The Dawnbreaker Gambit: Grayscale, #1

By Tony Merriweather

Troubled by nightmares of his forgotten childhood, fifteen year old Damian Grayscale enrolls in the prestigious Helix Academy, known for producing powerful mages. His only connection to his past is a powerful Vampire named Lana who changes careers to become a teacher at his new school. He quickly settles into his new routine as he meets new friends and rivals that push him to improve.
But Damian soon realizes that grudges don't die easily. Over a century ago Vampires went to war with his home country Reshion and lost, but they're finally ready for round two and Damian's efforts to stop a new era of war will put him on a collision course with the monster responsible for his fractured memory.

 

"Fast paced and well plotted YA fantasy novel, the action and adventure hooks you and doesn't let go!" —Magenta Cameron, Reedsy Discovery

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tony Merriweather
• Release date: Jun 19, 2021
• ISBN: 9781736987308

Book preview

Tony Merriweather

The Dawnbreaker Gambit

Grayscale (Book 1)

Copyright © 2021 by Tony Merriweather

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise without written permission from the publisher. It is illegal to copy this book, post it to a website, or distribute it by any other means without permission.

This novel is entirely a work of fiction. The names, characters and incidents portrayed in it are the work of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or localities is entirely coincidental.

First edition

ISBN: 978-1-7369873-0-8

Cover art by Gabrielle Ragusi

This book was professionally typeset on Reedsy

Find out more at reedsy.com

Contents

I. SIGNS AND SHADOWS

Chapter One: Blood Stained Youth

Chapter Two: Gray Fireworks

Chapter Three: Friends with Detriments

Chapter Four: The Sanguine War

Chapter Five: The Angel’s Tears

Chapter Six: Disaster’s Eve

Chapter Seven: Underground Showdown

Chapter Eight: No Quarter

Chapter Nine: Accelerating Cataclysm

Chapter Ten: Hold the Line (Lyo)

Chapter Eleven: Dark Omen

Chapter Twelve: Next Stop - Oblivion (Lyo)

Chapter Thirteen: Prelude to Destruction

Chapter Fourteen: Meltdown

Chapter Fifteen: Family

Chapter Sixteen: Aftermath

Chapter Seventeen: Hero’s Reward

Chapter Eighteen: Investment

II. TEARS OF BLOOD

Chapter Nineteen: Fractures

Chapter Twenty: Sweet Sixteen

Chapter Twenty-One: Departure (Lana)

Chapter Twenty-Two: Final Goodbye

Chapter Twenty-Three: Parabellum

Chapter Twenty-Four: Test Run

Chapter Twenty-Five: For A Friend (Talion)

Chapter Twenty-Six: Shadow Bargain

Chapter Twenty-Seven: Recon

Chapter Twenty-Eight: The Plan

Chapter Twenty-Nine: Silver Vein

Chapter Thirty: The Storm King (Talion)

Chapter Thirty-One: Conflicting Ideals

Chapter Thirty-Two: Wheels within Wheels (Lyo)

Chapter Thirty-Three: Wake the Dragon (Lyo)

Chapter Thirty-Four: Talion’s New Groove (Talion)

Chapter Thirty-Five: Day of Destiny

Chapter Thirty-Six: Let’s Start a War (Lyo)

Chapter Thirty-Seven: The Seal (Talion)

Chapter Thirty-Eight: Descent

Chapter Thirty-Nine: One vs. One Hundred (Lyo)

Chapter Forty: Confrontation

Chapter Forty-One: Heated Battle (Lyo)

Chapter Forty-Two: Thunder Call (Talion)

Chapter Forty-Three: Lord Dakarai

Chapter Forty-Four: Burning to the Last (Lyo)

Chapter Forty-Five: Rotels No More (Talion)

Chapter Forty-Six: Defeat

III. SINS OF YOUTH

Chapter Forty-Seven: A Girl Named Lana

Chapter Forty-Eight: A Boy Named Damian

Chapter Forty-Nine: Homebound

Chapter Fifty: Moonlight Rendezvous

Chapter Fifty-One: What’s Been Lost

Chapter Fifty-Two: The Prince’s Vow

Chapter Fifty-Three: What Nightmares Are Made Of

Chapter Fifty-Four: To Valoria

Chapter Fifty-Five: Party for Two

Chapter Fifty-Six: His Determination

Chapter Fifty-Seven: A New Feeling (Lana)

