Emrys, his voice still shaky but finding his bearings, introduced himself to Dylan and Loku.
"I'm Emrys," he began, his eyes meeting theirs. "I'm 17, and I attend Lite Academy as a student in the Bronze Grade."
Dylan and Loku, noticing the young boy's bravery and composure despite the ordeal he had just endured, nodded in acknowledgement. Loku, ever the more empathetic one, took an interest in Emrys, sensing a hint of innocence within him.
Dylan, a gentle smile on his face, stepped forward to introduce himself to Emrys.
"Hello there, Emrys," he said, his voice tinged with kindness. "My name is Dylan. Nice to meet you"
Loku, standing beside Dylan, followed suit and extended his hand towards Emrys.
"And I'm Loku," he chimed in, his voice warm and cheerful. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Emrys."
Emrys, his voice filled with gratitude and a hint of sorrow, expressed his gratitude to Dylan and Loku.
"Thank you for saving my life," he said sincerely, looking up at them. "Even though I lost my parents tonight, I'm grateful that the culprit didn't get away because of you guys."
Dylan, intrigued by Emrys' admission of being a Lite Academy student, inquired curiously, "You mentioned you attend Lite Academy, correct? I find it puzzling why someone who attends a prestigious academy wouldn't have learned any defensive skills, especially given the events of tonight."
Emrys, visibly dejected, revealed his struggles to Dylan and Loku.
"I...I couldn't focus properly," he explained, his voice tinged with sorrow. "I've always been constantly bullied and belittled for being a Bronze Grade student. It's made it incredibly difficult for me to concentrate on my studies, let alone learn any defense skills."
Emrys continued his explanation with a heavy heart, confessing to Dylan and Loku his struggles at school.
"You see, I'm a new student in Lite Academy, and I've only recently come to know about the grade system through my classmate named Sola," he explained. "Before my parents...before my parents passed away, I was actually about to transfer out of that school because I couldn't handle the relentless bullying anymore."
Emotion overwhelmed Emrys as he shared his heartache with Dylan and Loku.
"I lost all my happiness after...after that evil lady killed my parents," he said through choked tears. "They were everything to me, and now they're gone, leaving me with nothing but grief and sadness."
Dylan and Loku listened with empathy, recognizing the profound pain that Emrys carried. They could sense the weight of his loss, and their hearts ached for him.
Loku, his voice filled with empathy and understanding, shared his own experience with Emrys.
"I was once like you," he said, his tone gentle. "Filled with grief and pain, I channeled that sorrow into strength and determination. I used it to protect the innocent and defend myself against any obstacles that stand in my way."
Emrys, listening intently, felt a glimmer of hope in Loku's words. Perhaps, in his own time, he too could transform his pain into strength.
Dylan chimed in, his voice filled with resilience and resolve.
"Even when I was bullied in the past, I never let myself be distracted or run away," he declared. "Instead, I pushed myself harder and worked on becoming stronger. I faced those bullies head-on and challenged them, refusing to let their cruelty break my spirit."
Emrys listened intently, his respect growing for both Dylan and Loku as they shared their stories. Their words resonated with him, igniting a spark of determination within his heart.
Loku and Dylan shared a glance, their expressions filled with conviction and determination.
"Remember, Emrys," Loku said firmly, "Gold Grades don't back down when it comes to defending the defenseless. We don't believe in weakness."
Dylan nodded in agreement, his gaze fixed on Emrys. "We stand strong, ready to protect those who can't protect themselves," he affirmed. "Being a Gold Grade comes with responsibility and strength."
Emrys, his eyes wide with awe and surprise, exclaimed, "Oh my goodness, I can't believe it! I'm standing in front of the Gold Grades, one of the highest grades in Lite Academy!"
Dylan and Loku couldn't help but chuckle softly at Emrys' excitement. They could see the admiration shining in his eyes, and it amused them to see how starstruck he was by their presence.
Loku, sensing Emrys' resolve to leave Lite Academy, spoke firmly but gently.
"Don't even think of leaving Lite Academy," he said. "If you truly want to become strong, focus on your training and don't let the bullies get to you. Ignore them and keep working hard."
Emrys, taking in Loku's words, nodded in understanding. The determination in his eyes grew stronger. Dylan, standing beside Loku, added, "You have the potential to become formidable. Don't let anyone discourage you, Bullies feed on fear and weakness," he said. "By ignoring them and staying focused on your own progress, you take away their power over you."
Dylan's final words held a profound and heartfelt message.
"Make your parents proud, Emrys," he said, his voice tinged with compassion. "Always remember that they will always be in your heart, watching over you."
