10 Awake

I was a middle of concentration when something came into my consciousness trying to summon me. There was a shadowy figure made of white lights. I could not recognize the person as there is only an outline of the person's body. However, her aura felt familiar, it was just like mother.

I was able to lighten up as she felt not like a suspicious character but family.

"It is time to wake up Max. Take my hand and let's get out of here." The voice said. Her voice was calm and kind. Like how mother talks to me, a child.

I hesitated at first, but when I saw her hands, I had the feeling that everything will be alright once I accept it.

I wanted to see family again, I said to myself.

Before taking her hand I took one final look at the blue colors, I wanted to stay and learn about the other color but if I don't take her hand then I might not be able to get out of here. I called for Lumi as she gently approached me, she was curious at the other light that appeared in our own space but she did not seem hostile towards the figure. She then floated about the figure of light and circled around, as if she was trying to flaunt herself to the figure.

"Oh my how in the world…" the figure was trying to say something but I have already reached out for her hand at the moment as I was not able to hear the next words that she was trying to say. A blinding light surrounded my body and the figure seemed to be leading me to someplace else. I checked if Lumi was still with me and was relieved to find her still beside me.

I opened my eyes, this time what I saw was the familiar setting of my room. My parents are looking at me with eyes filled with happiness. On the other side, there is another person who looked in her 40's with brunette hair tied up in a bun. She was looking at me intently with glittering eyes, it's as if she was looking straight at my soul, that everything was laid bare in front of her eyes. I looked around and I saw that Alicia was not here. I became worried and it must have shown on my face.

"Child are you alright? Are you feeling uncomfortable?" The lady then asked.

My face must have a questioning look when a gazed upon her because my mother said, "She is your grandmother Max, she came all the way here because she was worried."

I then open my eyes wide looking intently at my grandmother. Considering her age, she must have taken good care of herself because she does not look that old. I wanted to ask more but there is a more pressing matter, I then ask my mother, "Alicia?"

My parents both gasped when I spoke, tears welling up my mother's eyes again. I was imagining the worse of situations when she was almost about to cry. I then stood up and bolted out the door. It seems not much time has passed since I was still full of energy. I do not know where to go since I was not allowed to go anywhere, so I shouted at the top of my lungs, "Alicia? Sister where are you?"

It was then that a commotion has started in another room. There I saw Alicia running with tears in her eyes, she was followed by an entourage of servants. She then runs towards me and hugs me.

"Max you are finally awake." She then cried louder while saying "I'm sorry" repeatedly. Like a mantra.

I tried looking at her body trying to see if she was alright but she was hugging me tightly and unable to see clearly since she was larger than me.

I then hugged her back and said, "It's great that you are fine sister."

The people around us were smiling as they saw the warm scene in front of them. Some were even sobbing.

My parents and grandmother are also there but they did not interrupt Alicia and just let her cry it all out. I did not interrupt her too. It took a while for Alicia to calm down after which she fell asleep. My mother introduced my grandmother to me once again and I got so excited when they told me she was a grandmaster mage of light. Her affinity was towards the art of healing so she was trying to hold the fort with my grandfather as the surrounding nation was still attacking. My mother did not explain much, I guess she was thinking that a child would not be able to understand about war. I guess I have to get older to get more information. I also wanted to ask about the aftermath of the forest but I was worried that they will think of me differently.

"Max, your mother will be teaching you about the art of healing and the proper meditation to improve your skills." My grandmother told.

I nod my head to show I understood her.

"Promise me you won't show anyone else when you practice your healing arts." This time she said it seriously so I looked at my parents. They both looked serious so I replied, "Promise."

"Good. Remember your promise child. When you turn 5 years old you have to go to the capital and do the magic affinities test. Do not worry much about it as your grandmother will take care of everything, okay?"

I nodded my head again.

"We must keep this a secret, for now, Robert, enemies are everywhere and we don't know how far their reaches are. " While grandmother said this, I felt a sudden chill, as if what she said was filled with killing intent. It seems things are not as simple as it seems. This safe haven that is our mansion might have been the only way my parents can keep us away from prying eyes. I now started to understand why they did not let me roam around, I did not meet other people aside from the trusted aides that the family have.