Social hierarchies were weird. At least, they were in Deimos’ eyes. Upon his Core being revealed to the school, a practice required for safety reasons, he went from a nobody to basically the most popular kid in his school. He knew about all the rumors of Light Cores being exceptional, but it seemed like everyone expected him to be the second coming of Jeroth. It was nice, but it was jarring too. For all that he enjoyed solitude, it was… comforting to be listened to instead of ignored.
Even Mr. Dresco seemed to like him now, as if something had changed. Now that his Light Core was known, it seemed everyone expected him to be great. He wasn’t sure he liked it. Nothing really changed for Deimos internally, but everyone acted as if he were suddenly a different person. Frankly, it freaked him out just a bit, even if he enjoyed the attention.
“Now, to continue with our month’s subject, let us begin with the prehistoric knowledge.” Mr. Dresco tapped his fingers on his laptop, the screen at the front of the class sparking to life in response. “As we all know, humanity came from Earth, a planet we lost even before Jeroth gifted us with magic.”
“What happened to it?” Sophia spoke up from next to Deimos. She’d taken to sitting next to him in all their classes.
“No one is sure. There are several theories, but all we know is that Earth has been lost to us.” Mr. Dresco sighed, shaking his head. “We aren’t even sure if it was destroyed or simply hidden away. As you all know, during the Extinction War, our enemy overpowered us so vastly it’s like comparing a child without magic to Kordan himself. If not for the intervention of Jeroth, humanity would’ve been wiped out. It is theorized by some that the Ehnyunaki destroyed it, or otherwise stole it away to prevent it from falling back into our hands.”
“But, if Jeroth is all powerful and all knowing, why didn’t he save it?” Deimos felt the need to ask. He was as fervent a believer as always, but this just didn’t feel right. Why would Jeroth let such a tragedy take place to begin with?
“No one is sure. All we know is that Earth is long gone, and that no one has found it since. We know the general description of the system it was in, but none of the known systems match. It’s entirely possible we just haven’t found it. Some believe Jeroth hid it away himself, as a haven for his most trusted followers.” Mr. Dresco smiled softly. “Though, that is wishful thinking, I’d like to agree with it. We don’t know much about Jeroth’s activities, aside from his occasional visit with the Emperors. We do, however, know he truly loves humanity, even though we are so far beneath him.”
Deimos grimaced. It was an unflattering way to view things, even if technically correct. Acting as if Jeroth considered them beneath him when he clearly loved humanity so… it felt wrong. He shook his head. It wasn’t his right to question the teacher on that. “What about what happened after? If the Empires have been around so long, why are there still rogue planets?”
Mr. Dresco frowned. “The Emperors aren’t in the business of forcing everyone to obey their whims. Rogue Planets and Empires result from gaps in each Empire’s territory, allowing lawlessness and chaos to run rampant. It’s an unfortunate fact of life, but not even Kordan can be everywhere at once… Moving on! Does anyone know of the six neutral planets?”
“Deuros.” Sophia spoke up. “Irota, too.”
“Correct!” Mr. Dresco grinned, bringing the two planets up on screen, leaving space for four more. “Does anyone else know the others?”
Deimos waited until he was sure no one else was about to answer, before he finally spoke. “Quarith, Sirius, Aeric and Vantos, right?”
“Indeed!” Mr. Dresco only grinned wider at the correct answer. “Now, during the first Imperial Treaty, these six planets were designated immune to conflict. What’s not as well known is that, thanks to Jeroth himself intervening once more, it is genuinely impossible to fight on these planets. Now, does anyone know why these planets are so important?”
“Well, I know Deuros is the best manufacturing planet in the galaxy, with more iron than any other. I think Irota is our exploration capital, right? Where all details of our maps of the galaxy are logged?” Sophia pursed her lips in thought.
One of the other students snickered, before answering. “Sirius is the dragon planet, isn’t it?”
“Vantos is where they try to restore the galaxy’s most damaged areas. Aeric does the same, but with the history of the galaxy.” Another spoke up.
