"No…!!!"
Shaun jolted upright with his heart pounding against his chest. His eyes were snapped open, wide with terror.
The morning sunlight streamed into the small room, but the shadows of his nightmare were still lingering ominously around him. The thin bedsheet was clanged to his sweat-soaked skin as he gripped it tightly with trembling hands,
"Huff… huff… huff… What was that?"
His breath hitched in his throat as the echoes of the dream was still lingering in his mind. He wiped his sweat-drenched face with the bedsheet.
"Was that… just a dream? It felt… so real…"
He looked around, seeking solace. A relief washed over him as he recognized his own room. The room was small, barely furnished, the walls thin and worn.
The first rays of dawn peeked through the window, stretching long shadows across the floor, but offering little comfort against the lingering dread. He wiped the sweat from his forehead and face with the bedsheet again, exhaling a shaky breath.
"Yes, it really was just a dream."
His breathing slowly steadied, yet the fear still lingered in the air. He shivered, recollecting the earlier nightmare. He glanced around the familiar room, as if expecting the demonic figure to appear.
"That… that shadow monster… its eyes… glowing with malevolent glee… that sword… dripping with blood… it felt so real." He buried his head into his hands. His breath hitched in his throat.
"It began with whispers and shadows. Now… it's feels like I'm living through the apocalypse itself. These nightmares… they're getting worse."
The fragments of the nightmare flashed before his eyes – shattered stalls consumed by flames, chaos all around, and panicked screams. While recalling those horrific scenes, tears welled up in his eyes, triggered by a painful memory.
"Natasha… I couldn't… I couldn't save her."
Tears started streaming down his cheeks as he broke down to deep, shuddering. He pressed his hand to his head, his brow furrowed with anxiety and a knot of worry tighten in his chest.
"I don't understand what is happening with me. Why these nightmares are haunting me? Was that really just a dream or could it be… a glimpse of impending danger I'm destined to face into a future? If it's true… How can I prevent this nightmare from turning into reality?"
He kept staring at the wall, lost in memories of the desolate market that flashed before his eyes. Suddenly, he wiped away his tears and clenched his fists with a steely resolve in his eyes.
"I… I have to get stronger… stronger than I've ever been. I won't let anything to hurt her. I refuse to let my nightmares come to reality."
With each clench of his fists, the thought of Natasha fuelled his resolve, offering a brief flicker of solace in the midst of his fear.
With firm determination, Shaun scanned the room and his gaze fell upon an old wooden chair, where a small figure was curled up behind it. Leaning in closer, he recognized a familiar brown spikes. With hint of amusement in his voice, he asked,
"Hey Rico! Is that you hiding back there? What are you doing there?"
As he asked, A small figure named Rico, about four-year-old with spiky brown hair visible above the chair's worn backrest, clad in a light green yukata and brown shorts, crawled out and stood up. With his small face etched with worry, he asked,
"Big brother… are you okay? You look very scared. Rico is worried about you."
Shaun's tense expression softened at the sight of his younger brother's innocent concern. A gentle smile graced his lips.
"I am fine, Rico. There's no need to worry. When did you get here?"
Rico nervously tugged at the edge of yukata as his large brown eyes were fixed on Shaun's face.
"Mama asked Rico to wake you up. So, Rico came to wake you, but you were asleep, saying something in your dream. Then you suddenly yelled, and it scared Rico, so Rico hid behind the chair," Rico said, pointing a small finger at a nearby chair.
Shaun's smile faded, replaced by a look of guilt. He gestured Rico to come closer and patted the space beside him on the mattress.
"Yeah, I'm okay. Come here."
Rico hesitated for a moment before crawling onto the mattress, sitting close to Shaun. With a gentle smile, Shaun caressed his head and said,
"It was just a bad dream, nothing to worry about. Sorry to scare you, Rico."
"Really?" Rico tilted his head while his brown eyes were wide with innocent curiosity.
"Yeah, really," Shaun nodded reassuringly.
The warmth of his brother's reassuring smile melted away Rico's worries like morning mist. He eagerly hopped onto the mattress with his light green yukata rustling.
