Luke took a breath, and stared into the vast, blue ocean.
Almost immediately after the graduation ceremony ended, he met up with Feron, who ended up leaving because he said he had a meeting. Excusing himself, Luke exited Gale Stadium, and found his way to one of his favorite spots during his time at Pangea Academy - a cliff.
While the ocean crashed and fizzed against the rocks, the spot above sported a small growth of trees situated near the edge of this particular cliff, where it offered ample amounts of shade. The freshly cut grass was soft to the touch, as if the dirt underneath was begging for people to relax while they visited. However, since his fellow graduates were speaking with their loved ones, the cliff was solely his to enjoy. Luke typically found peaceful places like this among the bustle of his classes, and came to enjoy the calmness it offered.
Luke was able to get through the ceremony, and later, Pangea would give those who desired a normal life, a lift back to the mainland.
His mind was still set on starting a business from the ground up, but the idea of joining Pangea Group, like his parents, kept crawling its way back from the back of his head. What if, instead of starting a business, he, instead, decided to follow them? Luke couldn't help but get slightly annoyed thinking about his parents, and how they missed his graduation. Shaking his head, he put those thoughts behind him, and looked out amongst the ocean once again. He was so focused on himself that he didn't hear someone walking up behind him.
"Excuse me," a cheerful voice called to Luke, snapping him out of it. "You're Luke Pruever, right?"
Luke sighed.
"Yes, and you are," he asked, turning his head. Once he saw who it was, he immediately bowed his head. "I'm sorry, sir! I didn't know it was you."
The cheerful sir chuckled and said, "You're too polite. Just call me Director, or even Yusei is fine." He gently straightened Luke. "I have a proposal for you. Come with me."
"But si-err, Director Yusei, where are we going?"
"Someplace else to talk a bit."
Director Yusei said no more as he started walking away from the cliff. Sighing, Luke soon followed after him. They left the Pangea Academy grounds, and walked down a path surrounded by trees. Within the small forest path, Luke heard chirping animals.
Directing his gaze upward, he saw several birds fly above the trees, and an owl's hoot, but aside from the occasional squirrel, he didn't see any other animals.
[Peaceful.] Luke thought to himself.
After walking a while more, Luke and Yusei exited the tree path, arriving at a modern building. The air had a slight breeze, sending pink leaves fluttering through the wind.
"Welcome to the Pangea Academy Administration building," Yusei told Luke as the recent graduate's eyes widened in disbelief.
The building was massive! On the outside, the modern multi-level building sported a couple wings that had a generous amount of windows. The administration building's campus was lined neatly with trees, except these ones, Luke deduced, were Cherry Blossoms.
Going through the doors, they entered a massive lobby that seemed like it took up the complete ground floor. Director Yusei continued walking, which prompted Luke to do the same. So much so that he didn't have time to take in the sights. Luke was taken down a winding passage of white hallways. After pressing his badge to the scanner, they were both greeted by a feminine computerized voice. The door slid open, and Yusei walked through, beckoning for Luke to do the same. Sitting at one of the desks was Luke's best friend.
"Yo Luke," his friend called out. He was examining a dragon's scale.
"Feron? What're you doing here," Luke asked, removing his cap, and unzipping his gown.
"I got asked to come here as well. Director Yusei told me he had a proposition during the ceremony, and told me to hang back. Now, I'm here to hear him out."
"Same here," Luke responded. "Well, we're here now. As much as it's an honor to be asked by the Headmaster of the academy to follow him, I'm interested in hearing your proposal. However, I'm at a loss why you'd come get me right after our graduation."
While Luke was talking, Director Yusei was at the water cooler filling up a couple glasses of water.
"So tell me, why did you ask me," Luke glanced at his friend, "or rather - us - here?"
The Director took several paces to where Feron and Luke were gathered. He offered them some water, both of whom accepted. After handing off the cups, he took a seat at his desk. Luke took a seat at one of the desks.
"Well," the Director started. "On top of my duties as Headmaster of the academy, I'm also Director of the Escort, Recovery and Operations Division, as well as the head researcher of Dragon research. I'd like you two to become subjects in my latest experiment."
Upon hearing Director Yusei state his secondary title, and proposal, Feron's eyes lit up. He lowered his gaze, to calm his racing thoughts.
"You want us to become guinea pigs for your experiment," Feron piped up. "Since you claim to be the head of Dragon research around here, I'm thinking you want to us to help you out with your research, and possibly take over some of their powers. Is that it?"
