Chapter XX
(6 Years Ago)
Year 2048
The letter had arrived a week prior, its vellum crisp, seal broken, summoning Yoki to The Academy in a week. The time had arrived where he departed to the world’s most renowed school in the world. He found himself standing at the threshold of his apartment, the city still cloaked in the early morning hush. Throwing his Newsboy Cap on, he stepped into the cobbled streets that wound like veins through the city.
His first destination was an obscure bookstore, a hidden gem known only to those with a penchant for the arcane. This was where Greenfield had told him to go when it was time. A wizened man who seemed bored as all get out, handed Yoki an innocuous-looking token. "Present this at the old clock tower at noon," he intoned cryptically.
Yoki nodded, clutching the token tightly, and made his way to the clock tower. As he approahced, he realized its hands were frozen in time.
Oh, the things you’ll learn Yoki. Go on, hesitate not.
The streets grew narrower, the buildings older and older, until he stood before the monolithic structure. At exactly noon—using his own watch since the clock tower’s hands had been unmoving—he inserted the token into a hidden slot at the base of the tower. With a terrible screeching sound, the ground beneath him shifted, revealing a hidden staircase spiraling downward.
He descended, one step at a time. He soon entered a large area, lit by phosphorescent fungi that cast a beautiful light that relaxed his anxiousness of losing his way.The air was thick with the scent of the damp earth, nostalgia building from his times in the forest when he had been being trained by his father.
Progressing through the area underneath the clock tower, he spotted a mosaic on the wall.
Seems like a portal to me.
Really? I thought it was a replication of your shit this morning.
Ha, shut the fuck up.
He approached the portal like mosaic and it shimmered. The tiles rearranged themselves to form an archway.
Stepping through, he was enveloped in a sensation of weightlessness. He felt like a cloud, no, perhaps like a cool breeze of wind on the ocean. The world around him blurred, and when clarity returned, he was standing in a dense forest, the canopy overhead interwoven with a tapestry of leaves. The path ahead was barely discernible, marked only by occasional waystones etched with strange markings. He really hoped he wouldn’t be late to great hall, this was not what he had expected at all. He really should’ve learned by now to start expecting the unexpected.
He pressed on. The forest seemed alive, whispers audible to his ears yet when he turned around, nothing but trees and shadows greeted him. It felt as if unseen eyes were tracking his progress. The path he was on became winding trough thorny brambles and gnarled roots that seemed intent on impeding his progress, but he navigated them with calm, enjoying the smells of the forest.
After what felt like hours, he reached a clearing where a stone bridge spanned a chasm. The bridge was narrow on first impression. As Yoki stepped onto the mossy stone of the bridge, he felt a sudden shift in the air. He heard things that couldn’t have been heard, whispers of the forest conjugating into a single word that slipped his mind as soon as he made understandment with it.
Continuing warier then before, he took careful steps one at a time. An image of him falling to his death off a decrepit brige like this, an he couldn’t help but chuckle under his breath, before that chuckle turned into a gurgle of suprise.
Halfway across a wraith-like figure appeared out of the fog. It spoke what he had just forgotten, the word that would dictate life or death. “Worth?”
Yoki began to summon his strength to stand firm, reciting an incantation to a sunderglyph he had learned in his studies with his father. The wraith seemed to hesitate, then just before he could cast, it dissipated into the ether. He dispelled the power he had built up and crossed the bridge unimpeded. Beyond the bridge, the path continued upward, climbing a steep incline.
Finally, as twilight began to descend through the forest trees, he emerged from the forest onto a plateau. Before him stood The Academy, its spires reaching towards the heavens, illuminated by the fading light of the setting sun. The sight was more daunting than awe-inspiring, seeing the world’s most prestigious school in front of him at last.
As he trudged his way upon the grounds of the campus, he soon realized he had no inkling on where to go, He soon found that navigating the grounds was no simple task. The Academy's campus seemed like a labyrinthine, paths that twisted and turned, leading him on and on only to end back up where he started. Yoki wandered through courtyards adorned with statues of giant creatures, past bubbling fountains of purple water, and alongside walls covered in runes that seemed to breathe as if alive.
