The Boys Ask About Artmitis

As Sam comes over and sits by the fire, they hear a knock on the door. Peter leaps to get the door. As he opens the door, he takes the bag from Vonruil, and tells Morris to get a glass of water.

Vonruil was about to take the glass, but Xane was practicing and suddenly made it rain inside the home. Vonruil quickly gets up, and takes hold of Xane’s hand, and clicks his fingers making the rain stop.

As he leaves Xane’s hand, Morris asks, “Brother, what happened?”

“Sorrrrry, my control is still not good. I wanted to control the glass, but as always something else happens.” Xane says making a small cute baby face.

“Xane, I think the problem is, you are always too hasty,” Sam says trying to explain to him, “you need to restrain yourself. Only then will you be able to control them.”

Sulking Xane says, “Damn, at times I feel like I’m living in a consortium.”

Confused Morris says, “Living where?”

Surprised Morris didn’t understand, Peter says, “Ah, it’s a place for professional people who share the same goal.”

Remembering, Morris says, “Oh, I was going to ask, Brother, why did you catch his hand?”

Vonruil says explaining, “The water element was Xane’s. A being can only control the element’s in his own body. When I took hold of Xane’s hand, my spirit went into his body, and his element became mine. Rest, I think you understand.”

Peter asks in an excited tone, “So, Sam can also do that?”

“Well, no. You need to possess the soul or mind stone to be able to do this.” Vonruil says explaining, “So, for Sam, it won’t be possible.”

“Brother, if Sam also has natural element power like you, can he also possess stones?”

Seeing the boy's curiosity, Vonruil says, “I think I should tell you about us. Clear the middle.”

The boys, and Xane quickly do as told. As they clear the center, Vonruil gets up, and casts a cloud on top of their heads, then slowly a mountain appears. Seeing the mountain Xiander, and Xane’s face brighten.

Xane jumps up shouting “Home!”

Slowly the mountains disappear, and a gate can be seen. As the gate opens, the boys see the most beautiful garden they ever saw in their life.

Then they see a castle, and guards at the entrance. Then a bugle is blown, and an announcement is made: Commerce the grand coming-of-age ceremony!

Then they see boys walking over to a boulder. Seeing them, Morris says, “Wow, so many beautiful boys!” Recalling what he just said, he says, “Wow, I actually called boys beautiful.”

Seeing the boys, and Vonruil, Peter says, “Brother, it’s not only you three, all angels are beautiful, only I say you are the most beautiful of all. Though I have not seen all of them.”

Smiling Xiander says, “Peter, you are hundred percent correct. Vonruil is the most beautiful angel of Artmitis. And, the strongest as well. That’s why he was chosen as the duke.”

“Isn’t Vonruil the king’s son?” Morris asks confused, “I mean that’s how it is on earth.”

Xiander says, angels are created, and not born like humans. He said all angels are created during the Quadrantids meteor shower, which occurs every four years. Continuing he says, according to human age, angels are already six years old at birth. The first angels were created after the Lyrids meteor shower that dates back to 687 BC. Since then, the quadrantids shower has been our source of creation.

After being created, we live in Verdant Valley. When we reach the age of ten, we have a coming-of-age ceremony. Then we spend four years in training, and finally on reaching the age of fifteen, we are assigned our posts. When Theo came to the training grounds, he excelled everyone.

Getting excited, Morris says, “is that why Brother got chosen to be the king? And, how do you choose the successor?”

“Actually, no king has ever chosen a successor so early.” Vonruil says in a mixed tone, “I’m the first duke of Artmitis. Before me, a successor is chosen when the current king dies, or when he is bed-ridden. I never understood why the king made me the duke, when he is still so young, and healthy.”

“Brother, then why didn’t you oppose it?” Sam says in an angry ton, “If you had, you wouldn’t have to suffer from all of this.”

Vonruil gets up, and goes over to sam. He slowly caresses his hair, and says, “Sam, we angels also have to oblige with our destiny. There’s no being in this universe, who can defy its destiny.”

“Though the king chose Vonruil, the reason is unknown. But, since he is the king, no one can go against him.” Xiander says in a frank tone, “And, ever since Vonruil took over, he has proved to be the best to take over after the king.”

As Xiander makes the mirror disappear, Xan comes over, and says, ““Sam, not teaching me…”

“Xane, Sam has a slight fever. Not today ok.” Xiander says in a calm tone, “Let him rest. Why don’t you practice the basics he taught you?”

Smiling, Xane says, “OK, if I do anything wrong, Sam, you can correct me.”

Sam nods, and says, “Sure, but I’m sure you won’t mess it this time.”

After a little while, Morris notices Xane is yawning, so he says, “Xane, why not sleep for a while. You’ve been training since morning.”

“Not until my master tells me. I will not stop.” Xane says with determination in his voice.

So, Morris tells Xiander to tell Xane to stop as he is getting tired. But, Xane calls out saying, now his master is Sam, so even if Xiander says to stop, he won’t.

Smiling Sam says “Ok, you can rest. Lunch will be ready soon. Peter, make something light for us, training on a full stomach is not good.”

“Ok, I’ll change the menu. Give me ten minutes.” Peter says from the kitchen.

Then Sam sees Xiander is pressing his arm so he comes over and says “Xiander, is your arm aching, here let me.”

Sitting beside Xiander, Sam begins to press Xiander’s arm. Seeing him Xiander says, “Sam, remember you have to take care of yourself as well. We need to pick the pce up soon.”

“Xiander, tonight brother will begin with us, and Xane is improving. I’m sure Xane will pick up soon.” Peter says as he’s chopping the onions, “We can do a crash course as well.”

“Peter, fighting is one thing you should never learn in haste.” Sam explains, “Before you begin to learn the main fighting skills you need to make your body ready for it.”

