Lewis was up and ready by sunrise, the events of the night before still lingering in his body. With an annoyed grumble he accepted the consequences of his actions and got on with his day.
He made his way downstairs to brew a cup of tea and make some breakfast before strolling in the living room. Not long after Becka joined him with a cup of coffee.
She sat down next to him on the couch, and after a swift observation, a juvenile grin appeared on her face. "Fun night?" she asked.
"Yeah it was good. We ran into Alex, Korra, and Grey at the bar," he replied, ignoring her enjoyment over his condition.
"Thought you might."
"So you also know about that bar?"
"Yeah we've been going there for years. But if I told you that, you'd never have gone," she pointed out before he could grumble.
"True," he admitted sourly. They chatted for a little longer until Becka glanced at the clock and muttered something under her breath.
"I've got to get to the hospital. Can you make sure everyone gets up and ready" she asked while finishing her beverage.
"I thought you were off today?"
"Something's came up they need me in."
"Yeah fine, I'll sort everyone out."
"Thank you," she stated before quickly exiting the living room.
'That's a medical director for you I guess.'
He relaxed for a little bit longer while finishing his breakfast, before embracing his newly assigned responsibilities for the day. He strode down the main hallway and made his way up the stairs.
"Eri! Time to get up!" he knocked on her door.
Nothing. Deciding he'll loop back around, Lewis carried on down the corridor knocking on the next door along. Lewis travelled through the entire upstairs waking everyone he knew wouldn't wake themselves, putting a little extra effort into annoying his sister when passing her door. He then circled back around to Eri's room, this time banging on the door, shaking its frame.
"I'm up! I'm up!" He heard a startled grumble through the door. Satisfied he then headed back downstairs.
It had already began to fill up with staff members and kids dressed in school uniforms, a black blazar and tie with white highlights, a white shirt, and black pants or long skirts. Most kids where in the dining room eating breakfast while others, mainly the secondary school students, were already preparing their bags for school.
As he strolled around checking on everyone, he heard noise emerge from the living room. Glancing into the room, he could see three students, two girls and one boy. They were on the couches throwing on their shoes and coats with fully packed bags next to them. The girl, closest to the door, currently tying her laces, pushed her long light brown hair out her face as she looked up to see who'd walked in. She gave him a smile before returning to her laces.
"Where are you three off so early?" Lewis asked leaning against the doorframe.
After tying her shoes the girl called Ava stood up. "We've got early revision classes," she explained.
"Sadly," the boy mumbled. His short, curly black hair drooping like they were matching his mood. His name was Will.
"Oh yeah, I completely forgot, you've got exams coming up. How are you feeling about them?" Lewis asked.
"Pretty good," Ava said happily.
"Speak for yourself," Will grumbled.
"Well maybe if you actually revised instead of messing around with Jamie you'd do better," said April, she stood beside the two other students equipping her bag. She had black hair that fell to her shoulders and dark brown eyes that dug into Will.
"It's him," Will said, trying to defend himself.
"Don't worry we believe you," Lewis said with a stupid grin and patting him on the shoulder.
"Tell that to your face," Will sighed.
"He can't work miracles Will," said Ava as she put on her bag. "Now come on we have to get to school."
They said their goodbyes to Lewis, and he watched as they left into the cold morning air. Winter was on their doorstep. Turning away from the front door, he was just in time to see Eri slowly make her way down the stairs. Her pure white hair had been brushed, removing any sign of a bed head, and she wore a similar uniform to Will, April and Ava except for her tie was dyed golden to indicate she was still in primary school. The school's badge was sown into the chest pocket over her heart, it was a golden shield crossed by two blades.
"You ready?" he asked.
She gave him a sleepy nod. "My bags packed."
"Alright, go have some breakfast. I'll walk you all to school today."
"How come?" Eri asked baffled.
"I'm teaching your class today," he explained.
Surprisingly she never questioned his words and instead made her way to the kitchen. His sister then made an appearance, happily strutting down the stairs. She was followed by Arthur and Ike, who didn't look quite as energetic.
