It was barely six in the morning when Sam was all set for school. He had woken up before everyone in the house and had gotten ready before everyone. The bed was one of the major factors of his early rise up. The cranky bed that made him turn sides every night was old and needed replacement, not to mention him sharing it with both of his sisters. He grabbed his bag that was at the end of the depilated room and flung it over his shoulders. On second thought he dropped the bag since he wouldn't be needing it.
There would not going to be any lessons that day. It was the day of his class awakening. Each and everyone would have the chance of forming a bond with their respective familiars. This was also one of the few factors why Sam was up early. He was so excited about it that he could barely sleep coupled with the fact that the bed he was on was less comfy. His elder sister had failed to bond with a familiar few years back. It caused a huge backlash affecting her negatively and emotionally. His father was upset that time since he failed to awaken in his younger days and became an object of ridicule. As a result he transferred his aggression to his daughter. Sam didn't want to remember that unfortunate incident which caused him to despise his father.
Everyone in his family knew he had a high chance of awakening. He was the best in his class In terms of academics and sports. Most of the teachers think highly of him. Even his father whom he despise solely trusts him.
After applying some finishing touches to his uniform, he turned to go but stopped. He turned dhis attention at his sleeping sisters. Ann his elder sister was two years older than him and she just turned eighteen. His younger sister Ellie was twelve and most adorable.
"Ann " He tapped her softly afraid he would anger her, she had quite the temper.
"Hmmm what?" she groaned half awake and irritated for her disturbed sleep.
Her reaction almost made Sam chuckle, he smiled at her before leaning closer and whispered into her ears
" Take care sis am off"
" Hmmmm, okay" she brushed it off before continuing her slumber.
Seeing there was no need to wake his younger sister Sam walked out of the room. He opted to greet his mom in the other room but decided against it since his father would be there.
He didn't want to meet his father especially that morning even if it meant giving up his breakfast.
Riverdale Academy was brimming with activities that morning. Everyone was preparing for the awakening ceremony. The students of class three had high expectations from their ceremony. Awakening and getting a bond could lift your status in society.
Sam had joined his classmates to set up some decorations for the event. He was positively sure of his success.
"Hey Sam." Sam turned his attention from the poster he was setting up. His gaze fell on Landon.
"Hey Landon, where's your brother?" Sam was aware of the twins that were different from each other. Though they were twins, Landon was the skinny type and an introvert, quite the opposite from his twin brother Brandon. Brandon was robust and more of a talkative. Most times Sam wondered if they were actual brothers or cousins.
" Brandon? he's working on the hallway with Sofie"Landon replied rubbing the bridge of his nose that had become a habit of his and Sam being used to it.
Attention the mention of Sofie , Sam's heart skipped a bit.A smile was plastered on his while he thought of the girl with oval shaped face small pink lips seductive eyes and long blonde hair.
"She's been looking for you"
"Sofie?" Sam got up almost instantly. Landon grinned. "When are you going to tell her?" He was well aware of Sam's affection for Sofie. He had been Sam's best friend for the past three years. Sam had kept his feelings bottled up, while he secretly admired Sofie. Well who can blame him? Sofie was the goddess of Riverdale academy, her beauty was unrivalled and other girls pale in her presence.
Sam straightened the wrinkles on his trousers and adjusted his uniform to make himself look presentable. " Hmm, maybe today after the ceremony." He beamed at Landon.
" You do have high expectations for this ceremony, anyway I..." An alarm went off signalling the start of the ceremony. Without further ado, both of them went to the grand hall situated at the center of the school
The parents were already seated and eagerly waiting to see what creature their children would attract.
A large podium was at the far end of the hall facing the eager parents. On the left side of the podium were students of class three. Sam sat in the front row taking deep breaths. From where he sat, he saw his mother sitting close to his sisters among the crowd of parents. A smile crept up his lips happy they came. His father was not among them, well who cares. There he was, just entering the hall. His eyes locked his father's eyes when his father raised his head. To his surprise, his father smiled at his as if saying ' hope you do well'
He had a displeased look on his face, he shifted his gaze to the podium. A crystal ball was placed on top of what looked like a puppit. He had read about it, the crystal balls were known as demptore. Demptores contained a specific amount of ''soul energy." soul energies was the power flow and energy that linked humans to their contracted beast. It also serves as an energy source similar to mana but it resides inside the human.To form a contract as Sam had read, one would need to connect with the energy inside the demptores thereby creating a passage for an open contract.