Yusei sat up straight.
"You were always a bright one, Feron," Yusei said after a sip from his cup. "But if you've thought that far ahead, that makes this easy. Yes - I want you two to inherit dragon powers from the scales that've been unearthed."
Yusei glanced at Feron.
"Your U-Gene has the 4th highest compatibility in the grade when it comes to Dragons. Luke, you have the second highest compatibility."
Luke's eyes raised at the news. He hadn't realized his U-Gene was so high.
"So," Luke said after a moment of silence. "What would we have to do to inherit these powers?"
Yusei leaned back.
"I would like to run pre-operation tests. After the procedure, there will be a battery of post-operation tests, just to see the improvements that happened from the inheritance. I am sure you two can become what we call internally: Dragon Hosts. Your physical appearance wouldn't change much, but you'd gain the power of a dragon. I must mention that this process is still brand new, so there may be some unexplained side effects."
He stood up.
"It is my personal recommendation as the Director and Headmaster that you two accept the invitation, and become agents of Pangea. Since you two graduated in the top ten of the class, Feron at third, and you, Luke at fifth, respectively, the choices lay with you two. I would like you two to gain the power of a dragon."
....
Luke was outside, walking back to his dorm hall. The sun had dipped behind the mountains. He wasn't sure what to do. He didn't accept the invitation, but rather opted to think on it. Feron accepted almost immediately.
[Luke, remember our conversation? My heart is set on servicing Pangea, so this the perfect way to go! Besides, power is power!] That's what Feron said. [Work for Pangea?]
It was a good way to live.
He had heard Pangea workers were paid handsomely, but he wasn't sure if it was right for him. His parents worked for Pangea, sure, but he didn't know what they did, and he hadn't seen them for quite some time. They were always extremely busy with work.
Luke was so deep in thought, he didn't realize he was walking beside someone.
"Hey Luke," the calming feminine voice said. The girl of Luke's dreams was right in front of him, and he didn't even notice her!
"O-oh, uh…hey, Niko," Luke managed to stammer off like a complete idiot. He was able to hold his demeanor earlier because they were surrounded by people. Now, alone, Luke was caught off-guard.
Niko chuckled.
"Where did you and Feron go after graduation," she asked, as they continued walking aimlessly.
"Feron mentioned being sent to an office, and I saw you walk away with Director Dogon."
Luke hadn't realized she - or anyone for that matter - was watching him as he was lost in his thoughts earlier. He made a mental note to keep his guard up in the future.
"Was it important," she questioned. After some moments of silence, Luke answered.
"He had a question for me, and I answered to the best of my ability."
"What was it," she asked, leaning in while becoming more curious.
[So close!] Luke thought to himself as her green eyes locked with his light brown ones. He decided to quickly turn the tables on her before she became more nosey.
"What are you doing up this late," he teased. "I'd imagine the valedictorian of the academy would be studying, or sleeping by now."
Niko blushed at his remark.
"There's no school for us anymore, so I don't need to study. As for why I'm awake…I like to walk around at night like this. It's really calming. How the halls are quiet, and the sounds the bugs make…it's soothing. I really enjoy nature at night."
After saying that, the clouds dispersed, allowing the moon to shine brightly. It illuminated Niko's straight brown hair, which was a little longer than shoulder length. However this time, the slight green tint of her hair was more pronounced. She was wearing a simple outfit: black leggings, which accentuated her leg's definition. Her tan shirt was fitted loosely around the chest, allowing breathability, but tightened around her slim arms. Completing her outfit was a long burgundy jacket with a pair of athletic shoes.
[She is so beautiful!] Luke thought to himself.
So beautiful, in fact, that Luke had to look away, hiding the fact that he was now blushing. Niko looked in his direction, slightly confused. It was as if she didn't know her own beauty. Luke realized this was the perfect moment to excuse himself.
"Well," he started, still hiding his face. "I better get going, so that I can make sure not to miss the transport back to the mainland."
"You're leaving," she asked, with a slight disappointment in her voice. He felt his embarrassment disappear, so he turned toward her.
"Yeah. I've decided to go into the civilian sector. There's some things I want to accomplish, and Pangea Group may get in the way of that."
"Oh…I see."
"Have you decided what you're going to do yet?"
"Yes. I'll be going to Escort, Recovery and Operations. There isn't much for me out there anymore."
Luke wondered what she meant. However, he didn't pry about her personal life. Instead he said…
"You'll do great, Niko."