Falling on to the bed, Xane asks, “Hey Sam did you see me? Was I correct?”

Smiling Sam says “Yes, we can take the next step now.”

“Yes, master!” Xane bows down in respect.

As Xane is resting, Peter comes over and gives some fruits to Xiander, and says, “Here, eat them. It’s from Sam’s chart.”

Taking the plate Xiander says “Sam, I just had breakfast, it’s going to be lunch time soon.”

“If we hadn’t gone out by now you should have already eaten a bowl of fruits. Now eat this, it’s not much.” Sam says reasoning.

“What? A bowl of fruit before lunch? But why? Sam, three meals a day is enough.” Xiander tries to convince Sam, “Back home we only eat three times a day.”

“Xiander, you know even normal humans have snacks or meals in between the three main courses. It’s healthy. And you need it more cause of your injuries so, eat.” Sam says making sure he leaves no chance for Xiander to oppose.

As the boys are eating, Vonruil says “Ok, then I’m off to work. Peter, Morris, we’ll begin training tonight.”

Smiling Morris says “OK, don’t worry we’ll be ready.”

As Xane is resting, Sam goes over and places a blanket over him. As he comes abc to his chair, he notices Xiander is uncomfortable so he asks, “Xiander is something bothering you. If it’s Xane, then…”

“No, I don’t know why but I keep getting the feeling of being watched.” Xiander says in a worried tone.

“Watched? You saw someone or it’s only a feeling.” Sam asks concerned.

“Sam, for us angels our feelings are more trustworthy than our eyes. That’s what we’ve been taught since our creation. And, at the present the feeling of being watched is so strong I can’t tell you.” Xiander tells Sam.

“I’ll go up and check, maybe I might see someone…” Sam says trying to make Xinader feel at ease.

“Sam, as far as my feelings say, it’s something you won’t be able to see, at least not now. Once your natural elements are awoken, you will also be able to see.” Xiander makes his point. “For now, don’t worry. Let me handle the matter.”

“Xiander, it’s true, fighting isn’t something a normal person knows. For me and Morris, maybe even a punch might not be possible, but we also want to help.”

“Boys, we have already decided to train you boys, so don’t worry. We’ll take it step-by-step.” Xiander says in a convincing tone.

Smiling Peter says, “Yes, we will do our best.”

Just then Sam was going to bend to pick a cloth that fell from his hand, but he flinched a bit. Seeing him, Xane ran over, and asked in a worried tone what happened.

Seeing Sam, Peter says, “Ever since the allies came into our lives, it has been hell. Thanks to Sam who has always stood in front of us. He even got stabbed in the stomach to save us.”

“That’s why time-to-time, his wound hurts him.” Looking at Sam, Morris says, “Sam, you’re a doctor yourself, you know not to bend so much.”

Xane helps Sam get back to the chair.

“Sam, do you really have a scar? Gosh you three are so much alike. Xiander and Vonruil also have so many scars…” Xane says in an excited tone.

Being a little skeptical, Sam says, “Ah, Xane, I don’t think having scars is like having a trophy. Especially this one. I got it when Morris got kidnapped by Ethor's men. If I hadn’t been stabbed, I could have saved him. He had to spend three days in that dungeon.”

“Sam, it was you who saved me three days later, did you forget. How can you say that?” Morris says in a sad tone.

“Sam, Xiander once said, scars are worthy when it comes to protecting the ones you love.” Xane says, trying to make Sam feel at ease.

“Sam, for us our scars are either cause we were protecting our angels, or during a fight with the likes of Rival.” Xiander says, “So, either ways, its a….”

Xiander suddenly stops, and says, “Someone is here. Sam take over here, I’m going outside to check. WHATEVER HAPPENS DO NOT COME OUT, HEAR ME?”

Sam nods as he awakens his fire element. As Xiander sees Sam’s hand is on flame, he also nods, and goes out, and says, “Peter, call Vonruil.”

As Xiander goes out, Morris says, “Guys, we never took any number from brother before. What do we do?”

Xane says in a worried tone, “What do we do?”

Going towards the door Sam says, “Don’t worry guys, me and Xiander are here. Nothing will happen.”

Sam slowly pulls the curtain to take a look outside, and sees someone is fighting with Xiander, but because Xiander hasn’t recovered fully, he’s losing the fight.

Sam quickly goes towards the door, and says, “Xane, you’re in charge.”

As Sam comes out Xiander sees him, and as he was about to ask why he came out, but before he could, the person attacks Sam. Luckily, Sam dodged, and used his fist. Unexpectedly, fire balls hit the person.

Seeing the person being blown away, Sam is amazed to see his fire element had this ability. So, Sam uses his fireball fists again, and finally manages to send the person running off.

Sam quickly runs over to Xiander, and helps him back inside.

As Sam brings Xiander inside he says, “Xane, quickly seal the door, don’t let anything in, quick. Peter, the first aid box.”

As Sam tends to Xiadner’s injuries, he says, “Your previous wounds haven't healed yet, and now these.”

Smiling Xiander says, “This is the first time someone scolded me, I like it.”

“First tell me who that was?” Sam says, crossing his arms, “Then I’ll scold you more.”

“What, even after finding out we were almost attacked, you are going to scold me?” Xiander says pretending to be hurt.

“Xiander, you are totally reckless…”

Intervening, Xiander says, “But thanks for coming. You came at the right time.”

“Well, it’s thanks to your training. I had the confidence I could help. And, did you see the fireballs?” Sam says excitedly, “But you still haven’t told who it was, or what was it? I mean it looked human but had black blood.”

“It was Leland. He’s Rival’s doggy. He roams around looking for fresh blood.” Xiander tells the boys.

Confused Morris asks, “Fresh blood? What do you mean by that?”