Aulora sat off in a corner, away from the rest of the soldiers, who were laughing and drinking by the campfire.
"Here, kid, you had a rough day," Gerai said with a smile, handing her a mug of beer. "Wait, you can drink, right?"
"I told you already, I'm not a kid! I'm studying at the academy, damn it!" she snapped, grabbing the mug from Gerai and drinking half it in one gulp before handing it back. She wiped her mouth and glanced sideways, like a scolded dog.
"I know you probably feel lost right now," he said, patting her on the back. "But don't worry, it's normal at your age. I know how life is, you're probably not the only one carrying a lot of doubt in their heart. Many of the guys here risked their lives, and sometimes even their families' safety, to stand shoulder to shoulder with Tiriga and fight for a better tomorrow. Decisions like that, damn, they're never easy. But I'll be grateful to them till the end of my days… and even after. They can celebrate as much as they like. Tomorrow, we start a longer journey."
"A longer journey?" the mage asked, curious. "Where are you planning to go?"
"Straight to the capital," Gerai said.
"Huh?! But that's so far! That's practically suicide! An army like this would never go unnoticed across half the country!" Aulora exclaimed in disbelief.
"Arun was just for securing our food supplies. We didn't really want to conquer the city or kill anyone, but unfortunately, it was necessary. The north and south are two of the regions with the richest in crops."
"Wait, but that makes no sense! Marching straight to the capital with an army like this?"
"We'll take stops, and there'll probably be a few minor battles, but everyone believes we can do it. Maybe you'd like to lift their spirits a bit? It's one of the few moments they'll show real happiness."
"R-really? I… can?" she asked, hope shining in her eyes.
That feeling flashed by like a spark. As if hope itself in magic reached out to me. Is it… calling me?
"If you want," he said, smiling broadly. "I want them to remember this moment as best as they can.", For most of them, it might be the last night of laughter and warmth by a fire, Gerai thought bitterly.
Aulora nodded. The mage got up from the grass she had been sitting on. She stood, looking toward the large campfire where a crowd of warriors sat. She gripped her staff tightly.
If not now, when can I show the world what I really want to do with my magic?
If not today, when can I make everyone hear my vow, not with words, but with actions, and see that fire magic isn't just for destruction?
Aulora, a little nervous, pointed at the campfire with a trembling hand.
Some of the soldiers, slightly drunk and surprised, instinctively jumped back when the fire flared. A single spark rose into the air and then stayed in place. Aulora controlled it.
The spark floated several meters into the sky before bursting into a massive, glittering shape, as if a constellation of fiery stars had formed a detailed tiger in the night sky. Gerai's soldiers gasped in astonishment and joy. One of them pointed at the mage, realizing who was behind the show. Aulora drew the attention of some of them – the rest were fixated on the sky.
"Are y-you r-ready…" she started shyly.
Gerai placed a hand on her shoulder and smiled warmly to encourage her.
"Are you ready for the grand finale?" Aulora shouted, still a little nervous.
The soldiers let out a single cheer together, raising their fists in the air.
"In that case," the mage continued, " look at the tiger, everyone!"
From behind them came a thunderous boom.
The tiger on the sky exploded into a million colorful fireworks, brightening the evening sky.. The soldiers cheered and clapped, amazed at the sight.
Aulora looked at Gerai.
For the first time in a long while, I laughed, happy that I could make others smile.
Finally, I feel proud. Not the fake pride of being a fire mage, the best student – the pride my parents tried to instill in me, telling me that someone like me should hold her head high.
No.
For the first time, I feel proud of myself – as a person.
*
King Harata VII, furious, tore the message sent by one of his spies .
"Damned Tiriga!" he shouted, his face red with anger. "And damned Zetto!"
"Your Majesty," one of the golden guards spoke, "should we send a team after the former hero and Tiriga?"
"We'll do that later, after we deal with this cursed uprising. Call on Hero Hiro's team and Rai; I'll have a task for them. They will lead the troops against those filthy subhumans and fight them in the heart of the country. We'll crush them, calling in reinforcements from wherever we can, beyond the front lines!"
"Yes, my majesty. I'll pass the orders along," the same guard replied, then left the throne room.