Song: "His Own Fault" from The Dragon Prince Season 2 OST

Every morning was a new day for you, Mother. You would wake me up by tickling me until I'd scream bloody murder, then carry me to your bedroom and flop me on your bed to wake Father up. It was amazing to forget everything else except the fact that you two loved me.

❂❂❂

As Micah was leaving class the next day, Light Spinner touched his shoulder plates. "Stay behind. I must speak to you about next year."

Micah set his binder on the desk, excitement in his chest. She's figured out a solution. She followed through. "Yeah?"

She inhaled through her nose. "Micah, do you want to be a sorcerer?"

He lowered his eyes, and her voice softened. "It's okay if you don't have a reason yet. You will find it in time. But do you want to be a sorcerer?"

She believes in me. She will help me. "Yes, Light Spinner. I do."

Light Spinner nodded. "I am prepared to offer you a deal. I'm working out a way for you to live with me during the school year with the Guild. I will support you from my own pocket, and you will learn sorcery in my home rather than in the classroom."

Micah's face lit up. "I get to stay with you?" He paused. "What do I have to do?"

Her voice grew firm, though her eyes remained gentle. "You must work hard and try not to disrupt class for the next semester. Is that a fair deal?"

Micah nodded eagerly. Another chance. Another way we can be friends. A way I can be a sorcerer. "I'll find my reason," he said, standing. "I promise."

Light Spinner regarded him with clouded eyes, speaking in a murmur. "It may come sooner than you think."

✧✧✧

On the final day of the second semester, Light Spinner met Micah at the platform when he departed. The windy summer air blew surf in from the mist beaches, but Micah was all too ready to return to the real beaches of Tropicilas; he might not have the nicest clothes or eat every day, but it was home nonetheless. And when he returned, he would live with Light Spinner, the youngest and most powerful Emeth. 

Light Spinner placed a hand on his shoulder. "Before you leave, I must speak to you. Come, sit with me."

They sat on one of the stone benches, and a grave look entered her green eyes again. "Micah, you will have good reason to become a sorcerer soon. There may be danger back at your home."

Micah's breath caught, and he stammered a reply. "What sort of danger?"

"Don't be afraid; it is not immediate. A broken ship was found near the Crimson Waste recently. Explorers went out to investigate it, but they never returned. I fear there is something evil within it."

Evil? Etheria has had peace for five hundred years. What could be such a big danger? "Evil...how?" he asked slowly.

A deep breath. "Micah, the first settlers of Etheria came here from beyond the stars. Now, the stars have burned out. No one knows how, but we do know that the settlers came here from beyond Etheria, then disappeared. I fear..."

"That this ship might have done the same thing?" Micah asked. "But how is that possible? There's nothing out there."

Light Spinner nodded. "I don't know how this could be, either. But I'm going to entertain the possibility, and I must warn you in case something...happens in your village."

"What should I do?" Micah asked, coldness in his stomach. "I can't fight. All I know how to do is make light illusions."

Light Spinner must have sensed his trembling, because she hushed him. "Don't fight. Find me. The Guild has ratified my request to take you in. I have no preoccupations during the summer besides my personal studying, so I will be here. Flee to Mystacor, alone if you must."

Alone. "What about my sister? And my parents?"

Light Spinner sighed. "I don't know - it all depends on what King Sketála wishes for them. But I do know you'll be safe." She stood. "You should go and find your mother. She'll be waiting for you - give her my regards."

Micah nodded. Then he inhaled and hugged her tightly. "Thanks for not giving up on me."

Light Spinner was stiff as a rod beneath his embrace, her heart thumping beneath his ear. But when he pulled away, she was smiling. "You're welcome," she said, her voice soft. "See you this fall."

❂❂❂

Did you know...

● Micah being Light Spinner's exchange student is my own creation. However, I view their relationship as closer to Anakin and Ahsoka from Star Wars than I do as a mother-son relationship. I think that's how the show presents it too.

Tell me what you think...

● Why is Light Spinner uncomfortable when Micah hugs her?

● How will she try to hide her personal life from her student?