War, Elements, and Magic

CHAPTER FIVE: The end of the Beginning

Sub-chapter 1: Kirisuto Auroret

Life is filled with so many complications. Trials and emotions that test the very nature of your character are common but are usually never properly noticed, questions you believe to be simple in nature that actually means the world to someone else, and people who often shape your very mind come from the oddest of places, and times for that matter.

Why do I bring this up? Because I felt like it. It may also be the fact that I was confronted with a complication today. You see, I never intended to do anything big with my life. I thought I could live on a farm, continue the life that I always lived. I'm never good with change you see. I'm easy-going, sure, but I've never felt as if I could willingly change my circumstances around me without help or without someone pushing me. That was until the 19th of Chywoyak(8th month) of the year arrived.

You see, this day of the year is special for many reasons. For one, the Creation of the world was said to be on this day, as well as the gifting of the Divine trinity Artifacts. However, there was also another meaning behind the day. Aptitude tests across the nation occur every year for those turning 16 and over. In taking the test, your life is decided based on those numbers alone.

With that in mind, consider this. I myself just turned 16 this month, thus making me eligible to take the test. I didn't expect much from myself, after all, my father was an above-average wizard in terms of ability, often scoring in the top five, but that didn't mean much when compared to the rest of the town, where we still lived right on the border, in which the poorest of the poor lived. In addition, even if I scored high enough to go to the academy, I'm not entirely confident my father would let me. The entire town, father included, have always been against the politics and such surrounding the Academy, considering it's also located near the Obelisk of Mahal, the symbol of the power and wealth of the Grand Council of Ird.

However, even with that, my father and I, along with many others were present for the scoring announcement, with what seemed to be over ten thousand sitting in hastily built stands. It was also obvious that many were anxious that day as well, at least more so than usual.

After all, even if everyone present disliked or hated the Council, it was known that those who scored the highest had a chance to learn at the nation's most advanced Mopi(Wizard/Witch) school, known simply as the Academy, and would most likely get a nice job after graduating.

As me and father sat there, people mumbled amongst themselves about their own possible results, I asked him "What do you think I got this year dad?"

He looked over to me and replied "What did you say?!"

As I glanced at everyone talking, I yelled out "How do you think I did?!?"

My dad got close to my ear, and yelled back "I DON'T KNOW!!!"

"You don't have to be that loud, father!"

"BUT I WANT TO!!" He said as he gave me a noogie.

As we continued to argue over it, someone from the front row yelled back at us with "WILL YOU TWO, oh hi! How are you doing Mr.Auroret?". As both I and dad looked in front of us, I instantly regretted it.

My father, with an overjoyed expression, said "Robin May, my what a pleasure it is to see you! And please, don't call me Mr.Auroret, you know you can call me Anthony.".

"I would, but my mother..."

With a slightly irked tone, the women next to Robin would winch as she said "What about me Robin?!"

Now hushed, Robin whispered "Nothing..."

Tapping her mom on the shoulder, my father then said "I wasn't expecting to see your family here today, Ms.May!"

"I can assure you, I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for this brat of a child I have.". NOw close to Robin's mother, my father seemed to whisper "Is she still held up by that rivalry she declared months ago?"

Looking at Robin and then back at dad, she replied "Yeah, I'm pretty sure isn't going to quit with that whole ordeal until she beats him or til the day she dies, you know Robin."

"Oh, so he has to deal with this for another 160 years, huh?."

"Probably..."

Robin interrupted them, saying "Hey, I can hear you two!". Then, looking at me, she stood up and declared as loud as she could "I will beat you one day, Kirisuto Alato Auroret! And when I do, you'll have to recognize that I'm the better Mopi!".

Waving her off, I said, "That's what you said the last 86 times we dueled."

"Don't get cocky, you little..."

"Now, now.." Robin's mother said as she pulled her down to sit, "You should be nicer to Mr.Auroret's son."

Bumping her with her elbow, Robin said to the girl next to her, "Amber, defend me here!"

As she looked at Robin and then back at her sketches, Amber said "Not my fault you lost 86 times to Kirisuto…."

"Wha.. fine! I'll duel you right here, right now Kirisuto!" Robin said as she started to chant a Kõr. In response, I quickly readied myself as well, as I chanted, "Armu Nufos...". Instantaneously, I felt as my dad quickly pulled me down, with Robin's mom doing the same.

"Just sit down already Chris, there's no reason to start anything with thousands here." Dad said quietly as he straightened his coat.

"Same goes for you, Robin Leona May, you may be in your so-called 'Rivalry' with Mr.Auroret's son, but that doesn't mean you should make a fool of yourself in the middle of Ranking Report!" Robin's mom said not so subtly.

Looking away from her, Robin muttered "Fine… but you better watch out..."

"Robin, it's starting." Amber said as she continued to draw in her journal. As everyone drew their attention towards the front, a stubby man walked in the middle of the stage in front of the stands. Being in the way back, I couldn't hear him at first. However, as I saw him move slightly, the entire area instantly quieted down, with the now booming voice of the stubby man hearable throughout the entirety of the people present.

"People of the border town of Persi, I would like to thank you all for the annual Rankings fest. Now, before we begin, a few words from the Grand Council, if I can find them…", as he looked for something within the confines of his coat, my dad whispered, "Alright Chris, since you've been messing a lot more kõrs recently, what did he use for his voice?"

As my mind meandered for a bit, it clicked, and I said "Well, in this case, I guess..."

Sighing, my dad said, "Well, come on now, before Pavil…"

"Wait, how do you know his name?"

"I used to work with him, but that's not important! Just guess now before Pavil continues."

"Sure... um, since I think voice in Riktan is antaw, and it seems as if he boosted his voice, I'll say it was Antaw… rǔr. Though, I guess since there's a lot of words that basically mean the same thing in Riktan, there could be a bunch of ways to say it, right?"

"That's right, tĩprus, oknuw, and põ just to name a few. Just remember, there's always a different combo if-", turning his head towards the stage, he quickly motioned for us to stop as he said, "Oh, whoops, I think he's just about to announce the rankings," Dad said as both he and I turned our attention to Mr.Pavil in the front.

"And with that message from the Council, I quickly got on with the top ranking for this year. Now, with this, whoever is called, I ask that you come down to the stage, please. In addition, for those over the age of 35, I ask you to stay in your seats. Now, starting at..."