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Hourglass News
September 20, 16UE
YEARLY REPORT
It has been a crazy year in Euqolia. A little over a year ago, S.T.A.s around the country have undergone at least one radical shift. While not having an official name yet, these mutated S.T.A.s release many mutated beasts and monsters into the country. However as soon as they appeared, they disappeared, two weeks after their appearance, they stopped occurring and those that mutated returned to their former selves. All mysteries that the Magic Association have set as a goal to solve.
Following that...
...
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[Arius POV]
"Big Brother, Big Brother, can we go to town now!!"
"Has it already been a year?"
"Yeah, yeah! It has, let's go!"
Getting up, Big Brother grabs a rolled-up piece of paper on the table, before unrolling it and looking at it.
"Hmmmm, September 20. It looks like, you'll have to wait one more day."
"Waaaa.....nooooo"
A year ago...Nearly a year ago, after we arrived home, I decided to talk all about our amazing adventurers that happened in town. For some reason, Sister Lisa and Sister Arielle weren't happy with what they heard so they ground Lorraine and me at the orphanage for an entire year!
While it was really boring, I did learn quite a bit during this year. I learnt how to read and write properly and, from time to time, Big Brother could teach me how to use a sword. I learnt how to garden and attempted to learn how to cook. That one will take some time.
My energy had been sapped from my body after Big Brother told me that heartbreaking news. Pulling myself off my chair, I made my way upstairs before knocking on Lorraine's door.
Tock Tock Tock
"Arius, come in."
"How did you know it was me?"
Walking into the room, I look around seeing that it had changed again. A year ago, this room was only toys and a bed. But ever since returning back home, Sister Lorraine got rid of the toys, giving them to our younger siblings saying that she didn't need them anymore. Over time, the room was filled with a desk and many books and papers instead. They were all neatly organized on a shelf that we built together.
Lorraine, herself, had also changed. Instead of dresses, which she liked to wear, she now wore a simple T-shirt and pants.
"Arius, you're the only one in the house that knocks on the door that fast."
"What, really. By the way, why are there more papers and books in here, I can barely move around-HEY! Isn't that a book from my room?"
As I looked around at the many books that lay open on her desk, I see one in particular that has a silver lining to it. Picking it up and looking at the title, The Utilization of Mana and Magic, I knew this was one of my books.
"Hey, I wasn't done reading that one!"
"What did I say before? You need to ask when you go into my room-*Take* HEY!"
As Lorraine tried to reach for the book in my hands, I, of course, stretch out to avoid that from happening but just as I took my eye off her hands for a second, a stick wacks the book out of my hands and it lands in Lorraine's instead.
"I'll listen to you once you learn to share. Also, what are you doing in my room?"
"Tomorrow, we'll be free!"
"It's already one year!"
"YEAH!"
"Great!"
"...So, are you going to go?"
A few months ago, Lorraine told everyone of a message that she received. At first, we were all pretty suspicious of the message but she said that that person was the one that put the band on Big Brother Jaque's arm all the way back in the forest.
Since then, Sister Lisa, Sister Arielle and Big Brother Jaque stepped up their teaching, making us learn to read within only a few months. They lent all their books to Lorraine to read and Big Brother Jaque personally taught and trained her for a while.
"Yeah, I'll accept the message. I want to get stronger. This is what everyone's efforts have built me up to."
"W-Why?"
"Come on, you don't have to cry. *Sniff* You're going to make me cry too. You know my dream, right? *sniff* To be a great warrior. Well, I have a more important goal. I want to keep you guys safe! *Sniff* I don't want *sniff* to be useless and w-watch you guys get hurt!"
By the end of her speech, we were both in a crying mess. Hugging each other as hard as we could while we continued to cry. That night, we cried ourselves to sleep as we knew that once the sun rises a gain, would mark the day that we may not see each other for a long time to come.
...
"...huh...argg...aaaARRggg.."
Feeling the sun hitting my face, I slowly open my winced eyes. The first thing I saw was a ceiling. My ceiling. Looks like someone brought me to my room. Sitting up, I take a look at my room.
As you would expect, it was changed a great deal too. Before, other than a couple of books, my room was mostly empty as I spent every second of every day outside and having fun. Now, I have quite a few bookshelves of books. Ever since I learnt how to read, I got obsessed with learning about the world and started a mini collection of mine.
"Waaait, today's the day!!"
Remembering what day it was today, I jump up from my bed and quickly head downstairs. I hope Lorraine didn't leave already.
"Lorraine, Lorraine, Are you still here!?!"
"Yeah, I'm still here!"
Running down the stairs, I hear Lorraine respond and I turn the corner to see a drowsy Lorraine drinking some soup.
"You're still here!"
"Of course, I am. Now stop holding on to me."
"ok"
Soon, I see Big Brother and everyone else coming downstairs knowing what day it was. They all give Lorraine a hug as well as a few presents. Sister Arielle, in particular, had something special.
"Lorraine, Lisa and I have prepared a present just for you."
"Really? What is it?"
"Won't you know when you open it?"
From her sleeve, Sister Arielle pulls out a small box that was well-wrapped and carefully puts it in Lorraine's hands. Lorraine soon ripped off the paper and opened the box to a small locket. Holding it in her hands, Lorraine presses the button on top and the locket opens to reveal a group photo of everyone from the orphanage.
"With this, whenever you miss us. Just open it and you'll feel right at home."
"WAaaaa, Sister Arielle, Sister Lisa, thank you so much!"
...
After many tears, hugs and kisses, we all stood outside with Stella in an open field in front of us. I already felt a little teary, but to hold them in I clutched the hand of Big Brother even harder than before. Soon, after a long deep breath, I see Lorraine touch her forehead and say the words.
"I Accept."
Immediately after saying those words, we witness something magical. A ring of fire lits around Lorraine before widening. Then, the flames gather onto one spot and turn white.
Bang!
With a bang and a flash of light, I see a person appear from the fire. They were wearing bright red cloaks with the hood covering their face. I see Lorraine and the person talk for a bit before Lorraine turns around and waves toward everyone. I could see tears running down her face. Then they stepped into the fire and disappeared.
"Lorraine!"
Unable to control myself, I rush over to the spot and stand at the spot where they left. Suddenly, I feel a hand on my shoulder and I see Big Brother, Sister Lisa and Arielle next to me.
"Come on now, Arius. She's gone on an adventurer and you will too. I got the wagon out the back ready to town."
Wiping my tears, I force a smile and simply nod my head. Big Brother chuckles a bit before putting his arm on my shoulder and walking toward the orphanage.
Soon, I was on the wagon, ready to leave. I still wore a sad face.
"It's alright, Arius. We've prepared a gift for you too."
From her sleeve, Sister Arielle pulls out a book and gives it to me.
"Feel free to write whatever you want in this book."
"Thank you so much!!"
Jumping off the wagon, I embrace my family crying tears of emotion. They always knew how to cheer me up.
...
As I saw the last sights of the orphanage, I look into the sky and breath in the fresh air.
'Protect my family, huh? Maybe I could do that as well.'
...
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