•Ella
Early the next morning, I was already up at five, snuck down to the kitchen to get breakfast, so I could ignore my parents for the second day, and was ready to start my day. Although, I don't have anywhere to go to until it was 3pm.
I ended up spending the whole morning familiarizing myself with the Alpha-Entrance Test format.
It was divided into different sections: History, law, economics, maths, just general knowledge that anyone with the fundamental level of education should know.
Hmm, I wonder why people fail this?
There was also a practical section. Where we'd have to answer some real life scenario question. I'm guessing this might be the tough part.
Then the last section was just one question.
'Why do you want to attend Alpha-Centori?"
I repeat the question again in my head.
Why did I decide to go to ACA? Because I got expelled? Because of my parents? Because of my powerlessness? Was it a decision I made on a whim after arguing with my parents? Or am I just following the instinct that I would fit in there? Maybe this is just a small leap of faith for me.
But still, for some reason, the thought of attending the school makes me feel excited.
Once it was noon, I headed out and started making my way to the community library. I was simply tired of waiting at home till 3pm.
The library was only a few minutes away so it was walkable.
A royal coach usually arrives in front of our house every morning to take us wherever we wanted to go. My parents were usually transported by it, but unless we were attending an event, I never accepted the ride offer.
Not because I did not like royal treatment, I just felt it wasn't needed. I've never had to go very far from the neighborhood before, so I don't need a carriage taking me somewhere that was just five or ten minutes away.
"Ella?"
I pause and turn around when I hear that oddly familiar voice.
"You?" My eyes widens when I set eyes on the person that had just called my name.
It was Leon, and he was sitting on a bench across from me, which I immediately move towards.
"Hi," he flashes me a smile.
"Hi, didn't think I'd see you again so soon."
"Yeah, I remembered that I met a specific princess two days ago and I didn't get her autograph"
His words draw a small laughter out of me.
I look around and realize this was where we met the other day. I'd recognize that wall anywhere.
"I'm not a princess. I think I'd rank two or three positions below a princess." I finally take a seat next to him.
"Hey, but you're on the rank list."
I nod in agreement with a smile on my face.
"But you know princesses don't give out autographs. I don't even think they're allowed to have fan signings," I reply.
"That's a let down." His gaze is lowered, fixed on a very tiny metallic ball which he's subconsciously playing with in his hands.
"Well then, if I can't get your autograph, I'd have to go for a substitute."
Oh, I see where he's heading, and honestly, I don't think I mind.
"Why should I give you my autograph?" I question.
"A thank you gesture for saving your life." He points to the wall.
"Oh yes, I could have died," I say with mock gravity.
"Or worse," He counters, and we both burst into laughter.
"Okay, because I am grateful to you, I will accept your request. What do you want? An autograph? I'll give it to you," I grin.
"It was earlier established that you don't do autographs," he answers. "But, I have two things in mind. We could grab some beverages together…or You could give me your contact link, that's a good substitute for an autograph," He suggests.
"I'm going with option one. I don't have a communications ring yet. And Law says I can't purchase one myself until I turn 18," I sigh.
"Oh, how old are you then?" He asks.
"Sixteen, turning seventeen in two months," I answer.
"Oh, looks like you aren't getting a coms ring anytime soon. I actually just got one, since I just turned eighteen this year." He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small silver ring. "Here, place your thumb on it." He holds the ring in front of me.
When I place my thumb on the surface of the ring, I feel a spark, but not the painful kind. After I remove my thumb, a misty display appears: Ella kiyoni is now a contact.
Wow, magic smiths are really advancing. I've seen my parents with one of theses but haven't seen it being utilised before. It's impressive.
"Now, whenever you get one of these, I'll get notified, and I can contact you," he returns the ring back into his pocket.
I was able to get a glimpse of the time on his ring, and it was almost thirty minutes past 12.
Then it clicked in my head… today is Friday. We're both meant to be in school by now.
I know why I'm not, but why isn't he?
"Aren't you supposed to be in school?" I voice my thoughts.
"I could say the same about you," he retorts. "My class won top rank for this week, so we got a free day." He adds.
"That sounds fun." I almost forgot that Leon attends ACA. He could give me some guidance.
"Your turn," he meets my eyes.
I break eye contact and stare at the ground.
"I got expelled." I answer hesitantly, meeting his gaze.
His eyes widen for a split second before he looks away, still fidgeting with the tiny ball.
"Wow, that's shocking. Are they allowed to do that? Expel a whole princess?"
"Not a princess. But yes, I wasn't the only nobility there. We're all almost on the same level there, so if they want you out, you're out. Especially if there's a valid reason for it"
"Did you do something wrong?" He asks
"It's not what I did, it's what I can't do." I take a pause, which earns me a confused look from him. "I don't have magic, I'm just common. So I guess I didn't deserve to be there in the first place" I continue.
"You don't look common to me. Just because you don't have magic, doesn't make you any lesser than them. You're a princess, you belong anywhere you want to be." He asserted.
