Chapter 4: Kinetic Energy

Valentine Rillem-

Instead of taking the rifts to our destination. We decided to ride in a carriage, traveling to the Ilen Region of Valorrey.

With the continent being so vast, we've already traveled a great distance from our home. The duration of the ride is a bit lengthy, however. It's been a few weeks since our departure. But finally, we're nearing Kitsune's Ridge; Rellgis' birthplace.

Gazing through the window on the opposite end from me, my eyes caught sight of humongous mountains. The brown trail leading into a chain of uplifted earth with rugged, sharp ridges, transfixing the fluffy, white clouds atop.

We had entered, being enclosed by these gigantic slopes of rock. Skysin seated on my lap, was growing excited as his legs kicked back and forth. But I must say, he's just the cutest thing ever! Rellgis says I adore him too much – which may be true of course. Although, I can't help it! Skysin's the epitome of a pretty boy.

A patch of lustrous, wavy golden hair, that seemed to gleam like luxurious jewelry. Big, divine-like violet eyes, glazed with a sense of adventure. Silky, long feminine eyelashes, and sleek porcelain skin, like the freshest of milk. He's basically a doll! While he obviously gets his looks from my side of the family. Hopefully, he'll get his height from Rellgis, and won't be short like me...

"Woaahh, what's that?!" Skysin expressed in awe, pointing towards the window on my left.

Gazing to where his finger was aimed, a large opening with huge trees, encircled with rocky slides. A simple, yet gigantic blue gate stood tall in front. Behind, a trail of grey bricks guiding to a wonderful, towering blue building, covered with acres of lush, green grass.

Rellgis chuckled, "this place is called the Zenko Shrine, which is where I used to live. With the deities showing their power to the people of the kingdoms. They see the deities as protectors of their worlds, gods, even. Having so much respect for them, the people made them shrines or temples in their honor and glory."

"Really?! What was Grandpa Jagan like??" Skysin pondered.

Rellgis scratched the back of his head, "your grandpa was really a strange man…he was very unpredictable."

"I wish I could see grandpa…" Skysin softly muttered.

Rellgis lifted his hand, rubbing Skysin's head, "so do I Sin. So do I…"

Skysin Rillem-

As the day passed strikingly fast, I noticed we were nearing tall, thick clayish-colored walls. Seeing elevated buildings behind, narrowly growing higher as we got closer.

"This place is the capital city of the Ilen Region; Dram," mom remarked as my eyes were fixated on the humongous walls.

After passing the doors guarded by Valorrian soldiers, we entered the city, which is teeming with civilians. While we traveled, I noticed a giant, golden statue on my left. A man with large fox ears, ten long tails, attired in what seemed to be a kimono. Its presence gave off a sense of protection for a strange reason.

"That's Jagan. They made it after he disappeared," dad stated, showing a tinge of nostalgia in his yellow eyes.

However, not only did I wish to see grandpa, but so dad wouldn't be so sad. It makes me contemplate about how grandpa could've vanished...

Later, we came across a broad threshold with black gates. A huge grey mansion placed in the back, withholding an abundance of pristinely trimmed bushes, taking the shape of a large bird. Including the vast acres of grass. Exiting the carriage and taking a step into the yard, I came to see two people approaching us on the walkway of red bricks. Aunt Savitra and Crim, whom is like an older brother of mine.

Aunt Savitra wore a simple white dress, complementing her yellow-orangish, fiery-like hair that cascaded down her back. All while Crim; attired himself in a black shirt and grey pants.

Savitra shared a hug with mom, "~heyyy Val, I was just about to contact you."

"I hope we didn't take too long," mom chuckled with a reply.

While the adults conversed, me and Crim gave each other a fist pump. Crim snickered as he made a smug grin, "you still look like a girl, not surprising."

"I don't look like a girl!"—I pointed at Crim— "You flamed-headed bum!" I shouted with a huff. I swear, every time I see Crim, he always jokes about my looks. Which isn't true – at all!

I know exactly what I'll do when I make that snowman army. Make them jump Crim... a malicious smile had emerged on my face, eyeing Crim as he made stupid expressions at me.

With the adults discerning our argument, aunt Savitra lifted me, holding me into her large, yet soft chest. "~Hiii Skysin, my, don't you look just like your mommy. Hopefully you won't end up like your father…" Savitra jested.

Dad's face became deadpan, "I'm not laughing shorty…"

"Oh, please…if you're calling anyone short, it's Val. You're pretty much a foot taller than her," Savitra chuckled.

Mom huffed crossing her arms, "...I'm a good height, thank you."

"Anyways, let's go to the back so you can teach Skysin," Savitra added as she continued to hold me. Walking on the brick path that reached behind the grand mansion. Entering the substantial backyard, I gazed at the row of summits with snowcaps in the background. My eyes meeting large birds with four giant wings, their feathers gleaming with a color of silver - very beautiful.

After Savitra sat me down, dad caught my attention, showing a bright grin, "alrighty kiddo, let's start on trying to control your kinetics."

