Cyrus Solaris
A faint light crept into my eyes, and a dull pain ached in my neck.
I was sitting in a plush, square seat. Rubbing my eyes, I noticed I was in a confined room with a large wooden desk and windows that looked out onto the open expanse of the sky.
Looking around me, I noticed there were portraits of men who all resembled Head Master Naga.
"I see you are finally up." A warm and smooth voice said as I felt the clasp of my shoulder.
Looking up, I saw the headmaster.
"How long have I been out?"
"A couple of hours. Not long."
"I assume I lost the tournament."
"Correct."
"But why am I here then?"
"Some of the staff felt that before you continue, you should have a conversation with me, and I agree."
"About what?"
The headmaster took a shallow breath. "Your attitude."
"Many here think it is unbecoming of a rift runner in training to act the way you do."
"What? confident, hardworking, and persistent."
The headmaster sat on top of his desk. Crossing his legs, he stared for a few long seconds.
"It's the way you display it. You are bright, tone it down; you might make unwanted enemies."
"I'm sorry, Head Master, but I can't allow myself to do that. If I do it now, I'll do it in the future, where the consequences will be much greater."
The headmaster's serious face turned into a gentle smile. He rose and walked behind his desk, opening a drawer.
"Prime Minister Kazehoshi was right about you. I see why he pleaded for me to allow me to attend this academy." He said, tossing me something.
"Surprise!"
Landing in my hand was an apple.
"Why did you give me this?"
Ignoring my question, "I understand how you feel, Cyrus. You are very much like me when I was younger," he said as he walked over towards the paintings on the wall.
"You see these men."
"Yes, who are they?"
"Just normal men, like yourself. No noble or royal birthright just determined men who never took no for an answer. They are my father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and so on. My family created Xhatal Academy from a small school into what it is today. We were discriminated against, our classrooms raided, and sometimes attacked by great families. All because we opposed a threat."
"Which was?" I asked
"Tell me, Cyrus, what do you think is the best way to fight against oppression?"
"With force," I responded quickly.
"No. through strategy. We found a way for the nobles to abandon their ways and join ours, and they did because our graduates were performing better. Soon, all the nobles and great families wanted to send their children here. And here we challenge them on their beliefs. Defeating oppression is a long game; you devour it one bite at a time," he said, smiling at me.
"I challenge you to be more patient. If you can do that, I will provide you with anything you need. Now and in the future. You have immense potential, young Cyrus. Everyone sees it, that's why they act the way they do. Just remain patient and calm, and everything will pan out for you."
"Why is it that I need to be patient. Why can't I just take what I want now?" I said, taking a bite of the apple.
"It ticks me off how I'm supposed to subdue my greatness in the presence of others. That I have to constantly prove that I belong, just for it to be shot down. Does patience work? Or is it a lie?"
The headmaster got up and walked over towards me. He placed both hands on my shoulders and stared into my eyes.
Before, I thought of the headmaster as someone strict and cold. But he was warm and inviting like the sun.
I felt like I could learn a lot from him, more than the teachers I've been dealing with.
"I believe in you, Cyrus. So, believe in me. Continue to prove the Prime Minister and your family right." This was something I needed. The support I wanted this summer was nonexistent.
Gramps brushed off my plans and even called me crazy a few times. After what I witnessed in Gavelon, his actions were disheartening.
"Thank you, headmaster. Means a lot."
He shook his head and gave me one last pat on the shoulder.
"My doors are always open for you. But don't tell everyone else I gave you special treatment, alright."
I felt the smile creep on my face. "Of course. Why would I give up my advantage?"
"Atta Boy. Now off you go." I gave him a wave and left the door.
I looked at my watch and realized I had some free time before curfew, so I decided to head to the rec center.
The rec center was buzzing with energy. I pushed past a group of students.
In the lounge area, a large group of students sat on the couches, watching something on the big screen. It was footage of the fights from earlier today.
Currently on the screen was my battle against Bogdan. He was also in the group, among others, of house Obalex.
They were laughing and making fun of my defeat. They called me all types of names. The rage was building in my body as my cosmic energy leaked from my core.
Then everyone turned.
Eyes of all colors stared at me. A couple stood up with their hands clenched. Part of me wanted to fight, and they deserved a beating. But the headmaster's words still rang in my mind.
I needed to be patient and strategic. I unclenched my fist, let my cosmic energy settle, and walked toward the fridge. I grabbed the juice and left the lounge.
"That's what I thought, a pathetic cheating scum like you doesn't deserve to be here." I didn't respond to the student's comment, but I knew exactly what strategy I was going to implement.