The graveyard was empty as always. The sun seems to be weaker than how it was in the morning. The clouds were scattered all across the graying sky, signing for a storm. A young man in his teens stood in a full black suit in front of a particular grave. He leaned down, placing the bouquet of white chrysanthemums near the cement gravestone.
His platinum blond locks had grown out past his jawline, slightly touching the collar. His eyes were gentle as they fixed on the carvings. Felix Aurelian, a loving father, husband, and master. The silence was comfortable for some minutes.
Dravern looked up at the sky when thunder rumbled in the distance. Soon after, the ugly fat droplets of water fell. First one by one, and in five minutes the rain was pouring down heavily.
Dravern was drenched in water, but he didn't move. His eyes were bloodshot as he looked at the heavily raining sky. Suddenly the rain stopped hitting his body. A black umbrella was held covering him.
"You shouldn't get drenched when the rain falls after months." Dravern turned around to face another male who was probably in his twenties, but he didn't dare to assume anything. The luxury of believing his eyes escaped from him years back. He was rather displeased to be interrupted. Seeing him not attempting to talk, the other woke his voice again.
"Pain is normal in one's life." He came closer, standing right in front of him. Not too close, but close enough for Dravern to feel the warmth of the older person's body. "When you hold onto it too much. You can never escape it."
Again the silence ruled around them, but this time it was Dravern who started to speak first. He first took a step back, creating more distance between them.
"Your words are wise. I appreciate it." His voice was small. It was soothing despite the buried pain within it. "I must ask, who are you, Mister?"
"I am Draken De Avraise. For you, it is Professor Avraise."
"Professor?" Draven asked, accepting the extended hand of Professor Avraise. "You seem to be too young for a professor."
"Really? I will take it as a compliment." Professor Averaise's corners of eyes wrinkled as he smiled. "I exceeded my twentieth decade only last month." He watched as Dravern's eyes turned confused.
"Pardon?" He asked, pausing, but the older man didn't miss how Dravern's hand stiffened momentarily. Too small for a normal person's senses. Professor Avraise smiled mysteriously.
"You don't have to act, Mr. Aurelian. I believe your father made you well aware of the Mythkins." Hearing those words, Dravern's eyes hardened. He let go of his hand of the other.
"I believe you indeed don't want to talk with an outcast?"
"I believe I do want to talk with you." Professor Avraise said cheerfully. "I would indeed if you have some minutes to spare." Dravern frowned, thinking about this offer. First of all, Dravern didn't want to be bothered. Second of all, he was curious what this jerk would say.
"I will come, but my butler will be with me." Dravern thought the professor would refuse his condition immediately, but surprising him, Avraise accepted it with a cheerful smile.
"Of course I am very glad if Mr. Roma came too." Dravern sighed. He pinched the bridge of his nose to ease the raising headache. He turned around immediately, stepping into the rain. He looked over his shoulder before speaking.
"I change my mind; Roma doesn't have to come. Take your time and come to the car park, Mr. Avraise. I will be there."
"Shouldn't you take the umbrella?" Avraise asked but didn't move from where he stood. Possibly knowing Dravern would refuse the offer. But unlike other teens, Dravern wasn't hasty. But he was straightforward and liked to surprise people. In good and bad ways.
As soon as Avraise offered the umbrella, he reached forward and grabbed it. Then Dravern gave an innocent smile.
"I really appreciate your concern, Professor. I will be waiting." Then he turned around, walking off and leaving the other in the midst of rain. The other didn't seem to be upset at all. He raised his hand, covering his mouth with his hand.
"Interesting." He murmured. Amusement was evident in his voice. He waited there for another moment before following the same path Dravern walked through. Dravern was sitting on a bench shielded from the rain as Avriase arrived. Without speaking a word, the other persons sat next to Dravern.
"It must be hard." Dravern looked at the other, surprised by his genuine voice. Avriase continued. His voice filled with sympathy. "I heard your relatives on your mother's side are fighting for your guardianship."
"Yes." Dravern answered shortly. His eyes fixed on the pouring rain.
"So what are you going to do?" "Draven," he asked, placing his hand on Draven's shoulder.
"Don't ask when you cannot help me," Dravern replied. The air was too heavy, making Dravern's throat tighten with nausea. Avraise smiled, understanding his tone.
"Actually, Dravern, I can help you."
"No need." Dravern cut him off. "I don't accept help from strangers. I know you are a Mythkin, but not who you are."
"Let me fix it for you then." Avraise gently said. "I will start from my introduction. I am Draken De Avraise, a half-blooded Imugi. I am the headmaster of the Academy in Eldoria Arcane."
"Eldoria Arcane?" Dravern repeated. His curiosity was noticeable. His eyes were more attentive now. The unknown has drawn his attention fully.
"Yes. Dravern. Eldoria Arcane. The land of Mythkins. It is where the young Mythkins learn to survive."
"How does that help me?" Dravern asked again. He turned his head so he could look into Avriase's yellowish eyes more directly. "How do you intend to help?"
"For that Dravern, you must lend your ear to me." Avraise said, satisfied with the young Mythkin's reaction. His voice was gentle and alluring. As Avraise intended, he seemed to get the youngster's attention to the necessary extent.
"Go on," Dravern said, leaning back on the bench. "I am all ears now."
"You must accept Dravern. You must accept who you are." Avraise pursued him. "I will settle with the law for your guardianship under one condition."
Dravern remained silent, waiting for him to finish his words.
"Join the Academy."
"What?" Dravern turned around, his head facing Avraise. He could see the Imugi's reptilian eyes more clearly now. The beast has allowed himself to be shown.
"Let me make it more clear. You must come to the place where you belong."