Fireborne: Rashen Rising

CHAPTER 6: GRADUATION

The time for the graduation ceremony to commence was only just a few minutes away. The cadets scurried about making their final touches before getting seated. Rashen walked into the hall wearing a yellow and black suit same as everyone else as that was the dress code for all graduating cadets,but he somehow managed to look the most basic out of 375 cadets. His hair was still messy as always, he felt ripped off by the merchant who sold him the hair cream he used because it didn't help at all.

As he headed towards his seat he took a good look around the hall,it seemed like everyone who was anyone was there at the ceremony. There were seats reserved for cadets which were closer to the stage,a few paces behind were the seats reserved for visiting officers in the Imperial Academy and special table arrangements. On stage were the table arrangements for the Ranking Commander of Nottenam, the head of all Imperial Soldiers in the region, and the staff of the academy. Rashen took a few rows behind the first row to get a better view of the stage and the podium.

It was exactly 4pm when all the cadets had been seated and the guests were still getting seated. A young soldier who looked to be around the rank of a Chief Junior Officer,the highest achievable rank of the non commissioned officers, walked up to the podium,he spoke into the chatterphone,

"Please be seated as we will be commencing the graduation ceremony for the 27th graduating set of the Nottenam Imperial Academy." He said in a cool calm voice.

"We welcome you all to the 27th graduating ceremony of the Nottenam Imperial Academy" he said and received cheers from the cadets and guests in the hall,

"Before receiving the opening statements from our Ranking Commander it is the honor of this noble academy to introduce our special guests for this occasion, the Ephyre Honours, noble families renowned for their skills, their mastery, their nobility and their works in various fields" he said and the cheers got louder,there were looks of anticipation and excitement in the crowd and for good reason too, after all it's not every day the Ephyre Honours get to be under the same roof at once.

"First,a family known all over Ephyre for their superior earth taming abilities,a family that prides themselves in their ability to turn even the blackest coal to the most precious gem, who's patriarch is a decorated soldier who was one of the key figures in the battle to reclaim Brundit town from invading forces, Ladies and Gentlemen, the Balder Family."

The entrance door to the hall burst wide open and in came the Balder family in all their glory. They marched in their colours wearing all sorts of clothes all green and carrying the family logo,a diamond divided into six parts and each part had one of the colours of the primary and secondary colours. Leading the family at the forefront was the legendary patriarch of the Balder Family,Retired Troop Commander Manganan Balder,a large man who looked to be just about in his 60s,he wore a customized Imperial armour,also in green, carrying all his badges and medals of honor he had received throughout his years of service in the Imperial Forces. Behind him was a small petite woman in a long green robe that swept the floor as she walked,she looked only slightly younger than Manganan.

The family stopped at the center of the hall where everyone could see them in full view,all the 36 members of the Balder family from the oldest to the youngest,every niece, nephew, uncle,aunty and cousin,they were truly something to behold. The small woman stepped forward drawing the gaze of everyone in the hall,she got down to touch the marble floor and get a good feel of it,she got back up,took a deep breath and exhaled. Immediately she struck the floor as hard as she could with both hands,she repeated the action one more time and broke through the marble floor. The guests could hear cracking sounds coming from the ground but there were no signs of cracks, they could feel the ground vibrating, something like a little tremor and then right under their feet the marble floor was changing form and colour,it became harder and had turned completely green, right before their eyes that small petite woman had transformed the marble floor to an emrald floor,shining and glistening in all it's glory,a wonderful display of power as expected of Omora Balder,the wife of Manganan. As the guests clapped and cheered Manganan let out a hearty laugh and patted his wife a little too hard on the back,

"That's my wife for you" he bellowed. Ballious had a smug look on his face the entire time,to him,his family's glory was his glory. After the Balder family moved on to their reserved seat, the announcer spoke into the chatterphone once again,

