Chapter One

This is Jacron. Say ‘hello’, Jacron… Or not. I guess he can’t hear the narrator's voice. Ah, well, I suppose we should get into introductions.

Jacron is an orphan from the 9th District. Being a male Cune and about to graduate top of his class in Cleric's Combat School. It is a most prestigious award, being the most advanced school in the District. His parents died when he was young, and his father left him with a sword. The sword itself doesn't seem to be special at first glance, but it's covered in runes of an ancient language and fires wind shells when swung. He attends his school with his best friend, Masa, a clever and rich Fexen. She grew up with rich parents, allowing her to go to any school she desired and coincidentally, went to the same school as Jacron. The two became best friends fast. Masa is graduating third in her class. Both are in for somewhat of a great adventure in a world much different from our own.

It was a bright day, the beginning of graduation day. The sun shone bright over the horizon and gave the early-risers something to gawk at like usual. Jacron was running late, however. "Crap, crap, crap, crap!" He shouted, frantically, "I'm going to be late... On my graduation no less!" He lept from building to building, dodging old park swings and benches, long since covered in bits of nature. Just as the school came into sight, he heard the bells chime. The students were rushing in, showing most of them were late, too. The day prior had been daylight savings time, so nobody was used to the change yet.

"Hello, students, parents, and students who are also parents," The announcer started off, "today as you may have guessed is our graduation day. You all have put forth your best efforts to achieve greatness. Your knowledge and tactics are now that of a high-ranking officer and be assured that their performance will not disappoint."

Jacron reached the courtyard of town, school wasn't far now. "Some; however, have come to go beyond that of expectation and be capable of much more than what it seems. Our top classman, known not for his one arm, but for his outrageous skill and righteous heart, give it up to, Jacron!"

The crowd applauded for a short moment before people started asking where he was amongst themselves. The announcer started becoming nervous. "Leave it to Jacron to be late on graduation day." Masa yelled. "I'm sure he'll be here any moment." The announcer added, nervous and beginning to sweat. Just as a few were about to get up, a shadow flew over them. Jumping from the building, Jacron landed on stage with a large cloud of smoke. As it cleared, there stood Jacron, back turned to the crowd in a heroic, but ironic stance.

The crowd laughed as Jacron turned around, clearly facing the wrong way on accident. "Our top student!" The announcer stated. The crowd took to another applause before the announcer gave Jacron the microphone for his speech. Jacron didn't know anything about needing speech, so he quickly thought of one off the top of his head.

"Hey, guys. I stand before you today, not as an elite member of society, but as an equal amongst you all. Sure, I didn't make it here without putting forth my best effort every day, but we all do, right? We all put forth our best efforts and some can strive where others cannot, but that is why we are together and work as such. We can't do everything ourselves and it is important that we can rely on one another to put forth our best, because only the best is enough. As we graduate, know that we do not stand above you with our high titles, but stand among you and share your hardships. Welcome, the class of

3240!"

The crowd applauded once more and Jacron bowed. Getting the mic back from Jacron, the announcer began calling everyone else up to the stage, each getting their certificate and a badge of graduation. "Nice speech, tardy pants." Masa mocked. Jacron stuck his tongue out at her in response. "I shouldn't be the one up there, though. Thomas was better than me and he knows it. He was giving me the evil eye the entire speech." Jacron said.

"Even so, you outweigh him in what it actually takes to be a leader. I bet if it were him up there, he would've given a rehearsed speech without any heart... Hah! Look!" Masa pointed to Thomas. "There he is by the food area, throwing his cards away!" Masa began snickering and laughing. Jacron joined just before Thomas gave them another evil glare.

Thomas approached the still snickering pair. "They should've given that speech to me. I'm better than you in every way. My speech would've been professional, rehearsed and conveyed actual meaning to the graduates, unlike that bang-up one you gave. You didn't even dress appropriately!"

Jacron glanced down to see what he was wearing. "Hey! That speech wasn't half bad and at least I dress like I have meaning." "I dress like a professional warrior, showing prowess and obvious integrity." Thomas retorted, brushing some dust off his armor coat. "Well I dress like me. I'm not going to follow some optional warrior-guidelines. Unlike you, I'm comfortable in my own skin." Jacron smirked and Thomas scoffed, walking away.

"Talk about a mood killer." Masa added before turning back to Jacron. "I know, right? That guy needs to learn how to loosen up sometimes." They took to the punch table, Jacron, waving his tail the whole while. As they reached the table, Masa grabbed it tight. "Ow! Hey! Knock it off! I told you, my tail wag isn't on purpose!" "On purpose or not, if it's moving about, it's mine." Masa giggled. Jacron poured a cup of punch and rolled his eyes with a smirk, holding the disposal tube down and using his tail to filling his cup.