Wings of Destiny
Chapter 1: Embracing the Unveiled Truth
This is a rewrite of a story I had previously started working on and uploading. There are a number of changes that will become evident as the story progresses.
Elysia had always felt acutely conscious of her stark deviation from societal norms.
From her earliest memories, when her mind began to grasp the concepts of morality and rationality, she recognized her own uniqueness. It was a rarity to come across a young woman standing at a modest height of 5'6", adorned with a cascading mane of lustrous, blood-red hair. But that was merely the beginning of Elysia's remarkable appearance. What truly set her apart was her extraordinary ability to summon majestic, dragon-like wings with a mere thought, sprouting from her back in all their resplendent glory. Accompanying her magnificent wings was a sinuous, dragon-like tail that gracefully swayed behind her, as if it possessed a consciousness of its own. With each flick and coil, the tail mirrored Elysia's emotions, a visual representation of her innermost thoughts and desires.
Yes, Elysia was undeniably extraordinary, and word of her remarkable attributes had spread like wildfire, causing people to shy away from her as if she were a harbinger of misfortune. They labeled her a half-dragon, a half-breed, but she was grateful that she hadn't been hunted down like a rabid animal.
Even her teachers maintained a cautious distance, although she managed to evade their scrutiny by sitting inconspicuously at the back of the classroom, quietly pursuing her own studies. However, to her surprise, there was one teacher who extended a more welcoming disposition towards her, defying all expectations.
This teacher possessed an air of mystery, teetering on the border of what could be considered truly human. Elysia found herself hesitant to label her as a mere 'person.' After all, what person would adorn themselves with an intricately engraved choker adorning their neck, accompanied by equally enigmatic bracelets encircling their wrists? Not to mention the barely discernible ivory white horns that protruded from the teacher's raven-black tresses. While other students dismissed these characteristics as mere stylistic accents, Elysia was entirely convinced that they were genuine horns.
And the teacher's emerald green eyes—there was something peculiar about them, though she wondered if it was simply her own idiosyncratic perception. Nevertheless, a deep-seated belief persisted within Elysia, suggesting that the teacher harbored a similar lineage—a hybrid existence like her own.
Yet, another enigma further compounded the mystery surrounding Elysia's very existence. She remained oblivious to the identities of her biological parents, for they certainly were not her 'foster parents'—individuals who had recoiled in fear and promptly cast her out of their lives the moment she revealed her true nature. Not that she had ever held much affection for them; they were far from ideal caretakers.
Consequently, Elysia found herself adrift in the streets, navigating an itinerant life, while still dutifully attending school during the daylight hours. Survival proved a constant struggle, and she had developed an insatiable taste for meat, savoring it as a means of sustenance. Thus, from time to time, she resorted to pilfering livestock from unsuspecting farmers. It was far from the most refined or ethical source of sustenance, yet it ensured her survival. Moreover, the unsuspecting farmers often attributed the depredations to the work of a wild animal, blissfully unaware of her true nature amidst the proximity of a forest teeming with untamed creatures.
But it was solely due to the unwavering support of that enigmatic teacher, who harbored a fondness for Elysia unlike anyone else, that she remained enrolled in school. By some inexplicable means, this teacher had managed to persuade the authorities to endorse Elysia's education, despite her lack of familial sponsorship. And so, she had reached a decisive juncture, a point of no return.
Fed up with the perpetual shroud of secrecy enveloping her life, she resolved to 'interrogate' her amiable teacher, demanding unvarnished truths. No more secrets. Elysia's patience had waned, and a tenacious resolve had taken root within her.
As she ventured down the extensive school hallway, replete with numerous corridors, most adorned with lockers, Elysia remained resolute in her destination. She knew precisely which door concealed her teacher's presence—a room where the teacher often lingered, engrossed in her work during the late hours. Left, right, right, right, left. Elysia traversed the labyrinthine corridors, her footsteps guided by an unwavering determination. Yet, if she were to be entirely candid with herself, the sheer scale of the school building surpassed any logical necessity.
Finally, she stood face-to-face with the door beyond which her teacher would likely be found. Doubts assailed her, causing her to question the wisdom of her decision. Was it truly prudent to proceed with her audacious plan?