"And now,a family that has amazed the world with their ability to move with the wind,a family of entertainers known for their death defying performances even beyond the borders of Ephyre. Ladies and Gentlemen, the Aestreus family"

The entrance door swung open as a cool gentle breeze swept the room and then from the entrance door the Aestreus family emerged. Unlike the Balder family who marched in a show of dominance, the Aestreus were quite literally walking on air, they were so skilled in wind taming that they could use the air circulation in the room to lift themselves off the ground. They flew higher and higher dancing in the air, their coordination was outstanding,it was like each and every member could read each other's minds. It was a family of twelve,a father,a mother and ten children counting Ruben Aestreus who was among the graduating set. Even without their dark skin tone which was a major indicator, anyone could tell that the family had ancestry in Nigea,one of the neighbouring countries of Ephyre from their accents, their hairstyles and even their dance movements. The family wore loose dresses made from native materials from Nigea which allowed them better movements mid air. As they came down to earth they received cheers from guests and cadets,Ruben herself was the one who clapped the loudest. As they returned to their reserved table the announcer began,

"And finally,the family known all over Ephyre for their level of power and control over the wildest of the primal forces,a family who's exploits in many fields has led to their well deserved recognition, Ladies and Gentlemen please welcome, the Goldenfire Family"

All heads turned to the entrance door as they waited in anticipation for Goldenfire family. Rashen wasn't to eager to see them but even he turned to have a look as they came in. The entrance door gave way for them as they walked in, the Goldenfire family in all their glory, their family had grown to 42 strong in the last eighteen years. They left the crowd in awe as they moved past them, the matriarch of the family, the Head Mother led the fray with her children,her grand children and her great grand children following her from behind,not to mention her sons and daughters-in-law. They all walked towards their table,no boisterous entrance,no display of power,as if to tell the others that they don't need to display their abilities to steal the show. They just walked gracefully and elegantly to their spot with the guests still watching in awe.

As they got settled down the announcer,who also couldn't resist staring, broke out of his trance like state and moved on with the announcements,

"And now it is time for the Ranking Commander to give his opening speech"

The Ranking Commander sat at the very center of the staff table on the stage,he stood up and walked up to the podium. His silver armour was adorned with the golden Star of achievement and his long blue cape followed him sweeping the floor. He was a big deal as far as the Imperial Forces was concerned, the rank Ranking Commander was the highest achievable rank you could receive on a regional level and the second highest achievable rank on a national level. To obtain this rank would mean to be one of the most powerful tamers in Ephyre.

"I welcome you all to the the 27th graduating ceremony of the Nottenam Imperial Academy. As I've been informed by your Head Academy Officer you cadets have come a long way in four years, maybe some more than others,but your journey doesn't end here. No in fact your journeys as Imperial Soldiers are about to begin,you will no longer be under the protection of the academy,no one will be there to correct you for every mistake you make. It's a dangerous world out there cadets and that's the truth. I know not all of you are so eager to face the challenges that may come but no matter what happens, you must never forget that reason you chose this path because once you do you will have failed as an Imperial Soldier and I wish that for none of you. Today is your day cadets, enjoy it and for when it's your time out there I wish you all good luck".

The hall claps as he makes his way back to his seat. The words Rashen heard that moment really stuck to him,he knew that he would have to go out there and face whatever may come his way,but he had already been doing that since the day he was born.

Most of the agendas for that evening had come and gone,the teachers had given their speeches and special performances and exhibitions,but it was finally time for that last thing on the agenda,some might even call it the main event of the evening, the Recognition and Presentation of Awards.

The presentation of awards was straightforward but the recognition was s different thing entirely. Recognition involves the top 15 cadets of the academy, 15 cadets with the highest earned points. Collation of the points starts immediately you begin at the academy up till the conclusion of the final exams, it's mostly points from exercises,tests and exams but there are little things like neatness, punctuality, attendance and peer relationships.

