10 Years Later

The sun peeked over the horizon, welcoming the new day while Yatsu obnoxiously snored. He had come accustomed to missing the mornings entirely, instead choosing to greet the new day far past noon. The escape he was able to find in his dreams was the only solitude left on the farm. A new day was a unique opportunity to be disappointed at his life.

The goblins dismantled their lanterns, packing them in their satchels. Each put on their eye protection to combat the sting of the rising sun. The goblins walked past the barn to their cabins for their daily slumber. The farm quieted down, the various cattle awakening to start their day, the barn and home finally warming up.

Yatsu's bedroom door slammed open, "Wake up, you lazy fool." His father yelled. Yatsu cracked open an eye after a night full of sleep watching his father step over the maze of clothes all over his room. He kicked a mountain of clothes out of the way in frustration, "Today is the day you are finally going to make something of yourself or die on the side of the road!"

Yatsu's body rolled into a ball as a giant yawn shook the window. He smacked his lips together, faintly tasting his morning breath before raising his hand to give the thumbs up to his father. "You're doing great, old man. I'll be down in a minute." He sheepishly responded. "It's not midday yet." He squinted to allow his blurry view to come into focus after his long slumber. The curtains were pulled open, flooding the light directly into Yatsu's eyes as he cried out in agony.

"You have a choice to make because tonight you're not going to have a bed. Blacksteer has in the town square a job and apprenticeship fair. Find a job, get a home, because once you leave that bed, you're not getting it back." He warned, stumbling over a mess of clothes on the ground. A vein bulged from his head with his fist clenched tightly, "It'll be nice to finally have you out of this place." The door forcefully shut, shaking the floor to the point where Yatsu thought his room would collapse.

He groaned while stretching, longing for the moment he could lie down in his own bed again. He stood up and tried to touch his toes, barely reaching past his knees as his back had a barrage of pops and cracks. "Ah, that's the spot." He said, smacking his lips after letting out one final yawn. Each step held a pop of each knee while he searched for a moderately clean shirt.

"It's not my fault that I woke up ready for bed!" Yatsu said, scratching his belly. "Forcing me out of the house, and on my nineteenth birthday is kinda a low blow. It was better when I couldn't hear ya and use that as an excuse to ignore you. Oh, there we go!" He exclaimed, bending over to pick a shirt up. Yatsu quickly threw it on and looked out the window to check the weather, his brows lowering in annoyance. "It's going to be another hot one. Fortune… and the sun… shines down on me this day, as I endeavor this hour-long walk." He made an ugly face at the sun like it could see him, scoffed, and left his room.

Still, he looked back at his thrown blankets over his bed, realizing that it was the last time he was going to see it. He felt a prick in his heart at the thought but shrugged it off, "Five years since Donnus last visited. If that's the case, then I'm just going to find him then! What with the Magi Syndicate northward, I should be able to reach it in a week at best." He paused, tapping his scruffy chin, thinking to himself, "Then again, with no money, I won't last a day without food." His stomach growled at the mention of food.

Each stair was taken as slowly as humanly possible in open rebellion. If Yatsu was getting kicked out of the house, he would make it as painful for his father as possible. Yatsu refused to fight it, knowing full well how that would turn out for him. If he could avoid receiving cuts and bruises, then he would. A walk into town was all that took, and he graciously accepted that.

His father held a menacing glare at the bottom, ready to scold him without any hesitation. "Can't wait to see what miracle you'll work to get an apprenticeship. Best chance for you is to maybe be a lifeboat. You won't have to do anything, only sit there tied to the side of the ship." His father mocked at the bottom of the stairs. "If you do happen to return, you will be arrested on the spot and taken to the prison camps in Octavio."

Yatsu walked across the hardwood floor, grabbing a roll on the table, and opened the front door looking out at the farmland. If he did object to his removal, that would only cause more issues. Guards could be summoned, but his father owned the property. On top of that, Yatsu was officially two years past the legal age, which gave his father every right to do this. This was the only way.

"Stop moping about how imperfect your life is just because you aren't a Highborn. The day you found out you never would be, was the day you shut down forever." His father boldly stated. "Be realistic instead of living in your fantasy. Look at you, seriously look. You are fat, slow, downright clumsy, heck you destroyed a third of the farm this season because of your far-fetched ideas."

Yatsu's heart stopped with his tongue refusing to cooperate for a rebuttal. The tears welled in his eyes, but he remained composed. For his father to call out his weakness was one thing, but to show him that his accusations were correct was something he would never give satisfaction to.