Yet, before Elysia could fully apprehend her own actions, her body propelled her forward, propelling her into the room.
"Ah, I was wondering when you would come," the teacher greeted her, her countenance radiant with warmth, leaving no trace of ill intent. Nevertheless, Elysia remained wary, her trust yet to be fully earned.
"I trust you seek to know of my true identity?" the teacher inquired, her head tilting ever so slightly to one side.
At this point, Elysia found herself incapable of articulating coherent words, thus settling for a subtle nod. It became evident that her enigmatic teacher had anticipated her arrival, further deepening the sense of intrigue shrouding her true nature.
"My true name cannot be revealed within these confines. However, if you possess the capacity to place your trust in me, I can lead you to a place where I shall divulge my identity, unveiling the truth through words and deeds," the teacher proposed.
A tinge of skepticism colored Elysia's cautious response. "How can I trust you?" she inquired with measured restraint.
The teacher's smile broadened, appreciation glimmering within her eyes. "Your astuteness in maintaining a sense of caution is commendable. It mirrors the prudence of your father, who too exhibited such circumspection when he encountered the love of his life."
Elysia's interest was piqued by these words. Her father? This woman claimed to know her father, igniting a flicker of hope within her. If this teacher possessed knowledge of her father, could she be deserving of a higher degree of trust? If she knew her father, surely she couldn't be entirely nefarious...could she?
"You are acquainted with my father?" Elysia inquired, her curiosity now ignited.
With a contented nod, the teacher affirmed, "Indeed, and your mother as well. They have yearned for your presence throughout the years, or what could now be considered an epoch."
Her mother, too? Elysia's heart brimmed with curiosity, though a palpable wariness persisted within her. She remained uncertain whether this woman aimed to deceive her or what untapped capabilities lay concealed within her.
"Your caution is warranted, as always. Perhaps this might trigger a resurgence of dormant memories," the teacher suggested, her voice tinged with a degree of uncertainty.
From beneath the desk, she produced an astonishingly resplendent blade, delicately placing it upon the wooden surface. Although currently sheathed, the exquisite craftsmanship was undeniably apparent to Elysia's discerning eye. Despite her reservations, she extended her hand toward the hilt, a gentle electrical sensation coursing through her her fingers wrapped around the hilt, Elysia felt a surge of energy coursing through her veins, a connection to a hidden power waiting to be awakened. With her other hand, she delicately grazed the scabbard, feeling the supple yet firm fabric that cradled the blade.
Once again, the electric pricks danced along her arm, almost as if the weapon recognized her touch, resonating with her very essence.
"It is a truly captivating piece... but what significance does it hold for me?" Elysia inquired, her voice laced with a blend of curiosity and skepticism.
The teacher's smile faltered momentarily, a flicker of uncertainty betraying her confidence. Nevertheless, she knew that the revelation she was about to share could not be withheld. The truth, no matter how implausible, needed to be spoken.
"It is yours," the teacher declared with an unwavering resolve.
In that instant, Elysia's mind faltered, struggling to assimilate the weight of those words. The blade belonged to her? The realization was both awe-inspiring and unsettling, for she had never considered herself as a wielder of such power. Doubt shrouded her thoughts, causing her to hesitate.
"I find that difficult to believe. You must have mistaken me for another. I have never possessed a weapon in my entire life," Elysia asserted, hastily retracting her hands from the blade as she turned to leave the room. However, her teacher possessed one final revelation, one that defied the bounds of believability.
"Navaqua, I assure you, I have not erred. Listen to my words, let them resonate within your being," the teacher implored, her voice filled with conviction.
Almost in perfect synchrony with her entreaty, a deluge of emotions surged through Elysia, causing her body to convulse momentarily. She grasped the edge of the table, her fingers brushing against the hilt of the blade once more.
And then, as if a lock had been disengaged, a cascade of images inundated her mind. Visions, fragments of a forgotten past, flickered before her eyes—a past where she existed untethered from the shackles of humanity.
"I remember," Elysia whispered, her voice a mere breath as she uttered words in a long-forgotten language. And in that moment, it was as though a floodgate had burst open, allowing the full force of memories to surge forth.
EDIT 11/07/2023