3 Magic Training

'Hmm... it's been four years since then. I've felt the waves of magical essence in the air ever since I awoke in Aveline's place. I've grown... much cuter.'

Staring down at her new dress, Aveline sighed.

"Can I wear something else?"

Kyra tapped her upside the head, then began to adjust the dress here and there.

It was a beautiful flowing blue that highlighted Aveline's eyes. It didn't reach the floor, barely showing her tiny feet underneath.

"Aveline, you need to think of how other people see you. Your family may not be the cream of the crop among nobles, but they are still high ranking. You're so dang cute though, you may get away with wearing whatever you want."

"I'm only turning eight! My birthday isn't a big deal... though cake is my weakness."

Aveline pouted as Kyra giggled. She pounced a moment later, hugging onto her tightly.

"Hey! You'll wrinkle the dress... I worked so hard to make you look presentable."

Kyra began to pout now, but all she got was a tighter hug.

"You made ME presentable, but what about you? You're almost seventeen. You're already pretty, as well as the holder of... certain assets."

Kyra blushed slightly and hugged her quickly developing chest.

"You perverted little girl! Hmph, no more stories."

Kyra turned away, keeping her eyes off of the cutie giving her puppy dog eyes.

"Big sis Kyra... you promised stories for my birthday... Do I need to tell Mama that you lied to me?"

"You manipulative little..."

The door opened suddenly as Nilly walked in.

"I believe... I expected this. Happy birthday, my beloved angel."

Aveline hopped to her feet, and busted into her mother's arms. Her smile was dazzling as she hugged her tight.

"Did you ask Papa?"

Nilly giggled as she stroked Aveline's hair.

"Of course, but are you sure? Magic is not the easiest thing to learn, but once you get started it can become amazing."

Aveline backed off a bit, closing her eyes as her white lock of hair began to glow a vibrant green.

"I've learned the basics through self study. I also found out my affinity is for wind, but..."

She trailed off as her hair began to cycle between colors. Fire red, earth yellow, ice blue, water cyan, wind green, holy white and dark black.

"Sweetheart... the ability to select an element at will is unheard of. I can only use ice magic myself, whilst your father can use earth, fire and water."

"I have fire... though it's weak. I'm better with my swords."

Being in Kyra's room, she pointed to a pair of longswords tucked away in the corner. They were beautiful, almost ornamental.

"Mama..."

"Thirteen."

"Yay!"

Bouncing around, spinning, Aveline made the two older women laugh and dance with her.

-

A few hours had passed. The introductory celebration for Aveline's eighth birthday had come and gone. Many guests were mingling, though none seemed to be interested in the birthday girl, herself.

Bobbing beside Kyra, Aveline hugged her elbow as she nibbled on some cake.

"Is it good?"

With a proud nod, Aveline took another bite. This got a pat on the head from Kyra, who was eating her own slice.

'Ever since I became a girl... why do I always crave sweets?! Even Kyra and Mother wants sweets all the time! Can't complain... I get them when I want since I just need to pout. Agh... when I turn thirteen I'll work all of the extra weight off my bones! I wonder... what weapon style should I try? What works well with wind magic?'

Aveline continued to eat and think until a sudden laugh echoed from nearby.

"Hahaha. I finally have chosen to meet the girl I am to marry! Praise me, for the conqueror of women is here!"

Taking a sip of juice, Aveline spat it out towards the voice.

"Who... who in their right mind talks like that!? Hahahahaha!"

Aveline couldn't hold back her laughter, barely hanging onto Kyra as she began to gasp for air.

"I am perfectly in my right mind, you little imp. Ugh... someone remove her. She's a disgrace to this gathering."

Aveline finally stopped laughing, her gaze becoming devoid of emotion.

"And who are you to give orders in my family home?"

Her eyes pierced the area as she stared at the boy that had entered. He was dressed quite similarly to a lower noble, though his bright golden hair seemed to emphasize another upbringing. His eyes were a hazy blue that didn't seem to reflect any light.

"I am the prophesied hero of my own story. Orion Ripple. You have permission to crawl on your knees and beg forgiveness."

Aveline laughed as she stepped outside, entering the garden.

"So you're the one I'm supposed to be betrothed to. What a joke. I refuse, honestly you're subpar."

A vein began to bulge on Orion's forehead.

"In all my life, none have spoken to me in such a way. I'll have your head! My family is a line of respected hero's to this kingdom! One word, that's all it takes. I'll make you crawl before me and beg for my seed!"

Aveline's eyes locked on a glowing brown in the distance.

"Papa!"

The light faded as she stepped closer to Orion.