"Prove your worth. Watch as the world shows you just how worthless you are. You've proven it for years. Now you'll see the world enforce that. In a week, I'll send the goblins to check the ditches for your body. The other farmers and I have a bet on just how long you'll last!" His father laughed hysterically and slammed the door.

Yatsu happily turned his back on his father's home, finally wiping his eyes. He was surprised that he still considered it his home when it was anything but. It was a shelter, a roof over his head, nothing more. Yatsu felt his shoulder, the severe scars that remained. This was for the better, but it wasn't how it was supposed to be. Donnus was theoretically going to come back but was nowhere to be seen.

He swung the satchel over his shoulder and walked across the farmland towards the barn. The sun was already beating down on him as sweat was forming on his brow. Wiping it away, he noticed how quickly his breath was disappearing from him. He was out of shape, something he wasn't proud of but accepted.

He cracked open the barn door, heading in to say goodbye to the animals knowing he would never see them again. It was far cooler, and the shade was welcomed. The orbs of light hanging overhead dimmed bright enough to complete the details in the room. Walking over to the back of the barn, he sat on a stool near the pigs.

Their heads perked up, two of them coming over as Yatsu scratched behind one's ear. "Looks like this is it, guys. The day long dreaded has come to pass, and I must make my way into the real world." He said, drooping his head in despair. "It's just not fair… It's not. I waited for Donnus, figuring he would keep his promise and come back, but I guess he just forgot about me."

The other pig bumped his shoulder, longing for some attention. Yatsu turned and forced a smile, "You guys have been some of my best friends over the years and will definitely be missed. We had some great times when I needed to hide away from father… You guys really did make a difference." Yatsu got up from his chair and bent down to directly see them, "Just don't cause too much mischief once I leave." He winked.

Both pigs huffed, nodding their heads. Yatsu scratched their backs and walked away, opening the adjacent barn door to exit. He looked back one final time, a tear rolling down his eye, "You both made a difference for me." Yatsu emphasized. He waved at them and closed the door behind him.

His heart was heavy with trepidation, and without knowing what the future held, Yatsu feared the unknown. He looked past the fields of crops to the main dirt road, which determined his future. With a final sigh and his first step, he determinedly shouted, "To Blacksteer!"

With every landmark, he passed he bid a solemn farewell. The smaller barn where Yatsu and Donnus would play as kids held many fond memories. His brother would always practice his powers and, at one point, nearly blew the barn down. Yatsu laughed with a tender smile at the memory. Yatsu faced the farm and gave a mighty wave, "I'm going to make something of myself!" He happily shouted.

None paid him any attention, even though Yatsu knew the animals could hear him. Nevertheless, he was not to be deterred. He walked up to the broken fence and stopped for a moment to admire the broken backer rails. "Eh, I did promise to fix that." He mumbled in embarrassment, remembering when it broke as he climbed over last fall. Moving to the left, acting as though he couldn't see the break, he pulled on the gate, which wouldn't budge.

"Right, right, right… I hopped the fence to go get supplies to fix the gate." He reminded himself. Shaking his head, he grabbed the posts and secured a foot on the bottom opening to help catapult him over, "Here goes nothing…" He gulped.

With a mighty launch with all his strength, he threw himself over quickly, realizing his feet were over his head as he had a rough landing. Several cracks sounded, and he grimaced, realizing it wasn't his back that made the cracks. Removing the sand from his eyes and finding his footing, Yatsu saw the next four posts bent or broken. The gate slowly glided open with the help of a gentle breeze, knocking into Yatsu's head. Cursing under his breath, he walked to the path to make his way to the town.

If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

The trees overhung down the dirt path, the hanging vines brushing against Yatsu's body as he passed under. The wind passed through as the springtime petals broke away, falling around him like snow. Holding his hands out, he tardily spun around, catching a few in the palm of his hands while he walked. The creek beside him caught some petals as they rushed down the way like miniature ships sailing off to adventure.

A few merchants passed by with their carts heading into Blacksteer. None cared to allow him to accompany them, as they picked up speed upon his asking. Yatsu shrugged it off, occasionally sticking his hand in the creek to soak his head and cool off. First impressions were going to be vital, and he felt he already had a great deal going against him. His stench and cleanliness he was hoping wouldn't be too foul to turn those away.

