Maeisha tugged on her new clothes as she looked herself in the mirror and studied herself.
Her black hair was neatly combed back and tied in a plait. Her skin which had turned whiter after being home was smooth and her hazel black eyes were flecked with green in a trait she had inherited from her grandmother.
Her grandmother's elf ancestry only made her look more ethereal.
Scanning quickly over the uniform she wore she grabbed the acceptance letter to the school and checked wether she was wearing the right one as she had gotten a large variety of them.
Today was her first day of Battle School.
For the next ten years she will be under the command of General Sol Griffin, the Battle School Master.
She checked the trunk one last time before sealing it and ran her fingers over her name that was embossed on the metal plate on top. She was one step forward in her goal of growing stronger.
"Baby!" Her mothers said in unison as they walked in followed by her father.
"I am ready." She told her parents.
Both mamas walked forward and brushed their hand against her uniform and brushed off the non-existent lint off her.
Mama Brianna said tearfully, "You are just like your father in your uniform, so handsome."
Papa Owen preened proudly when he heard his wife praise him.
Maei grinned. She knew her mothers didn't want him to go to battle school, they wanted to keep their girl close but her father stood with her and said to respect her decision. The school would prepare her for her life in ways they never could.
"Come we better get you to school." Papa Owen said and carried her trunk from her to the main hall where everyone was waiting to say goodbye to her. He would also rather have his baby girl go to the normal academy and stay with them, but they had promised her that they would support her decision.
Her grandparents had stayed in the main house rather than the house prepared for them by The Empire just so they could spend more time with their darling before she went off to school.
She went forward, hugged everyone and said silent goodbyes.
Her grandfather stopped her for a moment and said emotionally, "Take care of yourself my darling. If you need anything just give me a call. Remember the battle master is firm but fair, as long as you do your best you will be fine." He stroked his hand on her head and said reassuringly.
Her grandmother also took her into her arms, "Sadly we can't tell you what awaits you there. The school has changed a lot since we were students. But remember what is the purpose of the Battle School?"
"To learn to work as team, obey orders and learn my own weaknesses and strengths." Maei said as all of them had stressed this point many times. She knew it word by word now.
"Thats right. remember to give grandma calls every week and take of yourself."
"Yes grandma. Don't worry. You all are behaving as if you won't see me for years. I will be back in 4 months." She said mischievously.
"Little Imp" She knew she was only saying that so that they could say goodbye to her happily.
"Come Baby. Its getting late." Her father said form the car.
Maeisha looked at everyone one last time, smiled and then turned around to leave.
Papa Owen personally drove her to the school. The school was outside the capital and took them 2 hours to arrive.
The battle school was its own gated community and was spread over a large area, which kept parents from coming and disturbing the students.
The students communication pads were not allowed in the school. There were open days and communication terminals but other than that, the students were basically in a boarding school.
"As a first year we won't be able to come meet you or contact you for the first 3 months." Papa Owen said as he walked Maei to the front gate.
"I know." she said as they came to the checkpoint and said goodbye to her father.
Papa Owen hugged her tightly. A little reluctant to let her go even though he said he will respect her wishes.
"Give us a call the minute you can. Remember to obey your instructors and treat everyone politely. More importantly take care of yourself baby girl. If you don't feel like going to battle school, call me and I will come pick you up immediately." Papa Owen stressed and then left before she could say anything, Otherwise he wouldn't be able to leave.
Though he looked back one more time and waved before leaving. Maei helplessly shook her head before turning to face the gate.
For the next 3 months she was on her own.
Above the checkpoint were the words 'Welcome to the future of The Empire at Dageraad Battle School.'
Looking at the banner Maei nodded. From today onwards she was going to prepare for her future.....