Deimos grinned slightly. Finally, the class seemed to be interested in the topic. Took them long enough. “Quarith is the science planet, where the most dangerous and intense experiments are held.” He knew that specifically because he wanted to visit one day, maybe even work there.
Mr. Dresco nodded. “That’ll do for a rudimentary explanation. It’s far more complicated than that, as each one is perfectly self sustaining, but those are the important parts.”
“Can you tell us about the dragons?!” Deimos wasn’t sure which of the other students spoke up, but his excitement was palpable. Not that Deimos could blame him, dragons were awesome.
Mr. Dresco rolled his eyes fondly, chuckling to himself. “Yes, yes. Dragons. Alright, some time after the Advent of Magic, Jeroth created these dragons. They are just as intelligent as humans, but have vastly different bodies, naturally. Now, there is no single defined body type for a dragon, but they do come in four variations. Wingless, Legless,, Quadruped, and Biped. Generally, the four legged dragons are the most combat capable, while the legless ones are considered the mages. Of course, that’s a generalization. Anyway, dragons do not have Cores in the same way humans do. They all share a Core, that is, each of them has a Dragon Core. We don’t know why, or how, but each dragon acts entirely individually unique, while retaining the same Core. The three important things that might one day matter to all of you, should you ever meet or bond with a dragon, is that they are loyal to a fault, they are perfect living space ships, and they are far more powerful than most humans, despite lacking the magical versatility.”
Deimos could tell, most of the class hadn’t fully understood that, but he did. He couldn’t help but fantasize about bonding with a dragon and flying through space with them. He shook his head, trying to focus back on the teacher’s lecture.
“Ah, sorry. Dragons were a favorite subject of mine.” Mr. Dresco seemed a bit embarrassed by his rambling, but carried on. “Now, for your homework, I want you all to write a paper about one of those six planets, how they help the galaxy as a whole, and why you picked that one specifically.” He paused, suddenly realizing what he said. “And the answer ‘because dragons’ is not an acceptable reason.”
Several of the students groaned dramatically at that, while everyone else giggled quietly.
“Which planet are you doing?” Sophia asked him as Mr. Dresco sat back in his chair, doing something with his computer. “I’m gonna do Vantos.”
“I thought you knew more about Irota and Deuros?” Deimos asked, tilting his head.
“Well yeah, but I wanna learn more about the others. I like learning new things.” Sophia giggled, shaking her head.
Deimos smiled, unsure what the giddiness he felt was about. “Well, I’m going for Quarith. I’ve always loved science, so…” He shrugged, not sure how to explain his adoration for the sciences to her.
“That’s cool!” Sophia nodded. “That’s why I learned about it originally. It’s just so interesting! I want to work there one day.”
Deimos gasped, grinning widely. “Me too! I want to see how they do everything! I want to learn it all.”
“That’s a noble goal.” Mr. Dresco spoke up, standing at the front of Deimos’ desk. “Though for now, settle on learning about the six planets, alright? It’s okay to take things a bit slow sometimes.” Despite Deimos’ distaste for the man, he seemed genuinely concerned for Deimos for reasons Deimos didn’t understand. “Now, we’ve got about five more minutes, so I’ll let you all talk to each other for now.”
The class erupted into a cacophony of noise as the students paired together in their friend groups. Deimos smiled, happy that he was already with his friend. Popularity was nice, but it didn’t beat a true friend.
This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.
Sophia grinned toothily at him, feeling the exact same way.
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“I can’t keep doing this.” Achlys clung to Lilis, his body visibly sagging in exhaustion.
Lilis wanted to cry, but she tried to be strong for Achlys. “I know, hun.”
“I can’t.” Achlys wept, shaking his head. “I’m changing and I don’t know what I’ll become.” He murmured softly. “I… I don’t want to lose you.”
“You won’t.” Lilis ran her hand through his hair comfortingly. “No matter what happens.”
Achlys leaned back. “That’s what I’m afraid of… I can’t even stay awake anymore, I just pass out when I get home, I don’t see the kids, I just… I’m surviving, but I’m not alive.” He grit his teeth, almost cracking them from the force. “I can’t let you down, but I don’t know how much longer I can take this.”