"For the final event of the night, the Recognition and Presentation of Awards to the best graduating cadets",this announcement prompted whispers between the cadets.

"And we will begin with the recognition of the top 15 cadets".

He took out an envelope and removed the contents from inside,a list, the list of the top 15,

"For the first of fifteen,the first of the three Senior Cadets of the academy and an assigned cadet under Squad Commander Kuro Malloy,Cadet Ngoko Halter"

Loud cheers followed as Ngoko walked up the stage. He stood proud among his peers as the first of 375 cadets.

"For the second of fifteen, the second of the three Senior Cadets of the academy and an assigned cadet under Squad Commander Kuro Malloy, Cadet Raspin Krust"

Cheers followed the grinning Raspin as he walked up to join Ngoko as the second of 375 cadets.

"For the third of fifteen, the third of the three Senior Cadets of the academy, assigned to Squad Commander Alora Hamson and the proud son of the Goldenfire Family,Lumins Goldenfire"

Lumins Goldenfire,18 years old,tall and well built with lush blonde hair and golden eyes, those same eyes he'd always use to look at Rashen in disgust. Rashen couldn't even pretend to be surprised Lumins was among the top 15,he was the perfect student and just like Ngoko and Raspin,a great role model to his juniors,the the Lumins Rashen knew personally was far different. To Rashen, Lumins was a nightmare, the things he'd done to Rashen as a child could be considered torture,he had always found ways to get Rashen in trouble with others just for the fun of watching him get punished. It was only after they both got into the academy that he stopped bullying Rashen, because this time everyone else,he just watched and smiled. That was the man Rashen knew. As the others cheered and clapped for Lumins his blood boiled,it wasn't fair,it had never been fair for Rashen and he was used to it but this time was different,he jealous. He was jealous and he was frustrated seeing Lumins up there,he was jealous of Lumins and he was frustrated because he knew he was jealous of him.

As the announcer went on announcing the rest of the top 15 all Rashen could really do was clap,he wasn't paying attention and his mind was completely blank.

"At number thirteen of fifteen,Cadet Nancee Bellamins"

Rashen again clapped without thinking like he'd been doing since number four,he clapped as the delighted Nancy joined the top fifteen on stage.

"At number fourteen of fifteen-" the announcer paused to look at the name correctly,it looked like he was confused at the name but decided to call it anyways.

Rashen was still blank and not paying attention to his surroundings as a coping mechanism when the cadet next to him tapped him,as he snapped out of it he immediately heard the announcer call out,

"Is there a Cadet Rashen in our midst today?"

Rashen was confused,he noticed people weren't clapping anymore,they all just looked as confused as he did.

"I ask again is there a Cadet Rashen here today? Is he here?"

"I'm here...I'm here sir" Rashen replied as he stood up slowly. The announcer took a good look at him,

"You're Cadet Rashen?"

"Yes sir"

"Well then please don't waste anymore of our time and get up to the stage"

Rashen's eyes widened with shock,as he walked up to the stage he looked around at the other cadets seated. The hall was silent and not in awe or admiration,but in surprise.

Rashen looked up at the stage and caught a glance at the cadets on top,they too looked surprised, except the three Senior Cadets,Ngoko and Raspin were grinning while Lumins looked indifferent. It wasn't until Rashen joined the others at the stage that he realized what was going on,among 375 cadets,he was ranked 14th. He was so surprised and so happy, he hadn't realized that he had a big grin on his face for the whole hall to see, and once he did realize he quickly bowed his head,he thought he had done something embarrassing. The announcer continued,

"And for the fifteenth of fifteen,the proud son of the Balder Family, Ballious Balder"

Ballious stood up quickly and walked up to the stage and was followed with a very awkward applause as it was clear people were still in shock at Rashen placing 14th at the top 15. As Ballious joined the others on stage he didn't even look happy to be there,he looked bitter because the boy he'd been bullying and abusing for the past 4 years just ranked above him,it was the ultimate stain to his honour.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, the Top Fifteen" the announcer said obviously trying to salvage the situation and at least the response was a lot better. He left the podium and went to the staff table while the audience kept clapping.

