Lucien was pulled out of his reverie by his father's voice as they pulled into the awakener's association. The Awakener's Association towered over the city skyline, its glass and steel exterior glinting like a monument to humanity's ingenuity. For Lucien, the building might as well have been the gates to another world. Today was his Awakening Day—the moment every five-year-old stood before fate and discovered their place in the grand tapestry of existence.
They alighted from the car as Lucien took a deep breath, feeling nervous. His mother, Reyna, gave him a reassuring smile, her crimson eyes glowing with a warm and soft light. "You'll be fine, Lucien," she said softly, brushing a hand through his raven-black hair.
"Of course he will," added his father, Mathew, with the same unshakable confidence he wore like armor. His sharp features and commanding presence made it seem as though nothing in the world could rattle him. "He's our son. And am Anderson doesn't falter."
"Beside your sister managed to awaken with an advanced blessing as well so there is nothing to worry about," Reyna assured him. "Besides no matter what happens you'll still be our son."
"That's right Lucy with me here you have nothing to worry about." Seraphina chimed in.
"Thanks Sera." Lucien thanked, feeling less nervous.
"Now let's go in. no time to waste." His father said.
The family of four walked up to the front door of the association and when the automatic doors opened up Lucien was left astounded. The lobby of the Awakener's Association was a marvel of modern architecture, a vast hall filled with polished steel columns, holographic displays, and a constant hum of activity. Teenagers and their families milled about, most wearing the same mixture of excitement and anxiety that Lucien felt.
At the registration desk, a woman in a crisp silver uniform greeted them. "Hello, welcome to the awakener's association, is there something I can assist you with?" she asked, her tone polite and professional.
"Yes, we are here for my son's awakening." Mathew stated, pointing to Lucien.
"May I please have his name sir?" She asked politely.
"Lucien Anderson." Mathew replied.
She wrote down his name on the computer and turned back to them.
"Alright, please proceed to block C, it's down the hallway on your second left, you will be instructed further there." The receptionist said respectfully
"Thank you." Mathew said.
The four walked towards block C where upon entering through the door they were greeted with a sight of multitude of parents and their children waiting to awaken. At the door stood a male attendant who spoke to them.
"Welcome here is your ID chip with your room number where your son will be called upon when ready."
The attendant handed a chip with the number 2-B to Mathew. Just as the family was looking on where to sit a voice called out to Mathew.
"Mathew over here."
The family looked over and saw a middle-aged man call out to them. Mathew showed a small smile and led his family over. Upon reaching there the man slowly stood up and gave a firm handshake to Mathew.
"Mathew my old friend it's been far too long." The man stated excitedly.
"Indeed, it has been Brian." Mathew replied, clearly excited as well.
A woman stood next to the man as well
"Reyna dear, how have you been?" The woman said, enveloping Reyna in a warm hug
"I've been good, and I hope you've been as well." Reyna said reciprocating the hug.
As both adults greeted each other Lucien began to study the other couple.
The man had the solid, dependable presence of someone who had weathered life's storms and emerged both worn and unyielding. Lines of experience were etched into his tanned skin, tracing a path from his stern brow to the corners of his mouth, where a shadow of a smile sometimes lingered. His silver hair was streaked with gray at the temples, giving him an air of wisdom and authority. A neatly trimmed beard framed his strong jaw, and his deep-set eyes—dark brown, nearly black—held a mix of determination and unspoken fatigue. Dressed in a simple yet tailored shirt and trousers, his posture was upright, his movements deliberate and steady.
His wife exuded warmth and quiet strength, her every gesture a blend of grace and purpose. Her raven-black hair, tied back in a low braid, shimmered faintly under the light, with the first hints of gray near her temples adding depth to her beauty. Her blue eyes sparkled with intelligence and compassion, framed by thick lashes that softened her sharp features. Though her frame was petite, she carried herself with a confidence that made her seem taller than she was. Her dress, a modest yet elegant combination of soft fabric and intricate patterns, hinted at her practicality and taste. A delicate necklace rested at her collarbone; a small token of sentiment she wore every day.
"I see you've brought your kids along as well." Brian said, his attention now on Lucien and Seraphina.
"Yes, it's my son's awakening." Mathew stated. "Kids I'll like you to meet Brian O'neal, the guild master of the Dawnstriders and his wife Lucia O'neal."
"Now Mathew no need to introduce us so formally to your kids we're basically family." Brian said. "You two can call me uncle Brian."
"Hi uncle Brian." Seraphina greeted enthusiastically, while Lucien calmly nodded
"Reyna, I think you haven't met our daughter before." Lucia suddenly said.
"No, I don't think I have." Reyna said quizzingly
"Come on dear, come say hi." Lucia said motioning from behind her.
From behind her a little girl appeared.
The little girl carried herself with an air of unconscious elegance, her every movement speaking to a life of refinement. Her silver hair, combed to glossy perfection, was neatly tied back with a ribbon the color of garnets, matching the rich hue of her striking blue eyes. Her pale complexion was smooth and delicate, as though the sun's harsher rays had never dared to touch her.
She wore a pristine ivory dress, trimmed with intricate lace and adorned with subtle embroidery depicting tiny floral patterns. The skirt flared slightly at the hem, giving it a graceful bounce as she walked. Over her shoulders was a fine woolen capelet, fastened at her throat with a delicate golden clasp shaped like a blooming rose. On her small feet, polished leather shoes peeked out beneath the hem of her dress, paired with knee-high stockings that were impeccably white.
Clutched in her hands was a beautifully made plush toy—a small white fox with ruby eyes that mirrored her own. Though clearly cherished, the toy showed no signs of wear, kept in pristine condition like everything else in her world. Despite her polished appearance, there was a warmth to her expression, her emerald eyes filled with wonder as she clung to her mother's side, the faintest hint of a smile on her rosy lips.
"Meet our daughter Amara O'neal, I hope you kids can get along with each other." Lucia said
"Okay auntie Lucia." Seraphina said happily.
The one at that moment who was quiet was Lucien staring unblinkingly at the girl, something clicking in his mind.
"Amara O'neal, where have I heard that name before? I'm sure this is the first time I've ever met her." Lucien thought confusedly.
"Lucien if you stare too hard your eyes might fall out." Reyna said as she giggled.
Lucien was surprised, seeing the adults giggling at his predicament and his sister outright laughing at him. Looking at Amara who hid herself behind her mother, Lucien suddenly became embarrassed and began to scratch his cheek in slight shame. Though something was bugging him from the back of his mind.
"Where have I heard that name before?" He thought, frustrated