Fools Paradise

It was a chilly mid afternoon as rain poured from the skies. The orphanage just outside of town was dull and worn out from age and neglect. A sign hung from the top of the door that was chipped the words faded said Lana's Orphanage."

Windson, wearing a black velvet cloak was impressed with how well this place was doing considering the fact that it was about to be demolished 15 years ago. He admired the thin paint job and nailed in planks that patched up the holes in the walls and ceiling. Even the once eloquently made sign now faded with time.

One thing he did not appreciate was the rain. He would rather wait inside then continue admiring the building. He wandered inside and looked at the scene before him.

It was Wittorfs birthday and there he was sitting at the table front and center surrounded by a few other younger children with a small cake in front of him. The candles looked like they were just lit recently.

The young mythril haired boy gazed at the cake with his crystal blue eyes in amazement as he waited impatiently for his foster mother to give him permission to blow it out.

Lana who was standing behind him with her hands on his shoulder looked up and noticed the hooded figure enter her building. Concerned at first she gave a questioning glance before taking a step forward.

It was not until Windson removed his hood and revealed his smiling face that she calmed down and returned the smile.

"It's great to see you Windson. You arrived just in time to watch Wittorf blow out his candles."

"Perfect timing then, I hope he wishes for something grand this year."

Fidgeting in his seat Wittorf looks at Windson and glows with excitement as he waves to the older man.

"I know exactly why you're here Windson!" exclaimed Wittorf who was about to knock over his seat from the shaking.

"You're here to see if I have the potential for magic!"

"Exactly right young man, today you turn 14 which means you should start showing signs."

"I know what my wish is going to be Lana; I wanna blow out the candles now!"

Patting Wittorf on the head Lana giggles and gives him the okay. Windson walks up beside Wittorf and watches him curiously. Taking in a deep breath Wittorf focuses all his might into expelling as much air out as possible to make sure each and every candle was blown out.

The smoke from the candles raised into the air with great volume and Windson smiled. The smoke began to slowly fall down towards Wittorf who was looking at Windson with a big grin.

Suddenly the smoke began to swirl around Wittorf slowly until it was covering him in a thin layer of smoke. It quickly burst and dissipated.

Clapping his hands Windson laughed a little.

"If that wasn't a sign I don't know what else to tell you."

"You mean?" Bouncing his chair up and down not even trying to control his actions anymore.

"That I'm a mage?" His chair was now vibrating as his shaking grew to comical levels.

"It would appear so young Wittorf. With that said the real test starts at the academy."

Jumping out of his chair and running around the table he shouts with his fists in the air.

"I knew it! I knew it! I'm finally a mage!"

The kids sitting at the table all look amused at the antics Wittorf is displaying and start giggling. Lana is laughing to herself and shaking her head.

"You need to calm down Wittorf. The headmaster of the school came here to tell you something else."

Stopping in place but still vibrating a little Wittorf looks at Windson and cocks his head a little.

"What else is there to say? I'm a mage!"

Walking up to Wittorf and kneeling to be face to face with the boy Windson gave him a more serious expression.

"Magic is not something to treat lightly. You need to be ready for hard work and determination if you are truly going to be a mage."

"I am ready for anything!"

Nodding his head the headmaster responds. "I understand you feel on top of the world right now but once you calm down I think you should really consider what you think a mage really is."

"What a mage really is?"

"Look around you and think to yourself why do you want to seek after power?"

"Why I want power?"

"I will be back tomorrow to take you to the academy. While I am gone I want you to come up with an answer on your own."

While standing back up Windson, the headmaster of the Grand Academy waves to Lana before departing.

"I'll be back in the morning. Please take care Lana."

"Very well Windson. I hope you have a safe trip back."

Windson exits the orphanage and waves one last time as he turns away. Lana looks at Wittorf who is standing there thinking hard.

"Why I want to be a mage and wield power."

"Why don't you eat some cake while you think about it."

Nodding his head he sits back down and begins mindlessly eating cake while focused on something else.

The rest of the day goes by and Wittorf is pacing in his room. He knew this was important for becoming a mage but he did not know how to answer it.

Wittorf looks over at his bookshelf and notices one book that is more worn than the others. He flips it open and realizes it's the same book Lana read to him growing up.

Flipping through the pages he smiles.

"The Fool's Paradise, a myth to most but a destination all mages find themselves drawn to."