He returned with a stack of envelopes,

"It is important to note that while the top fifteen do indeed deserve their praise for their hard work,the cadets who couldn't make it should not feel disheartened but encouraged and motivated to emulate their hard work." He said trying to reassure the other cadets. The cadets cheered for the top fifteen as they made their way back to their seats. Holding the envelopes the announcer finally made the announcement everyone wanted to hear,

"Now for the presentation of awards to the best graduating cadets in different fields"

The awards were fair game and you don't particularly need to be part of the top 15 to earn one.

" For the first award of the night,here to present the award for the best graduating cadet in Academics, Professor Bonik Bilkoinks"

The cadets clapped as the short man with balding white hair and a tired expression on his face stood up from his seat in the staff table and walked up to the podium. He collected the envelope from the announcer and spoke into the chatterphone,

"The award for the best graduating student in Academics goes to Senior Cadet Raspin Krust"

The cadets burst into loud cheers as Raspin rose up from his seat and walked up to the podium on stage. He had the privilege of shaking the hands of the professor before collecting his plaque. The announcer gestured for him to speak into the chatterphone and give his speech,

"Beat that Ngoko" he said and immediately walked away from the chatterphone holding his award up high with a big smile on his face. The cadets laughed and cheered as he walked down the stage,Ngoko had a smile on his face and could be seen mouthing the words 'Are you serious' as Raspin sat back down next to him.

As the hall quieted down the announcer spoke into the chatterphone once again,

"And now to present the award for the best graduating cadet Physicals, Retired Platoon Commander Agniss Chuzu"

Cheers followed her as she walked up to the podium to collect the envelope,she opened it up and revealed the name of the cadet she would be presenting the award to,

"And the winner for the best graduating cadet in Physicals, Senior Cadet Lumins Goldenfire"

The hall once again burst into cheers as Lumins slowly rose from his seat and walked up to receive his award. He had the privilege of shaking her hands but from his facial expression it looked like she broke his out of excitement. He received his award and spoke into the chatterphone,

"I earned this award,I deserve it. For 4 years I've consistently proven that I'm the best and I'm grateful for the Nottenam Imperial Academy for finally and officially acknowledging me" he walked away from the chatterphone and returned to his seat. No matter what he truly thinks of him Rashen couldn't deny that Lumins had charisma.

The award presentation ceremony went on and cadets who weren't even in the top 15 were not left out. Cadets were awarded for the most proficient in their respective abilities with Ngoko, Raspin and Lumins taking those awards for Air,Earth and Fire respectively. Tatsuki Ryudo won the award for most proficient water tamer and she wasn't even in the top 15. More awards were given out like best graduating cadet in combat both armed and unarmed, cadet Ivankov Vladin and Jaceth Holmes took those awards respectively.

"Ladies and Gentlemen..." The announcer said as the hall quieted down, the cadets knew all too well that for the award there was only one left, probably the most important award that would be presented that night,

"...to present the award for the overall best graduating cadet of the 27th graduating set,the Ranking Commander"

He walked up to the podium but there were no applause or cheers,there was only tension in the room,but that tension was quickly dispelled when the cadets began whispering the chants,

"Ngoko! Ngoko! Ngoko!"