"Big Brother, lower your face!" he urged, waving his tiny hands with excitement.
Without hesitation, Shaun leaned down as Rico had asked with a curious expression on his face. Rico, with a mischievous grin, leaned forward and with his small hand reaching up to cup Shaun's face, he planted a quick kiss on Shaun's forehead.
"Huh? What was that?" Surprised, Shaun touched his forehead with a faint blush creeping up his cheeks and asked.
"Rico cast the Go-Go Bad Dream spell on Big Brother. Whenever Rico has a bad dream, Mother kisses Rico on the forehead and the bad dreams goes poof. So, Rico kissed Big Brother's forehead too so that his bad dreams would go poof too," with his eyes sparkling with pride, Rico said, puffing out his cheeks and mimicking a disappearing dream.
A comforting warmth enveloped Shaun's heart at his little brother's sweet act, dispelling the lingering shadows of the nightmare. The room, bathed in the morning light and the innocent charm of a child's love, felt safe and secure.
With a genuine smile lighting up his face, Shaun looked at his little brother. He affectionately ruffled Rico's hair and said,
"Oh really? Thank you, Rico. Now big brother won't have nightmares anymore."
Rico's face lit up at his brother's words and his joy was radiating outwards like sunshine.
"Yay!" He bounced off the mattress, bursting with energy.
The echo of Rico's cheerful voice lingered in the air. Shaun observed him, a warm smile spread across his face. With his cheerful little feet, Rico leaped off the mattress and dashed towards the door. As the door closed with a soft creak, his tiny figure vanished from the room.
After he left, Shaun took a deep breath, still sensing the lingering warmth of Rico's kiss, which felt like a gentle imprint on his forehead. He then climbed off the mattress and walked towards the bathroom to get ready for a refreshing bath.
**********
Shaun Thunderhawk, a 12-year-old boy, lives with his family in the quaint Nuzzle Village, where cobblestone paths are meandered through fields of golden wheat and plump pumpkins.
Nuzzle Village, a picturesque hamlet nestled in the Southern Silver Heaven, a place where sun-kissed fields were stretched as far as the eye can see, a place where the wind whispers secrets through fields of golden wheat and the sun paints the sky with shades of amber and rose.
Under the watchful eye of the Wyvern Family, Nuzzle Village was a veritable paradise, a humble village, where farming is the heart and soul of life.
This village was a home to some 3,000 souls. In total, there were ten aristocratic families in Nuzzle Village. Among them were the Raidenrome family, a family blessed with fortune and influence, currently serving as the Village Chief.
The rest of the majority were humble Commoners whose lives were intertwined with the Earth's bounty. Among these Commoners was our protagonist, Shaun Thunderhawk, who was from the modest Commoner, peasant family.
Shaun's family consists of four members. His father, Sharek, is a hardworking farmer, dedicated to supporting his family. He cultivates a variety of vegetables and fruits, which he sells in nearby towns.
Shaun's mother, Sarah, is the heart and soul of their home. A nurturing housewife who occasionally assists her husband in the fields also.
Rico, Shaun's younger brother, completes their family as a delightful, innocent, little boy with boundless enthusiasm. He often lifts everyone's spirits and brings joy to those around him with his childlike wonder. For now, he enjoys the blissful freedom of his early years at home.
Shaun's home, nestled amongst the vast farmlands, may be small in size but is sturdy. Their finances are… well, let's just say they're not overflowing with wealth. However, The Thunderhawk family was poor, but was rich in love and laughter.
Their lives are enriched with the simple joys of rural life – the smell of fresh Earthy aroma, the sweet taste of sun-ripened tomatoes, and the warm embrace of family.
**********
The steam, like a wispy ghost, was still lingering in the air as Shaun emerged from his bath. Shaun grabbed his timeworn brown towel and dried himself. As he walked, water droplets, like tiny jewels, scattered across the worn wooden floor.
His footsteps, gentle yet confident, carried him to the sanctuary of his chamber, where a humble wooden closet awaited. With a soft creak, the closet opened to reveal its simple treasures. Shaun's hand paused over his favourite outfit, a recent gift from his parents for this special day, and a small smile appeared on his lips.
