The beginning
Chapter 1: The beginning
The golden rays of the setting sun bathe the village of Treouya, the sky painted with hues of orange and pink as the triplets — Hadesn, Jader, and Sagi — prepare to leave for their next year at Knight School. With the Skyship Docks in sight, they exchange excited words, their spirits high as they get ready for another year of training.
Hadesn, dressed in his usual knight’s armor, steps forward, his eyes glinting with purpose. “We’ve trained for this moment,” he says, his voice steady. “It’s time for us to get even stronger, together.”
Jader adjusts his sword and grins, eyes sparkling with anticipation. “And this year, we’re not just training to be knights — we’ll make our mark. You know, Zacchaeus would make a great knight, too, if he stopped acting so stubborn.”
Sagi, quieter than the other two, simply watches the distant path to the academy. “He’s got more potential than he realizes. We all do. But he needs to see that for himself.”
As they make their way toward the ship, they turn toward the small cottage where their younger brother, Zacchaeus, lives.
Zacchaeus sits at the table in the modest cottage, his fingers lightly moving across the surface as objects levitate around him. A few books float in mid-air, and a mug of water tilts slightly as he controls the flow, keeping his mind sharp. His telekinesis is fluid, controlled — a power that, while not as flashy as his siblings’ elemental abilities, is his own.
The door opens, and in walk Hadesn, Jader, and Sagi. Hadesn looks over, a grin appearing on his face.
“Zacchaeus! We’re headed to Knight School,” Hadesn says enthusiastically. “Come with us this year. You’ve got what it takes. We’ll train together and become the strongest knights the kingdom’s ever seen!”
Jader, always quick with words, chimes in, “You’re a natural, Zacchaeus. It’s time to stop holding back. You belong at the academy. You’d be great there — and we could all use your skills.”
Sagi, usually more reserved, steps forward. “You’ve got your own path, Zacchaeus, but don’t shut out this chance. There’s power in learning from others.”
Zacchaeus doesn’t look up at first. Instead, he continues to move the books around, one by one, the subtle hum of his telekinesis the only sound filling the room. Finally, he places the last book down, his gaze fixed on the floor.
“I’m not going,” he replies, his voice calm but firm.
The triplets are momentarily silent. Hadesn frowns, his expression filled with both confusion and concern. “What do you mean, ‘not going’? Zacchaeus, this is a chance to grow stronger. To become part of something bigger.”
Zacchaeus finally lifts his head and meets their gazes. His eyes, though calm, reveal a hint of something deeper — a quiet, unshakable resolve.
“I don’t need the Knight School to know what I’m capable of,” he says slowly. “I’ve got my own way. I don’t need their teachings or their expectations. This power… it’s mine. I’ll grow at my own pace.”
Jader steps forward, clearly puzzled. “You don’t want to be a knight? You’re our brother, Zacchaeus. We’re a team. You don’t have to face this alone.”
“I’m not alone,” Zacchaeus replies, his voice hardening with finality. “I’ve got my abilities, and that’s enough for me. I don’t need to prove anything to anyone.”
Sagi crosses his arms, a quiet sigh escaping his lips. “You’ve always been different, Zacchaeus. You don’t need to follow the same path as us, but don’t cut yourself off from the world completely. The academy could teach you something. You might learn things you don’t even know you’re capable of.”
Zacchaeus looks at each of them in turn, shaking his head. “I appreciate your concern, but I’m not going. I’ll figure out my own way.”
With one last glance, the triplets turn and head out the door, their resolve clear. Hadesn looks over his shoulder just before leaving, his voice soft but hopeful.
“We’ll always be here for you, Zacchaeus. Don’t forget that.”
As the airship rises into the sky, Zacchaeus watches them go, the weight of his decision settling around him. There’s a quiet hum in the air as his telekinesis pulses, and he can feel the faint pull of something greater, but for now, it’s enough to stay where he is. The future can wait.
He turns away from the door and looks out toward the distant Skyship Docks, watching as the triplets’ airship vanishes into the clouds. His power, small yet growing, is all he needs right now.