It wasn't too far of a journey to reach Blacksteer but long enough for him to flesh out his plan. The job fair would take place in the town center near the fountain. Once a season, those in need of work, as well as those in need of apprentices, would gather together. The majority would come from Galemourne, the capital of their kingdom. It was a day trip but allowed for far more connections to be made. The kingdom city itself was far too crowded for an event like this as it was overall one of the most thriving kingdoms in all of Alluvion.

The purpose of those in need of work was to impress. At times you would only have a single glance to leave an impact, something Yatsu felt was another major disadvantage. "Well, if I can't impress many by standing there, the next best thing might be to put on a show. I have some talents that may transfer over well to a job, right?" He said aloud to better help himself think. "I mean, I can juggle, barrel roll, my slide of hand is fairly solid."

Checking his pockets for any change, he retrieved three coins, the only money to his name. "Guess I put on the right pants this morning." He admitted, rolling a coin between his fingers before making it vanish. "Might not be a Highborn, but at least I can make it look as though I can do magic." He laughed to himself.

The town entrance held a few makeshift shops selling farm goods more than anything. Yatsu's stomach growled at each mention of what the vendors were selling, but he kept the coins tightly tucked away, hoping to only use them in desperation. The majority of the townsfolk were human, though a few trolls, centaurs, and the occasional dwarves. The atyri usually kept to themselves in Alluvion's significant cities, and Yatsu would be surprised if he happened upon any. His run-ins with the immortal creatures were typically negative, so he kept his distance.

The makeshift shops shifted into a line of buildings as the dirt path changed into cobblestone. The smell of the baked goods enticed Yatsu as he found his feet leading him to the nearby shop, but he stopped himself. The sound of the fountain was in the distance, and he fixated on it to keep his goal locked in. He was a little late as it were and had already missed on some potential positions.

The buildings cleared and opened to the town center, the fountain at the epicenter. Yatsu felt the cool spray as the fountain water flowed far above him. He smelled the spring air inhaling the various baked goods, which made his stomach growl. Shouting, communication of every kind surrounded him with the townsfolk selling their goods. Yatsu let out a peaceful smile admiring the city life around him.

He checked around, noticing those at the fountain lined up. Each one stood taller, more robust, brighter than Yatsu. He nervously gulped, his heart as though it were going to stop. "Well, if they don't pick me, that's their loss. Plain and simple." He reminded himself and marched to the fountain.

Yatsu was merely a farm boy and a poor one at that. In no way did he compare to those who had already gathered. He was feeling his body pulling himself away, begging him not to go, but he had little choice. It was now or never. If he was going to fail, he would rather it not be for lack of trying. In the end, he would rather be denied by every prospect than know he never tried.

A slight worry entered his thoughts when he noticed his entire body was engrossed in sweat. It was something he figured was not presentable when looking for apprenticeships. "Well, they will see I'm a hard worker." He said to himself but groaned at the rancid smell of his pits.

Walking through the crowd, he listened in on the various conversations fixating on two women passing him by. "Now, did you see that meteor shower last night? I'm telling you, another Highborn was killed. We just don't know who yet."

"It very well could be some random person not yet discovered by the Magi Syndicate. It's not often that one is overpowered and killed like that." The woman responded, fanning herself.

"I suppose you're right, but with how often it's been happening, it makes one worry." She said, turning the corner into an alleyway.

Yatsu didn't think much of the news, passing it off but still fascinated all the same. Arriving at the fountain, he sat down on the edge to rest a moment, scooping his hand in the chill water. The soothing drips ran down his neck, guided by his hand with his body shuttering from receiving chills down his spine. "Much better."

The goal was to keep his spirit high, knowing what the day may bring. Yatsu cracked a smile and clapped his hands together. "All or nothing, all or nothing. This will be a great day." He told himself. Many men, women, and creatures walked around the fountain, inspecting the prospects before moving on or motioning for them to come with them. Yatsu puffed out his chest thinking it would help make him more burly than pudgy.

A bald, brawny man with scars throughout his body pushed through a few men ending up next to Yatsu. Gazing down from the corner of his eye, he saw Yatsu curiously looking up with jaw wide open. Yatsu joyfully asked, "First time?"

The man kept his mad annoyance of an expression and with a growl, "Last boss died. Poor job security when boss vanish." He cracked his knuckles while baring his rotted teeth.

Yatsu let out a nervous smile, "You don't say, best of luck to ya then." He said, checking the man's hands for any blood and then quickly focusing forward. He thought to himself the rest of the time, the number of various jobs he could obtain. He mainly hoped for chef or baker but worried something like that would backfire. Still, guilds passed through enough looking for help, and if one selected him, that would be a dream come true.