Sam was fascinated by the demptores structure. The demptores had layers of multiple colors swirling inside of it and Sam had wondered how the demptores were made.
"Hey Sam." someone tapped on his shoulder gently bringing him back from his train of thoughts. A bit startled, he turned his head at the source of the voice. Sofie was sitting close to him really close. His heart was racing fast pumping in blood and he began to sweat. He kept staring at her unable to reply.
"Are you alright?" She asked, her tone laced with concern. Sam's heart fluttered.
"Yeah sure"he replied nodding his head like a child taking instructions.
"okay" Sofie then turned her attention forward. Sam wanted to keep the conversation going so he asked. " So erm.... what do you think about your... the ceremony?"
Sofie faced him and smiled at him making Sam's heart melt. But that smile didn't last. "Am a bit worried, my family expects much from me and am afraid I would let them down. But you? you're special to be honest there's a high chance for you to go through this easily"
She shared her misgivings to Sam. He had somewhat expected something like this could happen, sofie's famliy were among the top of the food chain in the society. Her family the 'Ravedawn' were known for the succession rates of contracted creatures. The fear of letting down her family weighed her deeply.
Seeing her at this point Sam thought it was his chance. He inched closer to her and said assuringly. "You know what? I think you have a great potential than me, you are 'pretty' talented among our class. So great assured" He stretched his hand to her's making her shudder and retract her hand.
"Thanks" Sofie retracted her hand and faced forward.
Sam's heart sank at first but he cheered up when he saw Sofie's visible smile and blushed cheek's stamped on her face. Today was his day after all.
Students of class three filled their seats.The ceremony had yet to start Making most of the students nervous, they began to chatter amongst themselves. Sam seated at the front smiled when his name was brought up from the back.
" Sam had it easy for him right?"
"To him this is just a walk in the park. He's the best in our class."
"And he's pretty good looking too, see Sofie is having a good time with him"
"Yeah,I saw them hold hands for a bit"
"You don't say?"
Sam felt more relaxed as he dwelt on the praises of his fellow students.
After waiting for a few minutes, the ceremony started. At first the head of the school principal Goldman stepped up the podium and gave a brief speech highlighting the importance of familiars. As his name suggests,he had gold locks on his head, small eyes and a huge body frame, he could be mistaken for a weight lifter if not for his tuxedo suit and neat appearance.
After his brief speech he went straight to the core of the ceremony. Each students name were called in one after the other. Surprisingly the first name called was Sofie
"Sofie Ravedawn " Sofie cast a nervous glance at Sam who gave her thumbs up. She calmed down a bit and stood up. Each step she took towards the podium felt heavier than the last. She climbed the podium somewhat shaking.
"place your hands on the demptore, I believe you know what to do" principal Goldman said motioning her towards it.
She did as told placing her hands on the demptore. Back in class, they had been taught how to undergo this process. Demptores contained a high amount of ''soul energy" by touching the demptore you try as much as possible to make contact with it. Doing so would attract mythical creatures from other planes and they would proceed to sign a contract with you in exchange for their service.
Sofie closed her eyes and tried to follow up the instructions given to her earlier. The colourful swirl began to move fast at a terrifying speed inside the demptore . She kept her eyes closed throughout the process. Her mind raced with many thoughts at the same time she tried to concentrate. What if she failed? What would her family think of her?" No she can't fail. She had to do her best. She breathed hard and exhaled deeply. At that point, her mind became blank she felt like she was being pulled by an invisible force down to the back of her mind.
"congratulations you have made a contract." principal Goldman words brought her back, coupled with that, a mark appeared on her left shoulder. The mark to the shape of a bird or what looked like one.
She opened her eyes and was greeted with a cheer from the crowd.
She had a smile of relief on her face.
Most of the other students were successful with their contract. Even the twins Brandon and Landon had contracted similar creatures.
"Sam Delon" Well it was no coincidence that his name was the last to be called.