FSE

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"This way, David," announces Master Nightfang as he takes swift steps toward a strange looking glass door.

I follow just behind him, my head buzzing with anxious thoughts.

"Where are we going, Master Nightfang?"

The wolf looks back, his glistening white teeth barely showing behind his dark fur.

"You'll be meeting my other student, with whom you will be working with quite closely.

His remark provoked a strange excitement inside me.

Is he perhaps referring to Kato? He mentioned an affiliation to Master Nightfang. But... it looked like he was leaving when I was heading to the apartment. So... who is the other student? And who was the drake that I saw in the crystal ball? I don't recall ever having met a drake before... Sure, I had heard the tales of the legendary drakos, the ancient warriors and elders of the dragon race, but never have I met a drake, let alone a drakos.

"Master Nightfang?"

My voice gives a petite inflection to my question, an almost nostalgic innocence reverberating in my chest.

"Yes, David?"

Master Nightfang's reply was gruff, sounding almost like that of my father.

"Who is your other student?"

The canine gently presses the button just to the right of the glass door before turning to face me.

"Why the sudden interest in him?" he queries, as if to probe me for some deeper reasoning for asking.

"Mere curiosity, Master Nightfang," I rebuttal.

At least I'm being honest.

"His name is Anthony. He recently sought me out to study the arckane, much like yourself. I figured that it wouldn't hurt to teach both of you together. Besides, I think you two would make quite the duo."

I let out an airy chuckle, attempting to mask my own jittering anticipation.

With a quiet, whispering whisk, the doors to what I assume is an elevator open, allowing us entry.

"Jerby, take us down to the training level."

"Initiating transportation protocol. One moment, Master Nightfang."

"Was that an AI?" I ask, glancing over at my teacher.

He simply nods in response.

"Wow..." I sigh, taking a moment to let it sink in.

Growing up in the country side gave me little exposure to technology of this caliber. Despite the constant advances of science, I hadn't really encountered an AI or anything of the sort until I had moved to Anorra. Even my phone still amazes me with its ability to perform countless tasks with great ease. Strange how vastly differing things are here compared to back home...

With a subtle shake, the elevator begins to move, the arresting sight of the cityscape unfolding before me as we do. Again, I become transfixed on the blur of fluorescent color contrast by stainless white.

"Today I'll be helping you get a feel for how well you can project your aether. It's unlikely you'll be in any actual combat, though if you and Anthony, or even Kato, wish to spar, that's entirely up to you. However, I ask that you all use the size appropriate protection modules before you begin your matches. Also, be sure to keep your levels of aether in check; I don't need my students passing out from over using their powers. Is that all clear, David?"

"Yes, Master Nightfang."

"Good. Also, if I forgot to mention this previously, our lessons will occur twice week, on Wednesdays and Sundays. However, if you want to, you can drop by for training at any time you so please. At the end of today's lesson, I'll give you a pass to allow you access to the training room for regular use. If you need anything at all, just speak to Jerby, he'll know how to help."

"Jerby? The AI?"

"Yes. As I said, if you need anything or wish to speak to me, simply talk to Jerby."

"A-Alright. I'll keep that in mind."

"Lastly, my lessons will cover proper control of your aether, how to project magic, and lessons of philosophy that happen to go with that days lesson, if there are any. My sessions will be calm and quiet, so you needn't worry that you'll have to be on guard at all times or that combat will be a required component of my training for you. I will, however, occasionally request a demonstration of your abilities, though beyond that, I want your work to be of the mind. I am here to pass on to you all the lessons of my own life and of those who came before. That is my duty."

Master Nightfang turns towards me, his serious expression shifting to a lighter, more relaxed one.

"Relax, David. I'm just giving you the run down I give all of my students."

He pats my shoulder encouragingly.

"Besides, you and Anthony are going through this together; you won't be alone."

The elevator door slides open, sighing softly as it does.

The sight of the tidy white hallway stretching before us stirs my curiosity and pokes at my sense of excitement. I really want to meet this other student of his.

Master Nightfang steps out into the hall and begins making his way toward the wooden door at the end. Of course, I follow closely behind him.

"Please be careful around Anthony. He's not much for conversation, so don't feel discouraged if he doesn't really say much. Give it time and he'll open up to you."

I'm somewhat puzzled by what Master Nightfang had just told me. Is Anthony perhaps dealing with something else that occupies his attention?

