“The woman, the myth, the legend!”

An older woman strolled out with a wide grin and a pep in her step, waving at the students as they applauded. When she reached Professor Wagnui, she pulled him into a quick, tight hug; they exchanged a brief word as they pulled apart, and then she patted him on the shoulder and sent him away. She stepped up to the mic, tucked her hands behind her back, and released a breath.

“Well, isn’t this an exciting day?” she said.

Another round of cheers sounded, and she laughed, holding up her hands.

“Alright, alright! I know you’re all eager to be here, but we can party once you’re all settled in,” she giggled. “Now, you should all know this by now, but in case any of you forgot: I’m Dr. Lani Akiona, but please, call me Dr. Lani. I’ve been in charge of this school-camp hybrid for over 40 years, and let me tell you, there’s still nothing that compares to the feeling of seeing an auditorium full of fresh, new faces. I’m honored that you all have decided to come join us for your educations and trainings!

“When Camp Schesi was first founded a few hundred years ago, it was only a small plot of land run by Sapphire the Great and King Pono themselves. As you should remember from your history classes, the previous king’s reign had brought war and misery to not only the Kingdom of Eydeyse, but to his own son and his family. Despite promising to do better—and following through on it –Pono decided that one person in the kingdom should not hold so much power. After he was crowned, he took Sapphire and some of the strongest people in Eydeyse, and he gave them the power to overrule any of his own decisions, should they be putting the kingdom and its citizens in danger.

“Those eight people became the first of many, many Etudes for centuries to come. What started off in Eydeyse eventually spread to Cardiv, and then Imsel, and then the rest of Marban, and the number of training camps grew and grew until there was a wide selection of schools to choose from. Generations of kingdoms have been spared from an iron ruling because of one king’s choice to swallow his pride and do what’s best for the people he loved.

“Camp Schesi might not be the best in the world anymore, and we might not be the most popular school, but this is where it all began.” Dr. Lani put a hand on her chest, resting it on the red crystal dangling from the chain around her neck. “We may have expanded the courses we offer, but anyone who steps foot on this campus with the intention to learn and help others is a true Etude at heart. I may not be the queen, but I am still a descendant of King Pono, and I believe he’d be proud of each and every one of you for taking this first step. I know I certainly am.”

Soledad lightly nudged at Terra, and the two exchanged a smile. Chika and Adela glanced at each other and did the same.

“To be an Etude is to be a scholar, a warrior, and a helper. It is to practice your strengths and weaknesses until you perfect those skills, and then to practice even more. If you feel like you’re at the top, keep climbing, because there’s always another level to take. And when you’ve hit the bottom, and the world feels dark and lonely, reach out; someone will find you and pull you up again. Even heroes need to be saved every once in a while.”

Dr. Lani took a moment to look around at the students, her soft eyes landing on each one for a split second before moving onto the next. The room stayed silent. It was as if the world had paused to allow everyone to tuck this moment in their memories, and no one took the opportunity for granted.

Finally, Dr. Lani let out a breath and put her hands together.

“Now… I think it’s time we get your initiation started.”