Ashes Of The Throne | Part I

Chapter 81 | What We Become | "Suffering Produces Endurance"

After the initial surprise of Richie's sudden entry into his office, Cid took a deep breath and attempted to comprehend the unfolding events. Before he could fully grasp the situation, Jesse was quickly following Richie, and everything turned into a blur.

Within an hour, Jesse, Mya, and Jasmine arrived in his office, both Jasmine and Mya showing clear signs of wear, with minor injuries and bloodied from the recent conflict.

As the girls sat listlessly on Cid's couch, Jesse recounted how Richie had used the crystals to save both Mya and Jasmine. She explained that the boys had fled after the monsters were eliminated. Cid nodded in agreement with Jesse, acknowledging that Richie's actions and their consequences would need to be addressed separately.

Realizing the sensitive nature of the situation between Richie and Mya, Cid decided to leave the matter to his Commander. Jesse continued to describe the battle's details, and as another hour ticked by, she made arrangements for the retrieval of the fallen, the room enveloped in a somber silence, with everyone uncertain about their next move.

"Cid?" Jesse nudged him, trying to prompt him to speak.

The headmaster's anxiety was evident as he clicked his tongue against the roof of his mouth and repeatedly scanned the lines on his computer screen. He was in the process of evaluating the cadets who had passed the war games exam. Yet, his thoughts were preoccupied with the numerous injuries and fatalities that had occurred due to recent events. The fact that the two survivors had powers that were beyond control only intensified his concerns.

Jesse's voice pierced through his reverie once more. "Cid, I believe it would be wise to wait for Matthew to arrive and shed light on the situation. Meanwhile, perhaps you could offer some words to Jaz and Mya?"

Jesse could see that Cid was in a state of shock, grappling with the reality of the situation. Despite it feeling like a distant memory, Jesse vividly recalled the overwhelming emotions Mya and Jasmine would be experiencing with their newfound powers, as it marked the moment they realized their lives were going to change dramatically.

Jesse also recalled the steadfast support they had received from Cid when they were children. Ironically, she thought to herself as the room stayed silent, the only reason Cid had discovered their powers was because Matthew had lost control of his as a child.

Matthew had always been one to test his boundaries during his time at the orphanage, which would eventually evolve into Allegiant. In those days, it was a dilapidated makeshift center for orphans, nothing like the refined establishment it had become.

Jesse's memory of the incident was clear. It started as a typical fight between Matthew and another kid, nothing unusual. However, the situation escalated quickly. Toni and Richie tried to intervene, but Matthew's anger overpowered him, and he unleashed his power, destroying the entire east wing of the orphanage.

Cid had arrived to witness the aftermath, his world shaken by the realization of what had transpired. Tragically, the other kid died a few years later after running away from another orphanage, and their secret was once again confined to their small group.

Jesse watched with interest as their headmaster looked at Mya and Jasmine, his gaze reminiscent of the way he had looked at them in their childhood. However, this time there was a noticeable shift in his demeanor, with his breathing labored and the nervous clicking of his tongue against the roof of his mouth.

"Right, it was not who we were expecting to control the crystals," Cid finally spoke after a prolonged silence, snapping Jesse back to the present.

"I had this speech," he said with a hint of humor, observing the weary expressions on Jasmine and Mya's faces. "And I thought I would start with this profound quote when we decided who to give these powers to."

Jasmine tilted her head curiously as Cid exhaled and readjusted himself, looking almost composed before he spoke again.

"Suffering leads to endurance, which builds character and ultimately produces hope. This is the hope that will guide us through this war."

"The crystals?" Mya questioned, her voice tinged with skepticism. "Do these crystals really provide hope?"

Cid nodded in affirmation. "Crystal keepers are crucial figures in our worlds. They embody hope and serve as a barrier against evil forces. We have played this role for a long time. As we enter into war, it was time we sought out others who could wield these powers, which are the two of you," he said with an awkward chuckle, "that was my speech."

"It's... profound," Jasmine offered a small smile, not wanting to disrupt the flow of the conversation. "So, I gather you were apprehensive about who would wield these powers," Jasmine directed her question towards Jesse.

"Yes," Jesse confirmed, "given the immense power of these crystals, we were hesitant about entrusting them to individuals we don't fully know."

Mya then turned to Jesse, the question at the edge of her tongue, "So, Matthew, Toni, and Richie, they're all keepers?"

Jesse nodded softly and confirmed, "Yes, they are. They've been keepers since the night of the war."

"Right," Mya said, repeating the word as if to convince herself, knowing that she had crucial questions that only Richie could answer. Questions that could provide her with the closure she so desperately sought about their past.

"It makes sense," Jasmine said, settling deeper into her chair as she pondered the revelation, "the four of you being keepers... it all fits together," she concluded, shaking her head in realization.

As a keeper, Mya felt a renewed sense of purpose and hope, realizing she had the power to fight against the evil in her world. Cid's words had resonated with her; this was the hope she needed for her own salvation and redemption against those who inflicted harm, against the threats from the eastern border, and against anything that threatened those she loved. She saw this as an opportunity to protect her daughter by any means necessary.

"Take the night," Cid suggested. "I'm sure once Matthew returns from wherever he's gone with Toni and Richie, he'll guide you through our expectations, training, and so forth." He then turned his gaze to Jesse.

"That'll be tomorrow," Jesse said with a hint of sarcasm, then turned her attention to the girls. "Let's clean up and start anew in the morning. We'll also schedule appointments for you both to see Teddy. It'll help sort out your thoughts," she continued, watching Mya and Jasmine, who were still adjusting to their newfound responsibilities as crystal keepers. "Today has been quite the day for all of us."

For that was their life now, some day's their life was a grand adventure of chaos, other days it's an uncomfortable necessity before sleep.