“Achlys.” Lilis lifted his chin, smiling softly, tears still in her eyes. “We’ll make do. We always have before. As long as we have each other, we’ll be alright.”
“Everything would’ve been fine if that bastard Theodore hadn’t lied to me.” Achlys turned away, crossing his arms. “He said he’d help us out after his drug worked, but here we are, still in the same position! I hate this so much…”
“I do, too.” Lilis murmured comfortingly. “I know how much it hurts you, and I’m telling you, we can find another way. We don’t need to risk your life for mine. The kids need you.”
“And they need you.” Achlys shook his head. “I’m… practically a stranger to them.”
Lilis rolled her eyes. “Dawn adores you. She’s a daddy’s girl through and through. Just because Deimos is a mama’s boy doesn’t mean he doesn’t love you. Listen, how about we take a day and just relax soon? Just… leave our worries behind for a while? Deimos is old enough to take care of himself and Dawn for a day.”
“I… yeah, yeah that might help.” Achlys wiped his eyes. “I’m sorry, just…”
“Don’t be sorry.” Lilis chuckled. “I married you because you were the adorkable sensitive man I loved. Don’t let this take that from you.”
Achlys chuckled, shaking his head. “What are we gonna do?”
Lilis pursed her lips. While it was clear their current situation couldn’t last, she wasn’t sure what to do. Very few jobs would accept her now, and they tended to require training she’d never received… “I… might have an idea. I never did finish nursing school.”
“Will they let you without magic?” Achlys’ concern was so obvious that Lilis couldn’t help but giggle.
“Patients don’t get violent, Achlys. Besides, I’d just be the delivering party, not the defensive one.” She pointed out, rolling her eyes fondly. “I’d be fine.”
Achlys steadied his breathing, trying to think. “How long would it take?”
Lilis pursed her lips in thought. She’d done a year, but how much had she forgotten? “Well… at worst, a year. At best? A month. That’s all I had left before the funding got pulled. I think we’re looking at three more months.”
Achlys nodded slowly. “I-I think I can do it, then. Will the kids be alright with you studying at home?”
Lilis nodded. “If anything, they’ll help. You should see how curious those two are. Deimos has this fascination with dragons now, and Dawn’s so into biology that if she doesn’t become a doctor, I’ll eat my hat.”
“You don’t wear hats.” Achlys pointed out.
“It’s a figure of speech and you know it.” Lilis huffed.
Achlys cracked a grin. “Well… alright.”
Lilis pulled him in close for a hug. “I know this has been tough, and you’ve done so much for us. I’ll start handling things too. Maybe you could even see about becoming a teacher. I’m sure Deimos and Dawn would love to be in your classes.” She giggled, already picturing their embarrassment.
“Heh… that’s an old dream, for sure.” Achlys shook his head. “Nah. Maybe security. Use these… enhancements for good.”
“Well, whatever the case, we’ll survive.” Lilis nodded sternly. They had to be.
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“Now, since we’ve covered the planets and dragons, let’s talk about the Elementals.” Mr. Dresco appeared far more serious than his usual lackadaisical attitude. “Does anyone know what the Elementals are?”
“They’re like… super cops, right?” Someone questioned.
“That’s… well, let me explain. The Elementals were a group developed originally by Jeroth himself, to keep humanity’s empires in check. Essentially, they work to make sure the six planets are safe, as well as ensuring humanity does not face any extinction event.”
“Why’s that so special? Don’t all the Empires do that?” Sophia tilted her head in confusion. She wasn’t wrong, but Mr. Dresco seemed annoyed with her response.
“Not exactly.” Mr. Dresco sighed. “To begin with, the Empires’ Armies are all limited by treaties and borders. The Elementals are above any laws. They operate outside of the rest of the galaxy, unburdened by laws or regulations.”
“Wait, so they… can just do whatever they want?” Deimos asked, wide eyed. “Why would that even exist?” He wasn’t sure if the other kids understood just how insane that was, but he knew it sounded like an awful idea.
