May 14th, 3030

The gymnasium of the main training facility buzzed with nervous energy as Itus stood next to Lucas, surrounded by their peers in organized rows. Before them, the seven house leaders stood imposingly, their presence a stark reminder of the weight of the days to come. Commander Finch's voice cut through the tension as he paced back and forth, outlining the final days of their training.

"Students," Commander Finch began, his voice carrying across the room, "today, we are again welcoming the House leaders to our training session. Emi Mlakar of the Xictus house. Rolf Sampson of the Akalma house. Odis Ackerman of the Busan house. Nella Tyson of the Outro house. Luz Moore of the Exinade house. Don Morales of the Lutavira house and Marcus Valerian of the Garveil house."

Itus felt a twinge in his chest at the mention of his father's name. He straightened his posture instinctively, even though a part of him wanted to shrink away from his father's gaze.

As Finch continued his speech, Itus found his mind wandering. The last days of official training, he thought. Soon, I'll have to choose a house... or worse, be assigned to one.

The commander's voice snapped him out of his trance, bringing his attention back. "Those who will be having their house assigned to them will find out the day after tomorrow. The rest of you will be able to choose your house in three days' time."

As the students dispersed into their groups, Lucas turned to Itus with a playful salute. Itus managed a weak smile in return before joining his own group of five others. He paired off with his combat partner, whose name escaped him. As they began their combat routine, Itus tried to focus, acutely aware of the house leaders and Commander Finch observing them.

Time seemed to blur as they trained, with occasional interruptions from the leaders offering advice or praise. Itus felt a mix of relief and disappointment that his father hadn't approached him.

As Commander Finch called for a lunch break, Itus started to jog towards Lucas, eager to escape the scrutiny of the training floor. But then he heard it—his father's stern voice cutting through the chatter.

"Valerian."

Itus froze, his heart sinking. He turned to see his father standing behind him, face unreadable. With a sigh, he motioned for Lucas to wait and approached his father.

“Yes, sir," Itus said, unable to keep the weariness from his voice.

“Your work was very sloppy today. While everyone else seems focused, you seem to be off in dreamland and unable to take any of this seriously," Marcus said, his disappointment palpable.

Itus felt a surge of frustration. "I assure you, sir," he replied, "I am taking this very seriously."

His father's frown deepened. "Well, it doesn't seem like it from where I'm standing, and I'm sure the other house leaders would agree. Please get it together because there is a lot at stake here when it comes to your future."

The familiar resentment bubbled up inside Itus. "Is that it?" he asked, his voice tight with barely contained anger.

"Yes, you are dismissed," Marcus replied curtly.

As Itus turned to walk away, he couldn't help but mutter under his breath, “Always the critic.”

“What was that?”

Itus turned back, anger flashing in his eyes. "Nothing, sir," he spat out.

"No, what is it?" Marcus pressed, his own frustration evident.

Itus shook his head and tried to walk away, but Marcus grabbed his arm, pulling him back. Itus struggled to free himself, but his father's grip only tightened.

"Drop the attitude and treat me with respect," Marcus hissed, his voice low and angry. "I'm trying to have a conversation with you."

"Well, I don't want to speak with you," Itus shot back. "I'm just trying to go to lunch, so please, can you let me go? Sir."

Marcus's grip loosened, and Itus wrenched his arm free. He rolled his shoulder, flexing his fingers as if to shake off the lingering sensation of his father's grasp. Drawing himself up to his full height, Itus squared his shoulders and pivoted on his heel in a final attempt to leave.

"I don't know why you always make things so difficult when I'm just trying to help," Marcus said.

Something inside Itus broke. He whirled back, his voice rising with each word. "I'm being difficult? Did you know this is the first time that you've spoken to me since the ceremony? I didn't even see you, and then the first thing you say to me is how I'm such a failure."

"I didn't say that. I was simply saying—"

“And you don't even care," Itus interrupted. "It's like you don't hear a word I say to you."

