Ariadne Ancar's Story

"Happy Birthday my darling!"
Giggling could be heard through the thick doors of the old bakery that sits in the middle of Main Street. IT was quite early, even the morning sun was lazily cresting over the horizon, bathing the empty streets of Nice in warm crimson. The store windows were all dark, a row of closed doors and empty windows, all but the bakery where Ariadne and her father woke early every morning to begin baking the warm, fresh bread for the day.
Ariadne's father was spinning his sweet child, watching as her little feet dangled our from below her patterned dress. Her smile filled his heart with warmth, and her laughter was the elixir he strives on. After losing his wife seven years ago, the only thing he had left was the child that she faught so hard to deliver to him, and died bringing into the world. They spun and laughed for a moment more, before he abruptly stopped.
"What's wrong daddy?" little Ari asked, though after glancing around the question was answered for her. A cloaked figure was standing in the doorway, holding a crisp letter.
Ari simply smiled and ran over the figure, slipping right out of her father's fearful grip, and tugging on the figure's cloak.
"Ariadne, get away from it!" her father snapped.
"Hi there," Ari smiled, with no fear in her eyes, "Today is my birthday! Would you like to have a muffin with us to celebrate?"
The figure stood silent, only extending the letter out to the little girl.
"A birthday card? For me! Thank you!" she exclaimed as she hurried over to her father, tearing the envelope and hopping up onto the counter.
"Read it to me Daddy!" she asked as she pressed the letter into his hand. Tears welled up in his eyes as she scanned the letter, throwing his arms around his little girl.
"Well daddy, what does it say?!" the little girl grinned, ignorant of the decision layed before her. He moved to put himself between his daughter and the figure, gently touching her face as he struggled to smile at her. He adjusted her locket so the clasp was correctly in the back of her neck as she spoke, distracting himself with the task so as not to look her in the eyes.
"Sweetie, you have to go with this person now..."
"Okay, I'll be home for birthday dinner right?" she asked lifting his face with her hands, a worried smile across her small face.
"I'm sorry honey, but no...you have to stay wherever they take you," as she opened her mouth to speak he pressed his finger to her lips, hushing her, "And you have to promise Daddy that you will be good and do whatever they say."
"Okay..." she hesitated, glancing over her father's shoulder at the figure, "I'll see you again soon...right daddy?"
More tears formed on his filling lids, threatening to break free from the ridge they clung to. His voice trembled as he wiped his eyes and did the one ting he had never done before to his little girl. He took her hands in his, and he lied.
"Of course honey... I'll see you real soon" From the doorway a slight cough broke up the moment. Ari leaned over and kissed her father on the forehead, then hopped off the counter and walked over to the figure. Watching as her father waved half-heart-idly at her, she reached out and grasped the cold hand outstretched to her. In a moment, she was gone.

When Ariadne opened her eyes she was shocked to be in such an unfamiliar place. The trip had taken a blink of her eye, but this new place was so strange. As she lifted her hands and rubbed her face she still felt the cold sensation from the Messenger's grip. However, when she looked around the cloaked guide was no where to be found. Before her was a set of two large oak doors. Ornate iron knockers in the shape of fierce lion heads hung just out of her reach. As she stretched up to take one, the door opened before her, revealing a grand entry way. The room was dark, candles hung off the walls casting light in round spots on the floor. She looked back once more to the darkness behind her as a chill ushered her to enter the building.
Her small shoes tapped against the aged marble floors as she cautiously entered. A loud smacking sound caused her to leap from her skin as the door swung shut behind her.
The small girl trembled as she wandered closer into the building, and watched as the candles lit themselves down a corridor to the left. After rubbing her eyes she realized, they were in fact urging her to take that hall. Meekly she followed the strange series of light until l she reached another large wooden door. This one too opened before her as she peeked her head in.