His chosen attire was: a cherished black vest, a stark contrast to the crisp white gii underneath. White linings, delicate yet elegant, added a touch of sophistication. Padding, carefully wrapped around his waist, secured by a black sash-like cloth, blended practicality with style. White baggy pants completed the look.
His comb, like a loyal servant, tamed his unruly strands of messy hair. With a final flourish, transformation was complete. He was now prepared to face the day ahead.
But before venturing further, he folded the mattress and bed sheet precisely and placed them in their proper place. With a final glance around the room, he ensured that everything was back in its rightful place.
And now, the final stage of the morning's preparations: the journey to the dining hall as breakfast was awaiting. He was walking with a steady gait, his eyes fixed on the path ahead. The floorboards were groaning softly beneath him with a familiar creak harmonizing with the rhythm of each step.
***********
At last, he reached his destination. The hallway ahead was bathed in the gentle morning light, filtering through the paper-thin windows. The air was still carrying a hint of the morning's chill, mingled with the faint aroma of food being prepared, a siren's call to the rumbling stomach.
He noticed his mother, Sarah softly humming while expertly stirring something in a pot. Her lavender gown was swaying gently around her ankles.
At the wooden dining table, his younger brother, Rico was joyfully tapping a wooden spoon against the table, creating a rhythmic beat while giggling. Their father, Sharek was watching Rico with a gentle smile gracing his lips.
Sarah carefully brought a heavy wooden tray to the table, her chestnut hair was glimmering in the morning light.
"Breakfast is ready!"
Shaun entered the dining room with a subtle smile dancing on his lips, pulled out a chair beside Rico.
"Good morning, everyone," he greeted.
"Good morning, Shaun," Sarah greeted while setting a plate of porridge and a teacup before Shaun.
"Morning, my son," Sharek added as his eyes shine with warmth.
"Big brother, is today your first day at the big school?" Rico asked with curiosity, gently placing the wooden spoon down on the table with his tiny hands.
"Yes, Rico! And I'm so excited! My journey to become the World's Strongest Magus finally begins!" Shaun excitedly said while puffing his chest slightly and eyes sparkling with anticipation.
Sarah smiled warmly and her gaze was flitting between her sons. Sharek's gaze also soften with a fatherly pride as he observed their interactions and a warm sensation blossomed in his heart.
"I have no doubt you'll achieve your dream, Shaun. It still feels like a dream to me that my son is attending Silver Heaven Academy. It fills me with pride to know you'll be the first magus in our family. I can finally boast to everyone that I am the proud father of a Magus," Sharek remarked, savouring a sip of his tea.
A gleam of pride sparkled in his eyes, mirroring the deep happiness he was feeling. Rico, with his eyes wide with excitement, kicking his tiny feet beneath the table, mimicking his brother's enthusiasm.
**********
Several months ago, a significant event occurred, changing young Shaun's life forever. Shaun, a bright-eyed youth with a thirst for arcane knowledge, successfully passed the rigorous entrance test at the Silver Heaven Academy.
Silver Heavens Academy - a prestigious school renowned for its rigorous training of aspiring mages. The revered halls of this academy was normally reserved for the elites: the royals, the nobles and the aristocrats. As for the Commoners? Well, not so much…. only a sprinkle of exceptionally gifted ones, like our protagonist!
The acceptance letter may have arrived at Shaun's home, promising new paths for happiness to open, but there was a small hitch. The academy's fees were as steep as the Hima mountain peaks surrounding Silver Heaven.
Shaun's family, though loving, was far from wealthy. Shaun's dreams, it seemed, were about to be crushed beneath the weight of gold. But, like all good parents in tales such as these, they were not about to let their son's dreams wither.
With heavy hearts but unwavering determination to support their son's dreams, Shaun's parents made a tough decision. They decided to mortgage a part of their land along with some treasured family heirlooms to the Village Chief.
A sacrifice made out of love and faith in their son's abilities had finally paid off. The funds required for Shaun's enrolment at Silver Heaven Academy were now secured, creating a bittersweet victory lingered in the air.