"Alright," I reply plainly, the black wooden door now just a mere few feet away from us.

Master Nightfang stops just before the door, swiping a thin card through the terminal mounted just beside it. A quiet chime plays, letting him know that the door is unlocked. Without further hesitation, he reaches out and grips the golden knob, twisting it firmly and gently pushing the door open to what I could only describe as a place beyond my own imagination. The walls are made entirely of glass, revealing the sight of shimmering, clean water surrounding us on all sides. The dark, wooden floor contrasts the clear ocean walls perfectly. Two small chairs are situated at the center of the room, a rather large, white figure already having taken residence in one of them.

"We're back, Anthony. Thank you for waiting so patiently," Master Nightfang announces as he makes his way across the room.

The tall white figure simply smiles and nods before slowly rising from his seat. I can't help but note his height as he stands upright, his broad shoulders and thick arms giving him an almost intimidating stature. However, the closer I get, the more apparent my feeling of déjà vu becomes.

Is that...?

I make sure to take in as many details as possible, hoping to catch anything that I had missed the first time around at a time not too distant from now. What I had assumed to be fur was actually scales, pallid as the purest snow. His eyes are a clear, almost translucent, blue, two black horns curling just to the ends of his lower jawline. His ears are pointed and thin, finding themselves comfortably propped against his horns. His face was a bit wide, though it thinned out as his snout comes to an end, two long white whiskers flowing from its apex. From what I can tell, his build is stout but shapen, his broad shoulders complementing the rest of his physique rather nicely. And, to top it all off, his choice of attire is simple: jeans, black sneakers with lime green motifs, and a grey shirt that features minimalistic abstract designs.

"Anthony, I'd like you to meet David. You two will be working together from this point forward."

The young drake turns toward me and smiles shyly, the faint trace of red marking his cheeks making his fumbled gesture all the sweeter.

"H-Hello," he mutters, his quiet, foreign voice lulling me into a state of warm endearment.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Anthony," I reply, offering my paw for shake.

The handsome young drake lowers his head a bit before gently grabbing my paw. His hand was surprisingly warm, his scales smooth and his touch surprisingly tender. After an awkward pause, he gives it a light shake, as if he were afraid to hurt me.

Is he... the drake from the vision? And if so, how does that vision correlate with reality? This makes no sense... Was I somehow seeing something from the future? Or perhaps is it mere coincidence?

"I'm glad you two are already getting along so well. I hadn't expected you to be so forthright, Anthony" Master Nightfang remarks as he sets aside his robes, revealing a form fitting wife-beater and loosely fitting sweats beneath.

I can't help but giggle.

"I'm glad he approached me the way he did. I wasn't expecting him to be so forward."

Anthony's blush deepens, his hands slipping into his pockets.

"P-Please forgive my attitude. I didn't mean to give the wrong impression."

I tilt my head curiously.

"Give the wrong impression? I'm glad you spoke up! I thought I wouldn't even get to hear you speak," I mew, smiling at the shy drake from below.

He seems to relax a bit, as if I've somehow coaxed a state of genuine comfort out of him.

"Shall we begin, then?" chuckles Master Nightfang as he takes his stance in front of the two small chairs.

Anthony and I both nod simultaneously, finding our seats before our canid instructor.

"Now we begin our journey of a life time. One that'll change you in more ways than you will realize. To start with, does either of you know the story of creation? It's quite a famous myth."

I tilt my head curiously.

"Story of creation?" I parrot, the rising inflection of my question seeming to catch Anthony's attention.

"I do. M-May I?" stammers the young drake, looking at Master Nightfang and I with an oddly anxious expression.

Master Nightfang nods.

"Th-The story of creation is an ancient drakeyn tale told to explain the m-magic around them."

Anthony takes a deep breath, his gaze becoming fixated on me, his chilling eyes seeming to gaze into me.