IV. THE GRAY PRINCE

Chapter Fifty-Eight: Legendary Battle

Chapter Fifty-Nine: Dawnbreaker

Chapter Sixty: Ascension

Chapter Sixty-One: The Final Truth

Chapter Sixty-Two: What We Were Fighting For

Chapter Sixty-Three: To the Next Adventure

About the Author

I

Signs and Shadows

Chapter One: Blood Stained Youth

Mom! Dad! I screamed, staring at my burning house. There was no answer as I watched the blazing inferno swallow it whole. The door was wide open, but I wasn’t sure if that meant they’d already gotten out.

As soon as I got closer to the door I started coughing. There was way too much smoke. I started to walk through the doorway and began sweating.

There was no way to know if they were still inside or not. I might end up going in there for nothing and get trapped. The increasing heat was a reminder that I was running out of time.

I turned away and headed into town. I had to hope they’d gotten out safely.

My house wasn’t the only one ablaze, every building lining the road had suffered a similar fate, beacons in the dense smoke around me. I had no idea who could’ve done such a thing.

My legs slammed against the pavement as my eyes and lungs continued burning.

Aspects please let everyone be okay.

As I got deeper into town, something sounded…wrong. It was like people were screaming.

I slowed down and looked around, but I didn’t see anyone nearby. The only thing I did see was an almost black splatter on the ground.

I tried my best to ignore it. I just needed to find mom and dad, and everything would be okay.

I kept running until I tripped over something and crashed into the ground. It felt like I’d scraped my knee. I slowly climbed to all fours and turned around to see what I’d run over.

Someone’s head was staring back at me. There was no sign of the rest of him.

I opened my mouth to scream, but my voice wouldn’t work.

Who would do something like this?

Why?

I forced myself back to my feet and turned around, only to freeze in my tracks.

A pile of corpses was lying there. Mangled bodies, torn to shreds with rivers of blood flowing from them. Worst of all were the blank white eyes that pierced my soul, judging me, blaming me for what happened.

I closed my eyes and tried to block out the sounds of screams that seemed to be getting even closer. I didn’t want to keep going forward. I didn’t want to see anymore.

-Ian! Someone was saying something.

I opened my eyes and lifted my head. The pile of bodies had changed. I couldn’t make out faces anymore. The bodies had become a blackened mass, a mound of shadows.

Damian! Someone shouted.

I wiped my eyes and kept looking around. Who’s there?

I saw figures running towards me through the smoke. They ran past an open flame, and I got a good look at their faces. I got up and started running to them.

Mom! Dad! We reached each other and they hugged me tightly.

Thank goodness you’re okay! Mom said.

We stood there for a second before dad pulled away.

Listen, we have to get out of here quickly, Dad said. Have you seen ——?

He had said a name, but for some reason, I couldn’t hear it.

We were playing in the forest earlier, but I don’t know where she went, I explained.

Why did I know that? It was almost like someone else had taken over and spoken for me.

The shadows behind dad began moving.

I opened my mouth to warn him, but once again, I couldn’t say anything. I had to watch as the shadows crept closer and closer and closer.

The forest, Dad nodded. Okay, that’s where we’ll go. We should be safe once we get-

I had no clue what he was going to say to us. He never got the chance to finish.

The shadows pierced his body like a blade. His blood splattered across my face and I started shaking. He made a strange gurgling noise as he tried to force himself to speak.

R-ru…

The shadows pulled free from his body and he dropped to the ground, blank lifeless eyes staring up at me.

Mom shoved me as hard as she could.

Damian, run! Was all she got out before her head was removed from her body.

I couldn’t run. All I could do was just stare at them. What would’ve been the point in running?

The shadows began to morph. They split into five parts, taking on vaguely human shapes, but their features all impossible to discern.

The shadows spoke to me, their voices echoing but I couldn’t understand a single word. I covered my ears and tried to ignore them as they got closer. They got closer and loomed over me when I finally understood at least one sound they were making.