As he meandered, he encountered a group of what he assumed were upperclassmen. They wore mix of different color robes that flowed elegantly behind them as they made their way towards him. They paused upon seeing him, a newcomer clearly out of place by his cloak and cap. One of them, a tall girl with an air of authority, approached him. She wore a crimson colored cloak.
"Lost, are we?" she asked, a hint of amusement in her voice.
Yoki nodded, feeling foolish. "I'm looking for the Main Hall," he admitted. “I’ve been looking for a while now, but it’s a maze in here. Aren’t there signs or anything?”
She smiled. “Not quite. The campus moves constantly in a way that is unpredictable unless you have one of these,” she opened her hand to show a compas of a sort, pointing to Yoki’s left. “Follow me. It's easy to get turned around here." With that, she whispered something that sounded like Main Hall to the compas. Its hand started to spin wildly, stopping abruptly. It now pointed to Yoki’s top right.
She left her group and led him through a series of winding roads until they reached a grand plaza. At its center stood an imposing structure engraved with ‘Main Hall’ on top of its archway. Its facade was adorned with stained glass windows that shimmered in the slim light that the sky seemed to be holding onto.
"Here we are," she said, gesturing towards the entrance, giving him wink as she left. "Good luck."
Yoki ascended the marble steps and pushed open the great doors of the Main Hall. The hall was an architectural marvel, with soaring arches and stained glass windows that bathed the space in a kaleidoscope of colors. The air was thick in a dusty old leathery smell, and he approached the mass of the students, or rather, the soon to be ordained students.
Standing on the outside of the bustling crowd of yet to be students, he realized he knew absolutely no one. They all talked and laughed as if knowing each other for years. He silently found a place to stand alone and slightly away from everyone else.
He looked up to see Indigo, and a great many teachers he assumed—spotting Greenfield amongst them—sitting at a vast table that engulfed the upper stage of the Main Hall. He decided to study those around him. To his left, a boy with tousled auburn hair and a smattering of freckles leaned casually against a pillar. Nearby, a tall girl with raven-black hair with an air of quiet intensity surveyed the room with sharp, intelligent eyes. She exuded a sense of purpose, as though she had already mapped out her future within these hallowed walls.
He was surprised to see none stared at him, nor paid any real attention to him. Despite his recent physical transformation, Yoki had chosen to wear baggier clothes such as his cloak to hide his formidable physique, appearing like a typical fifteen-year-old. His anonymity provided a shield, allowing him to observe without being observed.
The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.
His eyes were drawn to a particular girl who fascinated him. She was conversing animatedly with a group of people who seemed naturally drawn to her. She was shorter, athletic, with blond hair that shimmered like spun gold and piercing blue eyes that seemed to hold a universe of secrets. Exceptionally beautiful, she moved with a grace that suggested both strength and poise. He had the distinct impression she was from one of the aristocratic families, those whose bloodlines had flowed through The Academy for generations.
As he peered at a few others, he noted a boy with a shock of white hair with an enigmatic smile, his eyes constantly darting about as if cataloging every detail. Another student, a girl with deep brown skin and striking green eyes, stood serenely by herself like he was, an aura of calmness surrounding her.
Finally, Indigo rose from her seat, lifting a hand adorned with a ring that glowed with a soft, ethereal light. She traced a symbol in the air, and a wave of energy cascaded over the hall, silencing the murmurs and drawing all eyes to her.
"Welcome, new aspirants," Indigo began, voice tumbling loud across the confined area. “Welcome to The Academy, where knowledge and power converge, where your journey towards mastery begins."
She paused, allowing her words to sink in. "Each of you has been chosen not merely for your potential but for the unique qualities you bring. Here, you will be divided into houses, each fostering a different aspect of the sphaeram arts. These houses are more than just a place of residence; they are your new families, your guides, and your support as you navigate your studies."
