Aquilon

   “So you’re telling me I should do it?” Alexandria broke the silence. She was sitting in the room off behind the shop’s seating area, across froam Mrs. Hawthorne. The enclave was rather simple. A circular table made from dark, majestic wood and embellished with carvings along the edges and legs dominated the small room. 4 chairs were seated around the table: two of which were occupied. There was also a bar counter protruding from the left wall and on it lay a handful of upside down glasses along a folder of papers. Behind it were various alcohols and elaborate wine glasses. The ceiling was of the same color as the walls and a fan hung down over the table. There were no windows.

  “But look at all the problems that brings up. First I would need an alibi at school. What happens if I don’t make it in? What will I tell the officer then? And what if I do get in. I can’t just leave! And my father has never exactly supported my ambitions...” After the questions tumbled from her mouth Alexandria plopped into the chair. Letting out an audible sigh she looked over pleadingly at her sole audience member. Emma Hawthorne’s kindhearted smile gleamed down at her bringing about a smile on her as well. Emma, the wife of Mr. Hawthorne was 42 yet looked as if she was still 25. She wore a simple green dress and sipped a cup of tea as Alexandria spilled out her problem. As always she was the first person the Alexandria went to if anything came up.

             “Well I’m not ‘telling’ you to do anything.” She chuckled. “ You need to do what you feel best.”

             “Because that answer always solves everything...” Alexandria muttered shooting her an annoyed glance, her voice drenched in sarcasm. Emma laughed again seeming slightly amused.

             “What else do you want me to say? I have no real experience to give you. I think we should call Mark in here, he would know what to do. He is a bit more sensible than I in these matters” She got and walked over to door. Then opening it she summoned her husband who reluctantly abandoned a customer to appear at his wife’s side.

     “What’s going on here? Oh hey Alexandria! Wait why are you here now? Doesn’t school start in 15 minutes? Not that punctuality is your strong suit.” Her husband, like she, looked much younger than he was. A man of 6 feet and medium build he wore a white dress shirt and a black vest over it with black slacks. His dark hair was combed off to the right.

     “Well you see I have a little problem.” She got up to show him the poster. He looked over the advertisement and after examining it his face lit up.

     “Are you planning on doing this? That’s great! A courier actually came by earlier with more information on this and told me to pass it on to anyone interested! So where’s the problem?”

     “You see... I really want to go for this. Joining the Imperial Army is just the break I need. But as you know the end of the application window is the day after tomorrow. It would be cutting it too close if I tried to make it then. So that leaves today or tomorrow. Now if this was a week ago there would be no worries. I already dealt with the old truancy officer a while back so skipping would be no problem. But now, this new officer seems to constantly have gas. Plus she has something against me though I haven’t given her any reason. Yet.” She chuckled but grew serious again.

     “No doubt she would be all over it if I were absent.” Alexandria finished up.

      “I get it. And if you do make it, which of course you would, how would you pull off leaving.” Realization dawned upon Mr. Hawthorne as he sat down at the table alongside the pair. Propping her feet up on the vacant chair Alexandria smiled at his understanding.

             “So what do you suppose I do?”

     “Go. I know that this is your dream. Enlisting with the Imperial Army is where you belong. I see the problems but in my eyes, there is no doubt as to whether or not you would be accepted. And if you did have to leave, do you really think Mr. Henderson would be too concerned?”

             Alexandria looked down at the mention of her father. She knew at heart he wouldn’t care if she left. She tried to push it down but it persisted deep within her. She saddened and grew somber but quickly shook it off and replaced it with a gaze of cold seriousness.

             “Yes I know. When, or should I say if, I graduate, no doubt he will try to pawn me off on the son of one of his clients. There are countless wimps in the government who would love a connection to my father. But let’s say I leave. That just makes it easier on him. No hassle huh.” Mr. Hawthorne sighed as she finished. He looked back at his wife helplessly but she could offer him no aid. Finally he got up and sat beside Alexandria ruffling her hair.

     “Hey now I never said that. Whether or not it’s true you came up with all those words.”

