- [You better run, both of you!]
Akio and Jack get up, running towards the city hall.. laughing?
- "Just like the good ole days, isn't it?"
Akio teases Jack, who can't help but agree with him.
- "Of course. Life wouldn't be fun without risks, would it?"
The two share a chuckle, as they rush to the city hall. After a while, they make it. They stand next to the other Shining Generals of the new generation: Genkei, and three other girls next to him. They greet each other silently, as Jack's mother, Asterope, is giving a speech.
"Greetings, everyone. Today, we'll be holding the final succession ceremony for this generation's Shining Generals. After thirty years, the mighty Atlas Phoenix will step down from his place as General of Fire, signifying the end of our reign and the start of the new generation. Now, a word from our Leader himself."
Asterope stands back, as the citizens cheer and clap for the man coming on top of the stage; donning beautiful bright orange armor, with swept-back hair and a kempt bear matching the color of his armor and eyes, amazing the crowd: Atlas Phoenix.
"My greetings, everyone. I am happy that you were able to be here in person today or watch this at home."
The crowd continues to cheer. After all, Atlas is the most respected Shining General.
"For the past thirty years, I've carried on the duty of the Shining General of Fire. I've commanded the Hellenic army and we've had many victories in battle, including a very significant victory against the Dark Wizard. However, as we've grown old, it's time for the torch to be passed on."
Atlas raises his right hand, signaling someone to come up to the stage.
"My legacy will grow and be completed by my son, an even mightier leader than I. Come, Akio Phoenix."
---
I step up to the stage, standing tall next to my father.
"My son, at his age of nineteen, has achieved far greater things than myself. He will succeed where I could not. The prophecy of old will be fulfilled by Akio Phoenix, and the Dark Wizard will fall to his hand. Rise, Savior!"
Heeding the call of my father, I raise my right hand, putting the left in my back. The crowd applauds me, as I feel a sense of pride and strength. My father pats my back.
"Come, Akio. It's your time to shine. Give the people a speech."
- "Right, father."
I step up to the podium, as my father stands beside me. Finally, I'm looking at the people I lead eye-to-eye.
"People of Hellas.. no.. the entire world. I am Akio Phoenix, son of Atlas and Akiko. I thank you deeply for giving me this chance to talk directly to you, as the weight of responsibility passes unto me."
"Our ancestors, the former Shining Generals, have fought valiantly against the Dark Wizard and his forces to a standstill. Driven by the stories of old..."
My father hands me the old prophecy, as I open it.
The crowd erupts in cheers and roars of joy, as I go through the pages of the book, formally named the 'Ancient Revelation'. One by one, the pages pass me as I pass them, and I finally reach the end.
I cough, as the crowd goes silent...
"When hope ends, as darkness envelops the world. The savior shall rise to defeat the descending evil and bring justice and truth again."
"I swear, in the honor of the Phoenix family, in the honor of the Shining Generals, in the honor of humanity...
"I will fulfill my role. The Dark Wizard will die by my hand!"
I raise my hand in the sky, sealing the oath to my people. The crowd cheers again, as I step back, with the other new Generals coming beside me.
---
Atlas steps up again.
- "And alas, the Savior has revealed himself to us. I wish the best to my son, in his journey to do what I couldn't..."
He stops for a bit, looking distracted beefore coming back to his senses again.
"Anyways. The final Shining General of this generation has been appointed, and thus, a new era begins!"
The six new Shining Generals kneel to their people, signifying the oath they all took to protect them. Afterwards, a celebration took place. In the name of the Savior, in the name of the Shining Generals, in the name of the start of humanity's final act and victory.
While everyone is having fun, Akio steps away.
---
I climb a nearby hill, approaching an ancient olive tree. My favorite place to lay down and look at the sea below me, connected to the world around me.
As I look at the stars for the last time, I feel an unprecedented sense of warmth from the tree, as if it and I are connected. I think nothing of it, as I hear a very familiar female voice.
- "You really needed a break from me, didn't you?"
I look at my left, seeing a woman with cyan hair and eyes coming near me, pouting. Laughing, I signal her to sit next to me.
- "No. I knew you'd come here when you didn't see me, Aoi."
Aoi, my girlfriend, lays to my left, as she also lays her head on my shoulder.
"It's been nineteen long and fun years. How many do you think are left?"
---
Aoi sheds a tear, appearing to be emotional at Akio's statement.
- "More. Much more."
She lightly punches Akio's chest.
"Promise me, Akio. You won't be reckless, right?"
Akio sighs, chuckling.
- "I promise. I swear to you that I'll live for another nineteen years- no, more than that. Just for you."
In response to that, Aoi hugs Akio.
"Oh, look at that, Aoi. A shooting star. Make a wish."
- "Hmm... I wish that we'll be together forever. That nothing will be able to take us away from each other."
Akio laughs at Aoi's wish, prompting her to give him an angry stare.
"What.. did you wish for?"
- "If I said it aloud, it'd be less likely to come true."
(I'd never want to tell you, though...)
Akio sheds a tear, but he looks at Aoi. After all, such remarks usually prompt her to respond to him in some way.
"Hey, Aoi. You with me?"
---
Apparently not. And it looks like the festivities are over. For how long have we been here anyways? I pick up Aoi, but instead of taking her home I go to the Generals' Headquarters for the first time as a General myself.
I silently step in, seeing that the Lightning General's office is open. Of course Jack would be here. He's always been one to innovate, so he wouldn't spend much time doing anything else. Moving on, I go towards my office, only to see the door slightly open.
Gently, I open it with my leg, making sure Aoi doesn't hit anything, as I lay eyes at my father looking outside of the window.
"Father..?"
I lay Aoi down at the couch at the right side of the office, as my father turns to look at me.
- "Akio..."
He sits down at the General's chair, prompting me to sit also.
"As you know, I'm ill. That's why your succession happened so soon."
- "Yeah, but what about it? You're still fine, right?"
- "For now."
Suddenly, he coughs out blood, as he wipes it away.
"Day by day, I've been growing weaker. Far weaker than what I once was. I don't have long to live."
- "Father..."
- "There are some truths that I haven't revealed to you, which you will find out by the people you will meet in your journey. However, I want you to know that the potential you and your sister hold is far greater than anyone could imagine."
---
Akio looks at Atlas, nervous.
"Before I go, I'll make sure that I pass onto you two all my skills. But I want you to know this: do not repeat my mistakes."
- "What...?"
- "You will know what that means when the time comes."
Atlas stands up, prompting Akio to do the same.
"Akio, I'll tell you only one truth of those that I mentioned..."
After a few seconds of silence, Atlas finishes his sentence.
"My battle against the Dark Wizard."
---