Zera Sekar: The Legend of the White Flame (a marvel story)

Chapter 2: The Column

~10 years later~

The air was cool and the wind howled through the school garden as my eyes remained closed. I could stay like this forever, still and calm. That calmness quickly shattered as I heard my captains voice. After that fateful night many years ago when I was a child, I started my training and Captain Killian Isarey became my teacher, mentor, advisor or whatever you call the man who has been bossing me around for the last ten years. I like him, he's calm and steady, but man o man can he get in my nerves. I'm all about rolling with the punches and he's all about the plan. At twenty years old he became one of the youngest captains to enter the council. Even though he does not have powers, his skills have surpassed expectations. Now, at thirty years of age, he is still one of the highest ranking officers that Caelum Academy has to offer. His "baby" brother Cassian would soon become my best friend. Some might say that lines could get blurred because of my relationship with his brother, but not with Captain Isarey. He never minded scolding me or Cassian, especially not Cassian. He made us work harder every day, never letting us forget that we were equally to everyone else.

"Alright class, this morning meditation has come to an end, but it doesn't mean that it ends here... and yes Zera, before you ask... I'll explain."
Captain Isarey knew me very well, and I hated it. "Every morning we meditate and as I've said before, this exercise is to train your minds to remain calm, and most importantly... secure at all time. After today you will all need this lesson more than ever. Here in this class we have twenty students and ten decided to become sky-warriors. The training you have received has led to this moment and after your final test tomorrow, everything will change. You will all become soldiers, prominent figures of society. Keepers of peace and order bringing safety to our home. I have taught you all everything you need in order to survive and thrive as Aray's new generation army. I expect perfection, discipline, and most importantly heart out of all of you. As I said before, this lesson of stillness and calmness will help. Many of you will see and experience things that will need these skills in order to come out of the other side. You have all chosen well and I know you will honor Aray. Let this be my final lesson... your mind is your greatest ally, but it will also be your greatest enemy. Breathe and close your eyes in times of pain and remember... you are sky-warriors now. No matter what happens, it will be an honor to have served this great nation. It was a pleasure to teach you all these years. May the heavens guide you into safety. You are dismissed."

"I don't think I have ever heard such a touching speech come out of caps mouth", said my friend Mina with a playful grin as we all headed out of the garden and into the hallway of our dorm rooms.

"I know right!? Cassian, is your brother by any chance gaining a heart?"

"Haha, very funny Damian... but I guess he has become softer, we were his first ever class, you all know we are his favorites... I guess he's emotional."

Cassian always talked nicely about his brother. Even if he was pissed off with him, he would never stay angry. There was something about their relationship; it was special. Killian had to raise Cassian all on his own ever since their parents died when Killian was eighteen and Cassian was three years of age. Killian was stern, serious, and protective, but he always had Cassian's best interest. Casaian always says that he remembers the idea of the pain, while his brother lived it. I guess Cass wants to make things easier. A matter of fact, I have had more conflict with Killian than Cassian has had his whole life, but Cass is peaceful, he's sunshine, he's understanding. I on the other hand am the opposite, which is why me and Cass work so well.