Overwhelmed by his parents' unwavering support and a heart full of hope, Shaun made a vow to honour their dedication and conquer his dream. He'd study hard, master the art of magic, and rise to become a magus, not just for himself, but to bring pride to his family!
And you know what they say… There's no greater pride for parents than to see their child's success. Especially in a world where magic determines your status in society.
In this realm of fantastical wonders, where magic intertwined with wealth and social standing and considered as a key to success, such an achievement was no small feat. Only those families who managed cultivating strong mages gained prestige in society.
Families who fostered powerful mages climbed the social hierarchy, their wealth overflowing with riches of their magical prowess.
Shaun was aware of the weight of this responsibility and hope rested upon his young shoulders. He knew, success would not only fulfill his dreams but also elevate his family's reputation, granting them the respect and prosperity they deserved.
With his parents' unwavering support and his own fierce ambition, Shaun geared up for his new journey to Silver Heavens Academy.
**********
"Oh, Sharek! You're making him blush," Sarah playfully nudged Sharek. Taking a sip of her, tea she looked to Shaun with a gentle smile gracing her lips.
"But your father is right, Shaun. We are so proud of you, sweetheart."
Shaun blushed and felt a surge of pride and resolve as a comforting warmth enveloped him, fuelled by his family's support. A faint smile graced on his lips as he rubbed the back of his neck.
"Thank you, Mother and Father. I promise I won't disappoint you. I'll fulfill your dreams and become a great magus," Shaun declared, eyes sparkled with resolve.
"Ha-ha! That's my boy!" Sharek exclaimed, flashing an enthusiastic thumbs up.
Little Rico, sitting on a chair, bounced with excitement, with his eyes shining with admiration.
"Big brother is awesome! Rico wants to go big school too! And become a strong magus like big brother! Can Rico visit you at the big school, big brother?" Rico asked, tilted his head with his innocent eyes wide with curiosity.
"Perhaps one day, when you're a bit older and start learning magic too, Rico," Shaun said, offering a reassuring smile. He then ruffled his younger brother's hair affectionately.
"Rico, you're still too young for the academy. But don't fret, one day you'll join the academy just like I did. Who knows, You might even surpass me as a magus. I have faith in you," Shaun winked at Rico and smiled.
To Rico, Shaun was more than a brother; he was a hero, a shining example for him to follow. The kind and uplifting words of Shaun resonate with the young Rico. With a bright smile illuminating his face, Rico nodded eagerly.
"Yes, Rico will!"
Sarah was watching her sons with her heart swelling with love and pride. The Thunderhawk family, bound by love and shared dreams, bask in the warmth of familial love. Meanwhile, outside, birds were chirping their dawn song.
"More porridge, Mama!" Rico slammed his spoon against the table. With a warm smile, Sarah refilled his bowl.
"Goodness, Rico. You've already had two bowls. Eat slowly, sweetie."
"He takes after his old man. A growing boy needs his fuel," Sharek said, ruffling Rico's hair. Then he shifts his gaze at Shaun.
"Shaun, shouldn't you hurry a little? She'll be waiting for you, and it's almost time."
"Yeah, you're right! She said she'd wait outside. I don't want to keep her waiting. I need to hurry!" Shaun shoved a large spoonful of porridge into his mouth and continued to eat rapidly. But then…
"Cough! Cough!" A chunk of porridge got stuck in his throat, causing Shaun to cough.
Noticing her son in distress from coughing, Sarah's smile faded, replaced by a concern. She rose swiftly, fetching a glass of water for him.
"Shaun! How many times do I have to tell you not to rush while you eat? There's no need to rush. Take your time and eat carefully," she said, rubbing his back gently.
Shaun's face flushed crimson, a mixture of shame and unease washed over him. He took a large gulp of water to ease his coughing.
"Sorry, Mother," Shaun mumbled, avoiding his mother's gaze and focusing on the remaining porridge.
Sarah's gaze then shifted to Sharek and her eyes narrowed slightly as she raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms in front of her husband.
"And you, darling, don't encourage him to rush. He'll choke himself one day."