Continuing to flip through the book he remembers the story of how people believe the Fool's Paradise started. Some believed it was created by master mages as a training place for the best. Others think it's a gateway to Eden the realm of the monsters.

He hoped it was a place where any wish could come true.

"It's possible; I mean no one has even seen this place."

He puts the book away and looks at the picture frame that has Lana and the original kids that started the orphanage. 15 years ago. He was not in that picture but he loved it because it had Lana in it.

The woman who raised him and taught him how to be confident and how to stand up for himself. The woman who constantly praised his good deeds and scolded his bad behavior but never yelled at him. The person who would always hold a special place in his heart.

"I think I know the answer now."

Lying in his bed he dreams of all the adventures he will go on as a mage and all the people he will meet. Grand adventures worthy of a book. Good and bad people who need saving or who need stopping.

His young mind was full of creativity he could imagine just about anything he wanted. The night went on peacefully and the next morning arrived. Wittorf jumped out of bed and ran down the stairs.

Lana was making breakfast when he just about ran into her. He stopped just in time to see a startled Lana balancing a large plate of eggs, bacon and pancakes.

"Hello my little spell caster. Did you get some good sleep?

"Good morning Lana, I did! Is Windson here yet?"

"I haven't seen him yet, why don't you get something in your stomach?"

His stomach was in knots he just wanted to go to the academy already and start his life as a mage. He was also nervous at the idea of leaving Lana behind for so long. He knew he had to but it still didn't make it feel any better.

Knocking on the door startled Wittorf as he jumped up. Nerves on end he turns around and bolted for the door. Just as Windson was opening the door Wittorf was slamming it open with force just about knocking Windson into him.

Regaining his balance he looked at the young mage to be and smiled.

"Have you thought about what I said?"

"I did sir and I think I have my answer"

"Do you now? That was quick."

He gathered up his nerves and took a deep breath in to calm himself.

"I want to protect those who are dear to me. I want to explore far off lands and meet new people. I want to learn as much about this world as I possibly can. But most importantly I want the power to make Lana smile forever."

"Well put little one. If that is the case we can begin your training immediately."

Letting out a relieved sigh Wittorf is surprised by a hand being placed on his head. He turns around to see Lana there smiling with tears forming in her eyes.

"It looks like you'll be leaving then."

"I'll be back, I promise."

"I know you will, you're my little spell caster after all."

He could feel tears forming in his eyes now and tried everything he could to hold them back. He turns around and places his face in her apron and cries silently. Doing his best not to show it.

Lana wipes a tear away and holds him there for a good moment. She knew this day might come. It was the first time one of her own finally left the mothers coop. She thought she was prepared for the goodbye but even she is human.

"Promise me you'll stay safe."

"I promise Lana."

"Always eat your vegetables and change your clothing."

"I will Lana."

She breaks down a little and her voice cracks. "Play nice with all the kids and listen to your teachers."

"I love you Lana."

"I love you too little man."

They break from the embrace and both wipe tears away quickly while laughing a little. It was not like he was going to be gone forever. But it still hurt. She turns around and grabs some suitcases and hands them to Wittorf.

"I have everything you might need in these cases."

Grabbing the suitcase he could feel their weight and the love that was placed in them. Windson nods and turns to leave the building.

"Shall we be off then young mage?"

Nodding and following after him Lana watches as her little spell caster starts his new journey away from her.

***

Walking down a cement path far away from the orphanage Wittorf skips a little as he struggles to keep hold of both suitcases. Windson laughs as they make their way to the academy. In the distance the tall beautiful light blue towers shine.

Not much longer and they arrive at the front gates. Waiting for them is a young raven haired boy with a sharp look in his eyes. He looks Wittorf up and down and scoffs.

"Head master, why are you walking along side such garbage?"

Taken aback by the rudeness of the new kid Wittorf didn't know what to say except perhaps two very rude words which he kept to himself.

Windson laughs and puts his hand on Wittorf's shoulder. "This is a new student Caiman, please be kind and treat him with respect."

Caiman snorts a little as he looks Wittorf up and down.

"I think you've gotten this one wrong Headmaster, this one looks weak."

The Headmaster continues to walk past Caiman.

"I think you better watch out, or this young man will pass you by."

Caiman spits on the ground and frowns in distaste.

"If you think for a second I would let that happen, then your further gone than I thought."

Caiman creates a ball of energy in his hand. Power arks out here and there, he hides his struggle to maintain it directed right at Wittorf.