In the large room she saw the messenger that had brought her, an elderly man, and a few children. They were huddled around a ball that glowed every once and a while. Quietly she stepped in, gripped her arms behind her back as she trembled slightly with fear.
"Hello..." she peeped, "Where am I...?"

Cassia watched as a couple of the other children stepped forward to touch the orb. As a dark-skinned girl with long braids walked up to the orb, the doors to the room opened and yet another girl stepped through them, asking where she was. She appeared to be alone. Had she found this room by herself? Cassia stepped lightly over to the girl and took her hand, tugging her closer to the group. "Perseus Academy," she whispered to the girl, not wanting to break the quiet of the room too harshly. "We've all just come here today, I think," she added.

She pointed to the elderly gentleman seated at the desk. "That old man over there, he is the Headmaster. He says we're going to be tested today. This is a magic test. If we touch that ball thing and it glows, it means we have magic." She hoped that was an accurate description on what was currently going on. In all honesty, she was befuddled herself. "I'm Cassia," she told the girl, offering her a smile.

She jumped in surprise when the room suddenly lit up and turned her head to see that the dark-skinned girl, Ebony, was stepping back from the orb that was glowing brightly rather than flickering. Cassia's eyes widened, looking from the girl to the Headmaster. When he didn't seem to be getting ready to say anything, Cassia decided she would give it a try. She stepped over to the orb and timidly placed a hand on it. Immediately, it gave off a warm, steady glow. It did not flicker, but it certainly wasn't the burst of light that had shone forth from the orb when Ebony had touched it. Satisfied with the result, although she didn't know what it meant, Cassia backed away to stand again between the girl who had just entered the room and Brenner, who was still silent and almost motionless. She smiled reassuringly at both of them and watched to see who would be next.

"Perseus Academy," a girl with fiery hair replied as she led Ari over to the group. Looking around she saw that everyone was staring at the orb, and watching it glow at the touch.
"I'm Cassia," said the girl, after explaining the magic orb. Ari's head spun with confusion. Academy? Magic? What are these people talking about? As she thought back she realized that she had never actually read the letter, her father had kept it close to him. Did he know about this? Why would her trust so easily these strange people? Cassia seemed king enough, but she was still unsure about the others. They didn't seem quite as nervous as she was as she writhed her hands in front of her. It seemed that it was her turn to approach the ball, though she did so timidly. Reaching out she grazed the orb with her finger tips, and watched as a glow formed in the center. Heat spread through her finger tips as she orb pulsated, much like a heart beat. The response was intriguing, and a smile spread across her face as she slipped her hands around it, cradling the beating ball in her hands.
After a moment she remembered that she was not alone, and hastily placed the orb back on it's pedestal. As the last touch of her finger left its surface the burned ebbed away, fading back into nothing. Though she was still confused about what was going on, there was something about the way the glow felt, as if it was coursing through her being, like the orb had become an extension of her own being. She took her place back in line, glancing around at the others and rubbing her locket in her fingers. As the red haired girl smiled at her a little fear ebbed away, as she gave her a small warm grin in return.
"Je' m'appelle Ariadne," she whispered, though after a moment she realized that they would not be able to understand her. As she though hard, her English came out with a thick french accent.
"I am sorry, My name is Ariadne, but you may call be Ari."

Her thoughts wandered back to her home, as she wondered how her father could let her go like that. How he was faring without her there, and if she would ever see his face again.

Brenner watched with interest as each new student went forward to touch the strange orb. The orb flickered and glowed differently with each person who touched it, and he wondered if it was because of different types of magic that flowed through them. After most of the others had already gone forward, Brenner realized it was time for him to do so as well.

He stepped silently towards the orb and placed a hand that he hoped was not visibly shaking on it. A very faint, almost undetectable light started in the center of the orb, and as he stared at it the light grew slowly but steadily brighter and brighter. He was captivated by the sight of it, by what it meant. It was true, he had magic, and now he could feel it in the warmth of his fingers touching the glowing orb. Any doubt he had felt about coming with the Messenger who had found him on the rooftop vanished. Brenner was supposed to be here.