"In the beginning, there was only one god. Its name, however, is a mystery to most. From what I know, the name given to this ancient being was 'Yrnas'. From Yrnas were born the four original dragon gods: Urey, Fyras, Brinok, and Monglai. Yrnas told its children that they were to craft a world for those who would come to be, as it was their duty as gods. Together, they crafted a world for the children of clay to inhabit. Towering mountains, lush forests, seas as blue as sapphires, air as fresh as can be, and skies that seemed to stretch on forever. From there, they each gave the children of clay a gift to allow them to live well and happily. Urey, the earthly mother, sheltered the newly created beings of the world with her thick scales. Wanting to see each one of her children safe, she bestowed them with skin, fur, or scales. To allow them to persevere and to move on even in her absence, she begave them the gift of willpower. The second god, Fyras, was the god of the seas. Having seen what Urey had done for her children, he gifted all living creatures the ability to sense and to see, so they may enjoy the world which they had so lovingly crafted. The third god of old, Monglai, was the bearer of fire. Seeing that his siblings had given the living beings of the world a part of themselves, he wished to do the same. Monglai bestowed upon all living things the gifts of emotion and empathy, to allow them to understand one another. The last original god was the calm dragoness Brinok. She breathed into each living being the ability to reason and to think, giving them balance to their emotional state."

Anthony pauses, rubbing the back of his neck.

"H-However, the most vexing of matters occurred. Brinok birthed two other dragons, Drinly and Terros, the twins who possessed the elements of Ice and Lightning. Urey, being the most motherly of the gods, aided Brinok in raising the two young dragons. Fyras, however, felt they were illegitimate deviations of the purest magic. Drinly, despite knowing that Fyras hated her, wished to learn from him. The scriptures are rather vague about this, so I'll present the more common of the two perspectives. Most people say that Fyras eventually grew rather attached to Drinly, protecting her as a father would his daughter. Monglai, seeing the relationship that had spurred between Drinly and Fyras, took Terros under his wing and taught him how to control his power. Monglai and Terros grew close, like father and son. The two young twins, despite being such new additions to the group, eventually gave the gifts of control and discipline to the children of clay. From there, civilizations grew and changed, the eternal march of time allowing different aspects of the creators to shine more brightly than others. Times of revolution were attributed to Monglai, while times of innovation and beauty were given to Fyras. Eras of peace and order were linked to the mother, Brinok, and her children, Terros and Drinly. However, magic was a gift that was attributed to all of the gods, the ancient drakos being the first to master the arckane arts. The anthropians learned closely from the drakos, achieving and equivalent level of mastery. The humans, however, never established the level of control their counterparts possessed. However, there are several human figures that, throughout history, have disproven the idea that humans cannot control their aether as well as a drake might. In short, magic is a gift given to all, each god representing their respective element of control. Whether or not we choose to harness our ability to use magic or not is left entirely to us, though the element that we control is left in the hands of those beyond our realm of reality. That is the story of creation."

I couldn't form words. It was as if I had been robbed of my breath.

"Impressive, Anthony! Your explanation was far more than thorough than I had been expecting it to be," chuckles Master Nightfang, Anthony redirecting his gaze to our instructor.

"Th-Thank you, Master Nightfang," he replies, his embarrassment quite evident in his fidgeting hands and quivering voice.

"As Anthony has poignantly explained, we all control one element or another. Some control the earth on which we stand, others bend the air that we breathe, some dance with the ocean waves, and others yet scorch the earth with their fiery passion. As for myself, I am blessed with the gift of fire. I feel it lick at my veins as it urges to taste the air."

With a swift flick of his paw, a vibrant orange orb forms in his palm, the distinct snapping of fire's hungry maw filling the air.

"Fire was the element I was born to control."

His reply contrasted to growing flame in his palm, the slick coolness of his voice like rain rolling off of a wool coat. With a loud clap, he brings his paw together, the fire that had only seconds ago nestled itself in his palm had now disappeared, only the faintest of embers drifting through the air.

"I had spent countless years studying the arckane to achieve the level of control that I have now. It is my duty to teach those who seek me out, to teach them the art of magic."

He pauses, his gaze shifting to me.

"Are you able to cast your element, David?"

I nod my head hesitantly.

"Yes but... I'm not very good at it."

Master Nightfang smiles encouragingly.

"We all begin somewhere, David. Like I said, it took me years to obtain the control that I have now. It certainly hasn't been any easy path to walk, though this is a struggle that all who wish to master their element must endeavor."

Master Nightfang's smiles widens as he folds his paws behind his back.

"Would you care to demonstrate your element?"

I look to the ground, as if a mysterious voice were to call out and answer for me. Of course, no reply came.

"Y-Yes, Master Nightfang. I would like to try."

The canine's tail sways from left to right as my answer drifts to his ears.

