Three Spheres

Chapter 90 - Identity

Deodoro's story is very simple, but his family tree is not. His father was born under the coat of arms of an ancient Flavi family, but his mother derives from generations of miscegenation: The maternal grandmother was born in Nigrum, but is the daughter of a Flavi woman and a Ruber man; the maternal grandfather was born in Albam, to an Albanian father and a Flavian mother, as well as several other more distant ethnic mixtures. Due to the large number of relatives, Deodoro doesn't even know all of them, especially those who live in the interior of Flavi. In addition to his parents, who are still alive, he has three siblings, there being only one girl, the youngest, still a teenager.

Deodoro was born in Bianjishi, on the border between Albam and Flavi, where he lived through all kinds of experiences and met peculiar people. His parents were notaries, so they took orders and sent letters to all corners of the world. This was one of the factors that led Deodoro to be a book devourer.

However, at age 9, Deodoro and his family moved to Storflot, as the older brother joined the Ecclesia Priesthood by the International Relations Unit as a Ranger; a source of great joy for the family.

In that same city, Emília was born as a boy, "Emílio", in a family composed solely of her parents and two older brothers, both men. Her mother is a householder and her father a craftsman. Both brothers followed in his footsteps.

For as long as Emília can remember, the family lived well and happily in the city, frequently visiting the capital to make their sales. "Emílio" loved traveling and spent a lot of time playing with the brothers, but... "He" always felt different: Uncomfortable, and strange. The other kids, always cruel, tried to offend him by calling him "girly"...

During a fair, however, "Emílio", 10 years old, met a little boy aged 9, a foreigner who had just arrived, but with a typicallly Albanian name. The mestizo Flavin asked for help in finding his parents, in a specific place in the city. Before his brothers could offer help, "Emílio" volunteered, saying he was old enough to cross the streets by himself!

The pair of children walked and walked and walked, until they finally found the meeting spot. The tortuous journey resulted in much laughter and fun. When they said goodbye, Deodoro said:

_ I hope to see you again, Emílio! Let's be friends!

_ Yeah! Sure! _ The redhead replied.

However, the promise could only be fulfilled more than a year later, when Deodoro was transferred to the same school as "Emílio", but a grade behind. The two quickly became close friends, loyal companions, faithful confidants.

The years passed, then, with dizzying speed.

With each gaze in the mirror, with each nasty comment, "Emílio" questioned himself. Deodoro encouraged him to experience the new, to dare his most radical dreams, to seek himself in all of his unique moments.

It was at age 14 that "Emílio" made the request, shy, uncomfortable, but liberating:

_ Deodoro... _ "He" paused _ What do you think of... I don't know... _ His pubescent voice wavered _ I mean... Do you think it'd be weird if, from now on, you... _ "He" hesitated _ ...you call me "Emília"?!

The dry throat burned. Deodoro opened his kind smile. His dark eyes, clouded with purple shades, glowed with pride for the brave girl who stood before him:

_Hey, don't worry. It isn't weird. I'll support you in whatever makes you happy, because I like you anyway... Emília.

After gathering some more courage, Emília explained to the family about her identity, who she is and who she would like to be. The initial hesitation was normal, and followed by satisfaction and support. "Glad you found yourself out, sis!" were the kind words of the older brother that she will never forget.