1 RECOUNT

12 years ago. (flux)

"Search the whole area don't let her escape!" the soldier yelled as they continued the search, running into the bushing as the sun bid farewell to the sky.

I continued running, I was lucky to have long legs, "Leos!" I yelled out to my trion, a glow appeared and engulfed me in bright light, I stopped and turned back to stare at the army that had come to kill me, this was the only way to survive, I would have to use my powers, it was either me or them, and I wasn't going down so easily.

"Pretty dawn, luscious flaws, powerful moon, grace the floor, a rose among flowers seek your call... Alexia!!!"

The black glow surrounded me as my lux formed, my lux was what you would describe as different, normally lux's come in the color red or white or another color but black, I was lucky enough to get black and here I am a 10 year old against 200 men, but I wasn't planning to die.

The black glow turned into flames and I kept my hand upright as the fire erupted from me burning every one of them and turning into a massive explosion in less than 20 minutes I was alone, there was no trace of life, not even the trees, not even nature had survived. Tears poured down my eyes, I stumbled back, I was a monster. it was then I understood when they desperately wanted me dead, I ran away that day, with no intentions of coming back, but as always fate had other plans.

Present, Balax kingdom.

"We could play again if you want, though... I am pretty sure it will be the same outcome" I taunted the noble in front of me, after defeating him at the game of chess for what felt like... The millionth time.

The man huffed before dumping some gold on the table and walking away briskly "you did it lyric charlotte squealed as she counted the gold coins, I smirk as I put my legs on the table "as always"

I loosened my hair as I relaxed into the chair, the daily hustle and bustle finally getting to me, I closed my eyes trying to drown out the voices of people around me, though the people of Balsa were like family, they accepted me as my real family should have. and they gave me a home and a family, I would always be grateful.

"Lyric" Charlotte spoke up

"hm?" I said "father was to see us immediately," she said with we famous worried face. Charlotte's specialty was opening portals and telekinesis, she was strong when it came to her powers but she wasn't cut out for battle or so I thought... Charlotte had been my best friend ever since I arrived here twelve years ago, her father was a kind noble and her brother... Well, he was. Something else.

"Whatcha doing here?" Blaire asked as he eyed me down, the 24-year-old ice user smirked, oh yeah I forgot to explain.

In our part of the world, there are three types of people the Aluxians who make use of their lux, the Curians which make use of cores, and the Balxians which make us of Bale, now bale comes in different forms and is associated with nature, they have ice users, water users, fire users, weapon user, portal openers, and telekinesis users, while the Aluxians being the largest is composed of the components of all the region as well as their differing, Lux.

I rolled my eyes " what's up, four eyes? What is it now? Is your poor eyesight affecting your memory too?" I taunted with a smirk "cause least I checked I lived here too" I said to the boy I considered to be family, "Blaire let us in! Father has asked to see us!" Charlotte whined, her brown curly hair resting on her face, I smiled at the girl I considered my younger sister.

"fine, fine." He said as he let us in, not before smirking evilly at me with a look that said 'we'll finish this later' to which is returned the gesture with an 'anytime' look.

I proceeded to walk towards Noble's chamber, an eery feeling taunting me.

****************

"you are kidding right?" I asked. Looking at the man I considered my father, "no, lyric, your people are asking for you, and... They have threatened to start a war if I don't hand you over" he said as he stared at me, guilt and pain in his eyes, it took me a few minutes to let the meaning of his words sink in.

"But why now? after 12 long years, why are they looking at me? What are they after now?"

"that — I have no answer to, you know I love you lyric but-"

"I understand," I said cutting him off, as I wiped a tear. "I don't want to put anybody in danger, you all have been so kind to me, you are like family, Charlotte, Blaire, Ariana, Mrs. Celestina and you sir, you are family, I will leave tomorrow morning"

"Lyric you-" he said but I could see the resignation in his eyes, he was helpless, I could read minds and I knew if someone was lying.

"I have to say goodbye to Charlotte and Ariana, and Blaire and Mother, and you too father", I said as I hurried out of the chamber and into my room, knocking down someone on the way but I didn't bother to look back, my past had come back to haunt me, everything was over.

"Lyric, are you alright" a deep voice spoke from behind my door, it took me a few minutes to compose myself and realize it was Blaire, I opened the door and faked a smile, "what's up loser," I asked.

He stared at me for a few seconds before speaking "you don't have to pretend Lee, father told me all about it," a tear slipped down my eyes, he took my hand and looked into my eyes, and I felt another feeling, I felt butterflies in my stomach, a warm feeling, I felt loved "do you feel that?" he asked, I just stared shocked.

"come with me," he said as he took my hand and we walked to the roof, "what are we doing here?" I asked confused

He took my hand once again, our eyes locked before I look away, never been a fan of goodbyes anyway. "please....please don't leave Lee, I don't care what happens, we'll fight the war, please.... "

"This ain't just any war, it's the Aluxians, they will kill everyone, I want... I want to protect everyone, this is best" I said my voice cracking.

"you can't leave, are you going to abandon us?" he asked. Successfully breaking my heart.

"I don't have a choice, it's either me or My family, and I won't allow any harm to come to the people here, Ballax will always be my real home," I said as I looked away staring at the moon

"you... You people have done enough, it's high time I return the favor and-"

"what about Charlotte?" he asked cutting me off "She loves you with all her heart, and Ariana?— That girl adores you, Mother? Father?" I continue to stare at the stars pain stinging my heart.

Blaire turns me to look at him and our eyes lock, "what about me?" I stare at him.....

"lyric," he said as he placed my hand on his chest.

The rhythm of his heartbeat was easy to read, my eyes widened as he said three words loud and clear.

"I love you."