"Off to training?" Lewis asked, glancing at the clock above the door. "A bit early isn't it?"
"Yeah, as we're getting closer to the Atlas games we're upping our training regiment," Lucina informed him. "Well Emily is."
"You're not going to eat before you go?"
"Nah we're going to get something on the way."
"Sausage and bacon sandwich," Arthur said, practically drooling at the thought.
"Well you guys have fun," Lewis said.
The three of them disappeared out the front door, leaving him alone.
He sat in his room for the next half hour, allowing the residuals of his hangover to fade, before grumpily grabbing his jacket and heading downstairs. He should've behaved himself better last night.
The orphanage was now almost completely empty except for a few students and staff such as cleaners. Eri was already waiting downstairs along with six other kids, all dressed in primary school uniforms.
'Time to get this party started.' Lewis took in a deep breath.
"Alright let's go," Lewis exclaimed, but they didn't match his excitement. He held open the door and all the children passed through, once they were all outside he embraced the cold morning himself.
They headed down Pearl Avenue and onto King's Road. He followed behind the group making sure everyone stayed together, as they walked beside the shimmering canal, silently listening to everyone's conversations. Abruptly, the youngest of the group Annie, a small, five-year-old girl with wavy blonde hair and eyes like grass turned to him.
"Can you tell us another story?" she asked with a childish grin, gaining the attention of the whole group.
"What story do you want to hear?" he asked.
"Erm," the girl mused, staring into the sky like she was expecting an answer from the heavens.
"What about continuing with the Summoners War," a nine-year-old boy named Alfie suggested. The whole group instantly started excitedly agreeing with the boy, with even Eri and her friend at the front of the group glancing back intrigued.
"Alright. What was the last thing I told you about the Summoners War" he asked, while trying to remember himself. Over the years, he'd told them all so many stories he'd completely lost track on what he had or hadn't narrated.
"You'd just mentioned the name Kalsnor at the end," a different child informed.
"Did I say anything about him," Lewis inquired. They all shook their heads. "Alright then. Kalsnor. On his rise to power he was given many titles depending on which side of the war you were on. But the title the world agreed upon was 'Kalsnor the conqueror'. Not too original I know but after what he done, trust me, you'll agree too."
"How strong was he?" Eri asked, slowing her pace to match the group.
"I'd say from the stories he's one of the strongest summoners to ever live. Although that is just from the legends so take it with a pinch of salt."
"A summoner?" someone asked.
"Yeah. Have I not talked about them?" Lewis asked, confused. "Also the story is called 'Summoners War'. You know what, never mind, what have I told you about him?"
"You only just said his name before stopping last time," said Alfie.
"A millennia ago, Kalsnor led a rebellion against the world. I won't bore you with the politics, but basically after the age of war the newly formed Imperialis were putting pressure on mages whose magic they feared, trying to control them. They believed they were keeping the peace by keeping anyone with the power to disrupt the world order and risk causing more war in check. Summoners took the brunt of this pressure. As you can guess the summoners weren't a fan, but this only resulted in the Imperialis coming down on them with a steel fist. Soon any summoner who didn't follow the rules were outcast, discriminated against and if they caused too much trouble they suffered severe consequences." He paused to see if anyone had any questions but seeing all their attention split between on him and staying upright while walking he continued. "This carried on for years and the summoner race divided. There were many who complied with the world wanting to maintain peaceful lives or joining the military so they could let their magic run rampant even if they were on a leash. Others left society secluding themselves in places the Imperialis didn't have their hands on such as countries in Eneasia and Aoia. However, it was rumoured that a revolutionary army was being gathered in the Eneasia. The Imperialis took no chances and deployed its shadows. The town where revolution was supposedly based was wiped from the world's surface. Civilians and supposed revolutionaries were massacred with only the best fighters made it out alive. After the dust settled, it was stated the fifteen square kilometres town was nothing but an ashen wasteland."
"Was one of them Kalsnor?" someone asked.