Emrys nodded, a sense of solemnity settling over him. He understood the weight of Dylan's words, and the mention of his deceased parents triggered a mix of emotions within him. Loku, standing beside Dylan, added gently, "They want to see you grow strong and become the best version of yourself."
Dylan and Loku exchanged a subtle nod, signaling that it was time to take their leave. The conversation had taken a heartfelt turn, and they sensed that Emrys needed time to process his emotions.
"We'll be on our way now," Dylan said gently.
"Take care, Emrys," Loku added, his expression sincere. "Stay strong, and don't forget what we've talked about."
Emrys' panicked plea halted Loku and Dylan's departure.
"Wait, please!" he called out, desperation creeping into his voice. "I have nowhere to go, and I'm afraid the same evil from tonight will come back!"
Dylan and Loku exchanged a solemn glance, their expression filled with empathy. They knew they couldn't leave Emrys in such a vulnerable state.
Dylan, concerned about Emrys's lack of family support, posed the question, "Don't you have any friends or relatives to stay with?"
Emrys shook his head, the weight of his loneliness evident in his expression. "No," he admitted quietly. "I don't have anyone."
Dylan and Loku exchanged a troubled look, their empathy deepening for the young boy. They realized that Emrys was truly alone in this world.
Loku signaled Dylan to step aside for a private conversation, leaving Emrys momentarily.
Dylan followed Loku a few steps away, their voices low and hushed.
"What shall we do about Emrys?" Loku asked, his concern evident.
Dylan sighed, conflicted between practicality and compassion. "It's dangerous to let him wander alone, especially after what happened. But taking him in…"
Loku's expression darkened, reflecting the weight of the dilemma.
"Taking him in will be difficult," Loku stated, his voice heavy with understanding. "The fact that he's a Bronze Grade may cause trouble. Guardian Dalia will surely view it as a sign of disrespect."
Dylan nodded, acknowledging the political implications. "Yes, it's a delicate matter. Bringing Emrys, a Bronze Grade, into our home could spark whispers of bias or favoritism within the academy."
Dylan's face lit up with an idea.
"I have a suggestion," he said, a glimmer of determination in his eyes. "Emrys can stay in my private room until he's capable of protecting himself."
Loku raised an eyebrow, considering the proposal. "Your private room? Won't that cause more trouble with Guardian Dalia?"
" Have you forgotten Guardian Dalia has no access to the private rooms?",
Loku chuckled, remembering the details.
"You're right," he agreed, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips. "Dalia only has access to the training rooms."
"Exactly," Dylan affirmed, a hint of mischief in his gaze. "My room is off-limits to her, so it's a safe place for Emrys. This way, we can keep an eye on him without Dalia knowing."
Loku nodded in agreement, a subtle smile gracing his features.
"I agree with your idea," he said, his voice steady. "It's a sound plan. Emrys will have a safe place to stay, and we can discreetly oversee his progress."
Dylan breathed a sigh of relief, glad to have Loku's support. Together, they would ensure Emrys' safety without drawing unwanted attention from their guardian or colleagues.
Loku and Dylan returned to Emrys, their expressions serious but kind. Dylan spoke up, his tone firm but fair.
"Emrys, you're welcome to stay in my private room," he said, his gaze steady. "But I have a few rules you need to follow."
Emrys, grateful for the opportunity and not wanting to cause any trouble, nodded fervently.
"I promise I'll abide by the rules," he pledged, his eyes filled with determination. "As long as I have a shelter, I'll follow whatever rules you set."
Dylan outlined his rules, his tone firm but fair.
"First, you must keep your presence in my room strictly a secret," he said. "No one outside of us should know you're staying there. Understand?"
Emrys nodded, fully comprehending the importance of discretion.
"Secondly," Dylan continued, "You must not cause any disturbances or damage to my belongings."
Emrys nodded earnestly, ready to adhere to the rules.
"I understand and promise to follow the rules," he affirmed, his voice steady. "I won't reveal my presence, and I'll be absolutely careful with your belongings. I'll make sure not to cause any disturbances or damage."
Dylan nodded approvingly, satisfied with Emrys' commitment. Loku, standing beside him, gave a small smile of agreement.
Dylan, taking charge, quickly cast a teleport ring. The shimmering portal appeared before them, its swirling energies creating a gateway into the golden portal.
"This will take us back," Dylan informed Emrys. "Are you ready?"
Emrys, still awestruck by the sight of a teleport ring, nodded eagerly. "Yes, I'm ready."
In a swift and seamless moment, Dylan, Emrys, and Loku stepped through the shimmering Teleport Ring, disappearing into its swirling depths. The Ring crackled with a final burst of magical energy, then dissipated with a gentle pulse, leaving no trace of their passing behind.