Sharek shrunk under his wife's piercing gaze, understanding dawning on him. He raised his hands in a gesture of surrender.
"You're right, Sarah. My bad. I didn't mean to rush him. I… got a bit carried away."
Rico, oblivious to the tension, was happily munching on his bowl of porridge. Sarah sighed and her anger melted away as quickly as it came. She returned to her chair, her hand resting on Shaun's shoulder.
"Just finish your porridge, Shaun. There's plenty of time," she smiled softly at Shaun with her concern evident. Soon, the mood lightened, replaced by the gentle clinking of spoons against bowls.
"Anyway Shaun, about your daily journey to the academy… it seems quite exhausting, doesn't it? Your mother and I was thinking… arranging a stay for you in a dormitory closer to the academy might be a good option," Sharek adjusted his glasses, said while scratching his chin thoughtfully.
"That's… That sounds amazing, Father. But… wouldn't it cost a lot?" Shaun asked with a faint smile, lowering his gaze to his hands, fiddling with the edge of his vest. Sharek and Sarah exchanged a soft gaze as they looked at their son.
"Well… It will cost a bit much, yes. But if it benefits your education, then it's a worthwhile investment. We can certainly do this much for our son's bright future," A gentle smile spread across Sharek's face.
Shaun gazed intently at his parents. A serene smile graced his lips, a flicker of something deeper in his eyes.
"Father… In that case… I prefer to stay here, with you and mother and continue my studies. I will manage the travel to the academy."
Silence descended. Both Sharek and Sarah gazed at Shaun with a surprise etched on their faces. Just as they were about to respond, Shaun continued,
"I… I know you mortgaged the east field and Mom's jade necklace, along with some jewellery… to ensure I could focus on my studies without worrying about the fees. You've both sacrificed so much already. It would be unfair to ask for more."
Sharek and Sarah exchanged stunned glances with their expressions a blend of surprise and silent pride.
"Shaun…" Sarah gasped, her hand flew to her mouth, her eyes glistened with unshed tears.
Sharek looked at Shaun, his heart was swelling with love and a renewed determination. He cleared his throat with his emotion catching in his voice.
"Son… We… We just want the best for you."
"I know, father and I appreciate your offer. But the best for me is being here with all of you," Shaun offered a genuine smile with his eyes conveying a quiet promise.
"But Son, the travel will be quite extensive each day. Are you certain?" Sharek's brow furrowed with uncertainty.
"It's exhausting, sure, but… I can manage it. My minor inconveniences are nothing compared to what you and Mom have done for me. You both have always put our happiness over your own. Now it's my turn to do the same for you both," Shaun said, each word laced with a quiet resolve that belied his young age.
"I don't want to be a burden anymore. A dormitory…that will be expensive. I want to be more resourceful. By staying home, I can also help you in the fields during the holidays," Shaun met Sharek's gaze, his eyes shining with a newfound resolve.
"I'm determined to succeed, no matter the challenges. Please, Father, Mother, give me your blessings so I can achieve my goals and make you proud," Shaun's words hung in the air, heavy with a maturity beyond his twelve years.
"Oh, Shaun…" tears welled up in Sarah's eyes.
A heavy silence filled the room, thick with unspoken emotion. Sharek watched, his usual stoicism melted into a warm smile.
"You've grown into a fine young man, son. We're proud of you. Of course, you have our blessing."
"Thanks, Father. Thanks, Mother," Shaun replied with a smile.
Sharek adjusted his glasses and leaned back with a thoughtful glint in his eyes. A wide smile blossomed on his face.
"Shaun, I heard Natasha will be joining you at the academy… That's a wonderful news! Now you need to work hard and become strong. Keep in mind, my son, strength isn't just about power, it's about responsibility. You've got a family to protect now, and a someone precious too, eh?" Sharek winked.
"Someone precious? Who do you mean?" Shaun asked, sipping his milk.
"Isn't Natasha an amazing girl, Shaun? A perfect match for you," Sharek asked, a teasing smirk playing on his lips.
Shaun startled by his father's tease, sprayed a fountain of milk across the table in a comical fashion.