"You think so?"
"Absolutely! You've worked so hard to hold the top spot in the academy these previous years. Nobody can beat you, and I am glad to say that I know you."
"Wow," Niko said, taking a step back. "Our classmates were usually the ones complementing me, however, I didn't expect a glowing endorsement from you."
"Ouch. My heart," Luke commented, clutching at his chest. "If I didn't know better, I'd say you're teasing me."
"What ever could you mean," Niko responded, feigning a shocked expression. "I'm just a valedictorian, who doesn't know the meaning of teasing. But if I were, don't tell me your heart can't take it!"
Luke smirked and let out a small laugh.
"Even if my heart couldn't take it, you'd never be able to take me out with your teasing."
Niko shrugged.
"I guess we'll have to wait and see," she said, with an innocent smirk that caused Luke to chuckle in response.
"Thank you, Niko," Luke told her.
"What for," she asked.
"For letting this last moment of my time here be so carefree," he answered. "I certainly wasn't expecting I'd run into you as my last moment here. However, I'd better get going."
Luke turned and started to walk away. He was stopped, however, by a small tug on the lower back of his graduation gown. When he turned around, he saw his gown crumpled in-between Niko's fingers. Luke was honestly confused in that moment about why she stopped him. However, he held his tongue, while they stood in silence. Her eyes were obstructed by her bangs, so Luke couldn't see where her gaze was. Her mouth was slightly open as if she wanted to say something and her face was flushed.
"The transport doesn't leave for a few more hours," she told him after a short moment. "Would you like to go to a different spot together?"
Luke wasn't sure how to respond.
…
The two were walking along a path illuminated by the moonlight. Luke had agreed to go with her. Eventually, they stopped by a lake.
"No way," Luke said, surveying the surroundings. "You brought me here?"
"Yes," Niko responded. "Surely you remember the name?"
"How could I forget Oracle Lake? This is where we first met."
"You mean the first time I watched one of your Ninnuam duels. You were making a name for yourself, and challenged one of the Top Ten for his rank, so, in accordance with the rules, and as the first ranked student of the academy, I had to show up to make it official."
"Right," Luke said, while lake water peacefully sloshed about. "I forget about those details sometimes."
"It was a hard fought battle, but in the end, you won, and became a member of the Top Ten. I noticed the fire your eyes possessed that day. How you wouldn't give up, and then defeated him with a surprise technique you claimed you never used before."
Luke could only smile as she brought up his past.
"I realized in that moment that I couldn't give up," he said with a sigh. Niko slightly turned her head toward him as he continued.
"If I did give up after challenging him, I feared I'd be letting myself down. All seemed lost at one point, but that's when I knew I couldn't give up. By pushing myself to the absolute limit, I pushed past my mental barriers that allowed me to continue moving forward."
"That's why I think you'll do great on the mainland, Luke," Niko said, fully turning toward him. "You're one of the greatest people I've ever met. I love the fact that I watched your duel, and got to know you."
Suddenly, the air picked up, and the peaceful water started crashing against the shore. Niko turned her attention from Luke toward the environment surrounding them. Closing her eyes, she inhaled the lake air. As her chest lifted, Luke's eyes slightly widened with his mouth opening.
He thought he could see a faint silhouette of outstretched wings on her back. Perhaps, it was just her hair waving back and forth? He couldn't be sure, however he knew that he was at a loss for words. He could only stare at her. As the wind died down, Niko started exhaling. After she was done, she took a few steps forward off the path, and toward the lake.
Opening her eyes, she turned her body toward Luke. She clasped her hands behind her back. Her eyes were filled with happiness.
"I love the nature at night," she calmly told him with a smile, as the sounds of animals picked up once more.
Luke was absolutely speechless after everything that just transpired.
THUMP, THUMP.
THUMP, THUMP.
Luke felt his heart threatening to burst out of his chest. It was in knots, in a way he had seldom experienced. He felt absolute joy. Luke felt like being with Niko was 'just right'.
"Let's go out on a date, when you come to the mainland," he boldly blurted out.
Niko's smile was replaced with a shocked look. Not a displeasured one, but a look of awe and wonder. She was truly caught off-guard by Luke's statement, and Niko wasn't one who was easily caught off-guard.
As she opened her mouth to give him her answer, an alarm situated on a post above the lake started blaring loudly. Their moment snapped, Luke and Niko glanced in the direction of the academy, and started running away from the peaceful lake.