New Beginings

Aiden began his day as usual: one hundred push-ups, one hundred sit-ups, and one hundred squats. This routine stemmed from an old book he read, which declared a mage must possess both a strong body and a strong mind. Unlike typical seven-year-olds who might overlook such a passage, Aiden, engrossed in any material on magic and mage history, absorbed everything. While his peers played, Aiden spent his days in the orphanage's library, engrossed in texts and magic theory. His singular dream was to become the most formidable mage in existence. Despite his training hinting at a future as a warrior or enforcer, Aiden's focus remained unwavering on mastering magic.

Under his favored tree, Aiden was lost in a book on advanced lightning magic, a recent acquisition he'd exchanged for extra chores. So engrossed was he that Miko's arrival by his side went unnoticed.

"Ahem."

Startled, Aiden lost his place in the book.

"Really, Miko? Couldn't you have just tapped my shoulder?" he complained.

Miko, with a mischievous smile, simply looked up at the sky. "I suppose, but that wouldn't have been as fun, would it?"

Annoyed, Aiden rifled through the pages to find his spot again.

He'd long stopped wondering why Miko, with her unique ash-white hair and deep purple eyes, chose his friendship over others. Despite multiple adoption offers, she refused to leave without him, insisting, "Who would look after you if I weren't here?"

Though he'd never say it aloud, Aiden cherished her company.

As Aiden returned to his reading, Miko sighed, her braid falling across her shoulder.

"So, tomorrow's the big day," she remarked.

Realization dawned on Aiden, and he closed his book with a snap. "It's already here? I've lost track of time!"

In his excitement, he lifted Miko, spinning them around until she protested, "Hey, let me down!"

They resettled on the grass, the gravity of the next day setting in. The Xen kingdom's annual test determined thirteen-year-olds' magical affinities, dictating their futures. Aiden fantasized about joining a prestigious magic family, his aspirations momentarily clouded by Miko's worried expression.

"What's wrong? This is good, right?" he prodded.

Miko's concern was evident as she toyed with the grass. "What if our affinities differ? We might not be in the same family."

Aiden hadn't considered this. His hopes for lightning or wind magic hadn't accounted for the possibility of separation from Miko.

After a moment's silence, Aiden declared, "It doesn't matter."

Miko looked hurt, prompting him to clarify, "No matter your affinity, I'll choose the same path."

Confident in his skills and knowledge, Aiden believed he could excel with any element.

Miko's spirits lifted, and she agreed, "I'll do the same! We must end up in the same family, no matter what."

They shook on it, spending the afternoon dreaming of their future as mages. It was a day filled with hope and camaraderie, a stark contrast to what awaited them.