"That's not true!" Marcus countered, his own voice rising to match his son's.

"And it's no one's fault but my own because I thought this time would be different and let myself get my hopes up. But the joke's on me." The pain in Itus's voice was raw and unmistakable.

Marcus stumbled over his words. "Itus... I... you know... I—"

"Dad, please," Itus whispered, the sudden vulnerability in his voice catching Marcus off guard.

Marcus's stern expression faltered. His eyes widened slightly, and for a brief moment, his rigid posture softened. He opened his mouth as if to speak, then closed it again, swallowing hard. His hand, which had been clenched at his side, uncurled, fingers twitching as if wanting to reach out. But before he could recover his composure or find the right words, Itus had already turned away, leaving Marcus standing alone, his arm half-raised in an aborted gesture.

Itus dragged Lucas behind him until they reached their sleeping quarters. As they walked, Lucas tried to speak to Itus, but Itus ignored him, lost in his own tumultuous thoughts. Once they were in their room, Itus let go of Lucas's arm and stood in the middle of the room, his body tense with pent-up emotion.

"Dude, are you okay?" Lucas asked, concern evident in his voice.

Itus stood quietly for a second before suddenly letting out a primal scream, not knowing what else to do. Lucas caught off guard, paused for a moment before joining in with a scream of his own. Itus turned to face his friend, confusion replacing his anger for a moment. Lucas motioned for Itus to join him, and soon, they were both screaming, the absurdity of the situation finally breaking through Itus's dark mood.

As their screams dissolved into laughter, Itus felt some of the tension leave his body. He laughed so hard that he fell to the ground, gasping for breath. Lucas walked over and stood above him, a mix of amusement and worry on his face.

"I would ask if you are okay again, but I think I got my answer," Lucas said wryly.

Itus chuckled quietly. "I'm just being stupid."

Lucas shook his head. "No, you're not. I mean, I didn't exactly hear what you and your dad were talking about, but I heard what you yelled."

Itus sat up, running a hand over his head. "He didn't really say anything that bad. I think I was already mad at him, and no matter what he said, I would still have gotten upset."

"Even if he said something nice?" Lucas asked, raising an eyebrow.

Itus sighed. "Probably not, but he never says anything nice."

"You got me there," Lucas conceded.

"I don't know why I care so much," Itus admitted.

Lucas nudged him gently. "Well, he is your father, so that might have something to do with it."

Itus chuckled weakly. "Yeah, you're probably right."

"Do you want to talk about it?" Lucas offered.

"No," Itus replied, shaking his head. "There isn't really much to discuss. He thinks I'm a disappointment and gets mad at me. I got mad at him. He tries to apologize but acts like he didn't do anything wrong. I forgive him, and then the cycle repeats—everyday father-son things."

"Maybe you try not forgiving him," Lucas suggested.

Itus scoffed. "Like that would do anything."

"You never know," Lucas shrugged. "And for what it's worth, your dad is wrong. You're great! You're like definitely at the top of the class. Plus, if it makes you feel better, he yells at me too."

"I don't think it does, considering that he kind of doesn't like you," Itus replied, managing a small smile.

Lucas feigned offense before laughing. "Never mind then."

"Thanks for trying to make me feel better," Itus said softly.

"No problem. What are friends for?" Lucas grinned. "Do you want to go to lunch now?"

Itus shook his head. "No, you go ahead. I think I'm going to lie down for a little bit."

"You sure?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. I'm just tired all of a sudden."

"Okay," Lucas said, not entirely convinced.

Lucas got up off the floor before helping Itus up. He waved goodbye to Itus before leaving the room, casting one last worried glance at his friend.

As the door closed behind Lucas, Itus felt a wave of exhaustion wash over him. He walked to his bed, laid on his side, and closed his eyes, grateful for the moment of solitude but already dreading the challenges that lay ahead in the afternoon's forest exercise.

