Special Surprise

It’s been a little over a year since I started practicing magic with Mom and training with Dad. Today, we are having a special dinner because of my birthday. Paulus is visiting over the weekend to spend time with the family.

Today is a day off for training, but I'm getting used to at least running on a rest day. I put on my training clothes to head out. However, my clothes are looking pretty worn out. Well, whatever, they're for training anyway. I was going down the stairs when I saw Dad and Paulus heading out for a run too.

“Hey, are you guys running together?”

“Running together? I don’t think this old man can keep up with me.”

“Anyone can run using magic. What is even the point of running?”

“I don’t need magic to beat you.”

“Ha ha ha. Don’t make me laugh, son. Not even your Mom can keep up with me.”

“What, really?”

“Are you scared now?”

“Of course not. Let’s see who wins.”

“Oh? Is everyone going for a run today?” Said Mom, walking down the stairs.

“I’m gonna show the old man that he can’t keep up with me.”

“Why don’t we make a bet? If Paulus wins, Dad will give you a weapon of your choice. If Dad wins, you will have to help him work over the summer.”

“Wait, I’m supposed to rest over the summer.”

“Scared of Dad, son? Weird, I thought you would come stronger from the Academy.” Said Mom with an evil smile.

“Mom, I will make you proud and show you how strong I have become.” Said Paulus, bowing to Mom respectfully with his fist on his chest. The Academy is certainly making miracles. What happened to my brother?

“We will run from the three in the front yard to the south soldier control entrance of Dale and back.” Said Dad.

“What’s the distance of that?”

“Mmm… Around half a Philippides.”

“What is a Philippides?” I asked.

“It’s around 26 miles,” said Paulus.

“Why that name?”

“It’s after one of the Heroes of the Second Great War who brought back the news to the other continents of the victory of the Hero against the heavenly beings. You will learn that in the Academy.”

“Why do I have to wait to learn all of these things?” I said, looking at Mom and Dad.

“We are thinking about it, princess. We might get you a paidagogos.” Said Mom

“What is that?”

“A tutor or teacher for children before entering the Academy.”

“Yeah, I know some students who had a paidagogos before entering the Academy. Sappho is one of those. However, strength is the most important. All the other subjects, like history, math, or science, do not matter if you want to become a soldier like me.”

“You say that because you are barely passing your classes. It is important when you’ve retired as a soldier. Get out now, go for a run. You are studying with your Dad after.” Said Mom getting angry at Paulus.

“If I win! Please, let me choose not to study. I don't care if I don't get the weapon.”

“Deal,” said Mom with that demonic smile.

The three of us head out to run. I’m not running with them. I will do my regular trail to the meadows, around there, and back. Since I’m only running today, I will run a little more than usual, 45 minutes. 

When I got back home, I saw Dad running back from his run. He was shirtless, jogging pretty comfortably. Mmm… He is pretty hot. I hope to have his genes! I said while holding my head, looking at the sky.

“Hello, princess. How was your run?”

“Pretty good. What about yourself?”

“I’m good. Paulus will be here maybe in 15 or 20 minutes.”

“How was the run, Chancho?”

“Good, as you told me before. I had no mercy.”

“What are you talking about, Dad?”

“Anto told me to be hard on the boy. She says we need to teach him respect.”

“Was the race planned?”

“Yeah.”

“What about the work part in the summer?”

“That too.”

“Who planned that?”

“Your Mom. I would not have the heart.” Mom was thrilled, her mouth wide open, laughing nonstop.

“She scared me sometimes, Dad.”

“I know what you mean.”

…

We gather at the table for dinner. Marcus and Aunt Eugina came to celebrate my birthday.

“How is your husband, Eugina, Hypatos?” Asked Dad.

“He is okay. He was busy today with something in the store.”

“How is business?”

“Business is great. Elacita and Crise are of great help.”

“Could you invite them to come someday? I would love to talk with them.” I said.

“Sure thing.”

“Sisters Elacita and Crise always play with me at the store.” Said Marcus.

Eugine is overprotective of Marcus. He never goes out or comes to play unless his mother is there. I only see Hypatos in the store. That man works all day.

We had a nice dinner. Mom and Dad made turkey in the oven with potatoes and salads.

We discuss Paulus' progress in the Academy and what Marcus and I should expect. And Mom promised Eugine to train Marcus next year.

“Cato, Marcus, and I brought you a present. Marcus, go get the present in by the door.”

“Here, Cato. I pick it myself.”

Aunt Eugina always gives me clothing from her store. She makes such nice apparel.

“Thank you, Aunty, thank you, Marcus.” I opened the box, and there were pajamas and activewear. The Pajamas were two pieces. The top was a bottom-down pink shirt with strawberry designs, short sleeves, a chest pocket, a lapel collar, and matching shorts. The activewear was also two pieces. The top was a purple tank top with a round neck and matching shorts.

“It’s beautiful. Thank you so much.”

“Now, I have something special for you, princess. You already know what it is.” Dad handed over a long and slender gift bag.

“Is it my sword? Dad!” After a long time tuning the sword, Dad has cracked the code to make the perfect foil or epee for me. I’m so happy.

“Yes, baby, open it.”

When I opened it, there were two swords, a foil, and an epee. Both swords have a flower design for the guard. The foil guard is more undersized, featuring an orange Poppy flower design and colors, while the pistol grip boasts a black and orange butterfly design. The Epee guard is bigger, covering my whole hand, and has a pink Bellflower shape and color, while the pistol grip has a white rabbit design.

“Dad, these are beautiful.” Dad is such an amazing artisan. This work must be costly.

“The blades are out of titanium, and if you put the swords pointing down, you will see a butterfly feeding from a Poppy flower, and the other one is a rabbit eating a Bellflower.”

“Thank you, Dad.”

“Paulus, your work is amazing.” Said Eugina with great surprise.

“Thank you.”

“He is great. That’s why I chose him as my husband. Here, Cato, I got you this.” Mom threw something leather-like at me.

“What is this?”

“That’s a leather belt for your swords.”

“Thank you, Mom. Very tactful.”

“You're welcome,” said Mom, looking proud.

“I have no words to express how happy I am, thank you everyone. I will make you proud.” I said bowing.

“We are already proud of you, princess.”

“Why is Cato getting all of these cool gifts? I get s*** all the time!”

“You get what you deserve. Bring me better grades this coming semester, and don’t forget you are working this summer.”