He's right, really right.
When did I start thinking like that? When did I start believing that the way they treated me and everyone that didn't have magic was justifiable?
"You're not wrong. For a moment there, I almost agreed with this kingdom's twisted mentality. That's how virulent the rules of society are. It always found a way to pull you in, no matter how far you try to pull away. And at some point you find yourself subconsciously succumbing to these rules until you realize you're starting to reason like everyone around you. In most cases, it was undeniably inevitable" I stated, more to myself than to him.
"You sure you're sixteen?" He raises an eyebrow.
"Princesses speak with class, no matter their age" I quip.
He smiles at my calling myself a princess, which I earlier denied.
"You know, I'm also magicless. But I'm a power wielder. Which means I can't cast spells, or make potions. But I have something unique." He reveals.
"That's incredible. Power weilders are extremely rare. I've never met one before." I beam. "What's your power?" My question leads to a smile forming on his face.
He stops playing with the tiny ball and hands it to me.
Once it touches my palm, my hand crashes to the bench under its impossible weight. I try lifting and pushing the ball away, but it doesn't budge. He finally picks it up from my hand, with no effort at all, and then I realize what his power is— Unnatural strength.
"This-" he holds up the ball between his thumb and index finger- " is a work in progress. This is one half of it. When placed inside a shooting iron, it becomes a weapon which can be used by guards, officers, royal enforcers and so on. I'm the only one who can lift it in it's raw form" He explains.
"Did you make it?" I ask, looking at the ball with an awestruck expression.
He nods, "And a few of my friends."
"That's awesome. Have you guys made anything else?" I ask
Then he goes on to tell me about a few of their inventions, then I told him about my decision to apply to ACA, and we just kept on chatting and chatting until I remembered-
"What's the time?" I abruptly ask.
"3:10," he answers.
"Oh shit" I jump up. "I have to go, bye"
"Let's meet tomorrow, same place and time." He calls out as I rush off.
….
"And here I thought you'd be the one waiting." Liv is already seated, a few books stacked on the table in front of her, and her arms are folded.
"I'm so sorry. I left earlier but met someone on the way and lost track of time." I take the seat in front of her.
"When's your curfew?" She asks
"5pm" That's an hour before my parents get back. Either that or I sneak through the window by 11pm. Anything to avoid seeing them.
"Okay, let's get started. We're already behind schedule."
We spend the next hour going over the study plan she drafted for me, and a few exam and application rules.
I now know I should be at least 18 years old before gaining admission, and you have the liberty of rewriting the test up to three times a year.
If I'm going to apply, it means I'll have to take the test next year January, and luckily gain admission around August. I'd be 18 by then.
But I can still choose to take a trial test, if I want to.
"Alright. That's it for today. We meet here for your study sessions every Thursday to Saturday, 3pm. Don't be late. You also have to study on your own cause there's only so much these study sessions can accomplish."
I nod my head, following every instruction she tells me.
"Now, about your sister.." I remind her.
After a short pause, she finally answers
"She was magicless, just like you."
"That part I already know, but how? You have magic and she doesn't?" I question.
She lets out a heavy sigh, "four years ago," she begins, "my sister committed suicide."
My eyes widen and I open my mouth in shock, but I don't say anything. I keep listening instead.
"My dad had magic, my mom didn't. So when they had us, one had magic, one didn't. My sister's name was Iris. She was as lovely and beautiful as her name. Iris was soft at heart, too soft for what she went through."
"She was ostracized, just like you. My mom was too, but not as much, because she was one of those skilled enough to handle magic infused weapons. I tried my best to be there for Iris, but I still didn't notice she was battling with depression. Iris was the kind of person who hid everything behind a smile. She had no friends, she couldn't get into a higher institution to get tertiary education. She even couldn't get into ACA. She must have felt alone. Then, one of the nobles wanted her to marry his son solely cause of her beauty. We rejected the proposal, of course, but he took it to the royals and they agreed and made it their declaration and you know…"
"Defying royal order means death." I whisper.
She nods, "She didn't wait. We found her right before the wedding, with a note saying 'Maybe it'd be better in another life'. I couldn't sleep for months after that day. I wish I could have done something, anything. But it's too late now." Her voice sounds shaky. "Sometimes I get worried when I see you being treated like that. But you have so much resilience in you, and I hope it doesn't die down. I want you to know that magic doesn't define you." She rests a hand on my head.
I nod, "Sorry you had to go through that. I can imagine how hard it is to lose a loved one."
"It's getting late. Let's get you home before your parents start to think I'm a bad influence." She changes the subject trying to lighten the mood.
….
'Dear journal, I now have two people who believe I can be something without magic. Three, if I count myself. I'm a little happy that I have nothing else to do this coming year, cause I have a lot of studying to catch up on. Which means sparse entries. So, till next time. Hopefully, I'll be on my way to ACA!!'