They were laughing at me. They were enjoying what they’d done, what they’d forced me to watch. They found it amusing that I was helpless, and that they could take their time playing with me.

They knew they’d see me again soon.

Chapter Two: Gray Fireworks

Iwoke up in a cold sweat, rays of golden sunlight pouring through my window. That nightmare was nothing new, but it still managed to throw me off. I let myself take a minute to calm down. Today would be very important in more ways than one, and I needed to be on my A-game.

Despite my nightmare, I felt pretty well-rested. I turned my head to look at my alarm and…that wasn’t good.

Damian! A woman called out to me. Hurry up, we’re gonna be late!

I’m coming, damn! I snapped.

I regretted it almost immediately. It wasn’t her fault that I was in a bad mood.

What was that? She yelled.

Nothing! I quickly amended. Gimme a minute!

I pulled myself out of bed and threw on my school uniform, a black shirt, and pants with a red helix emblem on the left breast. I ran to the bathroom and decided to just wash my face since I didn’t have time for a shower.

After taking a minute to brush my teeth, I ran back to my room and grabbed my phone. I threw on some deodorant and slung my bag over my shoulder before going downstairs.

When I saw the woman leaning on the kitchen counter, I flashed her a smile.

What, no breakfast? I asked.

If you want something get it yourself, she answered. Hurry up and take this.

She shoved the folder she was holding toward me.

I took it and stared at her. No hug? It’s been almost two years.

We don’t have time for that, she replied. Read through that before we get there.

One sec. I grabbed a juice box and pulled a bagel out of the cupboard. Alright, I’m ready.

I walked over and opened the front door, letting her go first. After following her through, I hopped inside her two-seater and started chowing down.

Lana Rimura, about five-two, with immaculate alabaster skin, dark black hair, and deep sapphire eyes. By any standard in the book, she was beautiful. But something about her was…different than I remembered.

What’s up? She asked.

Huh?

You’re staring. She replied.

Oh. I was just thinking…do vampires even age? I asked.

Haven’t you ever heard it’s rude to ask a woman her age? She asked back. Anyway, you should be looking through your packet, before we get there.

I looked at the packet and saw the school’s logo, a helix, on the front cover. I flipped over the cover and started reading.

Introduction

By opening this booklet, you have started your journey at the wonderful Helix academy. This school is a haven of learning that welcomes all students, regardless of race or creed. Some rules must be adhered to if we are to maintain a safe and fun learning environment for the entire student body.

Rules

Fighting on school grounds without permission will not be tolerated. An official duel request can be submitted to any teacher. Only after both parties have accepted and the conditions for the duel have been established can said duel take place.

No prejudice of any kind will be tolerated on school grounds.

Students must remain on school grounds for the duration of the school day unless provided with written permission.

Students will-

As I got to rule four, my attention wandered again. I put the boring-ass packet down and took another look at Lana.

What’s with the sudden career change? I asked.

The Magus owed me a favor or two, Lana replied. And Helix’s headmaster was more than happy to have me.

I turned my attention to the city around me. There wasn’t too much traffic, probably because the morning rush was almost over. There were still a decent amount of people walking around though, bouncing between the various shops and other assorted buildings.

Still, I said, turning to look at her again. I’m sure the Sentinels are gonna miss having their best Captain.

Stop that, she grinned slightly. They’ll be fine. There are a lot of people just as good, if not better, that can fill my position.

"I seriously doubt that," I replied.

Before I knew it, we had arrived in front of a wide gate, Helix Academy’s massive complex looming behind it.

Well, we’re already here, Lana said, following the road to the school. Did you at least read some of that?

Um…yea. I learned something pretty cool, I grinned. Never been to a school with rules that allow fighting.

Lana sighed. Don’t get any stupid ideas, not on the first day.

Lana pulled into a parking spot and we both got out. We started walking toward the school, the hum of excited voices in the air.

By the way, I said. I appreciate it.

What’s that? She asked.

You didn’t have to take this job, no one forced you. You requested this job, I glanced at her. For me.

Lana stayed silent for a moment. My work with the Sentinels kept me away for a long time. You’ve been alone long enough.

