It’s said that when one human is born, a beast wakes with it, creating an inexplicable connection between them. This bond reveals a path to power, fame, and most importantly, companionship; it is the basis of human society, the foundation for life. But Hedge never met his Soulmate, his other half of nature, and he had lived without it to the age of 27.


    “You’re applying to be a… caretaker?” An old man said.  He moved closer to read off a paper on his desk, and his eyebrows lifted.


    “Yes,” Hedge smiled, “it’s my dream.” Hedge gazed at a red phoenix towering behind the man. His Soulmate, no doubt. Its eyes burned orange, flames dancing and flickering as it stared back at Hedge. Hedge suppressed the urge to look away. He was done hiding.


    “I just want to make sure I, or anyone else for that matter, am not making a mistake here. “This here,” he pointed, “your application, it states that you have no partner, no Soulmate. Is that true?”


    Hedge nodded. “Just as you read it.”


    “You are aware that some of nature’s creations are a bit… hard to control, correct?”


    “Yes.”


    “Then,” the old man continued, “you must understand, I cannot allow you to become a caretaker when your very life may be forfeit.” The old man stood up, as if the interview was coming to a close. “How about – “


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    “I am ready to die as a caretaker,” Hedge stared at the phoenix’s blazing eyes. Its feathers were a mix of gold, orange, and red. A great creature, indeed. “I have long since decided I would become one.”


    The old man sighed, sitting back down. “It was not just a question of your demise, then, that holds me back. I simply do not believe you would do the job better than any other candidate, who would surely have a Soulmate to help. There are concerns.” So, this is what it always came down to. What Hedge lacked, rather than what he could give. “You would never have even obtained this interview at any other institute less forgiving than mine.”


    “I know,” Hedge divulged, his gaze hardening. “I have tried almost every other institute in the city. I have gone to them and been refused, over and over again. All my life, I have been refused.”


    The man’s stared at Hedge. “What did you think would be different by continuing to try? Why did you even think you could obtain a different result? To be without a Soulmate is to be crippled, and I say that not to insult you.”


    “I dreamt. I didn’t think. I dreamt and hoped for a chance. That’s all I need. One chance. I know my limits, but I promise you that I can do much more than what is required of me.” Hedge lowered his head to the floor and closed his eyes. “Please.”


    The office was quiet for a while as the old man stood silent in thought. “I will work you hard, harder than I would any other, because you are weaker. To stay, you must do more, so that my institute will not be ashamed. Do you understand?”


    Hedge’s heart leaped. “I do.”


    The old man snorted. “We shall see. Address me as Warden Reedan. You are now a Caretaker of the Phoenix Hall.”


    Hedge scrambled to his feet, the corners of his mouth curling. “Yes, Warden!”


    “Don’t smile yet, boy. The Six Gates may as well face you now.”


    “I would be a worthy challenger.”