      “Hah no need to apologize. What you said was true and it’ll take alot more than that to bring me down!” Her eyes flared with rekindled determination as she shot up from the chair. Looking around she went over to the counter and grabbed some paper from the folder.

     “Is this what the courier brought you?” She asked tersely, sorting through the papers.

     “Yes but uh -- “ Mr. Hawthorne could barely get the words out of his mouth as she cut him off.

     “Alright let’s see what it says.” Alexandria said as Mrs. Hawthorne sat back chuckling at the antics before her.

     “Now wait a second don’t you need to see the rules before entering?” He leaned forward with a glint in his eye.

     “So that means...?” She looked up at him, a grin spreading across her face.

     “Yes that does mean what you think it means. I think you should go.” Alexandria leapt up and hugged him. Then she let go, turned and hugged his wife as well. Prying her off, Mrs. Hawthorne had to hold her in place before speaking.

     “I don’t see why you needed to ask us? We have no power to hold you back if we said no.” Alexandria blushed a bit but rubbed her nose, grinning from ear to ear.

     “Well you see... you guys are like my family. But enough of all this sappy stuff. If I’m going we have some stuff to work out. Come to think of it, where’s Sam? He should be home now right?” She looked around as if hoping for him to appear out of nowhere. Mr. Hawthorne seemed confused at first but then shook his head.

     “He didn’t tell you? Sam left three days ago. He was chosen for an internship program in the capital district. I’m surprised that you don’t know about it.” An internship program! At the capital! That’s big! How could he just go off like that without telling me? I mean really? This is great for him and all but... She was torn. She scowled at his lack of consideration yet was happy for her friend at the same time. Hr. Hawthorne patted her on the back and scratched his head.

     “Well think of it this way. Now both of you are going off on your own adventures without telling each other.” Her grin returned as he said this. By this time Mrs. Hawthorne had left the room to go tend to customers who were piling up outside leaving the pair on their own. Mr. Hawthorne turned and picked up the papers Alexandria had put on the counter and sifted through them.

     “If you’re gonna go through with this then we need to know what we’re dealing with first. Lets see,” taking out a pamphlet he began to read from it, “You will need to provide your own clothing but uniforms will be standard attire, any personal items that fit in a duffle bag, and yourself. Food and rooming are provided. Weapons, training stations, workshops and raw materials for practice are all provided as well. In order to be selected for a soldier position applicants must pass rigorous physical tests as well as mental tests. For other specialist positions there are varied assessments and applicants must bring an example of his their work. The program goes on for 3 months. During that time a selection process occurs and at the end a relative percent of the enrollees,  based upon total number and categories, will become cadets in the army.” Catching his breath after the long list he furrowed his eyebrows clearly hung up on something.

     “Did you catch that one part in there Alexandria? For specialist positions applicants must bring an example of their work.”

     “Hmm... an example of my work. Aha! I got it! Over the last few weeks I’ve been working on a project for school. I would go as far to say it’s my best work yet. And the best part is it’s finished.” Alexandria was now buzzing with excitement and her grin was fixed from ear to ear.

     “So about that other stuff. Clothes I have. Personal items? Well I don’t have too much I would bring... a few things I guess. So I’m all set!”

     “Well just one thing. Do you even know what to expect out there. I don’t mean this as a jab at you but you’ve never left the High Rim. Things are quite different out there. Even in the lower districts. You sure you’re up for this?” Alexandria looked up indignantly. This prompted more chuckles from Mrs. Hawthorne who was passing by the door.

     “Don’t worry about me. I don’t care what’s happening out there I can fend for myself.” He smiled back earnestly. Alexandria softened her expression as understanding dawned upon her.

     “I get what you’re saying Mr. Hawthorne but it’s ok. I’ll be ok. Underestimating me is last the world should do.” He knocked her on the shoulder and got up.

     “I know, I know. But be careful. Don’t be overconfident as it will be your downfall.” Slightly off put by his words, she quickly brushed it off and a spark returned to her eyes. Rising to come as close she looking him in the eye as she could she said:

     “Once again you don’t have to worry about me. I’ll be cautious and everything. Now if I am to go then I need to head home and get everything ready. Let’s say I set out tomorrow. I need to pack my bag today and most of all make sure the project is ready. Not to forget getting some sleep.”