Indigo gestured to a large tapestry that unfurled itself behind her, depicting six intricate crests, each representing a house.
"The House of Aetheria," she intoned, "is for those who seek enlightenment, possessing an insatiable curiosity. They are the are visionaries, driven by a quest for knowledge. Their emblem is the owl, wise and all-seeing.
“The House of Ignis welcomes the brave and bold, those with an unyielding spitit. They are the warriors, ready to face any challenge. Their emblem is the dragon, fierce and unrelenting.
"The House of Aquila is for the perceptive, the strategic, those who think deeply and act with precision. They are the tacticians, always one step ahead. Their emblem is the eagle, sharp-eyed and swift.
"The House of Terra embraces those with a strong connection to the earth and its energies, the steadfast and the nurturing. They are both healers and protectors, grounded in their purpose. Their emblem is the stag, enduring and resilient.
"The House of Umbra," she said, her voice lowering slightly, "is for the elusive, unravelling secrets. They are the spies, masters of the unseen. Their emblem is the fox, cunning and discreet."
"And finally, the House of Luminara," Indigo concluded, "is for the the inspiring, those who bring light to the darkest places. They are the artists, the innovators, those shining with creativity. Their emblem is the phoenix, ever-renewing and transformative."
Indigo raised her hand once more, and the her sunderglyph dissolved into the air. "You will soon discover to which house you belong. Each house has its own hall, a place where you will live, study, and grow together. Your journey begins now. Embrace it with all your heart."
The hall buzzed with renewed energy as students exchanged excited whispers. Yoki felt a surge of anticipation. As he looked around, he realized that this was the beginning of a new chapter, one filled with the potential to start a new beginning, to find out who had killed his parents. The road ahead was uncertain, but he felt optimistic for once.
The students were called up one by one to the front of the hall, where a large, translucent crystal sphere sat upon a pedestal. The Sphere of Fates, as Indigo referred to it, would determine their houses by reading their aura.
The first student to approach the sphere was the girl who had fascinated Yoki earlier. She moved with a feline grace, her athletic frame exuding confidence. Her blond hair caught the light, leaving him transfixed in her beauty. As she placed her hand on the sphere, it glowed a vibrant blue, then shifted to a deep violet. A moment later, a voice echoed through the hall, “House of Umbra.” There was a murmur of suprise as she moved towards her new housemates, her gaze briefly meeting Yoki’s before she joined the group.
Next was a short boy with hazel eyes that gleamed with intelligence. His hands trembled slightly as he placed them on the sphere, which flickered and then settled into a steady green hue. “House of Aquilia,” the sphere intoned. He walked towards his house, his shoulders realxing, immediately immersing himself in conversation with his new peers.
Some new student followed—Yoki had zoned out during that one—and then it was the turn of a Dominican boy, of average height but with a strong, athletic build and curly hair. He approached the sphere with a relaxed stroll, placing his hand on it as the sphere glowed a rich, earthy brown. “House of Terra,” the voice announced. He smiled broadly but the sphere changed color to a deep violet, “Revoked. House of Umbra.” More whispers followed, yet the boy still smiled, scratching his head as if confused.
Finally, it was Yoki’s turn. He new by a slight tug upon his body, realizing it was now or never. He approached, placing his hand on the crystal. He felt a warmth spread through his fingers. The sphere shimmered with a kaleidoscope of colors before settling into a deep, resplendent purple. “House of Umbra,” the voice proclaimed.
As he walked towards his new housemates, he overheard snippets of conversation. The blond girl was speaking animatedly with another student, her voice carrying a note of determination. “I’ll show them what an Interloper can truly achieve,” she said, her blue eyes flashing with intensity.
Nearby, the Dominican boy was laughing with a group of students. “Did you see that? I swore I’d end up in Terra as an Earthworker, but who knows, Umbra must be in my blood,” he said, his strong, curly hair bouncing as he nodded enthusiastically.
