All my life I’ve been the orphan, the loner; but today is my eighteenth birthday and I’m finally free. I don’t know where it will lead me but I’m willing to take the chance.

One.

I packed up my stuff in my bookbag and took one last look around my small room. If the walls could talk it would probably say, here lies a lonely girl, no direction, a free bird; the room where for eighteen years was her place of rest. Never a home.

I sighed. Closed the door.

So you’re not going to say goodbye?

I turned around to see a small petite girl, who’s name I didn’t care to know.

Um…bye- I guess.

We’ll miss you! she hugged me- way too tight and time was ticking. Ok that’s enough, I’m going to miss my train. I quickly pulled away from her and ran out the door, not looking back.

There was no train. I didn’t have the money for that. I was far too smart to get a regular job when I was of age. Now, I could kick myself for not doing that. Lost in my own thoughts I barely noticed the tiny dog that had started to follow me.

Hey, go on. Go back to your owner.

It barked and wagged its tail.

Go on.

It barked again. I began to jog, it followed. what the hell? Is this anyone’s dog?! I looked around to find an empty street. Damn, well I guess you can stay but only for a night. It wagged its tail in approval.

I’m losing it. Pet people talk to their pets all the time. This is totally normal. Sigh. It nudged my leg.

What? You want to be petted? I guess I should give you a name huh? Innocence? Do you like that name? Innocence barked and wagged his tail.

Hey, girl! You can’t stay here!

Ugh I’m leaving geez. I grumbly looked up to see an elderly man scowling down at me.

You can’t stay here. He repeated.

Jesus! I heard you. I’m moving geez. I grabbed my bag and looked for Innocence; who now began to growl at the man.

And take that dog with ya!

I am!

I walked away from his store front, just a few blocks and opened the only clue I have of my birth parents- a photo, it was start I guess.

After asking a few non-threating strangers where the information center was. I walked to the nearest one and grabbed the earliest available data processor.

And…nothing. I thought this place had info on everyone.

I knew I would see you again.

I peared up to see a woman smiling at me. Uh, I think you’re mistaking me for someone else.

Oh no, no child. I never forget a face. You’re Reina’s child.

I laughed. I don’t who that is-

Of course you don’t. Your father dropped you off like a hot sack of potatoes, when your mother was taken.

Taken?

Didn’t any one tell you?

I’m an orphan, no one tells me anything.

Nothing at all? Well, you are of age now- eighteen? yes?

I nodded.

Very well, let’s go somewhere…more comfortable. We walked through three doors, while she murmured something on the fourth to reveal a small beautifully decorated room of colors blue and silver. It had a faint smell like of warm apple pie. Innocence barked.

Wow, this is beautiful.

She looked at me funny. Is it? she laughed. Oh, it’s a illusion I placed on this room. It shows the visitor what they want to see; but come sit.

Hungry? Oh, you must be. She handed me a basket of pastries. The most delicious bakery sweets I had ever seen. I grabbed a bunch and gave a cupcake to Innocence.

Better? Now, where to begin? Ah yes, years ago the world was a very different place. Betrayal, wars and death filled the air. Bernard and Reina were the very few protectors left of these lands-

When was that?

A very long time ago

How is that even possible

Anything is possible

No, it isn’t

She smiles at me. You just entered a magically door and you can’t believe anything is possible?

The wars was like a hundred years ago – how old were my parents?

Does that really matter? They had you long after- she stopped and looked around. The air is stirring again.

I don’t understand, my parents had me when they were like old, old?!

What’s old?

Ugh, listen lady I don’t have time for this. Do you know what happened to my parents or not?

You haven’t let me finish my story, you so rudely keep interrupting-

Ok the war that was hundred years ago or so. They fought it, then what happened?

We won the battle but lost the war.

That simple? I was taught that the war was between humans and Magis. Humans wanted to take over, they did. The Magis eventually died off and here we are today.

She laughed. Ah, there is always more to every story.

So my parents were humans or magis?

Why does it matter?

Because maybe that would explain somethings?!

Your mother sacrificed herself to the magis

So she was human?

She was half –

And my father?

Human, he saw her and fell in love. He abandoned his family line for her.

Well he seems to do that often. I mumbled. Wait, how is it you seem to know them?

I only observe. She shook her head. Here is your father’s family.

She opened a huge book and pointed to a page. Mabon Family it read.

So he’s my father

Turn the page – you tell me?

I turned the page and saw the same young man of the photo I had staring at me- How?

He still looks the same. How was that possible? He’s human?

Interesting isn’t it?

This is an old photo right?

No, my books update yearly.

How is it they still look-?

Young?

Yes, humans don’t have that power. Magis does. Did my mother give him some type of spell or knowledge?

That I would not know.

So what do I do now?

That my child is up to you. You wanted information you have it now.

I can take this book?

The book is yours. Oh, and take this one as well.

She handed me a beautiful book with the name Waite on it.

And don’t lose it.

Still in awe of the Waite book. I mumbled. I’ll try not to.

The room changed and suddenly I was back at the front desk of the information center. I asked the woman for a bag and realized I had no where to go. I didn’t even have enough for even one night.

Damnit I should’ve asked for a place to stay from her.

Um…excuse me ma’am but would you happen to know a place where I could stay for the night?

She looked down at me. The flying eagle, I guess?

Ok thanks. I looked up The Flying Eagle. They luckily had a few rooms left and for a reasonable price too. I looked at the wrapped up plastic bag that I had of money. Just enough for one night. Sigh.

I thanked the woman again and went on my way.