I thought I felt something brush against my hand for a second, but when I looked down, there was nothing there.

After a couple of minutes of walking in silence, we finally arrived at the classroom. I looked at Lana and she made an after you gesture. I slid the door open and took a look around.

There were only fourteen other students, five boys, and nine girls. The girls were wearing a slightly altered version of the boy’s uniform, red tops with a black helix, and black skirts. The classroom itself wasn’t anything special: a lectern, rows of evenly spaced desks, and a window that ran the length of the room giving a nice view of the school’s central courtyard.

Lana stepped past me to take her place behind the lectern and I followed her.

Hello students my name is Lana Rimura and I’m going to be your instructor this year. Go on Damian, introduce yourself. Lana prodded.

Uh, hey. The name’s Damian Grayscale. I lazily waved to the class.

A thought occurred to me. This was my chance.

Don’t suppose any of you guys wanna start class off with a bang, do you? Have a good old-fashioned duel?

The room was mostly silent except for a few excited whispers and giggles.

One of the boys in the back corner slapped his desk as he shot up.

Alright! He shouted. Now this is what I’ve been waiting for!

He had light brown hair that almost covered his eyes. He sported a pendant with a red gem wrapped in a gold chain over his uniform. He either wasn’t a fan of the uniform, or he was just showing off with his ripped sleeves.

Either way, he was rocking the look.

Oh yeah? What’s your name? I asked.

He jerked a thumb at himself. My name’s Lyone Coruscare. Man, this is great. I was asking these guys earlier if anyone wanted to fight but no one was feeling up for it. I thought I was the only one that read the rule book! I mean how can you read that the school allows you to fight anyone and not get excited?

I tilted my head slightly. You…are you sure you read the whole rule book?

Lyone gave me a thumbs up. I skimmed it.

There was nothing I could say to that. I’d done the same thing.

Well, we need permission from a teacher before we’re allowed to do anything. I turned toward Lana. So how about it?

I get the feeling you’d keep bugging me even if I said no. Lana shook her head with a smile. Welp, there goes any chance of a normal homeroom. Lyone, I already know your answer, but do you accept?

Of course, I’ve been waiting all morning for this! He replied.

Alright then, let’s take this outside. The rest of you come too, you might just learn something.

* * *

Lana led all of us to the inner courtyard and did a quick headcount to make sure we were all there. When she was finished, she mumbled a few words and shot off a bolt of green energy. The bolt flew straight up and after clearing the school, burst into an explosion of light in the sky.

Alright, that bolt I shot off symbolizes the official beginning of a duel.

She knelt down and placed a hand against the ground. A wave of blue energy flowed from her palm and formed an almost translucent cube around us.

A barrier huh? one boy asked.

Don’t want them to accidentally damage the school, Lana said. I’d rather not lose my job on the first day.

Lana waved a hand and a section of the barrier opened up.

Let’s give them some space, we don’t wanna be in here when they get started.

Everyone followed Lana out, leaving me and Lyone alone in the center, about six feet apart. Alright everybody’s out, you guys can start whenever you’re ready!

A bright reddish-orange blaze wrapped around Lyone. The pressure was so immense, I could feel the heat from over here.

I’m not the kind of guy to take it slow, he said. So, you’ll have to forgive me for going all out from the start!

Fine with me, I replied. I don’t mind skipping the warm-up.

I released my own mana, causing a swirl of black energy to surround me.

Is that barrier really gonna hold? A boy asked.

Hey, Damian! You gonna make a move or what? Lyone asked.

I wasn’t going to fall for that.

No, no go-ahead Lyone, I said. The least I can do is give you the first mov-

I was cut off by a fist colliding with my face.

What the hell? I never even saw him move!

The blow sent me flying headfirst towards the barrier. I spun my body in midair so that my feet were aimed towards the barrier.

Spring! I concentrated my power below my feet and formed a black circular platform to bounce off of, launching myself towards Lyone.

I switched elements and clenched my fist. Augment!

White light coated my fist as it slammed into Lyone’s face and sent him sliding across the ground all the way to the opposite edge of the barrier.

How’d you like that? I asked.

No way, A boy asked. "Did he just use Light and Void magic?"

