The Disaster Born's

Chapter Nine - Ash

I stand in the crowd that has now formed, feeling the buzz of anticipation in the air. The room is dimly lit, with chandeliers casting a warm, golden glow over the sea of faces. Leon, ever the life of the party, takes another glass off the tray and downs it in one swift motion. I can't help but laugh at his antics. He offers me a glass, but I shake my hands at him, declining the offer.

"Boring," he says, laughing heartily, his cheeks already flushed from the alcohol.

I frown at him, trying to keep a straight face. "Just want to be prepared for whatever this initiation ceremony consists of," I say, pursing my lips together in mock seriousness.

Before we can continue laughing at how drunk Leon is getting, the Over Lord appears at the top of the grand staircase. He is dressed impeccably in a black suit and tie, his signature slicked-back hair gleaming under the lights. His piercing cold blue eyes scan the crowd, silencing the murmurs with just a look.

He starts addressing the crowd, his voice commanding and authoritative. But before I can fully focus on his words, I feel a tug on my arm. Ruby, wearing a red dress cut low to showcase her cleavage, puts her arm through mine and holds me close to her. Her hair is straightened and held back with a red hairband.

I lean in carefully, whispering, "Ruby, what are you doing?"

She frowns at me, her voice a loud whisper, "What, not even a 'you look nice, Rubs?'" Her face is unimpressed.

I shrug my shoulders, feeling a bit frustrated. "What do you want me to say, Ruby?" I ask, trying to keep my voice down.

Before she can respond, the Over Lord's voice booms through the room, "Alysia." The name catches my attention, and I turn to see her. Alysia stands out in a green dress with a slit in the skirt that hugs her figure perfectly. Her hair is waved and styled, and she wears her signature red lipstick that I could never forget.

"Alysia," I murmur, my eyes fixed on her.

"Ash?" Ruby asks, trying to get my attention.

"Shush," I say, trying to observe everything happening. Ruby storms off, leaving me standing with Leon and Ember.

Alysia stands there with the Over Lord, her posture confident. "Alysia, Earth Born," she says, her voice steady and clear. The Over Lord nods, and she prepares to recite the vows that will mark her initiation as a Disaster Born.

"I, Alysia, Earth Born, solemnly vow to protect and serve as a Disaster Born. I pledge to train diligently and stand vigilant against the threat of Dusk Wraiths. With unwavering resolve, I promise to keep my team safe, to shield them from harm, and to uphold the honour of our bounds. Long live the Over Lord."

The Over Lord smiles, a rare expression on his usually stern face, and gestures for her to look inside a box he holds. He takes something from it and places it around her wrist, a symbol of her new status.

"Welcome, Alysia," he says, gesturing for her to leave the stairs and return to her place

The Over Lord continues to call the name of each person. Each time they return to the crowd, they proudly display their new accessory, a symbol of their initiation.

"Leon," the Over Lord calls. Leon's eyes meet mine briefly before he strides towards the stairs. I watch him ascend, step by step, until he stumbles on the last one. I try to stifle my laughter, but a small chuckle escapes.

"Leon, Fire Born," he announces confidently, thumping his fist to his chest as he addresses the crowd. We cheer loudly for him. Leon has always been proud to represent his bound, honoured to be a Fire Born. He stands tall and unwavering in his bright red suit with an orange tie, then repeats the vows after the Over Lord.

"I, Leon, Fire Born, solemnly vow to protect and serve as a Disaster Born. I pledge to train diligently and stand vigilant against the threat of Dusk Wraiths. With unwavering resolve, I promise to keep my team safe, to shield them from harm, and to uphold the honour of our bounds. Long live the Over Lord."

"Welcome, Leon," the Over Lord says, reaching into the box to present Leon with his initiation gift. Leon raises his hand in a rock-on sign, eliciting laughter and cheers from the crowd as he descends the steps. Pushing through the throng, he reaches me. "Check out the new bling, bro," he says, flashing his wrist. I see a Flame bracelet, its colours of red, orange, and yellow flickering like an actual flame.

I wait anxiously for my name to be called, each time it's a Water Born, Fire Born, Earth Born, or Star Born. My eyes keep drifting back to her in the crowd. Her piercing green eyes and perfect smile light up under the golden glow of the chandelier. Leon taps me, breaking my gaze. He points and laughs at a Star Born being called to their initiation. The Star Born has black hair, wears a black shirt and trousers, and his skin is as pale as snow. His posture is slumped as he drags his feet up the stairs. Leon's laughter is mocking.

The Star Born reaches the top of the stairs. "Talon, Star Born," he announces. Before the Over Lord can continue, I blurt out, "More like Dusk Wraith." The crowd erupts in laughter, but my eyes dart to her. Her smile has vanished, replaced by a frown of disgust.

"I WILL NOT TOLERATE DISRESPECT," the Over Lord's voice booms, echoing off the walls. "THIS IS YOUR ONE AND ONLY WARNING. ANY MORE DISRESPECT TOWARDS YOUR TEAM, AND YOU WILL BE SENT BACK HOME!" I gulp at his threat, feeling his eyes bore into me as if he were speaking directly to me.

I purse my lips together, feeling the tension rise within me. Leon, ever perceptive, senses my unease and leans in to whisper in my ear, "You could take him." A smile breaks through my anxious expression, and I roll my eyes at him. Leon always had that knack for lifting my spirits, no matter the situation.

"Ezra," the Over Lord calls out next. I watch as a tall, brunette figure makes his way through the crowd. He strides up the steps with confidence. "WOO GO EZRA!" a voice shouts from the crowd. I turn to see Alysia, her hands cupped around her mouth to amplify her cheers as she claps enthusiastically for him.

"Ezra, Earth Born," he declares, standing tall in his green shirt and black trousers. He begins to recite the vows, his voice steady and sure. My gaze, however, drifts back to her. She can't seem to take her eyes off him, clearly besotted. I roll my eyes and look away, feeling a pang of jealousy.

"Surely you're next, bro," Leon says, his eyes wide with hope. He can sense my growing anxiety. It feels like everyone else is being called but me. Ember reaches over, her long platinum blonde hair brushing my shoulder. "Best till last," she says whilst winking at me. Leon nods in agreement.

The anticipation is almost unbearable. Then, finally, I hear it.

"Ash," the Over Lord announces.

My heart skips a beat as I step forward, the crowd parting to let me through. I take a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. This is my moment.