“Yes.” Mr. Dresco nodded. “However, just as they do not abide by any laws, they are also unprotected by any laws. As freely as they can ignore the laws, they can be ignored by the laws. If someone were to attack an Elemental, they would face no legal consequence, even if that Elemental died in the process.”
“Whoa… So… because they are free from the law, they don’t get protected by it either?” Sophia gasped, realizing the conundrum. “But, what keeps them in check?”
Mr. Dresco smiled finally, appreciating the question. “Us.” He spread his arms wide, gesturing towards both sides of the classroom. “The Elementals are incredible individuals, to be sure, but no man is an island. As such, the Elementals rely on citizens of the Empires for various tasks, from food to refueling their ships. They only take directions from the Emperors themselves.”
“Wait, directions?” Deimos narrowed his eyes. That was suspicious wording.
“They aren’t required to obey, of course, but they all take oaths to protect humanity, and the Emperors are the most dedicated to protecting humanity within the law. It is why even in the heart of war, citizens are off limits.” Mr. Dresco explained. “Now, does anyone know where the name Elemental comes from?”
Deimos hummed, thinking it over. “If I had to guess, I’d say that the first batch was focused on the basic elements. Fire, Water, Earth, Wind, Dark, and Light.”
“Yes, precisely. While it has changed since, the name stuck. There is also a habit of keeping Light and Fire aboard, if nothing else. Both tend to make excellent leaders.” Mr. Dresco gave Deimos a pointed look, which he promptly ignored. “Dark, as you all know, is the most easily accessed magic, but those with Dark Cores are known to be far more prone to breakdowns and depressive spirals. The reason that Dark is seen as so useful to the Elementals is because those who have Dark Cores tend to be undyingly loyal to those of Light or Fire, while also being entirely okay with the… less moral parts of the Elementals’ job.”
Deimos tilted his head, not sure what that meant, exactly. If they were protecting humanity, then why would they need Dark?
“Now, the current Elementals were established twenty years ago, and they are expected to serve for another thousand, at least. The moment the Elementals all die, a new group is selected. Are there any questions?” Taking the silence as a no, Mr. Dresco nodded. “Great! There will be a test on this topic at the end of the week, so make sure to study up. Remember, Elementals do not necessarily need those Cores anymore, it’s just the name.”
“Why don’t they change it then?” Sophia raised an eyebrow.
Mr. Dresco shrugged. “I assume they don’t want to change it because Jeroth was the original creator of the group, and the one who named it.”
Deimos let out a huff, irritated at the reasoning. Jeroth would want them to grow, not to just obey his initial examples. He really didn’t understand why no one else seemed to get it. Jeroth was the father of humanity, and what would please a father more than their child surpassing them?
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“Hey, Deimos!” Sophia ran towards her friend.
“Sophia? What’s got you so excited?” Deimos raised an eyebrow at his friend’s odd behavior.
“I got us tickets to Dracine’s concert!” Sophia jumped up and down.
“Whoa, seriously?! How’d you manage that?” Deimos immediately understood her excitement. Despite Dracine being Kordan’s adopted daughter, she was far more popular with her age group because of her music. She was a genius, able to sing, play instruments, and even draw beautifully. Deimos wasn’t an obsessive fan, but he still enjoyed her work.
“My mom’s got connections.” Sophia looked positively smug at that.
Deimos shook his head fondly. He forgot that Sophia’s family was decently well off sometimes, mostly because she was in a public school with him. Most rich people sent their kids to private schools, after all. “That’s great! My mom’s working as a nurse again!”
“Oh wow! That’ll make things a lot better for you.” Sophia grinned, before turning away nervously. “But, uh… I was thinking this could be just the two of us.”
Deimos blinked, before he blushed, realizing what she meant. “A date?”
“Well, I got tired of waiting for you to ask, so…” Sophia shrugged, a flustered smile on her face. “I-if you don’t want to-”
“No, I definitely do. I wasn’t sure how to ask you…” Deimos scratched the back of his head, chuckling. “I’ll have to clear it with my mom, but I’d love to go with you.”
“Great!” Sophia beamed, hugging him. “It’ll be a great day!”
Deimos couldn’t help the dopey grin he had plastered on his face for the rest of the day.