Backing away from the orb, Brenner nodded a silent hello to Ari. He could see worry written on her face. In fact, he saw it on most of their faces. Even Cassia, although she was almost successful at trying to hide it. It was a new and terrifying and exciting experience for all of them, he was sure. He had never really had friends before, but he had a feeling that this whole thing was going to be a lot easier if they didn't do it alone. He looked to the Headmaster, waiting for him to say something.

A slow smile spread over the Headmaster's face as he nodded slowly to his new proteges. Slowly putting the orb back into his desk and locking it with a key that was previously hidden under his heavy robes, Paracelsus made his way to the front of his desk and walked to Ebony.

"Hm... there is protection runes on these... most curious... never mind. You are now all Hero Trainees, destined to protect the world from monster and your new life starts now. Do not fear about the lack of the orb's brightness compared to my own for I have studied magic for over seven decades diligently. You will find that your magical powers will prolong your life in time, and even save it in others so study it well. Now is the time for the Martial test. Follow me." The old man said to the children at large as the Messenger melted away in the shadows like he was never there in the first place.

The group made their way trough what seemed to be an eternity of corridors and stairs before entering a square room with a single dummy with glowing runes on it's body. The old man nodded and gestured to both the dummy and nearby practice swords on a rack.

"This dummy with measure your physical strength like the orb measured your magical one. Do not be alarmed if it does not glow brightly either for you are still very young and untrained. Now, choose one of the wooden swords on the weapon rack and let's get started." Paracelsus said gruffly to his young audience, apparently eager to get this task over with.

Theo woke up. He got out of bed and put on his clothes like usual. The cacophony of noises greeted him like usual. He ate his breakfast and put away his dishes like usual. It was just another day in the orphanage. Don't get Theo wrong. He was happy at the orphanage. Any other day of the year he would have been a happy, healthy, and skittish, if not overly shy, little boy. Today was different though. He was seven today. It was his birthday, he'd only just recently found out it was his birthday on this exact day. He didn't remember exactly how the matron had found out, he only remembered it had made him sad when he learned it. A birthday should be spent with your family, little Theo thought to himself. But I don't have one. My parents left me here. He played with the other children like usual, and he sat down for lunch like usual. He was starting to feel better when there was a big knock at the front door. Curious as to what it was. Theo snuck over to the front room right next to the door. He heard a man asking the matron questions. He couldn't hear any real words until... "Theo!" The matron called. "Theo, come here sweetheart!" Theo was shocked. Someone was here for him? On his birthday? Could it be?

Theo ran over to the matron at the front door. "Yes m'am, what is it?"

"This man is here for you." she said. Theo looked over at the man, wide eyed. He was tall, wearing a black cloak and he seemed sinister. "Hello little one," he said. "I have a letter for you. Would you like to hear it?" Theo only nodded. He could read it himself, but he wanted the matron to hear too. The man pulled out a small vellum envelope. He opened it, took out and unfolded the letter, and read:

"Dear Future Pupil,

You are formally invited to Perseus Academy where you will learn to become a true hero with both martial and magical expertise. The world needs you and we are not offering you a choice. Know that if you do not accept you will be mercilessly hunted down until death follows. Merely accept and you will be rewarded with a chance to be known worldwide as a great hero by simply taking your guide's hand.

With hope that you will take the right choice,
Headmaster Paracelsus Decaromus."

