Chapter 3 | Comfort

Rowan ran all the way back home, with tears in his eyes. He just got humiliated in front of everyone. He hated himself for not having magic. Even the priest said that his chi was weak. He was so frustrated that he didn't notice the people around him. They were staring at his grimoire.

"A Null grimoire? Never saw that before," one said.

"It's that boy with the weak magic!" said another.

He then bumped into someone and fell to the ground. Rowan bumped into Lucas. Not now, dammit, Rowan thought.

"Rowan?" asked Lucas. "I thought you were at the grimoire ceremony." He then looked at his black grimoire and gasped. "A black grimoire? I'm sorry Rowan. I really am."

Rowan was shocked by that response. Lucas never had empathy towards Rowan. He got up and instead of running again, he just walked, showing no emotion, like a doll. Lucas followed him.

"Rowan are you okay?"

"Shut up."

"Let's go back home then."

"I said SHUT UP!" An ominous black aura appeared around Rowan. His eyes started turning red. It was only for a moment, but both Lucas and Rowan noticed it. Lucas just stood there, not knowing what to do.

"What was that, Rowan?" Lucas seemed scared.

"I don't know. Sorry." Rowan didn't know what that was either. His first guess was his grimoire, but he came to the realization that a Null grimoire couldn't do any magic. Erasing the thought, he started walking again.

The horizon was already a dark magenta when they came to their home. Rowan opened the spruce door and went straight up to his room. The stairs he walked creaked for the first time. Rowan sat on his small bed and curled up in a ball. Stupid grimoire, he thought. Why can't I get a normal grimoire and be normal like everyone else? He gripped his grimoire and threw it to a wall.

"Dammit!" he cried.

Rowan picked up the grimoire and opened the window and stared at the lake. Behind the Williams Orphanage, there was a giant lake. When Rowan was small, he used to play there with the other kids. The water was crystal blue and calm. There was no waves or ripples. Everything was silent and relaxed.

Rowan threw his grimoire out the window as far as he could. The grimoire splashed in the water and sank. Ripples appeared from where Rowan's grimoire was thrown. A flock of birds fluttered from a giant tree. The sun had set.

-}-{-

It was already afternoon when Rowan woke up. His body ached with pain because of the way he slept last night. Nobody came to wake him up, so Rowan guessed that Yui probably told Mr. Williams what happened last night.

He got out of bed and went on with his daily routine. His hair was a disaster this time. After he took a shower and brushed his teeth, Rowan went to the dining table. There was only one plate on the table. The plate had scrambled eggs with ham and there was french toast as well. Rowan sat down on his chair and began eating. The food was tasteless; Rowan couldn't taste anything. But the breakfast wasn't cold; it felt like it was just made. Yui came out of the kitchen and looked at Rowan.

"You're a mess," she said.

"And you're not. You got a white grimoire yesterday. Everyone probably heads over heels for you right now. You have amazing magic, you're smart, and you're popular. Good luck on the exams," mumbled Rowan in a grim voice.

"You sound like that you're planning not to come to Vlares."

"What chance do I have? There are so many people stronger than me in Neshair."

"You're coming to Vlares with me," ordered Yui.

"I'm just going to be a burden to you."

"Rowan, look at me."

Rowan looked up at his sister with a serious face. Yui also did the same.

"No matter how weak you are, you are going to get stronger. When I become a wizard, I don't want people to know that I have a brother that was weak."

"Well, I am weak, so-"

Yui grabbed Rowan slapped him in the face. "You are not weak. Because you are my brother. You are going to get into the academy, no matter what. I will make you try as hard as you can." Rowan can tell that Yui was being serious.

The silence was broken by Rowan. "I'll think about it," he finally said.

"Good. We're leaving in about an hour, so make your choice quick."

Rowan, now feeling better, nodded and continued his breakfast. He suddenly forgot to tell Yui something. "Umm... I may have thrown my grimoire in the lake."

"You what?!" Yui was more astonished than angry.

"I'll get it back, I promise," he said.

"You better. I'll be in my room packing."

They were finally going to Vlares today. Rowan had always dreamed about living in a huge city. Today, he and his sister are finally going there. And not just that, Yui just persuaded Rowan to take the Vlares Exam.

Rowan rushed upstairs to pack his clothing and supplies. He entered his room and his eyes went wide with surprise. His grimoire was lying on his desk. The grimoire wasn't even wet; it was exactly how it was before Rowan threw it to the lake. It was disturbing to think about how it got back to his room, but he was relieved his grimoire was back.

-}-{-

About an hour later, Rowan came down to the foyer with his backpack and sac, ready to leave. Yui was already there before him, sitting down on a chair. Everybody was there: Mr. Williams, Lucas, Olivia, and the other children.

"This is a bittersweet moment. I'm so proud of you both. I wish you the best of luck in the exam!" Mr. Williams was trying to suppress his tears.

"We'll make you proud," said Yui.

"I'll try my best, too," added Rowan. "See you guys! Oh, and Lucas, make sure to take care of the other children!"

Lucas was looking away from Rowan. He was going to miss him. With no one to prank, it looks like he was the big brother of the house now. "You better not fail the exam, idiot!" he yelled.

"As I said, I'll try my best. I'm going to get recognition from everyone in Arkfield and Neshari!" he stated.

"Goodbye, my children," said Mr. Williams sadly. "And make sure to write letters!"

"We will!" said Yui happily.

Rowan and Yui left the house and started walking on the dirt road. They were going to meet up with Hiromi as well. She was also going into the exam.

"Let's do our best in the exam," exclaimed Rowan.

"You better not lie," said Yui.