On the outskirts of the Golden Zhu Clan, within one of the many farming communities that provided for the clan, an awakening ceremony was being performed. Before the elder of the village, twelve coins were laid upon a velvet mat, arranged in a semicircle. A child would walk up and place their hand in the center of the circle and wait. It was the time that was important. How long it took for the Divine Beasts, using their signs, to claim the child as their own. Most children were chosen by the Boar after a breath. The farthest right coin dancing until it lay upon their hand, burning the sigil into their flesh.

Some children were chosen by others. A young girl, when her hand was carefully set down, nearly jerked it away when two coins flew at her. They collided midair, causing both to nearly fall off the map, allowing Dragon to jump onto her hand. The other two seemed to slink back to their spots. She was named a genius and Blessed Elder Long, one of the twelve recruiter who oversaw this ceremony celebrated. A boy, no older than six, waited for a minute before Snake rolled over and claimed him. If one wasn’t careful, they would miss the Blessed Elder She’s soft smile. After the early excitement, a string of children, all between their fifth and tenth year were passed by all coins. They stood, some shaking, others proud, for two minutes before Elder Redel escorted them off stage.

They say apart, some crying, others still excited as they waited. Each Divine Beast tended to pick at least one, though that of the clan claimed the most. Gossip over who would be chosen by the different Beasts spread through the crowd as another child moved before the selection.

Dog, Rabbit, Horse chose their children quickly, before a breath was even taken. Rat, Ox, Goat chose theirs after two breaths. Monkey and Rooster chose near the end, with less than a handful of children still waiting. All held their breath, waiting to see if Tiger would make a claim, even as the last child moved before the coins.

Velon quivered as he stared down at the table. At 15, he was among the oldest undergoing the ceremony, having been denied last time. Still, he thought as he gently placed his hand in the center, Tiger or Boar. If I am chosen by Boar I may be able to stay in the clan. If Tiger, well, the greatest generals were all Tigers. Closing his eyes, a smile grew on his face as he thought of the glory to be won through battle.

He could hear swords striking swords, spears clashing against shields as he stood there fantasizing about battle. He knew how he, as a soldier, would carve through beasts and protect young innocent women. He thought of how he’d master the soldier’s art until he could see the flaws and excise them. He imagined the stories of great warriors and how Tiger would allow him to overcome all of them.

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Or perhaps Boar would choose him and he would continue his life as it was. A farmer’s life was not that of a warrior, of adventure, but it would be profitable. The Zhu were among the most educated of all the clans, even the children of the poorest worker was allowed to enter school. He could continue his education and with it make a need breed of hogs. Ones that make more piglets, faster and larger. Or grow new fruit or vegetable and finally win a prize at the yearly fairs. There was glory in a farmer’s life if one looked, and he could see it. Either way, there would be glory.

Velon stood there, living his fantasies, until a hand landed upon his shoulder. He looked, assured it was Blessed Elder Zhu or Blessed Elder Hu to bring him to his future. Instead, it was Elder Redel. Velon’s shoulder’s slumped as he was lead towards the other rejects.

Velon looked down, staring at his empty hand. He was denied, again. The ceremony happened every five years, and very few were picked their first time. Most were chosen during their second ceremony, though it wasn’t rare for some boys to be left for a third. As his eyes passed over the other children sitting down, he realized that he was the only one who would make it to a fourth.

He sighed, sitting next to a child he didn’t know. They were too busy chatting with another failure, probably their friend, about what Divine Animal would choose them next time. What color they would obtain and what they would choose as their adult name. Usually something that would work well with the title “Great Warrior” or “Grand Cultivator” or something else.

Velon forced a smile, holding back tears as he watched the twelve coins replaced with twelve cores, each a different color. Golden Boar, his family’s clan, was one of the twelve blessed clans. He stared into the sky as cheers broke the silence of other children entering the blessed clans. No, he thought to himself, not children anymore. Adults. And soon they will choose their new names.

Taking a deep breath, he began to run through the positives. He wouldn’t be forced off his family’s farm. He could continue his education without the service adults had to pay. He would be the eldest of the children, and that would make him an elder, wouldn’t it? And, he continued, this just makes me special. Those chosen during their first and after their third are supposed to be rare.

“Velon.” Elder Redel was bent to stare him in his eyes. As Velon looked, he felt Elder Redel place the velvet mat into his hands. “Every morning, repeat the ceremony. Let me know when you become an adult.”

Velon’s smile became more natural as he clutched his prize. He knew he was right. He was special.

Velon kept that feeling for the next three months.