Astral Academy – Main Courtyard, Afternoon
The skies above the academy were clear, brushed with wisps of cloud like gentle waves. Luggage was packed. Elders stood near the gates, their presence a calm assurance for the journeys ahead.
The Top 10 gathered one last time near the stone archway at the academy entrance.
No one was speaking just yet. There was that quiet tension—the kind that only comes when friends part ways, even if only for a while.
Ashwajeet adjusted the strap on his training cloak, his usual calm unwavering, but his eyes carried a weight of leadership.
Ashwajeet (firmly):
"We leave as students. We return as protectors."
Veer grinned, flicking his scarf over his shoulder.
Veer:
"You better not get slow while I'm gone, Anay. I plan on racing you straight to the top."
Anay (smiling):
"Then I'll be waiting at the summit."
Saki handed out little paper charms she had made—each with a symbol drawn in soft blue ink.
Saki:
"For luck. And safety. And maybe a bit of emotional drama if you read the back."
Mira snorted.
Mira:
"You're such a mom sometimes."
Saki (grinning):
"You'll miss it."
Reika looked to Veer, then quickly looked away as she tossed her bag over her shoulder.
Reika:
"Don't get yourself killed doing handstands over volcanoes."
Veer:
"Only if you promise not to melt your own boots."
Myria turned to Anay.
Myria:
"If you write music, save me a copy."
Anay (laughing):
"Only if you promise not to sing it louder than thunder."
Vivaan stood back a little, arms folded. But then he stepped forward, offering a small black crystal shard to Anay.
Vivaan:
"From the shadow grove. Just… a reminder. That we all carry our darkness. But we don't walk alone."
Anay took it, nodding in quiet respect.
One by one, they began to move toward the waiting elders.
Ashwajeet paused. He turned to Anay, hand extended.
Ashwajeet:
"We'll see each other soon."
Anay (gripping it firmly):
"Count on it."
And then, they were gone.
Veer waved like he was heading to a festival.. Mira dragged a reluctant Reika by the arm. Myria offered a peace sign. Vivaan vanished into the shadow of a tall tree. And Ashwajeet—he walked last, glancing back just once.
The courtyard felt emptier.
Only two remained.
Anay stood there for a moment, watching the sky. The wind carried the sound of laughter, already distant. Then he heard a familiar quiet voice behind him.
Sato:
"I thought I'd be the only one staying."
Anay turned. Sato was standing by the garden edge, arms behind his back, posture relaxed.
Anay:
"Well, guess you're stuck with me."
Sato (with the faintest smile):
"There are worse people to train beside."
They both walked back toward the academy in silence.
No words needed.
Two souls. Two stories. And an entire academy to themselves.
For now, the journey continued.
Together.