Shattered Destiny : Fate

Over time, Emy began to trust Ajax more. One evening, she finally revealed a secret—she had an affinity for wind magic. Unlike Ajax, whose elemental abilities came naturally, she struggled to control her magic, barely understanding her own mana core.

With his help—and Lucius's reluctant guidance—she slowly improved. Ajax patiently explained magical principles, lent her books to study, and even read to her himself when the lessons became too frustrating. Teaching her brought him a new kind of joy, deepening their bond in ways he hadn't expected.

But just when everything seemed perfect, Emy stopped showing up.

Days turned into weeks. Each evening, Ajax waited at their usual spot, hoping she would return. But she never came. Worry gnawed at him, but there was nothing he could do—he didn't even know where she lived.

Then, after three long weeks, she finally reappeared.

She looked exhausted, her usual spark dimmed. Ajax was overjoyed to see her, but when he asked where she had been, she only gave vague answers. She barely met his eyes, her voice distant.

Lucius urged Ajax to press for answers, but he refused. If she wasn't ready to talk, he wouldn't force her. Instead, they picked up where they left off, though Ajax couldn't shake the feeling that something had changed.

Still, they continued training together, and before long, Emy's control over her wind magic had strengthened significantly.

Time passed, and soon, Ajax's seventh birthday arrived—a milestone that marked the end of an era. He would be leaving for Terra Academy.

As the day of his departure neared, he and Emy spent their last few days together in silence, both knowing things would never be the same.

On their final evening, they sat at their usual spot by the stream, watching the fireflies flicker against the twilight.

"You're lucky, Ajax," Emy said softly, hugging her knees. Her green hair swayed gently in the breeze. "You get to go to Terra Academy soon."

Ajax plucked a blade of grass and twirled it between his fingers. "Lucky? I don't think so. I'll miss this place… and you." His voice wavered slightly.

Emy turned to him, her deep brown eyes serious. "You'll make new friends."

"I don't want new friends," Ajax muttered, flicking the blade of grass into the water. "I just want you."

A comfortable silence settled between them, the distant sound of crickets filling the air.

"You're one of the only people who doesn't expect anything great from me," Ajax admitted quietly. "You just… want me around. And that's enough for me. Not like my relatives."

Emy smiled warmly. "That's because I know the real you—annoying, but pretty cool."

Ajax huffed. "Annoying?"

She laughed, nudging him with her shoulder. "Okay, maybe just a little bit cool."

A sudden flash of golden light zipped past Ajax's nose.

"Whoa!" he gasped, standing up. "Did you see that?"

Emy grinned mischievously. "Bet I can catch one before you."

"No way!" Ajax declared, already sprinting after a glowing firefly.

They raced through the tall grass, laughing and jumping, trying to catch the elusive lights. Ajax stumbled but quickly got back up, determination blazing in his eyes. Emy was faster, but Ajax had his own tricks.

"There!" Emy shouted, cupping her hands around a flickering glow. Slowly, she opened her fingers to reveal the tiny firefly resting peacefully in her palm.

Ajax caught up, panting. "You won… again."

"I always win," she teased.

Ajax crossed his arms defiantly. "One day, I'll beat you at something."

"I'll be waiting," Emy said with a grin, gently releasing the firefly back into the night.

They sat back down by the stream, watching the fireflies dance above the water.

"You're really leaving, huh?" Emy's voice was softer now, tinged with sadness.

"Yeah." Ajax's heart ached at the thought. "But I'll come back. Stronger. And I'll protect you, Emy—no matter what."

Emy tilted her head thoughtfully. "You don't have to protect me, you know. I'm not a damsel in distress."

"I know," Ajax said seriously. "But I'll do it anyway."

She smiled softly, touched by his sincerity. "Okay, then. Promise?"

"Promise," Ajax said firmly, holding out his pinky finger.

Emy hooked her pinky around his. "And I promise to be here when you come back."

The fireflies glowed brighter around them, as if sealing their pact.

They sat there under the starry sky, neither wanting to move, knowing this moment would soon become a memory. But in the warmth of their shared promise, they found comfort.

"You better win next time," Emy teased, breaking the tension.

"I will," Ajax said with a determined grin. "Just wait."

But as the fireflies flickered and faded into the night, a quiet fear settled in Ajax's heart.

Would she really be here when he returned?

 It was getting late. They both had to return home.

Without thinking, Ajax pulled Emy into a tight hug.

She stiffened for a moment, then melted into the embrace, clutching the back of his tunic as silent tears streamed down her face.

"Take care of yourself," she whispered.

"You too," he murmured.

Reluctantly, they pulled apart.

Then, without another word, Emy turned and ran, disappearing into the night.

Ajax stood there, watching until she was gone.

Then, with a heavy heart, he made his way home.

The next morning, Ajax left for Terra Academy, carrying with him the memories of his first true friend.

In a world where status and power meant everything, Emy had taught him that some things—friendship, trust, and adventure—were worth fighting for.

And no matter what awaited him at the academy, he knew one thing for certain:

One day, he would return.