10:35 AM
Greenwood Region, Verdant Haven
"Okay, Aubert. Before we continue your training, let's discuss first what's a Stargate."
Aubert nodded.
"As I said before, a Stargate is a magical portal that leads to mysterious realms filled with magical creatures and treasures."
Maurice continued, "Each Stargate is different as they will have different destinations and ranks."
Aubert raised his hand. "Papa, what do you mean ranks?"
Maurice smiled at Aubert's question, appreciating his curiosity.
"Well, Aubert, just like magicians and monsters, Stargates are classified into ranks based on their complexity, power, and the destinations they lead to," Maurice explained patiently.
He crouched down to Aubert's level, making their conversation more intimate.
"Imagine it like this: the higher the rank, the more challenging and dangerous the destination might be, but also the greater the potential rewards. The lower-ranked Stargates, like the one we're about to use, tend to lead to safer and more beginner-friendly realms."
Aubert's eyes widened with understanding, but he still seemed curious.
"So, where does our Stargate lead to, Papa?"
Maurice chuckled. "Ah, that's the exciting part, Aubert. You'll find out once you step through it."
As Maurice spoke, Aubert's initial excitement began to waver, replaced by a growing sense of uncertainty and fear. The prospect of venturing into the unknown, especially alone, felt daunting to the young magician. He looked up at his father, seeking reassurance in his comforting presence.
"Papa," Aubert stuttered, "am I… am I going through the Stargate… alone?"
Maurice sensed Aubert's apprehension and knelt to meet his son's gaze, his eyes filled with understanding and encouragement. He could see the flicker of doubt in Aubert's eyes, a reflection of the young boy's inner struggle.
"Aubert," Maurice began, "I understand that this might seem daunting, but I believe in you."
Aubert's eyes searched his father's face, seeking the unwavering support he had always found in Maurice's presence. He listened intently to his father's words, finding solace in the warmth of his reassurance.
"You have been training hard, and I know you have the courage and strength to face whatever awaits you beyond the Stargate," Maurice continued. "You have your magic, and most importantly, your imagination."
Aubert's heart swelled with a mixture of emotions — fear, and uncertainty, but also a glimmer of hope. He knew deep down that his father believed in him, even when doubt clouded his mind.
"You are more than capable, and I believe in you," Maurice affirmed, his hand resting gently on Aubert's shoulder. "Remember, belief in yourself is the key to unlocking your full potential. I'll be right here, cheering you on every step of the way."
Aubert blinked, his father's words resonating deep within him, instilling a newfound sense of courage and determination.
"Okay, Papa," Aubert whispered, his voice steadier now. "I'll try my best."
Maurice's heart swelled with pride as he looked at his son, marveling at the courage and resilience he saw reflected in Aubert's gaze.
"That's all I ask, Aubert," Maurice said, his tone brimming with pride and affection. "Just remember, no matter what lies beyond that Stargate, you are never alone. I'll be right here, cheering you on every step of the way."
Aubert took a deep breath, soaking in his father's words of encouragement. The combination of fear and determination battled within him, but Maurice's unwavering belief gave him the strength to face the challenge ahead.
"Thank you, Papa."
Aubert said, a small smile breaking through the uncertainty in his eyes. He felt a surge of gratitude for his father's support.
Maurice returned the smile, ruffling Aubert's hair affectionately. "You've got this, Aubert. Trust in yourself, and remember, magic is as much about heart as it is about spells."
With that, Maurice stood up, glancing at the Stargate. He knew it was time for Aubert to take the next step in his magical journey.
"Aubert, it's time for you to step through the Stargate and discover the wonders that await you. Are you ready?"
Aubert nodded, a newfound determination shining in his eyes.
Together, they approached the Stargate. Aubert hesitated for a moment, looking back at Maurice.
Maurice nodded reassuringly. "Go on, Aubert. Embrace the adventure. I'll be right here, cheering you on."
As they reached the Stargate, Maurice signaled to the C-ranked Magician to halt the seal spell.
The Stargate, now unsealed, hummed with magical energy, ready to transport Aubert to a realm filled with mystery and enchantment.
Aubert took a deep breath and began walking toward the Stargate.
"Wait, Aubert, I forgot something."
However, before he walked further, his father's voice called out to him, halting his steps.
Curious, Aubert paused and turned around to see Maurice approaching him, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
In his hands, Maurice held a vibrant red cape and a sleek black top hat, both adorned with intricate designs that sparkled in the sunlight filtering through the forest canopy.
Aubert's eyes widened in surprise as Maurice draped the cape around his shoulders and settled the top hat atop his head, adjusting it with a flourish.
"Also, don't forget to make your journey entertaining," Maurice said with a wink, his voice laced with a playful tone.
Aubert couldn't help but grin, the weight of the moment momentarily lifted by his father's unexpected gesture.
He twirled in the cape, feeling the fabric billow around him like the wings of a majestic bird, and tipped the hat with a flourish, a newfound sense of excitement bubbling within him.
"Thanks, Papa," Aubert said, his voice tinged with excitement. "I'll make it the most entertaining journey ever!"
Maurice chuckled, his heart swelling with pride as he watched his son embrace the whimsy of the moment. Amid the uncertainty, there was joy, and in the face of challenge, there was resilience.
With a final nod of encouragement, Maurice watched as Aubert turned back toward the Stargate, his steps now imbued with a newfound sense of purpose and determination.
***
As I tiptoed closer to the Stargate, my heart danced with excitement and a little bit of scaredness, all mixed like when I mixed my colors in my painting book.
With each step, my heart beat faster, like a drum playing a lively rhythm, as I prepared to enter the unknown world beyond the Stargate.
Taking a deep breath, I stepped through the Stargate, and a strange sensation enveloped me, like being wrapped in a cozy blanket made of sunshine and dreams.
When I came out on the other side, it was like I went into one of my storybooks, where everything was different.
The ground was so green, like the grass after a rainy day, and the trees had pink leaves, like the fluffy clouds at sunset. It was all so pretty and different!
I blinked my eyes a few times to get used to it. The world was like a painting made by the best painter in the world.
I saw a river, too, with water that looked like melted chocolate, and mountains that touched the sky, like the ones in my bedtime stories.
I sniffed the air and smelled something sweet, like the cookies Papa bakes on special days. It made me feel hungry and excited at the same time.
So, I picked a piece of grass and tasted it. It tasted like my favorite candy, the one I get on my birthday! That made me think, if grass can taste like candy, what else can?
"Ylf!"
Feeling brave, I flew up to a tree with pink leaves, feeling like a bird flying in the sky. I reached out and took a leaf. It was soft, like the blankets Papa wraps me in at bedtime.
I put it in my mouth and... surprise! It tasted like cotton candy, the one Papa buys for me at the fair!
"Yummy!" I giggled, feeling like I found a secret treasure.
Next, I flew to the river, feeling like a superhero on a mission. I dipped my hands in the water and tasted it. It tasted like hot cocoa, just like the ones Papa makes for me on cold days.
With each taste, I felt like I was discovering a piece of home in this magical place. It made me feel happy and safe, like Papa's hugs and bedtime stories.
Even though I was far away, I knew his love was with me, like a warm blanket on a chilly night.
Sipping the cocoa water, I closed my eyes and felt Papa's big hug around me. It made me feel like no matter where I go, I'm always home.
"Help!"
I turned around and saw a tall gingerbread man running away from donuts of different flavors that are shaped like dogs?