Theo was shocked. He was... a hero? How could it be? He wasn't strong, he wasn't very smart. What could it mean? He wasn't even tall for his age. Still, it was kind of scary. The letter said they would kill him if he said no. But... on the other hand... being a hero, a true hero. Theo had always dreamed of being a legendary hero, fighting evil and defending justice. It was perfect. The orphanage was always in need of a little help, and if Theo could leave, they'd have less mouths to feed. The matron was just about to protest, opening her mouth and making disapproving eyes at the man. Theo tugged on her dress, causing her to stop herself and look at him. He shook his head slowly. "I will go." He said simply. Her mouth closed and she almost sighed at him. She was worried, he could tell. The matron had raised Theo, he was practically her son. He was about to let go of her dress and walk towards the man, when a swish of motion caught his eye so he stopped. The matron had stooped down and thrown her arms around Theo, she hugged him tightly. "I will miss you." She said. "I'm a big, strong boy. I'll be ok. Promise." He replied. She let him go and he held out his hand to the hooded man. The hooded man nodded and grasped his hand. It wasn't an overly tight grip, nor was it soft and limp. However, Theo knew there was no going back, his grip was firm, he would hold onto Theo until he got to their destination. There was no denying that grip. Before they walked out the door, Theo turned his head and smiled at the matron. He tried to tell her that he was going to be ok with that smile. He tried to tell her how much he loved her, how much he would miss her, and how much she meant to him. Every warm feeling of love and joy went into that smile. He couldn't tell if she knew everything he was trying to say to her in that smile, but all that mattered was that he tried. Ryan blinked when he turned back around, hearing her begin to cry as he did. He knew that if he looked now, he would cry to and beg to go back, but he had to keep going. It was better for them, for all of them this way. When he opened his eyes again, they were there. The campus sprawled out before him. It was a school. An actual school. Theo had only ever dreamed of going to school. It was beautiful. Theo walked with the hooded man until he reached a door. He pushed the door open and walked in, the hooded man following. There were other children in the room. There were four girls and two boys. Theo hoped they were nice. Just then, a very old man spoke, in a very deep voice.

"Welcome to Perseus Academy, young ones, today you will be tested on your current abilities and will be given your quarters, complete with a change of uniform and necessities. We will start with the magical test, touch this orb, if you are indeed future heroes it will glow, confirming your innate magical abilities. Do not fear if you did not notice it earlier as that talent only appear on one's seventh birthday."

He could feel his cheeks beginning to brighten. He was so nervous. There were so many new faces, and he was in a new place, further there was some test they had to take. It was all too much for him, luckily someone stepped forward and went first. Finally, it was his turn to place his hand upon the ball. He stepped forward proudly, shaking off his nervousness. He walked up to the desk and stopped. What if it didn't glow as brightly as it did for the others, what if it didn't glow at all? He was so worried. "No," He thought to himself. "I can't be this person any more. I have to be brave." He placed his right hand on the ball. As his hand approached the ball, it began to flicker and glow. When he finally touched it, the light grew stronger. The ball felt warm in his hand. At first, the glow was very soft, but it was strong, and it didn't flicker. The light itself was in the center of the ball. As he held it, the glow became brighter. The light spread to the edges of the ball. Its intensity grew until it was a bright and strong light. It still wasn't as bright as the girl from before, but it was very bright. He removed his hand, but the light remained. As he walked back to his place in the line, the light faded and went out. Theo had no idea as to the significance of his light. He figured the ball would react differently to different types of magic, but he couldn't interpret their exact meanings. He was ripped from his pondering as the other children gave their names. With that all his previous bravado went right out the door. He blushed again and almost couldn't speak. "Hello," he murmured softly, almost too soft to hear, and just barely getting the words out of his mouth. "I'm Theo." He whispered. "It's nice to meet you." He then stared, as the others did, at the old man who called himself the headmaster. He had no idea what to do next, and he didn't want to do anything wrong. He just stood there, awaiting orders.

