay for next few days while we get all of you settled down and ready for supplying.”

            A loud alarm buzzed for about three seconds, and it then went silent. The entire stadium of students began to rumble as they all stood and made their way out of the room and down the stairs towards massive metal doors opening. Garius and Baronil walked through the immensely crowded group of students, finally reaching the gigantic metallic gate. The sunlight shined through, flashing itself onto all of the students.

            Garius walked to one of the many large ships, numbered ’002’, and then proceeded to pace up a large set of stairs, of which Baronil followed. At the top there was a towering man, covered in a set of glowing, veiny armor. The guard spoke, “Name?” For a moment, Garius stood silent, but felt a light shove from Baronil and replied, “Garius Madelinia.” The guard handed him a small pass, then waved him in, soon doing the same for Baronil.

 

 

            When they entered, the two apprentices found themselves in the middle of a large, crowded ship. Light music was playing over them and an odd scent washed throughout the room. Garius looked to Baronil, shrugged, and then walked down the left aisle. Finally, towards the back of the ship, he found his seat and took his place within it, Baronil beside him.

 

            The ship finally began to shake and stir. After a moment, a loud beeping sound went throughout the ship room and a voice came over the loud speaker, “Greetings, passengers of the Academy. I am the pilot of your current ship and shall be taking you to your destination. If you would please buckle your safety belt, we will be taking off in approximately five minutes. Thank you, that is all.”

            What felt like forever was only five minutes, and the ship finally took off, leaving a trail of blue flame behind it. Outside the window, Garius could see many other flagships alongside his own, humming loudly. The loud speaker again came on, the pilot of his ship speaking over it once more, “Hello again, attendants of 002 of the Archarius Flight Flagships, we hope you enjoy your time here and we insist you sit back, relax, and allow the relaxing muse of our inflight melodies. Thank you and have a spectacular even.” It flicked off with a click, and the ship was silent other than some light chatting and the hum of the partnering ships. After a few minutes, the music began and soon took over the empty air. As the ship continued to soar, Garius found serenity in the tunes and drifted off to sleep, his eyes hesitantly shutting, but soon caving in.

 

 

           

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

            Garius’ eyes flashed open as the pilot’s voice flashed over the ship, “Alright, members of the Academy, I wish you a good time in the city of Mith’rala. We thank you for riding Archarius, and hope for you to have a good day.” It abruptly stopped after this, and in a moment, the ship shook wildly. Decreasing its altitude, it began to land into a large docking bay within the city.

            “We’re here, friend.” whispered Baronil, “Are you eager, my friend?”

            Garius closed one eye, the other lightly cracked, staring at his friend. He sat up straight, and then opened his other eye, “Why would I be excited? I wish not to move at this time.” He threw his arms up and stretched them firmly, then rubbed his eyelids in an attempt to awake himself.

            “Avalana, of course.” replied Baronil, grinning, “You may find her, Garius.”

            Garius looked at Baronil and shrugged. He spoke quietly, his voice barely hearable, “I suppose.” He looked down, then up at the lights overhead, signifying important hazards and useful tips, “But I am unsure if I may even find her, Baronil.”

            “You can always arrange a mid-night date.” said Baronil, leaning closer to Garius.

            “And how would I do that?”

            “With your APM, Garius. Simply message her and requisition that you two meet up.”

            Garius’ hand reached into his pocket, pulling out a small device, familiar to him. He knew of it, but had never used it except for emergency messages to Baronil. He pressed a small button on the side and it flashed on, making a small tune, then displaying an extensive list compiled of the names of every student within the Academy. He scrolled through it, quickly finding Avalana’s contact.

            “Well, friend, are you coming? The ship arrived. It’s time to depart.” pecked Baronil, his hands holding magazines and small bags of strange candies and nuts. He leaned on his other leg, sighing and occasionally grunting when other apprentices pushed their way passed him.

            “Hmm?” moaned Garius, “Oh, right. I’m coming.” He stood, then turned and followed Baronil down the aisle. He kept his eyes right, staring out the windows and towards the large hotel that they were to stay in.

 

 

 

            Avalana laid on the immensely comfortable couch, a sigh escaping her. She turned her head to the right and peered oddly at Miala, who was busy tediously studying a wide maroon tome, “What are you doing?”

            Miala was silent for a moment, her eyes still darting over the words on the page. Finally, she spoke, “Studying.”

            “But why are you studying, my friend? How is your mind not clouded with thoughts and worry.” interrogated Avalana, sitting up straight and resting back onto the couch.

Miala darted her head up and her eyes at her friend. She bookmarked the tome, then set it down on the carpeted flooring, “I don’t have a boy to swoon over, Avalana.” Avalana scoffed at this, then raised her left hand to the side of her head and lightly scratched it. Miala continued, “Honestly, though, I knew you were fond of him, but that you had… deep… feelings for him, I knew not.”

Avalana looked down at the floor, then back up to Miala, “Yes, well…” A knock on the door of their small dorm boomed, and then halted. Miala shared a confused look with Avalana, then stood and walked towards it the entrance. She placed her hand on the door handle firmly, and then cracked it open, “Yes?”

“The Master requests all female apprentices make their way to the ceremony hall pronto.” reported a large man, his size immense for his race. Miala then nodded and the man shut the door, to which she then turned and spoke to Avalana, “Get dressed, it’s time to greet the male students. They have finally arrived.” She grinned, “Do you care to guess what that would mean, Avalana?”

Avalana smirked, and then tilted her head back. She pursed her lips for a moment, and then replied, “We may finally begin detail tomorrow?”

            “Ha-ha,” mocked Miala, “very humorous. Now get ready, we must leave in a moment.”