Eversummer

Chapter 3: The skill show

The first ever skill show

When everyone was quiet, the mayor proceeded to talk in a loud, echoing voice.

"Good morning people of wintercrest! As you all know, this is the 8th day of sun we have experienced in succession. It has been our tradition to announce eversummers on 7ths but due to the arrival of the messenger from the capital, we have to move to today. So without further ado, I hereby declare the 12th of August of year twenty ninety three, the start of the 6th eversummer!"

Everyone cheered and shouts of joy and excitement filled the air. They were excited for the upcoming celebrations. Red and Claire too were amongst the excited crowd but they also could not forget the legend of eversummer. Is Summer back in wintercrest to visit and reminisce her memories? They wondered.

"But this is not the only announcement I have to make." Continued the mayor. "Listen well! The messenger from the capital has requested 3 young boys and/or girls from the village to travel to the capital and train to become heroes. The age requirement is for the young ones to be from 14 to 17 years of age."

The sudden news silenced everyone. Not a sound was made, this was the first time a request of this kind has been made from the capital. Heroes had always been chosen from those who went out of their way and achieved incredible deeds. But hearing for the first time that heroes are to be trained? It was truly shocking for the townspeople.

"With that said" The mayor continued, "since we have no experience of choosing individuals to be trained as heroes, we will assess every child from age 14 to 17 through their skills. Every hero has his own skill, and so we urge each qualified child to find his or her own special ability and showcase this talent 5 days from now in the town's first ever skill show. Every qualified child is required to compete! That is all!" With those words, music began playing and dancers in colorful outfits entered.

But the people were oblivious to the dancers and started talking about the announcement. The crowd had mixed emotions. Some were excited at the chance of becoming a hero, some were excited for their relatives, some were worried about sending little kids away and even some were angry about the age restriction. Red was one of the excited ones, this was the chance for him to become a town hero and so he thought deeply about what kind of showcase he was going to do. Claire turned pale, she didn't want to be far from her family so the thought of leaving the town scared her.

"What's the matter Claire? You look down, that's nothing like you." Asked Red who noticed Claire's change in color.

"I..I..I'm just scared of leaving the town. I don't want to leave, I've never left town before you know." Said Claire looking down at the ground.

"What? Why're you worrying about that? You haven't even showcased your talent yet!" replied Red

Before Claire could speak up, Nana Lean cut in.

"Claire is almost certainly going to be picked Red. The Solaria family where Claire is a member has always been a family of healers. Some say they were blessed by Summer herself. And even amongst the family, Claire is known to be the most capable. A training in the capital would greatly benefit this town."

Red was shocked. He never knew Claire was a healer. He only knew he came from a powerful family. But to be a healer more capable than the head of the Solaria family did not even enter his imagination.

"Wow a healer huh? That explains why I never get injured when I'm with you even with those crazy things we do. Don't worry Claire I'll come with you so you won't be lonely." Said Red reassuringly.

"Really? What skill are you going to show them? You're swordsmanship is not that great?" asked Claire with genuine curiousity.

"What did you say?! My skills are good enough you crybaby!" Red replied annoyed at the belittling of his skills.

Claire just let out a laugh and said.

"Alright then go practice some more, I need you to accompany me. I'll get back to my parents to talk with them then. Anyway, you better be chosen okay?"

"Sure thing! I'll show them my real skill and get chosen for sure!" Replied Red enthusiastically and with determination in his eyes.

Nana Lean was a bit surprised at what Red said. Not because she didn't believe that Red couldn't be chosen but because Red rarely acted this cheerfully, he was always self-contained and silent. Maybe he was really excited about the competition or maybe he really cared that much about Claire.

Whatever the reason was, Nana Lean understood Red's reaction. Red always wanted to become a hero ever since he was little and Claire, was his friend ever since he came to this town. Both are very important to Red and so it would only be reasonable for Red to be this determined.

When Claire was out of sight Red asked Nana Lean,

"Nana, what am I going to do? I can't show them my lousy sword skills. At this rate, Claire will be going off all alone and I won't become a hero!." Red's enthusiasm instantly disappeared.

"What happened to your energy Red? Don't doubt yourself, you are special, you just can't see it yet" Said Nana in calm voice.

"How are you so calm? I might be leaving town you know! Aren't you worried about me?"

"Of course not. I know you're a big boy now, I know of what you're capable of and besides, training in the city is good for you Red. You won't ever grow staying here."

"But, how are you so sure that I'll get chosen?"

"Just a feeling Red, and you know my senses for these kinds of things are always right."

"Okay then, I'll try my best." Red said with down and low tone.

But the truth was, Red still doubted his skills but couldn't bring to tell Nana Lean. As for Nana Lean, she knew that Red was still in doubt but respected Red's decision to stay silent and just looked at the stage below where, without the people even noticing, a presentation was going on.