Isaiah followed ambiguously. He studied the movements of the man as they entered the next facility, and conjured from his analysis that the man was more than he appeared. He noted that had studied the arcane arts for many years, the man approved this conclusion, and his mind was at ease. Perhaps this man was a wise and mighty mage? Perhaps he, at once time, wielded some legendary weapon in combat? Many a thought ran through Isaiah's head, but this did not deter him from his next task.
Swiftly he stepped forwards. A test of physical strength, be it? This was, indeed, his cup of tea. The boy was rather downhearted that he would be using a weapon that was not of his own possession; however, his father had taught him that skill came not from the blade -- but from the one wielding it. He had spent much of his life training in swordsmanship, and it was now or never.

Isaiah mustered the courage to step forward, being the first to test their might against this practice dummy and the orb. He stepped ever so carefully to the rack, and pulled from it, the heaviest of the wooden swords. 'A perfect fit.' These words he muttered, and slid from his lips as he stood half-eagerly in front of the dummy.
He took a quick breath, and released it slowly. Assuming the stance of a powerful strike, he let the practice sword fly in the direction of the orb. Though, he did not follow up. This was merely a practice swing. He glanced back at his peers and, once again, took a deep breath. Exhaling slowly.

With a valiant battle cry, he maneuvered into swinging stance. Hitting the sphere with an upwards strike, with such force that this pulled him from the earth below, by just a few inches, of course.
He plopped back down to the ground with his eyes on the dummy as if it were an actual combatant.
He relieved himself of this aforementioned stance and eyed the orb.
A smile parted his lips as it shimmered radiantly for a moment. During this moment, he quickly turned to the group of children and gave a thumbs up, along with a childish smirk.

He parted ways with his lifeless, wooden adversary, and placed the practice sword back on the rack.
Isaiah then made his way next to newcomer, Theo, now confident. If not in his magical abilities, then of his strength.

As the last of the children stepped forward to touch the orb Ari simply stood and watched. Her shoulders were arched as she hung her head, twiddling her hands in front of her, occasionally smoothing out her red and white polka-dot dress. This academy was so large compared to her, with high vaulted ceilings and halls wider than her home. The gray stones gave the whole place a damp, unpleasant feeling.
The last child tested the orb, and the headmaster returned it to it's rightful place before ushering them to another room. As she stepped through the doorway goosebumps formed along her arms, and a chill swept through her body. They were asked to take a weapon, and attack a second orb. Ari looked at her outstretched arms as the first boy confidently grasped a weapon and took on the orb. Fighting was something she had never done before, she even set the spiders she found in their house free. Wielding a weapon was not something she was built for at all. She felt so very weak.

Meekly she stepped behind the one who had just returned from the test and the last boy to arrive. Though she believed their names were Theo and Isaiah, she was too afraid to greet them. Especially after such a display from Isaiah, she knew there was no way she could be the second to go. Her head hung low as she hugged her arms around her cold body, unsure of whether she was trembling from the chill, or fear.

When the massive light invaded the room during the previous test, Ebony's hands got a mild, but painful burn. At first she thought of going last for the second test. Her heart was pounding even faster than before. A lump was stuck in her throat, her forehead was soaked in sweat. Her face was cold and motionless as a stone. The girl couldn't take the pressure any more.
Ebony forgot about the pain on her hands and went after the boy, who gave the thumbs up. This cheered her up a little, but her blood was still boiling in her veins. She quickly grabbed the first sword she saw, without considering its weight, but the piercing pain trough her hands was so strong, it caused her to drop the weapon. She squatted to take it again.

The ends of her braids touched her hands. Ebony felt relaxing chill and relief trough her arms, as the pain was fading away. She finally took the sword and realized it was heavy for her. The girl took a lighter one and stood in front of the dummy. She closed her eyes and hit it with all the force she had. The performance wasn't as good as Isaiah's, it was even much weaker, but it was strong enough to make the sound of a solid hit.

The girl looked at the headmaster, and then the other kids. She wished them luck in her mind and joined them.