That’s impossible, Another one added. No one’s ever done that before.

You’re right, no one has, not even the Magus, Lana said. But here he is in the flesh.

Lyone climbed back to his feet and spit out some blood.

You’ve got a nice right hook. He grinned.

Yea, you too, I said. I didn’t even see you coming.

I couldn’t afford to let him catch me like that again or I’d be in serious trouble.

His body began to glow as he gathered his mana once again. I lowered myself into a stance to guard against him when he suddenly appeared in front of me.

Augment! Lyone threw a jab wrapped in flames straight at my head, and I crossed my arms to block.

Lyone kept up the pressure, his barrage forcing me backwards.

Don’t give up Damian, an excited girl shouted. You’ve got this!

Five silver says Damian loses. A boy said.

I want in on that action! Another one added. I’ll take five on Lyone going down!

It’ll be a draw. A third lazily added.

Lyone pulled his arm back and dropped low.

You’re finished! Lyone threw a punch towards my gut.

And hit nothing but air.

Lyone threw all of his weight forward which almost made him tip over.

What the hell?

Whoa! A girl cried. How did he do that?

Lyone looked around, before turning to see me behind him.

What did you just do?

Teleported, I said.

Lyone laughed. Nice! I’m getting excited.

I can tell, I replied. I grinned and pointed at my forearm. You left some burns on my arms!

My bad, Lyone said with a smile. Why don’t we get back to it?

Sure thing. It’s my turn this time! I shouted.

Turns? What are they talking about? One girl asked.

It’s like it’s some sort of game for them. A second girl added.

I teleported behind Lyone and punched him in the back. Then I did it again once he turned around to face me.

I kept it up, a punch to the shoulder, one to his side, staying on the move so that he couldn’t keep up.

Keep it up Damian, I’ve got five silver riding on this!

Alright, screw this! Lyone shouted.

He flared his energy and the shockwave threw me backward just as I was about to attack again.

Spring! He created an orange platform that launched him into the air and stretched his arms towards me.

His mana rose higher and higher, and I tensed up. Whatever he was doing wasn’t going to end well.

Alright Damian, let’s see how you handle this, Orange power gathered in his palms. Flare!

A ball of fire emerged from his hands and started descending toward me, swelling in size until I couldn’t even see the boy who’d launched it.

What the hell is wrong with you, you idiot? I shouted.

What, are you scared? Don’t tell me you’re tapping out now! He yelled back.

I could not let that thing hit me.

I had to do something. There wasn’t enough room inside the barrier for me to dodge it unless I went up into the air with Lyone, and considering that he was a better melee fighter than me, that’s probably what he wanted. There was only one other option then.

I’d never tried to move something this big before, but it was now or never.

I breathed in slowly as I tapped into my Void. Something cold and hungry responded. I could hear my own power whispering to me, telling me to fight harder, telling me to win.

This was new. And it was exactly what I needed.

Breach! I channeled my void and dug my hands into the air. When I spread my arms, a rift opened in front of me, the size of Lyone’s fireball.

The flames flew inside of the rift and vanished.

Good job Damian! The excited girl from earlier yelled.

Watch out Lyone! A different one added.

Lyone didn’t notice that a second rift had opened behind him. He turned around to see his own attack staring back at him.

What the-?

Before his flames could engulf him, he crossed his arms.

Flame Veil! A dark orange glow enveloped Lyone’s body as the flames washed over him, leaving him unscathed.

Dammit.

The fireball flew into the barrier and dissipated. Lyone dropped to the ground and dusted himself off.

That was close. Lyone turned to wave to the girl that warned him. Thanks…uh…whatever your name is!

Watch it with the flames dumbass! Lana shouted.

Lyo pointed at himself. Why am I getting yelled at?

Gee, I don’t know Lyo, I replied. Maybe because you almost caused serious damage to school grounds, therefore making Lana’s job that much harder?

Hey, I didn’t give you permission to call me Lyo, he said.

I figured it was ok. You know, on account of you almost torching my ass! I countered.

Fine, fine good point, Lyo shrugged. "What’s next, it’s your move this time.

The hint of his smile was still there, but I could tell he was thinking the same thing I was. The warmup was over.

