I was starting to like forgiving Aliki.

     A new cloak sat on my shoulders, lined with fur and cotton. An embroidered hat, and a new brooch were a part of my new outfit.

     She was currently scrambling to pack up all the supplies we'd need to travel to the Choosing.

     It was the day after we had reconciled that she started preparing, on Wednesday. 

     It was now Saturday.

     Aliki handed me a satchel, with I quickly slipped on. She put on a cloak, a bit more classy then the old, dirty one she usually wore.

     Don't tell her I said that, Ill die-

    "Alright kid, let get going! We need to be there by nightfall if you want a half decent familiar!" Aliki called out from the front door.

     I hurried outside, glancing at the sky. Almost noon. 

     How far was this ceremony from my island?

     Aliki practically dragged me to the docking area.

     "Ow, ow, ow, you are aware that I apologized to you, correct!?" I yelped, as she nearly ran me into a tree.

     "Don't be a wuss, kiddo." She replied simply, pushing me closer to the dock.

     I squinted. Something was on the horizon.

     A piece of wood? No, it wasn't just a piece of wood.

     "Holy-" I started, then glanced at Aliki, who scowled. "...shittake mushrooms?" I offered.

     She shrugged. "Good save."

     It was an airship. A large ship with an engraved hull, and masts that held an expanse of sails, all with the emblem of the Choosing. 

     ...Apparently. I had only seen the emblem a few seconds lpearlier, while studying the history of the event.

     The flash cards were heavy in my pocket, a not so friendly reminder of how much I was obilivious to.

     Aliki helped me onto the ship, which I was a bit hesitant to board.

     My thoughts from when Olive came to visit returned painfully quick. If I left this island, I would die.

     I watched as Aliki talked to the other passengers and pay for the fare. 

     Had that been another lie?

     She walked over to where I sat, on over of the lonely corners of the ship, with a decent view. 

     "You okay kid? You don't look too good." Aliki asked worriedly, patting me on the back.

     That should have been comforting, but it only made me feel worse.

     "Master Aliki, you said that if I left the island, I would die. Was that part of your promise? Or did you,just straight up lie to me?" I asked her, trying to keep my voice steady. "Or.."

     I trailed off, staring at her. Aliki returned my gaze, guilty.

     "It wasn't, but part of the promise was to keep you there until you were ready. But in a way, I suppose I failed in preparing you as well." She sighed, "But I wasn't completely lying."

     "What do you mean?" I asked, confused.

     A lie but not a lie? Master Aliki was getting more and more confusing by the minute.

     Aliki glanced around. There was literally no one here. It was dead quiet.

     "Well, your aura. And mana levels. Both rival an ancient dragon. Do you understand how valuable you would be of other people? They'd use you, drain your magic, and then throw you out like that gross lasagna I made a month ago." Aliki murmured.

     That lasagna was disgusting. I understood what she meant, but not really.

     "...are you calling me old, crusty lasagna?" I asked.

     Aliki groaned in annoyance. "It was a metaphor, you idiot child!"

     "Ooh. Sorry Master Aliki." I apologized.

     The trip seemed to be going smoothly. 

     My stomach said otherwise.

     Maybe Aliki was right about how some bounty hunters or whatever would come after me for my magic, but they weren't the only ones killing me if you know what I mean. 

     I was going on four bathroom breaks so far, and at this rate I might not as well stay in there the whole time.

     Aliki had gone to see if any of the other passengers had some medicinal herbs.

     Which basically left me alone, with no protection other these this big ass bag she carried around.

     I was in writhing agony.

     There was a light tap on my shoulder. I turned to look for the source.

     A boy, seemingly 13 or 14, waved at me for literally two inches away.

     "Uh.. hi?" I greeted

     "You look like you're about to die." He mused, tilting his head.

     "Eh, accurate to how I'm feeling. Also, who are you?" I said. The boy perked up.

     He stood and made the dumbest hero pose I have ever seen. 

     "Lux Apollyon Plasmen, son of Terra Gian Plasmen and Tenebris Lui Plasmen, lovely to meet you my good sir!" The boy announced, rather loudly.

     I peeked around Lux. I saw no one that looked remotely like his parents.

      "Where are your parents? Terra and... Tenebis?" I asked.

     "Tenebris. And they're not with me. I'm traveling with my classmates to the Choosing." Lux corrected.

     Sounded like a dumb explanation for wanting a break from your kid. Were they not worried?

     Well, it's not like I could talk.

     I turned my attention back to Lux. "Where are your classmates?" I asked. 

     Realization dawned of the boy. "Uh... uhm..." Lux mumbled, looking around frantically. 

     "...I lost 'em." He sighed. Damn. That sucks.

     None of my business though.

     I returned to wallowing in despair, a sharp pain in my side interrupted my train of thought.

      "Yuka! Oi, out of my way, brat. Yuka, eat this." I heard Aliki approach and Lux grunt as she pushed him out the way.

     "Master Aliki, my savior!" I said dramatically, taking the small vial that she handed to me.

     "Enough with drama, boy. Bottoms up." She said.

     I downed the liquid and immediately started to die. Again.

     "ACK- eugh, so bitter" I wheezed. Aliki took the vial back.

     "Oh don't be a baby. And who's the fancy looking kid?" Aliki scoffed.

     Oh, Lux was still there.

     Lux huffed. "I am Lux Apollyon-" he started. I held up a hand.

     "This is Lux Plasmen, he's on a trip with his classmates, who he lost somehow, and he's on the way to the Choosing like us." I said. Lux pouted.

     "How dare you introduce me in such a lackluster fashion!" The boy pouted.

     "Oh, boo hoo." I sighed.

     Aliki sighed.

     This was going to be a long trip.