11th Period: Arrival in the Corandale District

We found ourselves forced to relocate to the Corandale District, bidding farewell to the familiar confines of the Brightwood District and the possibility of seeing my beloved Athena again. Only fate would know if these two souls of ours were fated to meet again in the future. 

The Corandale District was a new experience for us, a stark deviation from our previous life in Brightwood. The quaint familiarity of our old neighborhood was replaced by a world that felt distant and initially unnerving. However, we soon found ourselves adapting, drawing upon the strength of the people around us, and navigating the strange new district with a determination that was as inspiring as it was necessary. Our shared displacement bonded us further, creating a sense of solidarity more robust than anything we'd known before. 

With time, we found a new pace of life. The district was a stark contrast to our previous home, a constant reminder of the dangers we had escaped. But as the days turned into weeks, we began to settle into our new surroundings, the echoes of the Brightwood District slowly fading. The memories of Athena and the life we once shared lingered within my heart. Despite the miles between us, she remained an ever-present force as a result of the Aeonian Bond we had formed, this presence stirred a bittersweet longing for her and the future we could have had together. 

Eventually, my family life returned to normal as we found a new rhythm, a new semblance of normality. I enrolled in a local middle school, Corandale Middle School, for my last year. The school was renowned for its advanced curriculum and its focus on honing the unique abilities of its students, fostering an environment of discipline and personal growth for those of us destined to be the next generation of Starz Officers to serve in space either in a StarShip or one of the many space colonies. 

One afternoon, after returning home from class, I was faced with a new problem that I hadn't yet considered. When I completed my studies and graduated from high school, would I be attending Garcinia Institute in the Brightwood District for the next two years? I had always assumed this was the natural course of action for someone like myself; after all, the Eliwood House, which was my father's family, had attended that university for many generations. As I sat in my room, pondering this newfound dilemma, a sudden realization struck me: what if there was another option for my future? What if, instead of following my household's expectations, I forged my own path from this day on?

I had previously considered that possibility for a brief moment before realizing the expectations placed upon me. Members of the Eliwood House had always been expected to become either Commanding Starz Officers or contribute towards the development of the Starz Program, as my father had done. Yet, I wasn't sure if I wanted this future of being a Starz Officer anymore, especially if Athena wasn't by my side. This had always been our dream: to become Starz Officers, serving faithfully by each other's side while exploring the vast, ever-expanding universe and its hidden wonders.

As I sat there, lost in thought, a sudden knock at my door pulled me back to reality. It was my mentor, Captain Kaldur. He had been assigned to me as part of the Starz Program's Mentoring System, designed to support and guide new recruits chosen to participate in this program. He had been charged with guiding me toward my future as a Science Starz Officer while I was currently attending middle school nearby.

Captain Kaldur's eyes scanned the room before landing on me. "If it isn't my number one student, Henry. May I come in?" he asked.

I nodded as he entered the brightly lit room, taking a seat across from me. He began to explain his plans for my future. He had planned for me to attend a local high school, followed by a two-year university that could teach me the basics needed to become a Starz Officer.

Captain Kaldur leaned back in his chair, his eyes reflecting the galaxies he had once explored. "Henry," he began, "the universe is vast and unending. It's full of many different paths that you could take, and not all of them lead to you becoming a Science Starz Officer, as expected by the Eliwood House. Now hear me out; you are an excellent student of mine." His voice was calm yet held a distinct conviction. 

"Your path," he continued, "is not yet set in stone. You have extraordinary abilities and potential that extend beyond science and exploration. You could become a Starz Diplomat, mediating interstellar conflicts, or a Starz Engineer, building the infrastructures of new colonies. Maybe even a Starz Historian, documenting the evolution of civilizations across the cosmos."

He paused, allowing his words to sink in. "The future I've outlined for you involves attending a local high school, which you have already. Afterward, you will attend the Garcinia Institute for two years, which will bring you one step closer to becoming a Science Starz Officer. But remember, it is not the only way. And most importantly, it should align with what you truly want." His gaze was steady on me, sending a clear message: the choice was still mine to make.

I was shocked by his words. Being a member of the House meant that certain expectations were placed upon me. I didn't have the option of being anything more than what I had been trained to be. Yet, at the same time, I realized I could still have options as long as I continued to work in the field I was expected to. Couldn't I train myself to become a different type of Starz Officer?

After a moment of silent contemplation, I raised my eyes to meet the captain's gaze. I could see the earnest intent in his eyes, a silent encouragement for me to choose my own path and not let others determine my future for me.

"You're right, Captain," I finally said, my voice steady and unwavering. "I've always felt this calling for something beyond being a Science Starz Officer. I should have the freedom to explore other avenues, and to use my abilities where they are best suited. I am a member of the Eliwood House, but I am also my own person with unique talents and aspirations. I will strive to honor both."

The captain nodded, a proud smile forming on his face. The conversation was far from over, but an important decision had been made. From that day on, I worked even harder, knowing that my future was in my own hands. My talents as a Science Starz Officer were honed. Still, I also spent time exploring and developing my other natural abilities as I waited for the day I would attend Garcinia Institute. In the meantime, I spent my time studying and training in martial arts with my fellow Eliwood House members. However, I also made sure to connect with others from outside of the Eliwood House, believing these connections would benefit me later if I chose to follow a different path. 

These individuals from the Eliwood House were also expected to become Starz Officers upon graduating from high school. They pushed me to develop better habits that would allow me to succeed in the high-stress environment we would encounter as Starz Officers. The more I trained, the more confident I became, preparing myself for the future I dreamed of. Yet, no matter how hard I trained, I still couldn't imagine any future without Athena by my side. She was the only person I wanted to share this experience with.