Lance. Two thin lights appeared in my hands, stretching out and forming sharp edges at the tips.

Lyo had his guard up and was watching me like a hawk.

I flipped the spears around and stabbed them into the ground next to me. Then I dropped down into a sprinter’s position and channeled my void magic.

Spring! I kicked off from the ground at an angle and went flying headfirst towards Lyo.

Augment! Lyo coated both of his hands in fire preparing to counterattack.

That’s exactly what I wanted. I needed him to stay focused on me.

Breach! I opened two rifts, moving one of the spears right under Lyo. It nailed him in the foot, pinning him in place.

Agh! Lyo tried to pull the spear free.

I teleported my other spear to my right hand and aimed at his torso.

He looked up and pivoted on his stuck foot, twisting his body and avoiding being run through. Before I could pull back, Lyo punched me in the gut.

The blow knocked the wind out of me, and thanks to his magic boosting his hit I was sent flying. I landed hard and couldn’t catch my breath.

Tricky bastard, he said.

Somehow I got to my feet but my head was throbbing, and I couldn’t concentrate. The spear I’d been holding was gone, meaning the one pinning Lyo would be too.

I’m ending this.

I lifted my head and saw Lyo charging straight at me.

I was sluggish, I couldn’t even raise my arms to block. He hammered away at me with a flurry of rapid punches.

I lost track at twenty.

Well, looks like it’s over. Someone said.

I screwed up. I knew better than to fight him up close. That stupid impulse from earlier made me act like an idiot. I’d basically handed him this win.

He cocked his arm back and got ready to throw one last punch.

Don’t give up Damian! That hyper girl from before yelled.

Her shouting snapped me out of it. I wasn’t going out like this, not without pulling every trick I had.

Breach! I opened another pair of rifts, one in front of his fist and one on the right side of his head.

Lyo’s own empowered attack hit him square in the jaw. His head rocked violently to the side and he fell off balance.

Breach. I opened five portals in front of me connected to various locations around Lyo. Augment. I empowered one hand with light and the other with darkness.

That feeling from earlier came back. That hunger for battle, for victory. Something inside was telling me to go wild, to beat him into submission with my bare hands.

So, I listened to it. I launched a jab that caught him in the back of the knee, causing it to buckle. I launched another catching him dead center in the face. Blood started to spill out of his mouth as I continued to pummel him, a punch in the gut here, one in the back there.

I started to slow down after just a few attacks. The strain of keeping my portals open was bad enough but trying to use both light and void at the same time instead of switching like normal was a mistake. My hands had torn open and were bleeding.

I had no choice but to stop. Unfortunately, Lyo was tougher than I thought.

Are you made of manite or something? How the hell are you still standing? I asked.

Lyo rocked back and forth unsteadily. He spit out blood and grinned.

That hurt for sure, but it doesn’t matter. I don’t care what you hit me with, I’m not losing to you!

Anyone else would be out of strength after taking that many hits from my Void. But not him. An orange glow emanated from him as he gathered the last of his power. Lyo wasn’t going to let this end until he came out on top.

I’m not losing to you either! I drew on everything I had left and started running towards him.

I cast another Void Augment spell on my left hand. Lyo responded with fire as the distance between us narrowed.

I wasn’t going to make it. He was faster than me and had a longer reach. He’d hit me before I could react.

I ignored that idiotic, animalistic part of my brain that was telling me to try it anyway. I was going to cheat a little.

I waited for the gap between us to close even more. I had to time this right so he wouldn’t have a chance to defend himself.

Breach!

I threw a final punch through my portal, watching it come out to the side of Lyo’s head. Just before my blow landed, Lyo’s punch came at me fast…and hard. The impact took the last bit of stamina I had left, but as I went under, I saw the same happen to Lyo. I would’ve smiled if I had the energy.

Told you, double knockout.

That was the last thing I heard before everything went black.

Chapter Three: Friends with Detriments

Iopened my eyes to a clean white ceiling. I was lying in a bed in some room I didn’t recognize and if it wasn’t for the dull ache throughout my body, I’d have thought what happened earlier was a dream.

I turned my head and saw Lyo talking with two other students I didn’t recognize, a boy and a girl. Lyo stopped talking when he noticed I was awake and grinned at me.