"Yay! Milk shower!" Rico, sitting on his chair, burst into peals of laughter and started clapping his small hands with joy.
"Shaun! What dreadful table manners!" Sarah also frowned and her lavender gown rustled as she rose from her chair with a cloth to tidy the table.
"Cough! Cough! Sorry, Mom. Father, please! It's not what you think," Shaun wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, trying to suppress the cough. A deep blush spread across his face.
"Honestly, Sharek! He's just a kid! He's too young to be thinking about… such things," Sarah shot a disapproving look at Sharek as she wiped up the spilled milk.
"Too young? He's twelve! He'll be of marriageable age in next four years. It's about time he should start considering these matters. We were the same age when we married, weren't we, Sarah?" Sharek asked, taking a sip of his tea.
"It's a man's duty to protect the woman he loves. She's a kind-hearted girl and they've known each other since they were little sprouts. She'll look after Shaun, just like you look after me, Sarah," Sharek smiled gently, adjusting his glasses.
Shaun, fidgeted uneasily under his father's gaze, suddenly felt the vest over his gii too tight. He focused on his half-empty bowl.
"Oh, Sharek," Sarah sighed with a blend of exasperation and amusement in her eyes. With a gentle smile, she shook her head fondly, reminiscing her own youthful love story with Sharek.
"Now, now, everyone eat your porridge before it gets cold. Shaun, dear, finish your porridge quickly. You don't want to be late for your first day at the academy, right?" She pointed to his plate, a gentle smile graced her lips.
"Right, Mother!" Shaun replied, shovelling a large spoonful of porridge into his mouth, his cheeks still rosy.
**********
The Thunderhawk family finished their breakfast in peaceful silence, the only noise being the clinking of spoons against bowls.
Shaun was adjusting his sleek black leather shoes before he slung his cotton sack over his shoulder. Within the sack, nestled his journals and inkwell, along with a small, worn wooden carving of a phoenix - a gift from Natasha on his last birthday as a good-luck charm.
"Be safe, dear. Make new friends and study hard!" Sarah said, gently ruffling Shaun's hair.
"Make us proud, son. Your mother and I believe in you," Sharek placed a reassuring hand on Shaun's shoulder.
"I won't let you down, Mother, Father," Shaun stood up tall with a renewed determination filling him.
"Big brother, will you teach Rico magic when you return?" Rico gazed up at his big brother, his eyes filled with admiration.
"Of course, Rico. Once I become the World's Strongest Magus, you'll be my first apprentice," Shaun promised, a playful grin lighting up his face.
"My little mages in training," Sarah said, her heart brimming with pride and love as she observed her sons.
"Just try not to blow up the academy on your first day, eh, Shaun?" Sharek winked, suppressing his smile.
"Yes, Father. Goodbye, Mother. Goodbye, Father. Bye, Rico!" Shaun gave them a quick respectful bow.
"Bye-bye, Big brother!" Rico bounced with excitement, waving his tiny hands energetically. Sharek and Sarah waved their hands, their eyes filled with tears and pride as they watched their son.
With a final wave, Shaun approached the main entrance and the worn wooden door creaked open before him, marking the start of a new chapter in his life.
**********
The wooden door groaned shut behind Shaun, sending his heart racing with a blend of thrill and anxiety. He inhaled deeply, looking at the road stretched ahead with a promising adventure.
As he took his first step, a flash of yellow caught his eye. A girl, about his age, with a brown ponytail, dressed in a yellow hanfu, waiting quietly by the gate with her hands folded behind her back.
"Good morning, Shaun!" she greeted cheerfully, her gaze fixed on him. Her smile radiated warmth and her grey eyes sparkled.
"Good morning, Natasha," Shaun scratched his faint rosy cheek, averting his gaze.
A gentle breeze rustled the leaves of the nearby trees, carrying the fragrance of blooming jasmine.
"Ready for our first day at Silver Heaven Academy?" Natasha asked, adjusting a strap of her leather sack.
"Yeah… I guess so," Shaun replied, gripping his sack firmly.
Natasha took off at a lively pace, the tassels of her hanfu swaying in the breeze behind her.
"Well then, Let's go!"
**********