The Ranking Commander spoke into the chatterphone,

"And the award for the overall best graduating cadet of the 27th set of the Nottenam Imperial Academy Senior Cadet Ngoko Halter"

The hall exploded with cheers, probably the loudest of the night,it was pure jubilation as Ngoko rose from his seat,the other cadets stood with him and followed him as he walked up to the stage to receive his award for the overall best graduating cadet out of 375 cadets he had done it. He received the firmest handshake he had ever received from the Ranking Commander who stepped back as Ngoko stepped up to the chatterphone,

"To The Ranking Commander,The Officers, The Staff both Teaching and Non-teaching,our esteemed Guests and my fellow Cadets, good evening. I am grateful for this award and I am grateful to be here today with all of you. It has been a rough 4 years for all of us but here we are,we made it here because we deserve to be here and we are here now because we worked for it. Now I know today is a day for us to celebrate but we must not forget the words of our Ranking Commander,this is only just the begging, the road ahead of us as Imperial Soldiers will only get harder but no matter what we never forget why we chose this path in the first place. STAND AT ATTENTION CADETS!!!" Ngoko ordered and every single cadet complied

"AS IMPERIAL SOLDIERS WHAT IS OUR GOAL!!?"

"TO PROTECT LIVES AND UPHOLD PEACE!!!" They all responded in unison,some cadets with tears in their eyes.

"THANK YOU FOR THESE 4 YEARS!!!",he walked away from the chatterphone before quickly returning back to it to say

"Oh and Raspin,I beat that"he said in response to Raspin's earlier comments, everyone from the staff to the officers, the guests and even the Ephyre Honours gave him a standing ovation. His fellow cadets lifted him up his feet as they celebrated his achievement. It was truly the moment of the night and the celebration went on for a few minutes more before the announcer walked up to the podium,

"Will everyone please get seated as we welcome the Head Academy Officer Remry Gillurt to present the last award for the evening"

Both the cadets and the guests looked confused, the presentation for the award for the overall best graduating cadet was supposed to mark the end of the award ceremony as there was no greater award than that for an Imperial Cadet. Officer Gillurt stepped up to the podium already holding the envelope,he spoke into the chatterphone in a serious tone,

"This award, the award I will be presenting this evening is one that had been delisted years back because the then Ranking Commander believed it was unnecessary and I believed him. But in these four years I've spent with these cadets I have had the honor of watching one cadet who truly represents this honour not seen since the last cadet the award was presented to. This award goes to the cadet who in these four years has shown that most relative evolution in taming ability,in physical ability and in academics,a cadet who has ranked in the top 5 of every category placed in,a cadet who I truly believe stands for everything the Imperial forces are,a cadet who pushed past his limits time and time again despite everything,a cadet truly deserving of this award. I would like to call on the overall best graduating student to help me present this award"

Though surprised,Ngoko immediately got up and walked up to the stage to join Officer Gillurt. The anticipation grew as the guests and cadets began to whisper and discuss amongst themselves,even the officers present couldn't stop themselves from speculating.

Ngoko was given the envelope containing the winner and everyone could see his shock,they could also see that shock turn into warm smile,he spoke into the chatterphone,

"This award is for the cadet with the most potential and it rightfully goes to the cadet name Red Fire Rashen".

For the second time that night the boy had stunned them all,he had proven that he was so good he could relist an old delisted award,there was no greater acknowledgement than that. It was like time stood completely still. Rashen had a million thoughts running through his mind,he couldn't believe it and from the surprised looks on everyone else's faces,they couldn't either. He quickly stood up from his seat,he walked up to the stage and was met with a firm handshake and a pat on the back from Officer Gillurt. He received the plaque from Ngoko and took a good look, written on it was

'The Nottenam Imperial Academy Presents The Award for Graduating Cadet with The Most Potential to Cadet Rashen'

It wasn't him daydreaming,he had actually won it. Ngoko gave him a little nudge towards the chatterphone for his speech.