"Good! I can't wait to gauge your level progress. Now then, just remember that this isn't a competition; only do what you know you can manage. From there, we'll build up. Alright?"

I nod my head.

"Yes, Master Nightfang."

I slowly move the strap of my messenger bag, the sound of a gentle "pat" drifting to me as I do. I gingerly make my way to the spot in which Master Nightfang stood, my paws feeling cold as my mind and body ready themselves for what is to come.

"Jerby, activate the multi-element protection module for room six, sector e."

"Right away, Master Nightfang," replies the robotic voice.

In an instant, I see the world inches from my face become more like the world beyond a glass pane, the image of what lay ahead still clear, but the presence of a barrier between the two quite evident.

"This barrier will protect you in the instance that you happen to be unable to control your aether. If things go awry, it'll able to absorb the excess energy you're producing to allow me to step in and nullify the casting. To prevent this from happening, just keep calm and focus... Take deep breaths and allow your aether to flow freely."

Easier said than done...

I take a deep breath, my chest swelling with the cool air of the room.

"You can do it," whispers a voice too familiar to dismiss.

Was that... Anthony?

"Relax... you can do it," sighs the same voice, the faintest of smiles forming on Anthony's face as I look over to him.

I inhale once more, my paws tingling as I focus on the pulsing energy inside me. My fingers extend, the faint sensations becoming more and more pronounced. My heart begins to beat like a piston, pumping every inch of me full of energy.

My headfur begins to shift and move, the fangs of my element racing along every microbe of my body, the structure becoming a vessel, a conduit for the very energy I house.

With a twitch of my finger, my arms fill with the snapping bite of lightning, the bluish spark lashing out at the shield before me with an almost animalistic vigor. The whips of energy smack at the field meant to protect me, like a caged beast seeking to escape its prison. The searing sizzle of my element sends a shiver down my spine, the luminous glow of its claws evoking a strange sense of accomplishment within me.

I take another deep breath, the charged air making even my soul feel as if it were pulsing with the lightning that surrounds me.

Slowly but surely, I manage to retract the angry claws of the thunderous tiger that takes residence within me, my body shaking after the display of my most raw ability.

Anthony gazes at me in bewilderment, seeming to lack words to put to my display.

"Impressive, David! You've great potential, though we need to work on your control of your element. You burned through your energy at an alarming rate. I'm glad you stopped when you did," announces Master Nightfang as he claps his paws, the field of energy that surrounded me fading into nothingness.

"Th-Thank you, Master Nightfang," I reply as I stumble to my seat.

How did I manage to unleash it all like that? It was all so quick... It usually takes much longer to release a burst like that... Did Anthony have something to with this?

The wolf hands me a small bar wrapped in a vibrant green plastic, the words "Nutri-Bar" written in slinking yellow lettering on its surface.

"Eat up, David. This should help restore some of your energy."

Without a moment of hesitation, I unwrap the bar, the tempting sight of grain and fruit covered in a thin layer of a honey-like dew stimulating my senses. I wrap my mouth around the bar and bite off at least half of it, the sweet but salty taste of the delightful confection flooding my taste buds.

"Now, Anthony, would you care to demonstrate your element for us?" queries Master Nightfang as he turns toward the snow-scaled drake.

"I-If I may, Master Nightfang," he replies shyly.

Master Nightfang smiles and gives a reassuring nod.

Anthony rises from his seat, taking his place in the same spot I stood only moments ago.

"Jerby, activate the barrier," he calls out, the same transparent pane as before materializing from nothing.

Anthony takes a deep breath, the quiet hum of the field causing ripples in the calm of the air.

"Fyras and Drinly are my patrons. The elements of water and ice never leave my side."

His voice was strong, the curious spark of confidence blooming in his translucent eyes.

The drake's palms become filled with two strange substances: one, an amorphous orb of calming blue, the other, a rigid mass of a clear, glass like material.

With a dexterous motion mimicking those of a dance, he moves like an ocean wave, his left arm lifting a pillar of water from thin air. With a swift flick of his right, the pillar that had appeared only seconds ago, becomes entirely frozen, the audible, spine-tingling snap of ice latching to water filling the air. The long fingers of cold slowly envelope the air, a dull thud resounding as drake's fist meets with the ice, sending a deep splinter along the vertex of the pillar. With a loud crack, the solid structure crumbles into fine, pale flakes, soundlessly drifting through the air.