Time slipped away as Itus drifted off. Later, he was jolted back to consciousness by the realization that he was late for the forest navigation exercise. Panic surged through him as he rushed to join his peers.

At the edge of the forest, Commander Finch was already addressing the group. Itus slipped in quietly, trying to blend in as if he'd been there all along.

"Remember," Commander Finch was saying, "stick to the designated paths. The forest can be treacherous if you stray. Keep your wits about you and use the skills we've taught you."

As the group began to disperse, Itus scanned the crowd for Lucas, but his friend was nowhere to be seen. Great, he thought. I'm on my own for this one.

The forest loomed before him, a maze of green and shadow. As Itus set off on the path, his father's words from earlier echoed in his mind. He shook his head, trying to clear the memory. Focus, he told himself. You can do this.

But as he trudged through the forest, Itus found his mind wandering again and again to the argument with his father. The trees seemed to close in around him, and he realized with a start that he had fallen behind the group.

"Come on, Itus," he muttered to himself. "Get it together."

He picked up his pace, trying to catch up, but no matter how fast he moved, the others always seemed just out of reach. An hour passed, then another. Frustration and fatigue began to set in.

Why can't I do anything right? he thought bitterly. Maybe Dad was right. Maybe I'm not taking this seriously enough.

Lost in his thoughts, Itus didn't notice the change in terrain. His foot caught on a root, and suddenly he was falling, tumbling down a steep incline he hadn't even seen.

Pain shot through his body as he rolled, branches and rocks scraping against his skin. When he finally came to a stop at the bottom of the ravine, every part of him ached.

Itus attempted to push himself up, but his arms trembled and gave out beneath him. As he lay there, the forest canopy spinning above him, a wave of despair washed over him.

I've really messed up this time, he thought. Dad's going to be so disappointed.

The last thing Itus saw before consciousness slipped away was a shaft of sunlight breaking through the leaves above him. Then, darkness claimed him.

As Itus lay there, injured and unconscious, the forest continued its quiet symphony around him. Birds called out in the distance, leaves rustled in the gentle breeze, and somewhere, far above, his fellow trainees continued their exercise, unaware of his absence.

arkness enveloped Itus, a familiar voice calling his name from the void. It echoed, growing louder with each repetition until his eyes snapped open, the world rushing back into focus, the echoes of laughter still ringing in his ears. Lucas loomed over him; concern etched across his face.

"Itus! You need to get up!" Lucas's voice cut through the fog of sleep.

Itus blinked, his mind still caught between the fading tendrils of his dream and the harsh reality of morning. "Lucas? What time is it?" he mumbled, struggling to sit up.

"It's time to get up. You have 10 minutes to get ready," Lucas urged, his words tinged with impatience. "We can't be late for the ceremony. It won't be a good look to the house leaders, and I'm not ruining my amazing record because of you."

With a groan, Itus swung his legs over the edge of the lower bunk. "Yeah, yeah. I'm going." The dream clung to him, fragments of memory that felt both alien and achingly familiar. As he dressed, Lucas perched on the edge of his bed, watching him with a mixture of worry and exasperation.

"It was so hard to wake you up," Lucas said, shaking his head. "I had to say your name like 20 times. I thought I was going to have to leave you here."

Itus paused, his shirt half-buttoned. "Sorry. I was having an intense dream."

"About what?"

The images were already fading, slipping away like sand through his fingers. "Nothing important," Itus replied, resuming his dressing. "It was just an old memory. To be honest, I don't even remember it happening."

As Itus finished getting ready, he found his mind drifting, the weight of the day ahead pressing down on him. The ceremony, the personal law, the path that would shape the rest of his life – it all seemed so monumental, so final.

"You ready?" Lucas's voice broke through his reverie, but Itus couldn't bring himself to respond. His friend's voice came again, more insistent this time. "Itus! Are you ready?"

"Yeah, sorry," Itus mumbled, shaking off his introspection.

Lucas's brow furrowed. "You sure you’re okay?"