Umbra. A fitting house for you, boy. Secrets suit you well.
Yoki shivered slightly but kept his composure. He glanced around, trying to see if anyone else had heard the voice although knowing the Painkiller was one and only his—sadly. He sighed.
The rest of the sorting continued, each new student stepping forward to place their hand on the Sphere of Fates. Yoki watched as students were assigned to their respective houses, each announcement met with applause and cheers from their new housemates.
Finally, the last student was sorted, and Indigo raised her hand once more to address the assembly. "Now that all the houses have been determined, your house leaders will guide you to your dormitories. You will find your belongings have been transported to your rooms. Rest well tonight, for your journey at The Academy begins in earnest tomorrow."
His only belongings he wore, and he was worried he’d have to give them up. He left the thought, realizing he knew Indigo in a way not many others did—he had her favor, for whatever reason.
With that, the upperclassmen who had guided the new students began to leave the hall. The new students, including Yoki, followed their house leaders to various exits. Yoki fell in with the students heading towards the House of Umbra. The path to their dormitory was another winding one, taking them through dimly lit corridors adorned with tapestries depicting epic battles.
As they walked, Yoki found himself next to the Dominican boy with the curly hair. "Hey," Yoki said, offering a friendly smile. "I’m Yoki."
"Enrique," the boy replied, returning the smile. "Looks like we’re in the same house. This place is incredible, isn’t it?"
Yoki nodded. "It’s a lot to take in. I’m just glad to finally be here. How about you?"
Enrique shrugged, eyes twinkling with excitement. "I’ve always wanted to come here. My family has a long history with The Academy. My powers are just starting to develop, and I can’t wait to see what we’ll learn. Would’ve thought I’d be in Terra for my dual Earthworker attributes. But I think Umbra is where I’m meant to be, I mean, the Sphere of Fates is never wrong, you know?”
They continued to talk as they walked, sharing their backgrounds. Enrique’s easygoing nature and infectious enthusiasm quickly put Yoki at ease, and he felt a sense of camaraderie forming between them.
Finally, they arrived at the entrance to the Umbra dormitory, a grand doorway carved with intricate designs and inlaid with shimmering stones that seemed to pulse with an inner light. The house leader, a tall, stern-looking woman with piercing yellow eyes, opened the doors and ushered them inside.
The common room was spacious, filled with lavish seating and shelves lined with tomes. Soft, ambient light filled the room, creating an atmosphere of calmly focus. They were then shown to their rooms, each one a cozy haven with two beds, two desks, and a window overlooking the grounds of The Academy.
Yoki and Enrique found they were to be roomed together, and they lingered in the common room for awhile, continuing their conversation. "What do you think tomorrow will be like?" Yoki asked, leaning back in his chair.
Enrique grinned. “It’s gonna be challenging, but that’s what makes it so exciting. We’re here to push our limits and see what we’re truly capable of."
Yoki nodded.”Yeah, I’m ready for it. I’ve been through enough shit as it is, ought to make some use out of that now.”
Enrique smile broadened at that. He extended his hand, and Yoki shook it firmly. “Agreed.”
As the evening wore on, the varying ages of students gradually made their way to their rooms. Yoki lay in his bed, staring up at the ceiling, mind racing with thoughts of the days to come. He felt trepidation as his life was always a shit show, but despite that, he felt a new sense of belonging.
Enrique and he had a natural bond. They talked far into the night, laughing at ludicrous jokes and talking about the cute girls they’ve spotted. Yoki was tempted to say something about the one beautiful blond girl who was in Umbra, but he held back, not wanting to spoil anything. Yoki had no idea who Enrique might know—after all, he was from an Aristocratic family. Yoki decided to hold onto that for himself for the time being. Tomorrow, he’d find out who she was. He was finally about experience what The Academy life was about, and he smiled despite himself, knowing that though this was just the start of his life here, he had great hopes of what it was to become.