Chapter 6: The Ceremony

Finally, after two weeks, the other two children who possessed the elemental powers arrived in Lotardale. The church was now preparing for the great ceremony to welcome the heirs of the powers of the four heroes of ancient history. During these two weeks, Alex and Max played together and strengthened their friendship. Alex was very happy because in his old town, he spent most of his days alone. But now, there was a boy his age to play with, and when he got home, his family was waiting for him with open arms. Alex was so happy he thought he was living a dream.

As they were getting ready for the ceremony, Alex's parents urged him to hurry up so they wouldn't arrive late. The cathedral was 10 minutes away by carriage, and they didn't want to be late. Alex apologized and quickly dressed up.

After 10 minutes of travel, the three arrived at the Cathedral where Olana and Max and their parents awaited. After a brief greeting, they decided to enter the Cathedral. When they entered, they noticed that the Cathedral was all decorated in a grand way to celebrate a special ceremony. Present at this ceremony would be all the great Ministers of the 3 cities, all the highest representatives of the Elemental Church, and many nobles from several cities. They all joined today to receive the heirs of the powers of the 4 heroes of ancient history.

The left hall of the cathedral was decorated in order to receive several guests. The room had a stage, and at the front of the stage were several circular tables where everyone could sit. Alex's family sat in one of the four circular tables in front of the stage, and Max's family sat down at the next table.

After everyone was seated, Alex looked around with curiosity for the next two tables to Max and noticed that at the first table, three people were sitting. A couple of adults who appeared to be noble were sitting beside a girl who looked to be 10 years old. Samantha was a beautiful girl with long curly blonde hair, and her parents were named Lord and Lady Williams.

After observing that table members, Alex looked at the end table where a girl who also looked his age was sitting with a couple of adults who appeared to be rich. Emily was a brunette with green eyes, and her parents were named Sir and Lady Parker.

After observing the other two families, Alex looked at the stage where an old man dressed in white was standing. The man presented himself as the Pope of the Elemental Church and welcomed everyone who came to this ceremony. He announced that before the ceremony could start, it would be better for everyone to have dinner first. While the man spoke, about 100 employees entered the hall with dishes in hand with delicious-looking food. Everyone moved to their respective table to start eating. Everyone ate at their respective tables with music to accompany. Alex looked at his parents and commented that the food was very good, and both agreed with his comment.

After having dinner, the Pope came back on stage and began his speech.

Pope: "Ladies and gentlemen, today is a special day for all of us. Many years ago, humanity was going to be extinct by monsters. These monsters were created with evil magic, and they were going to destroy the whole world. In spite of all the terror that humanity passed, when everything appeared to be lost, four heroes appeared to save us. These heroes, with the help of many people, built the great walls that defend us from monsters and created the three big cities where all humans inhabit. That's why today we are lucky to be in the presence of the heirs of these powers. I ask now for a round of applause for the four heirs that will bring glory and safety for mankind."

Therefore, Alex, Max, Samantha and Emily stepped forward to receive their honors.

The Pope presented each of them with a medal that symbolized their element and the responsibility that came with it. As each child received their medal, the audience erupted in applause, except for Alex, who only received a lukewarm response.

The Pope continued his speech, "These children are the future of humanity, and together with the Church, we promise to exterminate all monsters on the continent." The audience cheered, and the ceremony came to an end.

As everyone returned to their tables, several nobles and important people approached the heirs and their families to introduce themselves. However, Alex and his parents noticed that no one else came to their table except for the great minister of Arindale, for whom Alex's parents worked, and an elderly high-born lady.

Feeling a little sad, Alex's parents looked at him and realized how he was feeling. They decided to leave the ceremony early, feeling that it was not fair that Alex did not receive the same attention as the other heirs.

As they were leaving, Alex realized that he couldn't even say goodbye to Max and Olana because they were too busy with all the nobles and church officials who wanted to meet them. As they entered the carriage, Alex looked out the window, feeling left out and forgotten.

As they entered the carriage, David and Sarah tried to comfort Alex, saying, "It's not your fault, son. It's ours. Samantha's parents are very well-known nobles, Max's sister Olana is the biggest prodigy in the church, and Emily's parents are very well-known doctors on the Continent."

Alex looked at them and realized he was making them feel bad, so he smiled and said, "Rest assured that I didn't want to stay anyway. This ceremony was boring as hell."

His parents laughed and embraced him, but after a few minutes, the horses suddenly stopped. David found it strange and asked the driver if everything was okay, but there was no answer. David got out of the carriage to see what was happening, and when he saw something moving in the shadows, he rushed to open the wagon door and told his family to get out quickly. He had a feeling that something was wrong.

As Alex and his mother left the carriage, the three of them started to walk fast towards the cathedral. Suddenly, they heard an inexplicable noise and started to run. But Alex's mother tripped and fell to the ground because of her long dress. David screamed at Alex, "Continue to run! I will go and help her!"

As Alex continued to run, he suddenly felt a force that knocked him forward several meters. When he looked back, he saw a giant wolf made of branches and wood, looking down on his parents. Alex's parents got up and started to run, but the monster raised its front paw and hit the ground. Several tree branches emerged from the ground right where Alex's parents were running, piercing them. Alex ran towards them and tried to reach their arms to save them, but it was too late. His mother coughed up blood and told him, "Despite not being my true son, you will always be." Then she closed her eyes and died.

Overwhelmed with everything that had happened, Alex felt a huge headache and blurred vision. For a moment, it felt like the ground around him turned to lava, and the rise in temperature filled his lungs and burned his throat, making it hard to breathe. Just before collapsing and losing consciousness, he looked at his hands and saw them filled with ashes, as if they had ignited.