It seemed that Aria's turn had come and passed. It was now time for her to step up, though she dreaded it. Timidly she gazed back at the group as she stepped forward to the rack, taking the smallest sword into her hands. It didn't feel right, the wooden weapon didn't sit in her hands the way it should. Everything in her body was telling her to put it down and walk away, though whether the fear came from the orb, the eyes watching her, or the possibility that she would make a fool of herself she did not know.
Awkwardly she lifted the blade, feeling how weak her arms were as she could barely lift it higher than her waist. With a gulp she approached the orb, dragging the tip beside her. Before she took her swing she looked back to the group, and dropped her gaze. this would be the first remote act of violence she had ever made in her life, and she wan't even really sure what she was doing. She lifted the sword up and took a swing, crying out in pain as the wood connected, sending vibrations through her hands. The force of the vibrations through her small fingertips and wrist caused her to drop the weapon and grasp her hands to her chest. A small, barely visible light burned momentarily in the orb before snuffing out.
Defeated she stooped down to collect the weapon and returned it to it's place on the rack without lifting her gaze to the others. A small chuckle rang out from the group, though it could have merely been her imagination playing tricks on her. All she could think about was the disappointment her father would have felt had he seen her pick up such a weapon. As she popped open her locket and stared at the faces of her parents she wiped away a small tear, and hoped dearly that the ringing in her wrist would go away.

Theo watched as the others took their turns. He noticed that one of the girls seemed to be emotionally struggling with the idea of the exercise itself. She barely hit the orb and cried as she finished her turn. Normally Theo would have let someone else comfort her. He was far to shy to make a sudden move like this. She was a girl after all. However, there was something about her sadness. It cried out to him. He stepped over to her, ignoring everyone else for that one brief moment and patted her on the shoulder. "I don't know what's wrong." Theo whispered, "But I hope you'll be ok. Is it something you need to talk about? Or will you be ok if I give you a hug? It usually made the other kids at the orphanage feel better when you offer them a hug."

Theo smiled at her, trying to make her forget about being sad. They were in a new place with a whole new set of things to do and places to go. It would swallow you up if you let it. Theo remembered her name was Aria. "It's gonna be ok Aria," he said with a smile. "You can make it through this. Hopefully, if you're lucky you won't ever have to do it again."

As Aria stood lost int the memory of her mother, and the worry for her father, a slender boy approached her. He had landed a fair shot on the dummy, much better than hers. At first she didn't lift her gaze, wondering if he was real, if this place was real, but then he spoke. His voice was clear, and his words were kind. It seemed that he had felt a hardship in life that she never knew based on the state of his clothing.

"It's gonna be ok Aria," he said with a smile. "You can make it through this. Hopefully, if you're lucky you won't ever have to do it again."
The boy's words were comforting as he patted her on the shoulder. She couldn't help but give him a slight smile as she lifted her brown eyes to his face. With a chuckle she wiped the moisture from her eye lashes and snapped the locket closed, letting it drop back onto her chest. The boy's name was Theo as she recalled, he had come in shortly after her. Another late arrival like herself.
I know it seems silly, but I never imagined I was going to be doing anything like this when I woke this morning... turning she took one of his hands in her two small hands and gave it a little squeeze. It was warm to the touch, and she could feel a circular scar on his palm. "I appreciate your kindness, I just miss my father, he would never believe that I just picked up a sword.
Once she dropped his hand she looked around at the faces of the others, "I just don't understand how everyone can seem so...calm. This place is so very strange, I feel like I'm going to wake up and it's just going t be a dream.

"I know it seems silly, but I never imagined I was going to be doing anything like this when I woke this morning..." She said, her voice quavering slightly. She must be terrified. Turning she took one of his hands in her two small hands and gave it a little squeeze. Theo could tell she found his scar because she ran her fingers over it gently.. "I appreciate your kindness, I just miss my father, he would never believe that I just picked up a sword."
Once she dropped his hand she looked around at the faces of the others, "I just don't understand how everyone can seem so...calm. This place is so very strange, I feel like I'm going to wake up and it's just going t be a dream."

