Magical World: The Chosen One

It was just before I began my last year in middle school that the world was saved from complete destruction. That was also when I found the courage to believe in myself and my own power. I learned that everything flows from the spirit; if you have the will and the strength to protect those you love, your spirit will shine brightly and anything becomes possible. At that time, the Heavens were descending onto Earth and the subsequent collision would have annihilated both the Heavenly Beings and the humans living in the Lower World. Elijah, the ruler of the Magical Kingdom in the Heavens, my two dearest friends, Mia and Ava, and I joined our powers to give birth to a wonderful new world. The Heavens and Earth were saved, but the journey to true reconciliation and balance between our peoples has only just begun. At the center of town was a plateau that had sprung forth from the earth when the pillar connecting the upper and lower worlds had been created. Delicate white strands of solidified Akira arced around the edge of the plateau. Atop this plateau, Elijah gazed out across Charlotte's town. He glanced up towards his kingdom, barely able to distinguish the floating island from the puffy white clouds that swirled beneath it. He shielded his eyes from the flares of the setting sun and smiled. Only months ago, the world was about to end, and now here he was, basking in the amber sunset of Earth. Both the Heavens and the Lower World had started to heal. Today, parties representing Heavenly Beings and humans will be meeting for the first time to discuss the future. Although the meeting was billed as a social gathering, a glorified meet-and-greet, rulers from across the Heavens would be in attendance. Despite being the king that had helped bring about the salvation of the Heavenly Beings, Elijah would not be among their number that day. His absence would not go unnoticed by his fellow monarchs. He smiled slightly. No doubt his right-hand man, Erick, was panicking. Well, if a representative from the Magical Kingdom was needed, there was always the Lady Prophetess, Elizabeth. The young king clenched his fist tightly and his smile faded as he turned his gaze downwards to the peaceful town below. Soon, his freedom would disappear; he would no longer be able to escape the political intrigues that were sure to follow today's conference. The young king would need his wits about him, and all the strength he could muster. Before facing those challenges, there were some special preparations that he absolutely had to make. Relaxing his fist, he looked at a small, golden ring nestled in his palm. Remembering his objective, a small smile returned to his face. Elijah put the ring in his pocket and then jumped down the plateau, gliding down to his final destination. ~~~ "Charlotte, don't fall asleep in the bath!" The fifteen-year-old jerked awake and called in response, "I'm not asleep, Mama!" She stretched her neck, which had started to ache from her uncomfortable sleeping position. It had been an exhausting day – the first of many in a third year in middle school. Since the only thing on the agenda was the entrance ceremony to welcome new and returning students, everyone had been released before lunchtime. She had gone over to Mia's house with Ava to enjoy tea and snacks to celebrate. There would not be many more opportunities to relax as the arduous task of preparing for entrance exams began. Surely she was entitled to a little daydream, wasn't she? Charlotte sighed. Elijah had once again graced her dreams, very much in the same way that he had since they first made contact during the spring of her first year. Each vision of the red-haired king came with poignant emotions, as strong as if the feelings were her very own. Today's vision was no different: the young heavenly being was sitting atop the pillar acropolis in the center of town. His emotions had been a whirlwind of anxiety and resolve. But, there had been flashes of warm happiness, especially as he looked at a ring in his hand. Getting out of the bath, she looked at her neatly folded clothes and the gold ring laid on top. Too big for her, it was laced through a golden chain that she wore around her neck under her clothing. She received the ring from Elijah on the day they had built the pillar together. Together with Ava and Mia, she reminded herself. He had pressed the golden ring into her hand, paired with sincere words of gratitude. His caring grin completely disarmed the young maiden, making her heart pound and her face flush. Remembering his strong grip and his even stronger gaze, fixing her in place, a blush crept across her cheeks and she shook her head to clear her thoughts. The king was very good with political matters. She had her own concerns to worry about – entrance exams and her career survey sheet. Now was not the time to get carried away. She and Elijah were friends – just friends. Very close friends, but still, just friends. "Charlotte?" Her mother's voice drifted down the hall. "You have a visitor?" She paused in the middle of dressing. Her mother was usually very steadfast. It was rare to hear uncertainty and confusion in her tone. Quickly throwing on the rest of her clothes, she tried to wring the water from her hair at the same time. Her hair was still damp, with little water droplets dripping from the ends, as she quickly walked down the hall. "Mom, who is it?" Then she stopped in her tracks. In the middle of the very small living room, stood his royal highness, king of the Heavenly Magical Kingdom. She blinked a few times lest her eyes deceive her. But no, the image remained, his elongated form towering above her parents. He turned his smiling face to her, causing her heart to twinge in all sorts of mysterious ways. "Charlotte." Elijah walked over to her, took her by the hand and led her back to her parents, who were gaping in rapt awe. "Won't you introduce the great me to your parents?" A look of surprise flashed over her father's face. There might be trouble brewing soon if this strange, but handsome man, kept referring to himself as 'the great me'. Her father was already recovering from the initial shock of having a visitor from another world and started shifting his weight into a stance known by fathers and daughters everywhere as the 'What are your intentions towards my daughter?' pose. Luckily, her mother was much faster on the uptake and jumped in to salvage the situation before it came to blows. "So you are Elijah, the person who helped keep the floating islands from crashing into our town?" Elijah nodded sincerely. "Your daughter was of great service at that time." He turned to face Charlotte again. "I must ask for your assistance once more, if you will hear me out." Her face immediately flushed. "Your father and I will be down the hall. You know where the tea and snacks are." Her mother forcefully ushered Mr. Davis away from the young couple. Muffled words of protest filtered down the hall. Charlotte smiled and then looked up at Elijah, who had adopted a grave countenance. Instantly, any embarrassment that she felt before melted away as worry settled into her heart. ~~~