Hey, you’re up. Look, these guys were nice enough to bring us to the nurse’s office.

Awesome. I sat up and looked around. Where’s the nurse?

Coruscare asked the same thing. The other boy said.

I squinted at him. Long dark hair, a relaxed smirk, and an overall well-kept appearance. He looked like the definition of a pretty boy. I knew I recognized his voice, but I wasn’t sure where from.

Great minds think alike, right? Lyo asked. And just call me Lyo, no need to be all formal.

Right, sorry about that…Lyo, the boy corrected himself. I have to say, that fight was impressive. When you barged into the classroom yelling about dueling someone, I thought you were just some obnoxious battle-hungry idiot.

Lyo raised an eyebrow. And what do you think of me now?

You’re a ridiculously strong battle-hungry idiot. He answered.

Before you guys get too distracted, I interrupted. Would you mind, you know, answering my question?

Oh yea, sorry, Lyo replied. Apparently, the nurse fixed us up, and then she had to leave."

Why? I asked while stretching my arms.

According to these two, someone blew up the cafeteria. He answered.

What the hell? Like the whole cafeteria?

No, no, not the whole cafeteria. Lyo waved a hand in front of his face. The kitchen took a beating though, so don’t expect any hot meals. Someone probably started a fight or something.

First day and some idiots are already picking fights? I realized I counted as one of those idiots but chose to ignore that fact. Anyway, what’s your name?

I pointed at the lone girl in the room. Her blonde hair stopped a little above her shoulders and she had blue eyes, a shade lighter than Lana’s.

Oh, me? I’m Mika Chantile, it’s nice to meet you!

That cheery voice of hers sounded familiar.

It’s nice to meet you too. What made you volunteer to drag a couple of bloody kids you’ve just met to the nurse’s office? I asked.

Mika started messing with her hair. Well if I’m being honest, I thought your fight was really cool. I’m a light-user too, She walked over and plopped down on the bed next to me. So, I was wondering…canyoutrainmeandcanwebefriends?

Mika leaned forward as she shouted which made me jump.

Slow down your words are blending together! I yelled back.

Mika cleared her throat and backed away. Sorry. I was wondering if you could train me and if we can be friends? Not necessarily in that order.

She seemed nice enough. Didn’t hurt that she was cute.

Um…sure, I guess, but I don’t know how good of a teacher I’ll be. What kinds of spells can you use anyway?

Oh, well, I’m good at purifying things and I can heal people really well…oh yeah, I’m also good with barriers! Mika replied.

She wasn’t suited for combat at all!

With a resumé like that, why do you want to learn how to fight? I asked.

If I hadn’t been sitting so close to her I wouldn’t have noticed it. Something about her expression didn’t look right like she was forcing herself to keep smiling. I had no clue what she was thinking about but it wasn’t good.

What was that?

Well, you see…I just want to get stronger; you know? Mika asked. This school’s known for its graduates becoming Sentinels, and it’ll be easier for me to become one if I’m more useful.

I didn’t feel like pointing out the fact the Sentinels had a support corps for mages like her, she probably already knew. I wanted to ask her what her deal really was, but I was sure she didn’t want to air out all her laundry in front of everyone. I’d just have to ask her during training.

Don’t make any plans today, we’ll start after school, got it? I asked.

Yes of course! Thank you! she said, leaning forward again.

Don’t sweat it, and back up, please. What about you? I asked, looking at the dark-haired boy.

My name is Talion. Talion Vetala. He replied.

I stared at him. Is…that it?

Is something wrong? He asked.

I was kinda expecting a bit more, I replied.

A bit presumptuous to expect my life story when you have yet to give yours, Talion said.

…You’re actually serious, aren’t you? I started scratching my head.

Damian’s going to tell his life story? Mika asked.

Huh? No, I didn’t say-

I’ve gotta hear this. Lyo interrupted.

I really don’t want to. I frowned.

Please? Mika asked.

It was impossible to harden my expression when she was looking at me like a lost puppy.

You guys don’t want to hear it, I said. There isn’t much to tell, and most of it isn’t good.

Lyo shrugged. We shouldn’t press him if he doesn’t want to talk about it.