For a moment, Itus considered unloading his fears, his doubts about the path ahead. But he pushed the impulse aside. "Yeah, I'm just nervous about today."

Nervous doesn't even begin to cover it, he thought.

"Same, but it will be fine," Lucas assured him.

Itus wasn't entirely convinced.

As they made their way through the training facility, joining their peers on the solemn march to the Sanctum of Wisdom, Itus felt a strange mix of anticipation and dread. The sacred grove, usually off-limits, now beckoned them forward, promising transformation.

The ceremony unfolded with ancient solemnity. Each aspirant stepped forward to declare their personal law—a cornerstone of their identity and future path—and was given a colored robe. Itus tried to focus as he watched his peers go up one by one, but everything seemed to pass in a blur of chants, blessings, and ancient rituals. When Itus's turn came, he stepped forward and approached the stone altar, his heart pounding in his chest.

"Itus Valerian, please step forward and state your personal law," the Chief Elder intoned.

Taking a deep breath, Itus spoke: "I, Itus Valerian, choose my personal law to be ‘Always defend the powerless.’ My parents named me after the God of protection, and I plan to uphold the vision of the future my parents want for me and honor my namesake. I swear to defend those who need help and put them above everything, including my own life and those of the people I love, to preserve this law."

Please let this be enough, he thought desperately. Let me finally make them proud.

The Chief Elder lowered his hands above Itus's head, touching his forehead. "We welcome you, Itus. May your path guide you to righteousness and honor those who came before you. We accept you into our community."

As the black robe draped over Itus's shoulders, he caught sight of Selene in the audience, cheering wildly. Her enthusiasm brought a smile to his face, even as he searched the crowd for a glimpse of his father—a search that would prove fruitless. Itus thought he would be among the other house leaders, but his face refused to appear in the crowd.

The ceremony concluded with the Chief Elder's final words: "Your personal law is one of the most important parts of your identity. It represents your values and sets a precedent for which noble houses will accept you. But it also signifies the mark of your domestication. Our people, for years, were feral and savage individuals. Ruled by our emotions and not by laws. Your personal law, along with the other laws, protects you from our history of most feral impulses. Respect your law and remember it can never be broken, for there are consequences. You, young Sogmains, join today in the ranks of our community. Please remember, you have one more week of training before you are assigned your noble house and start the rest of your life. Now enjoy the food made in your honor."

Everyone cleared out of the hall, heading to the banquet. Itus trailed behind Lucas, holding onto his purple robe, hoping that it would keep him grounded in reality.

The celebration afterward should have been joyous, but Itus found himself caught between moments of elation and nagging doubt. Lucas's enthusiasm was infectious, yet Itus couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing.

"Can you believe we are finally adults?!" Lucas exclaimed, hugging Itus tightly. "We are so close to the end!"

Itus forced a smile. "Yeah, but it's not over yet. We still have to get our houses." The thought of that final step, of truly leaving behind his childhood, sent a shiver of anxiety through him.

Lucas grabbed Itus's shoulders and began to shake him playfully. "True! But this is good! Don't be a downer! We are on the edge of greatness."

Itus sighed, trying to absorb some of Lucas's optimism. "You're right. Today is a good day."

Lucas laughed, and Itus joined in, though his own laughter felt forced. Suddenly, a loud voice cut through the crowd.

"Little Star!! Little Star!!"

Itus looked embarrassed as Lucas continued to laugh. "I think your sister is calling you," Lucas said, grinning.

Itus turned and saw his sister frantically waving her hand, his mother and brother behind her. He shyly waved back, silently wishing that the ground would swallow him up.

"I'll see you later, okay?" Itus said to Lucas, preparing to join his family.

"Yeah, of course. I'm going to find my own family," Lucas replied. As Itus turned away, Lucas called out, "And Itus..."

Itus turned back, curious.

Lucas mimicked a smile with his fingers across his mouth. "Remember to smile."

