*AETHERIUS*
Once inside the room where the ceremony would take place, we took the seats we found. "I'm nervous, and it's not even my ceremony," Elowen expressed as she sat next to me.
As I adjusted my tie, I felt the same way; the place and the decorations made one anxious. Over the next hour, all the guests settled into their seats. Some recognized Atheria, greeted her, and then went to their places.
When everyone was seated and the noise subsided, more lights came on and a voice was heard.
"Hello, good afternoon, and welcome to the academy to celebrate this year's closing ceremony," spoke a person. I looked at a group of people on stage—three women and two men. One of them was speaking while the others were in the background behind a long table.
We all fell silent during their acknowledgment. "My name is Amelia Cythen, I am the principal of the Southern Academy, and behind me are the other directors: the sisters Indrina and Audrey Hepburn, Mr. Nikolas Lefevre, and young Hans Herzog," the principal announced each one as they stood up when mentioned.
"Thank you all for coming, and please join me in welcoming the students who are graduating this year," she pointed to an entrance and the students began to enter in a line. "Welcome, senior students from Grade A, Grade B, Grade C, and Grade D," she said as the rows of students from each grade entered, with 25 students per row.
As we applauded, I saw Trevor enter the Grade B row, and then they went to sit in their respective groups.
I hadn't seen Layra for a while, so I thought she might be around or not attending. I looked around and found several balconies where students from each semester and grade were seated.
Layra was in semester 2 and in Group B, while Trevor was still in semester 4, and when she graduated, she would move to the 4th semester.
Dressed in her gray sleeveless vest with thin white lines from her shoulder to her waist and her black skirt, Trevor, on the other hand, wore a suit with the same design: a gray vest with white stripes and black pants, like the other graduates, but more presentable and worthy of the uniform.
When we finished applauding, the place went silent. The principal looked around, and I felt her eyes briefly pass over our seats, focusing a bit more on Atheria, as her level drew some attention.
The principal raised her hand and spoke again, "Now, please allow me to introduce one of our five Descendants who came here to witness this generation's graduation." When I heard "Descendant," my eyes widened, and I sat up straight.
"Please welcome our Descendant, Cassian Prescott," a tall man, about six feet tall, with light orange hair and sky-blue eyes, appeared. I heard everyone's surprise, and my breath stopped for a few seconds as I felt the immense presence of the man.
He approached the podium and spoke, "Good afternoon and thank you to the principal for allowing me to come today and witness this wonderful closing ceremony." He finished speaking and we all applauded lightly. "Now, once again, please help me give a round of applause to Grade A students to receive their diplomas and certificates," said the man. We applauded as one by one the Grade A students walked up to the stage, their names being announced as they shook hands with the directors while the Descendant handed out diplomas and certificates. We continued to applaud each time a student passed.
When the first group finished, the others followed. "Now, Grade B," he announced again as all the students went to the stage. "Now it's our son's turn," I heard my mother say to my father.
When the Descendant finally called out, "Trevor Emwind," I clapped a bit louder and cheered his name. I turned to my mom and dad, both of whom were laughing, with my mother's eyes filled with tears of joy.
"Be proud of your children, Altea and Dorian, for they have worked hard for this," Atheria said to my parents while the others turned and smiled at them.
When Trevor's group finished, the others continued... After half an hour, all the graduates were still in their seats, and the principal spoke again, "To the following students I name, please come to the stage, as you are the students graduating with honors and prestige for your hard work during your four years of study. This is not given to just anyone, not to wealthy or powerful families, but to those who shed blood, sweat, and tears for their efforts to bear fruit," she finished as she took a breath.
Looking at a list, she announced the names, "Grade A students: Barbara Meliz and Alfonzo Count." When they were announced, we applauded as those two students stood up and went to the stage while the Descendant gave them a red medal in recognition of their efforts, and they were instructed to stand in front of the directors' table.
"Grade B: Celis Reigord, Rachel Fontana, Nadia Dupot, Anatia Morelli," when these names were announced, I felt sad as Trevor's name was not among them. Before jumping to conclusions, the Descendant spoke, "I want to let you know that once the announcements are over, I will make an important announcement." When his voice faded after the announcement, everyone started murmuring and speculating what it could be, but I ignored it.
"There were many from a single grade," the principal laughed as she looked at the graduates' seats. Since I didn't care about the other names, I paid no attention.
After all the announcements were made and knowing the man had something to say, we stopped applauding and fell into absolute silence.
The 10 honorary students remained in the same place, and the man moved to the front of the stage. "Now I can see that everyone is eager to hear what I'm going to say, so without further ado, let's begin," he announced, shifting his weight from his right leg to his left.
The man carefully surveyed the room, walked slowly from side to side, and spoke again, "In the first three years, this person did not draw attention, not like a renowned adventurer or soldier, but in his final year, he began to stand out, catching the attention of us Descendants," he paused and looked at the audience.
"PLEASE GIVE A BIG ROUND OF APPLAUSE FOR YOUNG TREVOR EMWIND!!!" The man shouted Trevor's name, and we all started clapping.
I looked at my parents, confused, and saw their equally confused expressions, as well as Atheria and the others. Trevor stood up and went to the stage.
