I woke up earlier that morning, the sun had managed to shift its way into my room. I wiped my eyes, the light moisture pressed against my hands. I climbed out of bed as my legs ached. Opening my bedroom door I could hear my parents, they were preparing breakfast as usual. I walked downstairs and past them towards the bathroom.
Entering the bathroom I did my business as usual. While we didn't have flushing toilets in this world I have gotten used to using a drop toilet. We had a water bucket about the same size as my training one for baths and a makeshift sink inside the cramped wooden bathroom.
Quickly washing my hands I left and headed towards the breakfast table. Eggs on toast once again. It was always the same thing and honestly I kinda hated eggs now. I used to sit next to my mother drooling at the thought of eating eggs but now looking at them made me feel dread.
I sat down reluctantly stabbing my fork into the eggs and chowing down. My parents were awfully silent today, staring at me with the same faces they made when I wasn't speaking six years ago. What's going on? They look concerned for some odd reason.
Mother: Avery. Me and your father have been talking and we want you to try and make friends. We know there aren't a lot of people around your age but there are a few boys who are near that range.
Father: If you use some of your magic and swordsmanship im sure they'll want to be your friends.
Friends. I hated the concept. People are cruel and trying to have friends only emphasizes that idea. A memory dozed into my mind, its very concept a nightmare in its own. A group of boys kicking me as I lay helpless on the floor. Friends? Never again. I let out a scream as the boys kept kicking me before I flashed back to reality. I was laying on the floor of my kitchen. My parents are looking at me.
My eyes grew wary and tears held back in my eyes. I will never be able to have friends.
After breakfast I did my normal routine. Heading to the hill to train my magic. But this time it was different. A short boy with longish brown hair sat on the hill, clutching a jagged iron sword before swinging it in the air. Is he training? On my hill!
I stormed over, pissed off. The boy turned around looking at me. His long brown hair swishing in the wind. Looking at me the boy stepped back. His breathing grew wary before turning into a small scream. He ran away in a hurry as sweat swooped behind him, leaving his sword behind accidentally. What the hell?
I walked over grabbing the rusty sword. It was well past usage but still was being used. Who the hell was that boy? Wait! I've totally seen him before, but where? A flash of the tent from four years ago entered my mind. He's the kid from the tent ages ago. Y'know what im just gonna ignore that actually. I don't really care.
I had nearly mastered all the Chaplain spells. They were mostly just Mage spells but bigger with more mana being forced into them. Generally pretty easy but the mana strain was catching up with me. I silently conjured up a swelling water bubble, it erratically shot outwards, splitting into more water droplets.
My long blonde hair got drenched as the water shot back. I need to cut my hair soon, it's grown out a lot and I haven't got it cut nor have my parents suggested it. Is growing your hair out a common thing here?
It might get in the way of training so it's best to get it cut. I headed back but before I could I was cut off. A group of three older boys stood halfway up the hill. The one in the middle let out a smug smile before making his way up the hill.
Smug Boy: So you're the kid who can use magic huh?
Avery: Y-yes.
Shit! Why am I freezing up now? He isn't that scary plus I can use magic. I should be able to easily beat him in a fight so why am I shaking?
Smug Boy: Show me.
Avery: Huh?
Smug Boy: Use some of that magic then.
I shakily charged up my mana as it erratically flushed through my body and came out of my hand infusing into the water behind me. Pulling it up a medium sized bubble formed.
Smug Boy: Huh! Neat. Well then you're going to use that for us alright?
Avery: W-what. W-what-t d-do you m-mean.
Smug Boy: There's this boy with long hair and uses a sword similar to the one next your bucket and his father did some things that need punishing.
Avery: What d-did he d-do?
Smug Boy: None of your business asshole. Just do what you're told, magic boy.
Why am I taking this? I'm such a pussy! Am I really about to take this? No. I'm not making the same mistakes I made last time. I made a break past them using the bubble as a distraction by dumping it on them. Clenching my books I sprinted down the hill and made my way up the hill.
The three boys chased after me, drenched in water. I made it up the hill. The door was just in sight. I amped up the speed, full sprinting for the door I thudded against it, ripping the handle as the door opened I made it inside.
The three boys, drenched in water, gave me death glares.
Smug Boy: I'll remember this magic boy!
The three scrambled away as I let out a sigh. Falling on my back laying in the kitchen. If I had used more mana into that bubble I could've seriously hurt them. But sadly I'm the good guy so I gotta hold back. Time to relax I guess.
Wait. That totally means I can't go back to the hill if they're gonna be there. Shit. Huh guess I need to find a new spot. This sucks. Guess I need to find a new spot tomorrow.