Aetherial Academy

Prologue

"Anak, naiintindihan mo ba kami?" the Queen asked her little daughter.

"Mommy am I bad person? I hurt people. I'm a bad person."

"Shh. You are not a bad person, sweet heart. When you grow up you will understand us. But for now, you need to stay here in palace for the meantime okay?" King explained. Naguguluhan man napatango na lamang ang bata.

"So I can't play anymore? How about my friends? my school?" nakangusong sabi ng bata. Nagtinginan ang mag asawa. "You'll understand soon sweetie." Queen said and kissed her forehead.

Nang makapasok na ang bata sa kanyang sariling room, doon lumabas ang Grandfather nito na kanina pa nakikinig sa usapan nilang tatlo. "Dad?"

"Leticia hindi pwedeng ikulong mo lang ang bata dito sa palasyo." napabuntong hininga naman ito. "Pero Dad ito po yung makakabuti para kay Seraphina sa ngayon, lalo na at hindi natin alam ngayon kung bakit ganon kalakas ang lumalabas na enerhiya sa'kanya gayong wala pa siya sa tamang edad."

"Mas mahihirapan siya paglaki niya alam niyo 'yon, dapat ngayon palang ay sinasanay niyo na siya makihalubilo sa mga tao. Malulungkot ang apo ko."

Habang lumilipas ang mga araw, napapansin ng Lolo ni Seraphina na nalulungkot nga ito. Nakaupo sila ngayon sa garden habang nagswiswing si Seraphina.

"Grandpa, why are you here?" inosenteng tanong ng bata. "Why apo? You don't want me here?" biro niya.

"No grandpa, but you said you are busy and what about Grandma? Who's with her?"

"Grandma is coming here too don't worry, apo." nakangiting sabi nito sa apo niya. "I'm sad.. Grandpa.."

Napukaw naman nito ang atensyon ng Lolo niya, alam niyang mararamdaman niya nga ito. "Why are you sad, Seraphina?"

"Because I miss my friends.. I miss his blue icy eyes." Seraphina pouted.

Bagama't ilang araw pa lang naman sila nagsasama ng mga kaibigan niya, naalala na agad niya ang itsura nito?

"Ikaw ha? Crush mo ba 'yan apo?" biro niya. Nanlaki ang mata ng bata at namula ang pisngi nito. "Grandpa! No kaya.."

Ngumisi ang Lolo niya. "Sus ikaw talaga, may crush ka na pala ha.. lagot ka sa Lola mo.." biro niya. Akmang tututol ang bata.

"Aba ano itong naririnig ko? May crush ka na Seraphina?" lalong nanlaki ang mata ng bata ng paglingon niya ay andoon na rin ang Grandma niya. "Grandma? Why are you here too?"

"Visiting you apo, baka naboboringan ka na dito eh.." napanguso ang bata. "Bakit malungkot ang apo ko? Anong gusto mo para hindi ka na malungkot?"

"I miss my friends.. I want to see them again." she requested. Nagtinginan ang mag asawa. "Sus friends nga ba? O yung crush mo?" biro ng Lolo niya.

"Grandpa! Stop it, I don't have a crush!" deny niya. Napatawa naman ang dalawa. Umupo ang Lola nito sa harap niya upang magkapantay sila.

"Apo, I will give your request in one condition." tumango ang bata. "I will give you 20 minutes to play with them but after that I will erase that memory to protect you and your friends.. Is that okay, Apo?" tumangong nakangiti ang bata. Masaya itong nagtatakbo papaloob ng palasyo upang magbihis.

"Only this time. Last time."

*

In the shimmering light of early morning, the grand palace's courtyard buzzed with activity as Seraphina prepared to leave for the academy. The air was crisp with the promise of autumn, and a soft layer of frost glistened across the cobblestones. Seraphina stood at the palace gates, her cloak billowing around her, her presence a striking contrast against the sparkling frost.
Her grandfather, standing beside her, observed with a mixture of pride and sadness. "You've come a long way, Seraphina," he said, his voice filled with warmth. "Your control over your powers is remarkable. I am confident you are ready for this new chapter."

Seraphina smiled, her eyes reflecting the brilliance of her icy abilities. With a practiced gesture, she raised her hand and conjured a swirling flurry of snowflakes that danced gracefully around her, their delicate patterns shimmering in the morning light. The display was both elegant and powerful, a testament to her skill and control.

"Thank you, Grandpa." she said, her voice steady with determination. "Thank you for teaching me how to have courage in everything. The academy will be a new beginning for me, and I'm eager to see what I can accomplish there."

Her grandfather placed a hand on her shoulder, his gaze tender but resolute. "You have the strength and the wisdom to succeed, Seraphina. Remember that your powers are a part of who you are. Use them wisely, and always stay true to yourself. The academy will be a place of learning and growth, but also of discovery."

Seraphina nodded, her resolve firm. With a wave of her hand, she created an icy pathway that shimmered and sparkled, leading from the palace gates to the carriage waiting to take her to the academy. The pathway was a final flourish, a sign of her mastery and a symbol of her readiness to step into her new journey.

As she climbed into the carriage, her grandfather watched her with a mixture of pride and nostalgia. "Go with courage, Seraphina," he called out. "Embrace the journey ahead and remember the lessons you've learned here."

"Goodluck on your new journey, Anak. We will visit you soon!" Queen said. "Take care, Princess. I love you!" King said. As their last farewell they hugged each other.

The carriage doors closed, and Seraphina took one last look at the palace. The ice pathway slowly melted away, leaving only the memory of her skill and the promise of her future. With a deep breath and a sense of anticipation, she settled into her seat, ready to embark on her journey to the academy, confident in her abilities and eager to explore the new horizons that awaited her.