     “I guess there is ‘some’ sensibility in that head of yours.”

     “Aww come on that was uncalled for.” She tried her best to put on a hurt face but Mr. Hawthorne would have none of it.

     “Wait you haven’t even eaten yet. Isn’t that why you came here in the first place?” Alexandria looked down at her stomach as it growled slightly. Nodding her head she got up and followed him into the shop. There he seated her at the bar where he set her up with a pastry platter and some tea.

     “So how much will this spread cost me?” She asked gingerly before attacking the food.

     “Oh don’t worry. It’s on the house today.” She needed no more and dug in. It took her only a couple minutes to devour the meal. After wiping her mouth on a napkin and gulping down a second mug of tea she pushed in the stool and thanked her friend.

     “Ok well as I said I need to leave now so thanks! For the food and advice and opportunity.”

     “Wait before you go off on this adventure what do you would happen if you applied under the name ‘Henderson’? It would be in every paper within a week. You need a cover.” Alexandria looked back interested.

     “So what do you have in mind? I see your point though. I’m trying to escape this aren’t I? If they know who I am no doubt I’ll get some special treatment crap or extra attention and no way do I want that. I just want to be normal for once. Now for the hard part... coming up with a name.”

     “And I have an idea. How about... Axel.” Alexandria’s grin was as wide as ever.

     “It’s perfect! Axel. Short and right to the point. Perfect for an engineer extraordinaire!”

      “Now calm down before you burst. You have things to take of... Axel” She stood there momentarily letting it sink in: her new life was about to begin. The name felt great. It’s almost as if I’m free now. Free from my name and life. Reality surged back as she bid her friends farewell.

     “Guys I can’t thank you enough for all you’ve done for me. I promise I’ll stop by tomorrow before leaving to say good bye.” She stepped forward to hug Mr. Hawthorne who thoroughly reciprocated. Mrs. Hawthorne came out from the kitchen to do the same.

     “Well make sure you visit us when on breaks. Also make sure you come by tomorrow. We’ll have a little surprise for you. Oh and don’t forget to write to us and to Sam. I’ll give you his post address tomorrow as well.” Mr. Hawthorne said as his wife hugged Axel a second time.

     “Haha once again don’t worry. Of course I’ll write to all of you. So I guess I’ll be off then... see you guys later?” Axel was lost for words.Well this a rare occurrence... me lost for words? Well time to go I suppose.

     “Bye... Axel” They couple said in unison as she opened the door and stepped outside. Axel was immediately swamped in water as she stepped onto the sidewalk. Well dammit. It’s raining. She pulled the hood of her jacket over her head and unchained her scooter. After revving it up once more she checked her pocket watch. It’s 1:30... I was there for 5 hours. No reason to go to school now. Might as well head back home. Axel sat on the scooter and set off into the street. Rain was coming down in sheets and coupled with the cold air it was not pleasant. Visibility was low as well so she had to be cautious riding through the waterlogged street.

     When Axel arrived in front of her gate she stopped under the awning that covered the entry path. Before she could open up the gate however a voice caught her attention.

     “Wait! You there please wait one second!” Axel turned to the shouts and caught sight of a girl running through the rain towards her. She was wrapped in a white cloak and was hardly visible through the wall of water. As she got closer though Axel could make out her hair was dark purple with what seemed to be a pink and lighter purple stripe in it. The sprinting figure finally made it the awning and began coughing. Axel quickly took off her jacket and draped it over the purple haired girl. She was about the same height as Axel and was thin.

     “Thank -- you -- “ The girl managed to get out between a combination of panting and coughing.

       “Take it easy. It’s ok and breath a bit.” Axel chuckled leading the girl to the bench, out of the hammering rain.

     “What your name?” She sat down beside the purple haired girl. She took of her hood a

nd cleared her throat. The after wiping her face on the cloak she finally replied.“My names Twilight. Twilight Sparkle.”