It was nearly time. All the lies and hiding and all the deaths came to this. Being branded a traitor and fleeing the Capital while finding and connecting with the most talented of individuals was merely a small price to pay. A price for the very future I now see displayed before me in the faces of the children I gathered. My future. My legacy.

I stepped onto the small curved balcony and threw my arms wide; gesturing to them all, making sure each one knew I was addressing them as one and many at the same time.

"My children! The time has come to open the doors to our small houses! Our time has come to build upon the future of ourselves! The road had been long and will be longer still but our children and our children's children will breathe life into this future! Together, we build a legacy that will far surpass our lives and we will be recognized as Great Leaders into a new age!" I passed my gaze over each face, trying to sear each one into my memory.

I knew I was leading them astray, into a life of hardship and agony. This was the only way. To survive and live among those that tried to beat us down and suppress us. That anger renewed my energy and I spoke fervently to my children, and to my legacy.

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"The time to hide is over! Together we will pave a way for ourselves and carve our rights into stone! Teach others our ways of life and our secrets of those deemed worthy. We are the Founders of the Academies!"

A deafening roar exploded from their throats as they stomped their feet. Bursts of flames and ice hissed and flared brightly from my more talented children. Animals took up the cry with their Partners as they showed their appreciation and enthusiasm with their hoots, hisses, growls and howls.

The clang of metal as my children of strength smashed their weapons against anything close to them or even against their own armor. My heart soared with pride as I smiled at them but a small part of me questioned my choices. Questioned my path in life, and if this was truly the only way left to me.

Quietly I let them throw a banquet of victory, slinking into the shadows of my chamber to watch them be happy and unburdened with unpleasant thoughts. I slumped against the wall as I felt the warm salty tears streak down my face, my hands trembled and I hugged myself.

"It will work. It has to work. I cannot fail my children. This is the only way, I have done all I could." My voice listlessly vocalized the same dull empty comforts as I watched in my own mind the deaths of my children.