As Itus approached his family, Selene ran toward him, her excitement palpable. She crashed into him, enveloping him in a hug that nearly knocked him off balance.

"Oh, Itus!" Selene exclaimed, grabbing his face between her hands. "You were amazing! I'm so proud—"

Before she could finish, Elara interjected, "We are all so proud of you."

Itus turned toward Elara and hugged her, feeling a wave of warmth wash over him. "Thanks, Mom," he said softly.

No sooner had he separated from his mother than Helios engulfed him in another bear hug.

"So very proud, little brother," Helios said, pretending to cry. "I never thought I would see the day when you were all grown up."

Itus tried to shove Helios off, but his brother maintained a tight grip, laughing all the while. "Please! I beg you, let me go!" Itus pleaded, his voice muffled against Helios's chest.

"Helios, leave your brother alone," Elara admonished, though there was a hint of amusement in her voice.

Selene joined in, feigning tears. "But our baby isn't a baby anymore," she said dramatically, squeezing both Helios and Itus.

“Please! Please! Let go!” Itus all but screamed, fighting against his siblings.

"Fine. Fine," Selene and Helios said in unison, releasing Itus.

As Itus straightened his robe, he scanned the crowd, searching for a face he hadn't yet seen. "Where’s Dad?" he asked, unable to hide the disappointment in his voice.

Elara's expression softened. "He's around, but you know this is a busy time for him. He will come to see you, but in the meantime, let's enjoy ourselves, yeah?"

Itus nodded, pushing down the hurt that threatened to surface. Of course, he's not here, Itus thought bitterly. Why would today be any different? Selene, sensing his mood, wrapped her arm around him. "Come on, let's get some food," she said, guiding him towards the banquet tables.

As the celebration continued, he tried to enjoy the presence of his family, friends, and peers, but he couldn’t stop himself periodically searching the crowd, hoping to catch a glimpse of his father. Each time, the absence stung anew.

As the evening wound down, the guests began to depart, and Itus found himself alone with Selene. She grinned at him playfully. "And then there were two," she said, prompting a laugh from Itus.

"Before I leave, I just wanted to give you something," Selene continued, her tone growing more serious.

"You didn't have to get me anything," Itus protested.

Selene's smile widened. "Yeah, but you are my favorite, right?"

The words triggered a flash of his earlier dream, causing Itus to momentarily lose focus. He shook his head, bringing himself back to the present. "That's right," he agreed, his voice slightly strained.

Selene handed him a small box. Inside, Itus found a beautiful necklace with two gemstones forming a crescent moon and a star.

"This is beautiful," Itus breathed, awe evident in his voice. "Thank you."

Selene's usual confidence gave way to a hint of nervousness as she explained, "I know that I haven't been around as much since you started your training a few years ago, and I wanted to make sure that you know that I'm always there to support you." She pointed to the necklace. "It's a star and moon because my name means moon, obviously." She laughed a little. "And you are my little star, so..."

"It's amazing," Itus assured her. "I love it."

Little star, he thought, warmth spreading through his chest. Maybe I don't hate that nickname so much after all.

As Selene helped him put on the necklace, she added, "And I made it myself, so it's a labor of love."

Itus looked at her in surprise. "You made this? I didn't know you were so talented."

Selene laughed and gave him a playful shove. "Shut up! Loser!"

She wrapped Itus in another tight hug. "Don't forget about me, okay?" she whispered.

Itus couldn't help but tease her. "How can I when you just gave me this beautiful necklace?"

Selene released him and backed away, still facing him. "I love you, little star. Enjoy the end of training."

"Love you too," Itus replied, watching as she turned and walked away.

As Selene's figure faded into the distance, Itus fingered the necklace, a tangible reminder of the bonds that would endure beyond this day of transformation. The future stretched out before him, full of promise and uncertainty in equal measure. With a deep breath, Itus turned back towards his quarters, ready to face whatever challenges the coming days might bring.