At the crack of dawn, sunlight seeped through the edges of the curtain in Adrian and Aiden's room. Adrian was already awake, sitting on the edge of his bed as he laced up his combat boots. His favourite black leather jacket hung neatly over the chair, and on the nightstand sat a small bottle of oil, which he had just used to slick back his hair into its signature half-up, half-down style. He hummed the tune of Yellow Submarine by the Beatles softly, his voice barely audible.
Turning to Aiden's bed, where a lump of blankets suggested he was still fast asleep, Adrian grinned mischievously. He crept over, leaned down, and whispered loudly, "Oi, Aiden. Wake up. It's Solstice day!"
Aiden groaned, burying his face deeper into his pillow. "Five more minutes…"
Adrian, refusing to let the excitement of the day go unnoticed, yanked the blanket off Aiden with dramatic flair.
"Come on, lazybones! Genvah won't wait for you. You've got packing to do!"
"Do you always have this much energy in the morning?" Aiden grumbled. Aiden finally sat up, his hair a tousled mess.
"Only on days that matter. Now get up and get dressed and pack your things. We've got a big day ahead."
Aiden sighed but did as he was told, grabbing a pair of trousers and a black collared shirt. He glanced at the mirror, running a hand through his unruly hair but not bothering to comb it.
Adrian raised an eyebrow as he packed his own bag, throwing in a couple of band shirts he couldn't leave behind.
"What happened to Mr. Posh? Not slicking your hair back today?"
"Not everyone needs to look like they're auditioning for a rock band, Adrian."
Adrian chuckled, slinging his bag over his shoulder.
"Touché. But I'm just saying, Genvah's full of people who'll judge you on first impressions. Don't wanna look like a nerd in my first day.
"That's because you aren't one and don't have the brains."
"Well look at you so pissed early in the morning."
Aiden rolled his eyes.
Downstairs, the smell of pancakes and bacon greeted them before they even reached the dining room. Einya and Vesper sat at the table, a feast of breakfast foods laid out before them.
"Morning, boys!" Einya greeted warmly. "Come, eat. You'll need your strength for today."
Adrian plopped into his chair, immediately reaching for the pancakes. Aiden followed suit, albeit more reservedly, but his appetite quickly kicked in as he piled his plate.
"Remember to dress comfortably," Vesper said between bites, his tone light but pointed. At this, Einya stiffled a laugh but said nothing.
Aiden paused mid-chew, looking up.
"Why? What's going to happen?"
"Oh nothing, it's just... I'm shore it will be a splash."
Aiden raised his eyebrow but said nothing.
As breakfast wrapped up, Adrian suddenly shot out of his seat. "I almost forgot my band shirts from The Who!" he exclaimed, darting back upstairs.
Aiden stayed behind, glancing at Einya and Vesper. After a moment of hesitation, he cleared his throat. "Mrs. and Mr. C, can I ask you something?"
Einya looked at him gently. "Of course, Aiden. What's on your mind?"
"There's this tree," he began slowly. "I've been dreaming about it… back on Earth, and now every night here in Soleil. It's in this peaceful field, and it feels… comforting. I was scared to mention it before, but…"
"Yes?"
"Well I want to know if you know anything about it or if you hear about a tree like that? There's ony one tree out in a field and there's... nothing aside from it. It's like stuck in time as well."
Vesper leaned back, his expression thoughtful. "Interesting. But I'm sorry, son. I never heard of that tree here in Soleil. Maybe it's in another region?"
"Me neither," Mrs. C replied. "Maybe by the elves? But Elves are really territorial beings, they don't really let other kinds go to their place."
"We'll keep an eye out for anything like that, Aiden. If we find something, we'll send you a letter."
Aiden nodded, grateful. "Thanks, Da-"
Aiden stopped and his eyes widened.
Was he about to call Mr. Caleena dad? He glanced at their expressions, but it seemed like both of them hadn't heard so he quickly regained his compsure. "Thanks, Mr. and Mrs. C."
What Aiden didn't know was that both Einya and Vesper heard him loud and clear, and they both smiled to see the kid finally warming up to them.
When they reached the Plaza, the streets were alive with energy. Dozens of students filled the square, some already wearing their Genvah uniforms, while others dressed in simple travel attire. Adrian's excitement was palpable as he glanced around.
"This is it!" he said, nudging Aiden. "I'm gonna go to Genvah. Did you know that they have all sorts of magical beasts there?"
"Mhm."
"I heard stories that there are tournaments every day!"
"Mhm."
"All the Magi, and even other kinds in Soleil are here. They say the headmaster is so strong, he's practically time itself."
Aiden raised an eyebrow. "Okay, broken record. You need to snap out of this because you've been saying the same things the past week."
As the clock tower struck noon, its bells rang loud and clear. The sunlight above the Plaza grew impossibly bright, and suddenly, four rows of sleek, wooden boats appeared on the shimmering river. The crowd gasped in unison.
A commanding voice echoed through the air: "Students, form groups of two and board the ferry."
Adrian grabbed Aiden's arm. "Come on, we need to stick together!"
"Oh really? I was about to find a pair but I guess you're here already."
"I know you won't."
"Yes I will, but I'm stuck with you."
"What can I say? I'm irresistible."
"You're insufferable."
"You're welcome."
As they approached the boats, Aiden hesitated. "Wait… is Genvah underground?"
Adrian turned, giving him a look. "What? No! It's an unplottable land on an island in the sky. Maybe one of those islands over there." He pointed to a cluster.
Aiden frowned. "Then why are we taking a boat? The river's flowing downhill."
Adrian smirked. "You really think Espera has those flimsy rules that you Earthlings-"
"Humans."
"-have on Earth? That finiks thing."
"Finiks?"
"The one about the apple?"
Aiden looked confused.
"I'm not from Earth and yet know more about you! You know, the one apple that fell?"
With this, Aiden snorted. "You mean... Physics?"
"Oh... same thing."
Before they could board, Einya pulled both boys into tight hugs. She kissed their cheeks repeatedly, her eyes brimming with tears. "Be safe, my boys. Please, be safe."
"Mum, stooop. The othet students might not think I'm cool." Adrian pushed her face slowly, though a smile crept through his face.
Vesper placed his hands firmly on their shoulders. "Stay vigilant. Look out for each other. You've both got what it takes- don't forget that."
On the boat, they were greeted by a tall, elderly man with a kind smile. "Welcome to Helio's Ferry," he said. "I'm Aeos, your guide."
He held out his hand. "Payment, please."
Aiden blinked. "I don't have any money."
Adrian rolled his eyes, pulling out his Solstice Chip. "He means this."
Aiden quickly handed his over as well, and as soon as the coins touched Aeos's hands, the boat began to move on its own.
Aiden glanced back at the Plaza, watching as Einya waved tearfully and Vesper stood stoic but proud. He waved a goodbye before turning to Adrian.
"Are you sure this river will take us to the sky?" he asked.
"Of course."
"But it looks like we're about to go down."
"Well, Aiden Chase, you're not on Earth anymore and regular rules does not apply here. What we're doing is going down..."
He paused dramatically.
"... To go up."
Before Aiden could respond, the man in front of them snapped his fingers, and seat belts appeared before them, tucking the boys in place.
"Alright boys," The man said, just as they were about to head inside a cave. "I hope it's alright your clothes will get wet."