"Hero Orion, I do believe I may have gone a little too far with my joke. Can you blame a girl for wanting to have some fun? It is my birthday after all."

With a soft stomp, Orion exited the dining hall and stepped onto the terrace with Aveline.

"Grovel before me, and I may forgive you. I'm still young, so maybe I'll let the engagement continue. A bitch like you will be bred one day, either way."

This time, a blue gaze was felt by Aveline.

"Mama."

Her eyes shifted away, thus causing the crowd to become nervous.

"Now Orion, you're what... thirteen? You're talking like that? My Mama would wash my mouth out with soap if I said something that vulgar... and I don't blame her. Your words are nasty and I don't want to be anywhere near..."

She wiggled her fingers towards him.

"...that."

Kyra stifled a laugh, as did many of the guests in attendance.

"Also, two big spoilers, little hero. Your family may have raised hero's, but has your family raised me?"

Her hair began to cycle between colors, stopping after showing only four elements. She could see her parents smiling at her from within the crowd.

"What the... I only have three."

"Now second..."

She held up two of her thin fingers before she pointed behind Orion.

"I'd much rather marry her. She really cute too."

With a triumphant smile, she waltzed her way over to a stunning little blonde girl that was blushing profusely.

"Victri? My sister? Of course you can't marry her! She's barely even anyone important. You're to be mi-"

A powerful gust of wind sent him flying into the courtyard below.

'So this is little Victri. She a side route that can only be conquered in a similar way to Aveline. She's shy and introverted, so she hates attention... but she always got bullied into helping her brother get the girls he wanted. I've helped her beat him into his place many times before, and now... I'll make her smile.'

"Miss Victri?"

A pair of deep, pool like eyes stared up at Aveline.

"So pretty..."

Both girls mumbled as they stared at each other's eyes. A moment later, they both began to giggle.

"I'm Aveline Synclair, it's nice to meet you Miss Victri. Sorry about... him."

Victri lifted her hands and shook them.

"Don't be sorry. He's so embarrassing... and he's mean to me all the time. He deserved it. I wanted to thank you, but what you said made me blush."

The crowd had calmed down, none even batting an eye at the flying hero.

"About marrying you over him? I was serious. He's gross, you're adorable."

Suddenly, Victri hid herself back inside her hair. Her cheeks were a bright pink.

"Aww... are you teasing her, Aveline? You're not supposed to be mean."

Kyra stepped closer, her smile betraying her true emotion.

"Kyra, is it normal for a girl to marry a girl?"

Kyra stopped smiling, her eyes popping open as she tapped her jaw.

"Don't really know. I don't think it matters too much, as you're not royalty and your parents don't lose their minds over something like this. After all, they were both low ranking nobles that made a name for themselves during the war."

Round eyes began to appear from within golden locks, giving a look of wonder towards Aveline.

"You've got good parents. Will you be attending the Academy?"

Aveline gave a slight nod.

"Mama says that I can enroll when I'm fifteen. Not fully sure what an Adventuring Academy has to do with nobles, but I'm excited for it. If I make a name for myself, I can do what I want when I want."

Proudly puffing out her chest, Kyra poked her nose.

"I'll be your attendant when you go. You'll be happy I came along... riiiiight?"

With a wicked smile, Kyra walked away.

"Oh Gods... she's gonna torture me."

The day fell to night, ending Aveline's eighth birthday party.

-

October 14th, year of the Shadow-Lion

Dear Diary,

I turned eight today. This marks just over four years of being in Hero's Chronicle. I have no clue how I came to this place, but I'm happy here. Much happier then I ever was before.

I met Orion for the first time, threw him into a fountain by "accident." I also met Victri. Her eyes were like pools of ocean water. They were entrancing... and I already know what kind of smart and beautiful creature she's to become.

Papa agreed to teach me how to master my control over my magic. We should begin practicing sometime soon. I'm excited for that! Since I have beginner knowledge of the elements, I can learn anything from him and Mama. She's agreed to help with lessons from time to time, beyond just teaching me normal things like math and history... which I know. I read a lot of their hidden books. Including Kyra's stash of yuri romance novels. Still can't believe she has so many... it also tell me I have a chance with a lady ten years my senior, after I'm of age anyways.

Mama is gonna teach me the Art of War, basically how to kick butt. She seemed happy that I was interested. I've decided to learn how to use chakrams. Mama has some that I saw before. Wind magic definitely pairs well, but I'll have a back-up weapon when wind magic fails me.

I've gotta sleep. I don't know what tomorrow will bring, but Victri said she will visit soon! Looking forward to seeing that adorable nerd to be.