3 Six Years Later

With a grunt I turn the final little knob. My new staff is awesome! And I just added the final touches, it's fold able into a belt or compact hair clip and has so many special features! I leap up, a satisfied smile plastered across my face. It's finally time to show everyone what I've made.

This has been my special secret which only I know of, well, and the old man. He's been giving me pointers and tips. I'm fourteen now and until about a year ago he was teaching me but eventually I started just experimenting on my own. He says it's a pity that I'm not becoming a mechanic but I'm not interested in becoming lonely and old like him. Don't tell him I said that, the old guy's really grown on me.

As I sprint towards the village he pops his head out of his "den", where he's tinkering around.

"Hey, old man!"

"What's the rush-hey, I thought I told you to stop calling me that!"

"Hehehe, well, I am now the most invincible wielder ever!" I hold the what currently looks like a tiny silver hair clip in front of me.

He raises a brow, impressed although he won't admit it. "Oh, so you're finally done?"

"Finally?! Excuse me, do you know how much work I've put into this!?"

"Well, I always see my lazy apprentice lazing about..."

"Oh come on! Everyone needs breaks once in a while. Besides, after today I won't be your apprentice anymore. I'll be a wielder!"

"So you say."

"Hey!"

"Isn't one of you enough already? Is there really a need for another one? Plus, I've heard you're sister's gotten pretty good wielding that staff of hers."

"We-we're still at the same level! Hers has magic so it's different!"

"Well, whatever you say..."

"Hey! Since when do you go out and listen to town gossip, I though you're a recluse!"

"Well, I have a certain naughty apprentice who likes to one up me, so I have to be aware right?"

"Hmph! Well, whatever. I'm going to show my parents and everyone how awesome MY staff is!"

For a second I catch sight of what looks like worry in his eyes, but when I blink it disappears. I look at him in confusion.

"What's wrong?"

"Well...you know what the village thinks of mechanical technology and anything to do with it, right?"

"Yeah...but I'm not a mechanic. Well, technically. I'm just an apprentice and after today I won't be anymore."

"Yeah, but you're staff..."

"It'll be fine! Just wait, I'll become the best wielder ever and get you out of this place!" I call back as I turn around and start to jog towards the village.

"Girl, the real world is a lot different than you think!" He calls after me. Ugh, another lecture. No matter what he says I'm not going to change my mind. I'll be the staff wielder and that's that.