Rashen,at the podium, looked down on the guests,he was feeling quite anxious. He eyes darted left and right but no matter where he looked or he looked at all eyes were really on him. His eyes eventually landed on the reserved table for the Goldenfire family, the same family that abandoned him when he was just a baby. Whatever they felt when his name was announced as the winner didn't show in their faces, they were the only ones not looking at him, their expressions were blank, like they had completely ignored his very existence. Rashen's breathing got faster and it seemed like panic started to set in, no matter how he truly felt about them he at least thought that they would finally acknowledge him, that he'd finally done enough for them to accept him but nothing's changed and it seemed like it never will. Some of the guests were tired of him just standing there looking constipated so they got up to leave,Rashen took a step back from the chatterphone

"I can't do it" he whispered to himself as he backed away. He felt a slight touch on his shoulder,it was Ngoko,

"If you truly have something to say just say it and who knows, maybe it'll reach the one person you want it to" he said reassuring Rashen and he was right, Rashen did have someone he wanted to reach out to.

He took a deep breath and exhaled, setting his panic aside he walked back up to the chatterphone,

"To The Ranking Commander,The Staff both Teaching and Non-teaching, The Officers,our esteemed Guests...my Senior and my fellow Cadets, good evening. My name is Rashen,but you already knew that,in fact I'm willing to bet that most of you already knew me..." He took another deep breath,

"Eleven years ago I was in a really bad place,it always felt like I was a burden to to people and people...never missed an opportunity to say it to my face that I was a burden and for so long I believed them. I was ready to end it all back then,to rid the world of one more burden,I didn't care anymore,I had nothing and I would leave nothing behind, but then someone saved me...an Imperial Soldier. He gave bought me apples,he gave me a shoulder to cry on...he gave me a name and he told me, begged me to keep living,to find a dream a chase it despite everything. Seven years later I got into the Academy on a scholarship and worked harder than I ever did and believe me it wasn't easy for me,I went through so much but I never faltered,I kept moving and that determination made me strong,it made me who I am and I'm grateful for it",he looked at the plaque in his hands with a look of satisfaction,

"I haven't seen him in the four years since he'd been drafted so I don't know what his current rank is and it's the most dishonourable this to do to call your fellow soldier without calling their rank,so I won't call him as a soldier...I'll call him as a friend,my best friend. Thank you Argins,I owe this all to you" he said concluding his speech.

He stepped away from the chatterphone wiping the little tears he had in his eyes. The hall was dead silent but he didn't care,he said what he needed to say and was proud of it. He stopped as he heard clapping coming from behind him on stage,it was Ngoko at first,then Officer Gillurt,then Raspin,some of the cadets joined in and before he knew it half the people in the hall were clapping. It was a bit awkward as some people didn't know what face to make while clapping but they clapped nonetheless and it was more than Rashen had received in his entire life.

"Ladies and Gentlemen that concludes the presentation of awards for the evening. We've officially come to the end of the graduation ceremony,we thank you all for your time and your patience with us for this evening. Thank you". The announcer said concluding the ceremony for that evening.

Post ceremony had the cadets scattered around the hall interacting with their families and mingling with fellow cadets and even some teachers. Once again Rashen was alone on his seat but he wasn't feeling downcast,he stared at his plaque as he thought about the evening,he placed 14th among the top 15 even ranking above Ballious and he was presented an award. He already knew that placing at the top 15 guaranteed that he got to choose where he would like to serve,but winning an award on top of that brings a whole new level of respect and opened the door for a lot of things for him. It was more than he asked for.

"Lost in thought?" A voice behind him asked,a familiar voice,

"I suppose you could say that I am sir" He replied as Officer Gillurt sat right next to him.

"Congratulations cadet, you've earned it",

"Thank you sir" Rashen replied still staring fondly at the plaque.

"If you don't mind my asking cadet,you said you knew an Imperial Soldier named Argins?",Rashen turned his gaze to Officer Gillurt,

"Yes sir...but why do you ask?"

"Because it's funny how the world works, the last cadet to win this particular award was a brilliant young cadet named Ganadel Argins" he said as he got up to leave.

Rashen had a look on his face that could be described as both shock and excitement,there was so many things he wanted to ask Officer Gillurt but he simply smiled,he wasn't surprised anymore but he for the first time,he truly felt like he had finally achieved something in his life.