He stopped next to Cassian, and I decided to start calling him by his name. "This young man named Trevor caught the attention of the Descendants. A few weeks ago, I came personally to see the boy mentioned by the directors and teachers," he took Trevor by the shoulder and lifted his chest with pride.
Laughing, he continued, "During those weeks, I saw him prove his worth, his effort, and dedication." He took another breath, and I held mine as I awaited his continued speech.
"And today, in front of you and your families, I announce that Trevor Emwind will now become a Disciple to become the next Descendant on the list." Releasing my breath, I turned to my parents, whose eyes were wide open, my mother's mouth agape with her hands covering it, and my father running his hand through his hair as he struggled to keep his mouth from opening.
Atheria was stunned. "What the hell? Did you know about this?" Otto exclaimed. My parents shook their heads. "Trevor never told us anything about this, let alone Layra," my father replied.
As I regained my composure, loud applause and cheers filled the background, and congratulations were heard. Oh my god, I never expected this, I thought.
"And now that the announcement and the nominations are over, please proceed to the banquet to congratulate your children and catch up with them. There is an open bar for parents who want to have a drink," the principal announced.
I looked at my mother still in shock. "Mom, are you okay?" I asked as we passed by. "Yes, son, it's just that I never expected something like this," she replied, getting up and starting to walk out of the seats.
When we entered the hall where the banquet was being held, my father and the others went to the bar to get a drink to calm down. "Let's find your siblings," mom said while holding Elowen.
We began searching for Layra and found her grabbing food. "Hello, daughter," mom greeted. "Oh, mom, you're here. Did Trevor tell you anything about what happened there?" Layra asked as she looked at mom.
Shaking her head, mom responded, "No, dear, he never talked about it. I was hoping you'd tell me something about it," she said while continuing to look around for Trevor.
Then I saw a group of people gathering at a door. I went to that place and felt Cassian's pressure along with Trevor's. I was pushed back by a man shouting Trevor's name to ask him questions. "I'm afraid I can't answer anything. For now, I just want to see my family and reunite with them after such a long time," Trevor replied when he saw me.
He winked at me and then approached, "Just who I was looking for. Therius, meet Descendant Cassian. Mr. Cassian, this is my younger brother Aetherius," he introduced us, and I bowed as he put his hand on my shoulder. "Please don't do that, you're the brother of the new Disciple, so for now, don't treat me like that," he laughed as he patted my shoulder.
Embarrassed as the stares started following me, I said, "Alright, Mr. Cassian, thank you for taking care of my brother, and I apologize as I need to take him to Trevor since my parents are anxious for an explanation," while glancing at Trevor with narrowed eyes.
"Hahaha, don't worry, go ahead, he's all yours," he said, patting Trevor's back as we left.
Mom looked at us and came over, "You cheeky kid, how could you hide something like this from us?" Mom scolded Trevor while pulling on his cheeks firmly.
"Ouch, Mom, let me go, I'm an adult now, you can't treat me like this in front of people," Trevor complained to Mom, turning around embarrassed.
"You deserve it for hiding something like this," she replied. "Oh, look who we have here, the next Descendant," Atheria arrived with Dad and the others.
Dad approached Trevor, wrapped him in his arms, and lifted him up, "My boy was recognized and named successor," he said happily. "Dad, no, let me go, everyone is watching," Trevor tried to free himself from Dad.
Now Otto hugged Trevor as well, just like Dad. "I always knew this kid would become someone, but not like this," Otto released Trevor as he received normal hugs from Sara, Nora, Valentina, and Fredic. Fredic spoke now, "Good job, Trevor, your efforts were worth it," hugging him tighter. "Thanks, Fredic, and thanks to everyone for the congratulations, and for coming, of course," Trevor thanked them.
Elowen cleared her throat, "And what about me, am I invisible?" She complained to Trevor. "Ohhh, of course not Wen, come here, look how grown up you are, that dress and haircut suit you well. I can see you've started training a lot," he greeted Elowen and praised her.
He turned his gaze back to me, "On the other hand, you, shortie, you've reached the brown stage. I wish you luck getting through that stage, and look at that white lock of hair; it's noticeable now that you let it fall. Just so you know, it's a lot of effort and time, which is why I've been getting attention this past year," Trevor emphasized.
Raising an eyebrow, I replied, "Of course, who do you think I am," as I noticed some people approaching us. They were Trevor's companions, giving him honors.
They arrived, and Trevor spoke to them, "Hi girls, over here," he waved his hand, and they came towards us. "Greetings to the next Descendant," they both bowed. "Oh, please girls, don't do that, it's embarrassing," he stopped them and scratched his neck.
"Let me introduce my companions. You've heard their names, but I'll repeat them: Celia Reigord, Rachel Fontana, Nadia Dupot, and Anatia Morelli. Celia has been with me during the first year, and the others we've gotten close over the last two years," Trevor introduced them, and the four bowed slightly, "Nice to meet you, Emwind family."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, girls," we greeted, and then I spoke, "It's a pleasure, and now let me ask you a question," I closed my eyes and cleared my throat, opened one eye, and looked at Trevor who was drinking something. "Which one of you is his girlfriend?" I asked, causing Trevor to spit out his drink and hit me on the head.
He was super red with embarrassment, which made me laugh internally. "Idiot, that's not something you ask," he scolded me, giving me two more hits as everyone around laughed.