My mouth hangs open, a gargled sigh of amazement crawling from within my throat.

Master Nightfang claps his paws together, a warm smile stitched on his muzzle.

"Bravo, Anthony! A most spectacular display!"

The drake bows shyly, his face alight with the faint glow of embarrassment.

"Th-Thank you, Master Nightfang."

"Here, for you," he states before tossing Anthony two of the same bars he had given me.

"Eat up. You burned through your aether will that heavy casting."

The towering drake meanders back to his seat, quietly taking his place next to me.

"That was awesome, Anthony," I sigh, looking over at him with an almost child-like grin.

Anthony manages a smile in return, the glowing red of his cheeks stirring a fond warmth in my stomach.

"You were great too, David. I was really impressed by how well you handle your element."

I feel myself blush, my free paw rubbing the back of my neck.

"Shucks, thanks Anthony," I chuckle, tilting my head a bit.

A low sound seeming to seek attention taps my ears, our canine instructor standing before us. Anthony and I quiet down, our gazes fixated on our teacher.

"Thank you both for demonstrating your elements. It was a pleasure to gauge your levels of proficiency, which will allow me to better teach you about the arts of magic. Something I noticed that was rather prominent in both of your castings was a very raw release of your energy. Were this a time of war, you'd be prized for your levels of output, but soon cast aside for your lack of control. However, this isn't a time of combat, and I have plenty of time to bring control to your equally ambitious styles. Since you're both clearly worn out, I'll let you leave for the day, but remember that our next meeting will be this Sunday, understood? We won't meet until then, but feel free to drop by for some training or a private session in my office. Dismissed."

Master Nightfang flicks his paw, a cloud of white smoke masking the spot where he had stood only moments ago.

What in the...?

"Don't worry about that, you two. Master Nightfang tends to be a bit eccentric."

My ears stand alert, the familiar voice of the vagabond figure making me practically jump from my seat. As expected, it was Kato.

"He told me to pick up your passes and to give them to you before ya left."

I step over to the slender deer, his thick fingers holding two blue cards within their grasp. Warm, orange and yellow motifs spiral from the bottom corner, our names written in simple, silver text.

David Everton and... Anthony... Syl... vers? Anthony Sylvers?

I grab hold of my card and slip it into my back pocket.

"Thanks, Kato," I state, my tone of voice a bit quieter than usual.

"Give this to Anthony, alright? I've gotta go deliver this to Master Nightfang."

The deer holds up a small package in his left paw before passing me Anthony's card.

"Will do,"I reply, the deer disappearing as swiftly as he had come, the quiet beating of my own heart seeming to keep me company.

"H-Here. You uh... this is yours, right?"

I turn around, the sight of Anthony holding my messenger bag taking me by surprise.

"O-Oh! Thank you," I mutter, gently slinging my bag's strap over my shoulder.

"And here, this must be yours," I giggle, passing him his training room access card.

"Th-Thank you, David," he replies, carefully pulling the card from my fingers.

We stand there a moment, looking at one another bashfully.

"I uh... I-I'd better get going. P-Please, take care."

With quiet steps, the handsome drake makes his way down the hallway from which we came, the sound of the elevator ascending to the lobby following his return moments later.

I stand there a moment, alone with my thoughts.

How long does it take to grow fond of someone?

I retrieve my card from back pocket, opening up my bag to retrieve my wallet.

"What the...?"

Inside my bag now sits another Nutri-Bar and small piece of paper, the two huddled closely together in the corner of my bag.

I gingerly retrieve the paper, a short, handwritten message scribbled inside it.

David, you seem like an interesting guy. I was wondering if you'd care to meet at Café Chosho just past Aellia Station this Friday. I heard they serve some great tea and pastries, plus there are plenty of books to check out. Please call me if you'd like to meet. 6771-935-0112.

I'm at a loss for words, his forward and friendly invitation completely contradictory to what I had been expecting of him.

Should I call him? I'm not sure I should...

I sigh heavily, stuffing his note inside my pocket.

And what's up with the second bar? Didn't Nightfang give Anthony two of-?

The realization slaps me with a strange sting.

Did he... give me his other bar?

It was a sweet gesture, to say the least; one that made me grin inexplicably.

I should call him tonight. We'll be working together from now on, so it'd only make sense to befriend him. Besides, he seems like a nice guy... can't hurt to make a real friend in the world, can it?