Family Bonds

Father and Mother kept a close eye on me after my birthday. They had me stay in bed even though I was not sick. My brothers weren't any better. If anything, they became even more protective. They remained at home and mailed the Academy about their absences. Despite my pleas, they have not left me alone unless I need to go to the bathroom. It is seriously getting on my nerves. Yes, I could have died from connecting with the pure ley lines but I didn't. I am alive and feel a lot stronger after.

I suppose the good thing about my brothers remaining at home is their help on the application for the Academy. There were still stuff I am unsure about, so having my brothers around to explain helps a lot.

"Hah..." I wave a metaphorical flag as I lay my face on my desk. I finally finished the take home exam and application for the Academy. If I knew it was going to be a lot of paperwork then I would have chosen to go to Twinnings.

"Congratulations for finishing the first part of the application, Freya," Aerik says as he comes into my room with a drink and a slice of cake. He sets them on the table. I grab the fork he offered and start eating the cake. "Did you make this Aerik?" I taste a hint of rose and lemon. The chef does make delicious cakes but he does not usually experiment with different flavors.

"Yeah I did. You have been working hard so I wanted to bake you something since I had the time." More like being the overprotective brother that you are, I think.

My brother and I were silent, but it was not awkward. It was actually peaceful as we both enjoy the snacks and spending time together. Eventually, I broke the silence. "Where is Kaon by the way?"

"Kaon is training with Father and the guards." I perk up when I heard the word "training." Aerik noticed and gives me a wary look. His eyes were saying "don't even think about it." I ignore his look. "Do you think Father will start training me?"

Aerik momentarily pause, not knowing what to say. He seems displeased with my reaction toward training. I mentally roll my eyes at his lack of response. Years of living with my family allowed me to perfect the pout. "Huh Aerik?" I push harder. He looks away but I can see the tips of his ears turn red. I know I got him before he could even answer.

"Probably," he mumbles. I smile widely. "Let's go then." I pull my brother toward the training grounds. Unfortunately, we bumped into mother.

"Where are you two going? Have you finished your application, Freya?" It seems like I have to first past my second obstacle.

I stop pulling Aerik and answer mother's questions bluntly. I might as well be straightforward since I got caught. Mother would insist stopping us otherwise.

"Yes, I finished the written portion of the application. I already sent it in the mail this morning. Aerik and I are going to the training grounds now."

Mother also has the same wary expression as Aerik. She never stopped me from going to the training ground for basic training as long as I learn the arts. However, ever since I fainted from connecting with the pure lines, she's reluctant to let me train until I recovered completely. Not that I need recovering because I was able to make the new connections and safely cultivate. Mother and Father wants to make sure I do not have any side effects.

"Mama, I am fine. Yes I had a hard time cultivating but I honestly feel stronger. I successfully cultivated the energy."

Mother did not look convinced. I attempt to negotiate. "Besides I will need to test my physical strength when I get the letter from the Academy. You wouldn't deny me the opportunity, right mama?" She continues to stare into my eyes before sighing.

"Alright. But if you start to feel overwhelmed, don't push yourself." I nod.

Both my mother and brother went with me to the training grounds where Kaon was kicking up a storm with his spear. He utilizes his skill in Shadow Walk and activates his fire element. Father counterattacked Kaon's spear and uses his earth element to wrap vines around Kaon's body. Thanks to father's body constitution against fire, his vines were fire proof. Kaon struggles in vain. "I surrender," he finally says with a huff.

Father then releases him. "It seems you have improved Kaon," Mother praised. Kaon scratches his nose at the praise. He then notice Aerik and I standing nearby.

"Aerik! Freya! What are you doing here?"

"I was actually going to see papa," I reply. Father overhears the conversation and walks over with mother in tow.

"What is it, Freya?" He has an expectant look like he knows what I am going to ask. Yet I can see slight concern.

"I also want to start training for real and activate my element." While Aerik and Mother still look reluctant, Father starts laughing. Kaon also seems to have the same mindset because he starts laughing too. "Way to go, little sis!"

"Of course. Of course, " Father finally says. "If your mother and brothers agree." He glances at mother and Aerik, guaging their expressions. It looks like it's 3:1.

Kaon uses his persuasive skills to wash away any doubts. "We will at least know about her abilities before the Academy orientation tests. No matter what level or class she's in, Aerik and I will watch over her."

Finally, mother and Aerik agrees. They made me promise to not push myself. I agree.

Father then explains how to activate an element. I already knew how but I pay close attention just in case there were conditions. Since I cultivated purer ley lines, there is no known information of its effects.

I close my eyes and visualize the fire element. Warmth spread throughout my body, forming into a condensed ball in my hand. I smile at the flame's playful personality. I hear my family gasp and open my eyes. Blue and orange-red flames swirled around me. My eyes glimmer as the flames embraced me.

The air got a bit stuffy and light sweat dusted my forehead. The water element starts to fight against the heat. I have a feeling that the water element is pouting. I decide to call off the fire element and bring out the water element. The condensation from my sweat and the surrounding moisture gathered around my hand in a blue glow before moving upwards and then raining on top of my astounded family.

"You're a double elemental user as well," Aerik announces in awe. He sends a breeze to dry us up while mother gathers the rest.

"Wow! My little sister is awesome!" Kaon runs over to hug me tightly.

Although I knew about my elements since Kaon's awakening, I realized that I feared my family's reactions. I was not as normal as they thought. My family in this life loves me dearly and I did not want to break the trust between us.

I stare into Aerik and Kaon's eyes, wondering if I would see envy and revulsion. I must have looked worried because Aerik comes to hug me. He always seems to know how I feel deep inside.

"You are amazing little sister. You will definitely do well during the orientation tests." I did not realize the tears streaming down my face.

"En," I answer positively. In this lifetime, I already vowed that I would protect my family, but I also promise to cherish the bonds and trust them completely. Little by little, the chains around ny heart slowly loosened.