Overall, it was something to pass the time. If he could get any offers, he would count himself successful and immediately accept the position. The possibilities were endless, the paths stretched out before him, and all he had to do was walk, metaphorically speaking. He brought a giant smile across his face to the point where it was near creepy and waited.

A well-dressed master moved slowly across the selection of men and women who stood by the fountain. He rubbed his belly, feeling the fine silks while he strolled by. Yatsu felt somewhat awkward, but for potential work at what would be a high-class establishment would be well regarded by his father.

"Hm." He thought aloud in his nasally voice, "You there, tall one, step forward." The man next to Yatsu stepped forward while the man inspected him. "Well built, strong, my village outside of town requires two blacksmiths. You will apprentice and eventually run the practice in the coming years. What say you?"

Yatsu glanced back and forth at both of them, annoyed and leapt at a chance, "What, well I could do that!" He stepped between the two men, "I'm just as strong as this man and twice as hardworking guaranteed."

The smug man faced Yatsu, "Please, enlighten me on how someone of your…" His eyes checked Yatsu's body quite obviously, "...stature would be able to navigate the smithery itself. Furthermore, the disrespect you have displayed would not be one that would be acceptable in the village. Remove yourself now, or I will have this man do it for me." The poshness in his voice directly matched the pride in his wardrobe.

Yatsu hastily shuffled back into position, waving sporadically while doing so. "Ah, sorry, sorry, yes… Carry on."

The man rolled his eyes and motioned with his hand to the burly man, "Come, we travel immediately." He announced and walked away, expecting the man to follow.

The new blacksmith walked over to Yatsu and started with a menacing glance which pierced his soul, "Pathetic." He turned to join his new master. Yatsu hoped to never see him again after that exchange.

The men around the fountain shuffled around to close the gap of the hired man. A middle-aged man now stood beside Yatsu, "That was pretty brutal, not going to lie." He laughed to himself, shaking his head. "Just know your place; when they talk to you, they do, and if not, don't let it get in your head."

"Well then, what am I supposed to do?" Yatsu intensely whispered back, genuinely hoping for a rational answer.

He glanced to see how far his new master had traveled, then turned back. "Show off your skills. You gotta make yourself stand out." His attention shifted with another aristocrat calling out to him. "I'll be seeing you."

Yatsu twitchingly gazed around, confused, "But how? You literally just stood here and got hired!" He shouted, annoyed that it came so easy for some.

The man turned and walked backwards through the town center, "My muscles speak enough to get the job done. Best of luck to ya, mate." With that said and a friendly smile, he walked off to his new prospect.

Trying to remain optimistic, he mumbled, "Well, less competition for me." The men again shuffled around to fill the gap, which startled Yatsu, "It's like clockwork…" He widened his eyes but returned his focus to figure out how he could stand out. He had a narrow, wide variety of talents, he thought, which could help show his actual skill.

The market was still crowded as ever, with numerous handcarts moving through. Men and women came to where the crowd of potential workers was standing. They would ask one a few questions, then either move on or select them. After seeing everyone at least be talked to for an hour, Yatsu was swiftly becoming grudgingly discouraged.

"Really, not one." He paced around the fountain, deep in thought. "Stand out… Stand out, but how do I even attempt to do that?" He said aloud, looking around the town center for answers. One option was to break out in song, but he figured such things would scare away potential work, not invite them over. He had many talents; he only needed to prove it.

Taking out one of his coins, he carefully inspected it, flipping it around his fingers, and with a wave of his hand, the coin vanished. He snapped his fingers on his other hand, and instantly the coin reappeared, firmly grasped. A sour scowl rested on his face knowing slide of hand would do little unless he was a thief.

He snapped his fingers in aggravation, the coin again disappearing. His head jolted back at the surprise of the disappearance, though knowing full well how it happened. Looking around for answers, there had to be something else, but he was unsure of what. He saw a mobile shop selling various fruits, a barrel newly emptied. It was the right size and might just bring the attention he needed. Plus, if he was homeless, a new barrel would also be made for a makeshift cover for his body. "Hm, two stones with one bird." He muttered.

Everything fell into place before him. If others would overlook him by his appearance, then they would be forced to pay attention if he performed. He mischievously rubbed his hands together at the thought of his enlightenment. He was going to prove his father wrong, and he was going to do so his way. Now all that was left to do was to go to work.