Gift

Chapter 1: Dreams and Encounters

-- Chapter 1 is very long, this is the only chapter that will be this long, every chapter after this will be average chapter length, maybe even shorter--

Centuries ago, the first Gift appeared; Physical items that give the wielder supernatural powers. These Gifts are given on the person's 18th birthday. Because of the importance of Gifts, the 18th birthday became the most important event of someone's life. Most people will travel great distances to be there for this day in their friends' or family members' lives. And because it is such a special occasion, it seems like the entire world comes together and celebrates like no other time.

The celebration began with the first Gift appearing centuries ago when hundreds gathered at the home of the person who had received the gift. It is a tremendous honor to host the event and all those attending bring food, drink, music, games, and anything else they could think of that would make the day memorable. Even with all this excitement surrounding getting your Gift, my family's line of Gifts has never been what you would call exciting. At least it was until I received mine.

✴✴✴

Ding... Dong... Dong... Ding

The sound of the last school bell rang loud throughout the academy. I looked up from my desk and watched as students rushed out of the classrooms to escape the last day filled with tedious tests. As I rose from my seat and slipped past the other students, I made sure not to let anyone see me. I rushed towards the classrooms where my friends were, and just before entering the door, I paused.

"Are you really going to do this?"

I turned to see Anya standing behind me, smiling. She wore her usual white blouse and black skirt, but now she also wore her dark glasses.

"Yup!" I said cheerfully. "It's finally here."

Anya smiled back. "So excited," she said. "But you know it's not right, don't you?"

"What? We will not be here anymore. This is our final signature to our high school."

Anya shrugged and let out a little sigh, "If you say so."

We opened the door to the classroom. There sat the other two members of our friend's group; Richt and Mordred. The three of us had been inseparable since we started our freshman year. I couldn't imagine being separated from any of them for even one day.

Richt was a short guy, maybe five-seven, with sandy blonde hair and blue eyes.

Mordred was on the taller side, almost 6-2, with curly black hair that went down to just below his shoulders. He was a handsome young man with piercing gray eyes.

Mordred, seeing Anya and I enter the room, let out an enormous smile, "Anya and Ajal, the two people I wanted to see the most." he got up from his seat and walked over to us. He leaned forward enough for us to be the only ones able to hear him talk.

"You ready?" He asked in anticipation.

"Absolutely." I responded, "Let's get operation 'greatest goodbye prank of Little Rock high school ever' underway."

"We really should work on that name," Richt said, who had finally made his way over to us, "It's too long and is not catchy at all, plus, it doesn't specify what it is we are doing."

"Well, how about the greatest farewell prank of the century?" Mordred suggested.

"No, it's too long. How about the greatest goodbye prank of our lifetime?" I offered.

"Okay, okay. No more names. But seriously, let's recap the plan." Mordred said.

"Remember, the goal is to make today an unforgettable experience," I began, "And if it ends up being one of the best days of our lives, well then, that's even better. So, we begin on the rooftop..."