"Ok!" I cheered with enthusiasm. My dream is finally about to come true!

Mom had made a pondering expression, "which one should he start with?"

"I dunno," Aunt Savitra replied with uncertainty. "Wouldn't it be best if he started with his Kitsune kinetics?

"Meh – how about he just does both? He only has to activate them," dad responded waving his hand.

"Is that really a good idea though?" Mom rubbed her cheek.

"Oh, he'll be fine," dad laughed as he patted my head. "You wanna try both Sin?"

"Yeah!" I merrily answered. I'm sure it'll be more efficient if I unlocked both instead of just one for now. Even if it's something extremely challenging, I'll just have to overcome it.

"That's the spirit!" Dad laughed, lightly patting my back. "Now, close your eyes, and concentrate on trying to feel your vital swell in you."

Doing as he instructed, I closed my eyes and began to focus. As I concentrated, I could feel myself struggle while I couldn't sense anything. However, sharpening my mind, I came to see two big orbs glowing distinct colors. Glacial blue, and purple, with a tiny hue of black. "I see two colorful orbs," I informed them.

"Good, now try to make them flow, like opening a hole for water to escape," dad's disembodied voice directed.

Following through, I made the two orbs expand, making them change substances. Almost like liquid. When I did, I came to feel a cold essence envelope my body. Opening my eyes, my arms were coated in glacial aura, flowing calmly around me. On my hands, glints of purple and black hovered over my palms. Along with multiple snowflakes, stilly floating like tiny bugs.

But this is astounding nonetheless, it feels fantastic. My power grown exponentially, causing my excitement to shoot past the stars.

Mom wrapped her arms around me, hugging me tightly, "my Malerenz! He controlled both with ease at such a young age!!"

"This is great, his power is equaled with Crim's! They can spar tomorrow!" Aunt Savitra stated with a smile.

I looked at my hand, clenching my fist as an array of aura revolved around me, my dream is only becoming a reality.

I can't wait for Crim to get jumped...

*****

Later at night, me, Crim, mom, and Aunt Savitra, walked through the spacious halls heading to the bath. While we did, I caught a glimpse of a painting. Having Aunt Savitra holding Crim when he was an infant in her arms, and a man on the right, his hands grasping her slim waist.

Long crimson hair, tied in a low ponytail that fell to his back. Sharp grey eyes with ivory skin, wearing an exquisite black robe. He basically looked like an older version of Crim.

"That's my dad, Sedreen Magmastiem," Crim pointed out, noticing my obvious stare.

"Where is he?"

Savitra rotated her neck, showing a solemn smile, "he's...gone now. Him and Rellgis were basically brothers." Aunt Savitra's tone was melancholic, her brown eyes revealing a shade of sadness.

Mom rubbed her back, "he's in a better place now…"

Savitra hesitantly nodded, then carried on. Getting to the end of this hall, three separate doors are present. Two on either side, while the other stood before us.

Hence, mom and Savitra walked to the one directly in front of us. Exiting the house, I became utterly amazed. A massive hot spring, constructed with smooth white rocks, making a large circle. At the back, a small waterfall.

"It's a tradition for those of deity blood to bathe together. And since you boys are related to them, it's a good way to grow closer," Savitra stated.

Impatiently, Crim and I swiftly threw off our clothing, running to the hot spring and leaping into the heated water, swimming around like fish.

Mom and Savitra also undressed, changing into white towels wrapped around their torso's and took a step into the water. Although, I noticed mom had a large bottle of alcohol in her hand.

Savitra made a teasing smile as she eyed mom, drinking some sake out of a nearly flattened ceramic cup, "y'know, Rellgis is gonna take that from you later…"

Mom nervously chuckled, hugging onto Savitra, "don't tell him…please…I just need a small drink."

"I'll think about it, midget," Savitra jested. In which, mom made a plain expression as she reluctantly placed the alcohol down.

While I swam, my eyes were drawn onto something Savitra had – her chest. I know that all girls have them, but I don't have any idea on what their called. Plus, Savitra's being called big is an understatement; their huge... Practically bigger than my own head.

With my curiosity getting the best of me, I swam over to her. Thoroughly inspecting these two ample, mountainous beige peaks. Furthermore, it seemed as if they'd burst through that white towel any second. It looked like it was really struggling to hold them together.

Savitra noted my examination, moving forward a bit. Causing those pair of softness to bounce in sync.

"Is something wrong Sin?" Savitra asked.

I lifted my arm, extending a finger as I pressed against her bountiful set. Which was extremely soft, like touching a tender pillow. Continuing with my endless prodding, "what're these big things called?" I pondered like a man coming across a new discovery.

Mom nearly spat the sake that she had drunk, and Savitra gave out a hearty laugh, "...you're just so adorable!!" Savitra folded her arms around my body and pulled me into her large chest.

I can't lie, it felt as if I was smothered in warm heaven.

Wait…I can't breathe!!

*****