Transformation

Five years ago, Athanasia was like a broken glass; scattered, vulnerable and isolated. She had closed her heart. After losing her mother she lost all hope in life. But she went on solely for one purpose in life, revenge. She learned assassin techniques which was a taboo. No aristrocate in their right mind would teach their child how to kill someone. But for her survival she begged her grandpa to let Rosetta teach her. Rosetta was a trained assassin and a body guard of her mother. Later on she became Princess Athanasia's nanny. Her grandpa also saw the change in her bright personality. So he did his best to find her a right teacher and his choice was the best for her.

According to Athanasia, Elder Hughes was the first person who treated Athanasia as Athanasia in her life. All her life she was treated like a princess and a vulnerable doll that needs to be protected. But Elder Hughes didn't consider her vulnerable but a survivor. Maybe that was the reason she respected him. Nobody knew what she had been through during the last ten years of hellish training but her comrades did. Elder was never easy on her. He saw her as not made of glass but an unbrokable shield. Though it took time but he, in the end, was able to brought this girl from the path of destruction to the right path. Though her aim did not fade away but she was now devising a better plan to take her revenge and what she had wanted in life.

At one time, elder asked Athanasia what she has truly wanted in her life. She was going to say that she wanted to get her revenge but stopped and contemplated. Her heart's true desire was the peace she felt when she was with her mother. And revenge could never bring peace to heart. During her training session, she had learnt to be patient. What one actually feels when waiting. To hold herself in check. Due to her extraordinary powers she had faced a great difficulty in controlling them. "The more mpower you have, the more difficult it is to control". That was her teacher's answer to her absurd powers.

In order to control her powers she needed to learn how to control her emotions. Emotions are a strong source of mana. Because strong emotions released a lot of mana. But it costs rationallity. And a person losing their rationallity could never bring victory to their side. She was taught how to win in every situation but in a rational way.

During her first year at Elvanor, she gained knowledge about the things she lacked. She became friends with Elve crown prince and princess. They were not directly taught by Elder but the butler. After months of her stay in the castle she found out that the butler was not an ordinary person but a wise magician and sworn brother of Elder. He was the teacher of crown prince and princess and mastered in sword art as well.

She sent letters to Rosetta asking about the kids she had sent. According to Rosetta's investigation, the boy was the survivor of Azure clan. He was the son of the previous chief of Azure clan. This clan was not on good terms with Aurelius family and its followers. Since Azure was the earth dragon and Aurelius was a heavenly dragon. Different tribes worshiped different dragons. Since Aurelius was the king of dragons, no one was above him in hierarchy. So Azure clan was a thorn in many people's eyes. During the great war, this calm was slaughtered on the suspicion of their relationship with demons. They were branded traitors of all humans. But this kid who was only 15 had a great potential. He was saved from slavery by the girls father. But due to their greedy uncles their parents were killed and they made their escape with the help of Elijah. But time was not kind to them as they were sold shortly after. These sisters belonged to a prestigious family, Eckhart Duchy. It was affiliated with Armas Archduke.

After a careful contemplation, they decided to take care of them . After staying at the castle of Utlah, they regained their health. They stayed at Utlah for a year before they were sent to Avalon. All three of them became students of Athanasia. The five of them had made lots of memories. If someone asked Athanasia what was the most beautiful part of her childhood after her mother's death, she would reply that it was their time at Avalon. It was filled with laughter, tears, pain, joy, how lean on each other and their survival. Though she loved the time with her mother but she was loved as daughter but now she learned to take care of others and was responsible for them. It gave her a chance to understand a different kind of love. But at that time she was not mature enough to see all of that. If she had maybe she had avoided that tragedy and had one less regret.

During her time at Avalon, she made friends who supported and followed her through out of her life. Sophia became a magician and Isabella chose to be a knight. While Azure boy, Elijah chose to pursue both. At first Elijah was quite an introvert person and since he considered Athanasia as his master, Athy faced a hard time dealing with this kid who could not disobey her. Athanasia even consulted her teacher about the slavery bond between her and Elijah. But even her teacher didn't had an immediate solution. He only said no one can undo this blood bond because it was made like that by ancient magicians. It was rare to see someone using ancient magic but maybe with her powers she can one day undo this spell. So, all she had to do is to become stronger and meanwhil learning how to deal with the bonded Elijah.

In the start it was tiring even talking to that kid. Elijah followed her day and night. He even guarded her at night even she didn't need it. When Elijah didn't see her, he was like a fish out of water.

During his stay at Utlah, Sophia and Isabella had to deal with this Elijah who was like an abandoned puppy. He never uttered a single word. Sophia and Elijah was of the same age 15 years and Isabella was of 12 years old. Sophia very skillfully took care of these puppies along with Rosetta. Rosetta even recommended her as her successor, an assistant to the princess. She was an intelligent girl with quick wits. She made Elijah to eat and sleep and regain his strength by saying that if he did not take care of himself, his master would be very disappointed. Only after gaining strength he can be useful to his master. Rosetta was impressed as Sophia managed to see the truth behind his silence. Isabella also followed her sister. They both had God gifted talent. And could be considered a genius. But Elijah only ate and sleep hardly. Sometimes he would accompany these sisters. And watch over them as they studied just like old times. In the last, he only had few months to stay with the girls before everything happened.

After coming to Avalon, they all once again wanted to take their vows of loyalty to Athanasia but she forbade them.

"It is not like I am taking your oath lightly. But I want you to wait and learn more. Take your time to understand then even after that you feel the same I would accept your oath".

An oath taken by a mana user by swearing on Aurelius is not something to be taken lightly. They all belonged to prestigious backgrounds. If they wanted they could go back to their previous life. Athanasia knew what gratitude felt like. But she wanted them to chose their own path. Sophia and Isabella understood but it was hard to get the meaning through Elijah's mind. As he always waited for her and followed her and even distracted her studies. It had been a month since they had come here but only Sophia and Isabella were putting efforts in studying. One day because of Elijah, Elder Hughes could not teach her a single thing. And gave her a first assignment of taking care of the kid. Athanasia was annoyed at him too because she was in the middle of a breakthrough and because of the kid she could not stay focused. Athanasia said without even lookin at him: "Follow me".

Elijah looked innocently at his master as she finally gave him a attention. Athanasia literally wanted to open that skull and see what's inside that head of his. She honestly doubted if it was the effect of the bond. Setting aside her doubts she led Elijah to the forest behind the residence. They went deep into the woods. Suddenly Athanasia started attacking Elijah. She threw fire balls at him and vanished into thin air. Elijah instinctively avaded the attack. But the attack continued. The attack came from multiple directions and he took a serious hit. Elijah in the midst of attack track Athanasia and started avoiding her. He used the bond between them for tracking her down. Since she used teleportation magic, Athy was astonished at the boys wits. He was like a war machine. She changed her tactics and lashed onto him with her sword. Though he didn't had sword on him she didn't show any mercy. Each time she aimed at his vital points. Elijah couldn't understand what was happening to his body. At first he avoided her but after a few hits, it was inevitable to avoid. Blood rushed out of his wounds. He felt pain and his body refused to attack back. He could not even used any magic. Her attacks were precise and this time it felt like as if she were to kill him but before her sword could land on his body, he teleported. Leaving behind a stunned Athanasia. She was astonished to see him using that spell. Since it was some of the advance magic and only few could handle the spell. According to her knowledge he should not be able to use this spell. He only used magic based on his instinct. He was proficient in using water and ice spell and sword. