Raven Black - 6

"How many do you think will survive, Elder?" 

I asked, my voice shaken slightly. Yet my answer was only silence, as the elder stroked his white beard. An appearance that had been maintained delicately with all sorts of different products and elixirs.

He had made sure that his hair would remain, which was why - along with his beard - he had a full head of hair. White hair that contrasted so… so… 

It was just so disgustingly weird. How his hair belied such youth, yet when my eyes lay upon those wrinkles of his.

I could think of naught but the ugliness of his face. Contrasted by the beauty of his hair. Yet even that was a lie, as even the most beautiful hair could not be upon the visage of an ugly...

I stopped myself.

It was disrespectful to think such thoughts but as I worried for my sister who had entered along with the others, poor Nemphyths, she was strong, I had made sure of it. But that was all I could do.

"Do not worry, she is still alive. But Dahlia… ah- no forget I said anything."

He merely leaned against the nearest tree, in watch of the swirl that was this realm of ours. Long ago the junior's teacher had left. For some 'important duty'.

I snorted to myself, I cared not for the display of emotion. There were no such rules against my show. Either way I still upturned my nose at the display of… laziness, yes that would be the best word for such behavior.

"Ah- but if you truly wanted my answer then…" 

His voice trailed off and my eyes, locked within his own, turned towards the portal, the shimmer of such color had faded once more. A signal to the world of an arrival.

"Unexpected." I muttered, a raised eyebrow the only show of surprise.

"Yes, yes very."

It was as if some floodgate had been opened, for out poured one student. Her black hair shimmered in the real light, eyes glared warily at those around. Even her hand was tense. As was expected of such fights.

Death and subsequent experiences would provide such fear.

"Congratulations." I spoke, my voice even. "For being the first to complete the realm. If you can give me your bag…?"

I trailed off, my hand outstretched and in wait of her response. She, Delphine if I remembered correctly, raised an eyebrow, reaching to her side and gave me the bag she had been given earlier.

I bowed, my hands clasped together. And when I raised my eyes she was already gone, her back towards both the Elder and I. In search of her own quarters.

"That-"

I was interrupted before I could even begin fully.

"She has potential." There was a glint within the eye of that elder, his hand. It did not stroke his beard but twitched wildly against his thigh.

"Truly… she is not known for her talent rather her lack of is what Delphine is known for…"

It had come to me mere moments later. I remembered her. Compared to the second (first being the best and fourth being the worst) grade talents the others had shown, she had none. 

Yet still she was taken in for another reason.

I gazed at the top of the mountain. A silent prayer on my lips as I waited once more. Time seemed to pass and more and more children left the realm, either brought by that talisman to our attention.

Or… the rarer option, they had completed the realm… such as Delphine had. And finally, my eyes lit with restrained excitement, she was there Nemphyths. Her braided green hair swayed side to side, along with the annoyance within her own eyes.

"Are you alright? Are you injured anywhere?! Tell me."

She was immediately overwhelmed, her shoulders locked up and her back straightened. Then with a slight sigh of relief - at the sight of me - she relaxed. Her body, that had been so tense, fell gently into my embrace.

I glared balefully at the elder who merely chuckled and stroked his beard once more.

"Go, celebrate, she has overcome her first trial. Let her have fun."

I breathed a sigh of relief, Qi gathered at my feet. A silent cry of 'light step' and I was within the air. I jumped from peak to peak, protecting Nemphyths from the piercing wind.

Once more my gaze landed upon that highest peak. Where she found herself buried. Her legacy was known only to those of her own choice, rarely ever talked about.

And she had chosen that raven haired girl for a reason. What that was… I knew not. Only a silent prayer that it was not my Nempthys. I would fight to hell and back for her. But I knew she was an insurmountable mountain.

Still… still I felt a smile tug at my features. As I turned my head this way and that. The door opened to reveal a dark room, a slight show of power and they turned right back on. And when they did, light revealed the celebration I had prepared.

"Ah-" She stuttered, "Tha- thank you…" Her voice was so... so demure... so cute... just so adorable. I couldn't help the small squeal that echoed from my mouth.

Of course, it wasn't loud enough for her to hear it. But enough for her to...

Nempthys buried her head within my shoulder. She just looked so cute… so adorable right now. I could do nothing but spoil her rotten.

I gave her all the cake, all the treats and food she could ever want to eat. And when finally, the dishes were placed within the sink. Washed with a wave of my finger. Finally I placed her final gift over the counter. A sheath with a green ribbon.

"What's…" She stuttered, her head tilted in askance, "What's this?"

"Your present." I smiled. "For succeeding in this trial. I wanted you to have something for when you go out on missions. It will be of great help."

Under my breath I muttered one last word… a hope that I knew could not be granted. 

"Though I do wish that I could be there with you every step of the way."

Not that this world would let such mercies be.