Shattered Destiny : Fate

Before long, Ajax's sixth birthday arrived, and his family hosted a grand celebration attended by royals, nobles, and esteemed guests. His mother, Athena, carefully styled his long, wavy hair, weaving a single braid along the right side of his head and securing it with a red band she had made herself. His father presented him with a refined, expertly crafted sword, while Arrow gifted him a handmade bracelet—a symbol of their unbreakable bond.

The day was filled with laughter, gifts, and the presence of many children his age. For a brief moment, Ajax felt at ease, surrounded by warmth and joy.

Yet, despite the celebration, a quiet unease settled in his heart. Lucius, ever cautious, constantly reminded Ajax that he needed to push himself beyond what his family expected. "You must be strong," he urged, encouraging Ajax to train alone and seek challenges beyond the comfort of his home. But Ajax found it difficult to gauge his true strength—his parents and sister never fought him seriously, always holding back. He dismissed Lucius's concerns, believing that real, practical lessons would come once he enrolled in an academy.

But everything changed soon after.

Arrow, now ten, was set to leave for Duskwood Academy in Terrace City. The constant comparisons to her younger brother had begun to weigh on her, and their parents believed sending her away would give her the space to grow—free from the whispers of the nobles.

For the first time in his life, Ajax had to face the reality of being apart from his sister—the one person who had always been by his side. It was just as hard on their parents, but for Ajax and Arrow, it was unbearable. The night before she left, they clung to each other in silence, finding comfort in their shared warmth as they slowly drifted to sleep.

But when morning came, Ajax couldn't bring himself to say goodbye. He stood frozen as Arrow prepared to leave, fear creeping in like a shadow. The loneliness from his past life clawed at his chest, whispering that it was inevitable—that no matter what promises this new world had given him, he was destined to be alone again. Lucius tried to reassure him, insisting that everything would be okay, but it did little to ease the emptiness settling inside him.

That night, his mother had to hold him until he fell asleep.

With time, the ache lessened, though it never fully disappeared. He missed Arrow's presence, but he knew this was just the beginning. With Lucius guiding him and his powers growing stronger each day, he steeled himself for what lay ahead.