Chapter Text
Harry stood at attention with dozens of other new recruits, holding a short white and blue staff in his left hand. His white and blue uniform spotless, though his wild black hair still stuck up in every direction. He’d been unable to pass the uniform check with a natural bird’s nest, and all recruits attempts to fix it failed, so Harry had shaved it to an inch reluctantly… Only to become a porcupine. Even the Training Officer gave up and decided to ignore Harry’s hair after that.
“Give me 10 laps!” Training Officer said.
Every recruit saluted in sync. Harry glanced at the sky. Arial Mages are flying in formation overhead. I’ll be up there soon. He’s giddy thinking about it. Harry may have chosen to enlist in the First Arial Forces Academy to gain independence on Midchilda and get out of the House for Children with Special Needs, but flying is a big plus.
“Deploy Flight Magic!” Training Officer said.
Harry grips his staff in both hands. The staff releases green light. A pulse of air stirs up dust, then Harry’s feet leave the ground.
“BEGIN!” Training Officer said.
Harry zooms through the air, 1 meter above the ground. He zig-zags through the recruits to take the lead. His speed was steady. The training ground a blur. Blockades and hoops appeared. Harry darted through each hoop.
Harry smiled as he finished the 10th lap. He landed softly. “Excellent as always Cadet Potter. Take five.” Training Office said.
Harry found a spot to squat away from the finish line. He used his short staff to draw pictures in the dirt. Slowly, other cadets trickled over to sit. Harry didn’t have much to say as all everyone can talk about is the JS Incident. He was so glad his role stayed secret. If they found out he was involved, the cadets wouldn’t shut up.
After training, Harry followed the other cadets to the mess hall. He dropped his tray on the table and took a seat. Even without sitting with someone, the seats around him had filled up quickly. Everyone already knew that Harry wouldn’t talk, so he was safe to sit with even if they discussed things that would get them punishment duty.
Harry shovelled food into his mouth. He pulled out his communication device with his free hand. His lips turned upward. A message from Vivio. A tap. The message popped open. A picture of Vivio in a school uniform smiling at him.
Harry,
Vivio is happy again today.
There are many girls at Saint Hilde.
How is Harry’s training?
Harry isn’t working too hard?
Harry stopped eating. How to answer? His lips stretched into a full smile.
Vivio,
Flight training is fun.
I always come in first place.
See you soon.