Yea…I guess you’re right, Mika agreed. Sorry.

I didn’t expect them to actually drop it. Now I felt like a jerk for saying no. Maybe it wouldn’t hurt to tell them a little bit.

Ugh, fine… I shook my head. But if we’re doing this, you’re going next Lyo.

Wha- Lyo started.

No complaints. I cut him off. Let’s see…I’m fifteen and I specialize in Light and Void magic. I’ve got no clue what my childhood was like. Anything before I was ten is a blank. Our teacher, Lana, is the one that found me, and we’ve been together ever since.

That part was a bit of a lie. It wasn’t long after we got here before she started going on missions. The way she buried herself in her work, it was almost like she was trying her best to avoid me as much as possible. Which made her switching jobs that much more confusing. Maybe I was just overthinking it.

So, you don’t remember anything else? That sucks. Lyo said.

I sighed. Well, I do have one memory; the death of my parents.

Aw man, I’m sor-

Don’t sweat it, I said.

The silence in the room was almost deafening. I recognized the look on everyone’s faces, I was used to Lana looking at me like that.

Alright cut that out, I don’t want a pity party, I said. C’mon Lyo, it’s your turn.

Lyo sighed and forced a half-grin. Let’s see, I’m fifteen too and I can use fire magic. My family, the Coruscare’s, were a clan of human, dragon hybrids. I’m the last one left.

I remember hearing about that, Talion said quietly. The Coruscare massacre.

Lyo nodded. It’s not a day I like to remember. Not that I have much choice.

I knew exactly what he meant.

Lyo leaned back on his bed and closed his eyes. I don’t know who he is or why he did it. All I know is one day I’m gonna find the bastard that took my family from me and pay him back tenfold.

So he wanted revenge. I couldn’t blame him. If I knew where to look for those shadows I always dream about, I would’ve left home a long time ago.

I stood up and walked over to Lyo. I placed a hand on his shoulder and he opened his eyes to stare back at me.

Sounds interesting.

Huh?

I kinda wanna meet this guy for myself, I added.

Listen I- Lyo started.

No, you listen. You’re pretty strong, but if he wiped out an entire clan of people like you, you don’t have a chance by yourself. So I don’t mind helping you out someday, I grinned. If I’ve got nothing better to do.

Lyo laughed. Did I hit you in the head too many times?

Oo, oo, I wanna help too! Mika shouted enthusiastically.

As touching as this is, Talion interjected. We should cut this short if we don’t want to be late.

Oh, hell no. You thought we forgot about you huh? I asked.

Talion sighed. Do I really have to?

After you basically forced me? I asked. Yea, you do.

Talion crossed his arms. Well, I’m in line to be the next head of the Vetala family. My family’s manor is a little over an hour away from here, so I’m staying in one of our houses here in the city.

So, your family’s rich? I asked.

The Vetala’s are a family of nobles, Lyo added. Supposed to be some of the best wind-users in the country.

What’s someone like you doing here? Couldn’t your parents just hire some tutors or something? I explained.

They want me to get some real-world experience before I take over. My father went to Helix himself, which is probably why he was so intent on me going here. Talion said.

You don’t sound very happy about it, I observed.

I’m not upset or anything, it’s just…I feel as if my parents still see me as a child. As the future head of the family shouldn’t it be up to me where I go or what I do? He replied.

I feel ya man, Lyo said. I don’t think I could take it if someone told me how to live my life.

Talion shook his head. That’s not all. They’ve even told me my fiancée has already been picked out for me.

Seriously? Do you know who it is? I asked.

Talion hesitated for a second. …No, they’re waiting until I graduate to tell me.

That pause sounded suspicious, but with him actually being willing to talk, I didn’t want to call him out on it.

That sounds rough. Does that mean you can’t even have a girlfriend? I asked.

My parents never mentioned it, but regardless, I’m here to learn. I don’t have time for distractions. He answered.

Hey Talion, I’m with ya man, but to be fair, if the girl they want you to marry is hot is it really all that bad? Lyo asked.

Talion’s face reddened. "Yes, it’s that bad! Sorry, I just want to…you know, love the woman I’m gonna