"Well," Theo started. "Maybe it is a dream. I dunno about you, but I came here to make this dream last. If it's a dream I don't wanna wake up!" he finished excitedly, still whispering. Though he was talking animatedly, he was still very shy. However, those words didn't seem to make her feel any better, so he tried again. "I can understand that you're scared by the new things that are happening around you. If the sword scares you, you can pretend it's a stick. A wooden sword and a stick aren't much different, except for their shape, but that's not the point. The point is, we can't wish away our time here. I can't really understand missing your family, cause I never had one, but I do miss the Matron at the Orphanage. I'll miss her everyday. However, it's for her sake that I'm here right now, working hard and learning everything I can. The Matron, your parents, they're people we do this for. There'll be things we have to do that we won't like. But those things help you to grow. They're blessings in disguise. At least, that's what the Matron always told me." After that hitherto unfounded mass of words escaped Theo's mouth, he immediately silenced himself. He would have to find a happy middle between talking too much and not talking enough. For now he decided to be silent, and speak when spoken to. He was still having a hard time getting used to the new people around him. Even Aria, though she seemed shy like he did.

Theo's words helped in raising Aria's spirits. For the first time since arriving in the damp castle her fear subsided. He seemed so animate about taking on this challenge, starting this new life, that her apprehension seemed foolish. It panged her to hear that he was an orphan, even thinking about losing her father brought her intense emotional pains. Though she had to leave him behind, at least he was still there, still alive and well. Having one parent was better than none at all.
"Thanks Theo," she whispered with a smile, bumping him slightly with her shoulder, "I feel a little better."
It seemed his kind words were out of place however, since he fell so quiet after speaking to her. She simply smiled and returned her gaze to the swords and the dummy.
Without looking over at him again she took his hand,innocently interlacing her fingers into hers, "Let's be friends Theo...you don't have to say anything, because I have made up my mind already." As she whispered she childishly twirled her hips and watched as the hem of her dress rose and fell as she caused a slight breeze. She was easily humored by the way the candle light shined off of her shoes, and counting the cracks on the floor. Though she was curious to see how long this test was going to last, she was eager to part from the mass of students and explore, possibly get to know Theo a little better.

"Thanks Theo," she whispered with a smile, bumping him slightly with her shoulder, "I feel a little better."

Theo was glad to have done his part and made her feel better. He loved it when the people around him smiled. It warmed him up inside and filled his heart with joy. After that, she simply smiled and returned her gaze to the swords and the dummy. Theo too had returned his gaze to the dummy and the people who were taking their turn with it when he felt something small and cool wriggle its way into his hand. He looked down and saw it was Aria's hand. Theo blushed a little bit. This was something for grown ups to do. He was so nervous, but he didn't do anything about it. There was something nice and simple about it. They were just two kids holding hands.

"Let's be friends Theo...you don't have to say anything, because I have made up my mind already." She whispered quietly. Theo smiled widely. He looked over at her and nodded vigorously, still smiling like a goofball. He would like that very much. Aria was a kind girl, a gentle soul it seemed. He was so glad. He hoped they'd be friends forever. Theo's day had gone from the worst birthday of his life, to a brand new and exciting start of an adventure. It was so beautiful. It was the best wish he could have ever had come true.

Ebony could feel Aria's pain... All those tests, which came out of sudden... the fear to fail at something you're not familiar with, in front of a group of people... Ebony didn't go to comfort her, because she didn't know what to say. Luckily, Theo did. For seconds a new friendship was born in front of everyone. The children were taken away from their old lives in order to deal with something completely new. Each of them needed a friend.

Ebony looked at Ansha, since she was her closest friend so far. "Ansha... whatever is the next test, if we fail, it won't matter... The best way to improve ourselves, is to support each other. I'll give you my support." The girl whispered to Ansha.
Ebony hoped that everyone would become friends. She would give her support to all the kids around her. She hoped that they would support her too.