"No. He was away during the attack. When him and team returned to see their village obliterated the summoner was overcome with rage as he saw the bodies and remains of everyone he cared about." The group shuddered and grimaced. "Him and his team found the people responsible and slaughtered them all. It was said that Kalsnor himself single handed took every assailant. He delivered the bodies to where he'd knew the world would find and declared war on the Imperialis. Claiming himself to be leader of the revolution. Not just for summoners but he swore to free the world from their oppressors grasp and tyranny. For the next few years it was quiet, you'd have thought he was dead if not for certain attacks around the world and rumours of people joining his army."
"Were they all summoners?" Eri's friend Sophie asked as the group turned off Kings Road and headed deeper into the Axterius.
"No, the war's name would suggest that, but both sides consisted of many non-summoners," he explained.
"So where did the name come from?" This time the question came from Eri.
"Don't get me wrong there's never been a time in history where more summoners were involved, the war almost made them go extinct. However, it's called the 'The Summoners War' due to the two people who led it. Kalsnor the Conquer and General Alivina Osvoz."
"Who was she?".
"A Summoner from Ancient Uralis. The story goes that initially the Imperialis were trying to ignore Kalsnor and hide him from him from the public eye however, as a result of this he was able to claim Eneasia for himself, amassing a vast army. Left with no other choice the Imperialis attempted to take the fight to him, however, their soldiers never came close to succeeding."
"He was that strong?" Someone asked amazed.
"Yeah and combined with the protection of Eneasia's Celestial Plains it was practically impossible to stop him."
"So how does General Osvoz come into the story?" Eri asked.
"During Kalsnor's conquest through Eneasia and the start of his subjugation through Uropia, he became known worldwide. This caused many summoners believed he was dragging down their name down and proving everyone's fears by assembling an army of people who could create their own armies. General Osvoz was one of these summoners. She assembled an army of likeminded summoners and combined with her army from Uralis she intercepted any attempt he made when attacking Uropia, successfully pushing him back into Eneasia. She was the first person since his rise to successfully stand against him and eventually she gained the support of the Imperialis. She became a force to rival the Conqueror."
"Was she as strong as Kalsnor?" Eri inquired.
"No. Don't get me wrong, she wasn't weak by any means, but she couldn't stand up to Kalsnor. Not on her own at least. No summoner could," Lewis replied. "From the legends, I'd say she was slightly stronger than your average pantheon."
"Isn't that still really strong?"
"Yeah," Lewis admitted. "But that's just how strong Kalsnor was."
"Would Korra beat him?" Eri asked.
"I have no idea," Lewis admitted. Korra was immensely powerful, but from the legends its took the combined power of dozens of nations and the Imperialis itself to finally bring Kalsnor down. Who would win if the two of them fought?
"You said they could create an army by themselves. I thought summoners could only summon a few creatures," Eri said.
"Not exactly. They have a special technique called 'Summoner's Do-"
Lewis suddenly stopped himself. What the hell was he doing? That information has been kept a secure secret for centuries now, known only by the world's higherups and the pantheons themselves. Probably best to avoid telling a group of children the secret techniques of rare disciplines, especially when there was people out their who'd kill to know it.
He looked up away from the group and let out a thankful sigh to see they'd reached their destination. 'Kings arms primary school' stood tall and powerful in front of them. Although smaller than its secondary school counterpart the building was still a magnificent structure.
Formed from white stone, as pure as snow, that was moulded into arches and pillars integrated into the walls of the building, shaping the main body away from its cuboid foundations. Its roof was formed from black tiles and numerous spires and pitched ceilings. The whole school was probably four times the size of the orphanage. Its main entrance was an open arched gateway that formed the start of a grey brick wall that surrounded the school, it had silver, spiked railings on top, in attempt to stop people climbing over.
"Aww come on," the group grumbled.
"I'll tell you another time. Come on everyone let's go," he replied with a grin that annoyed them all. The group then followed him through the gateway into King's arms primary school.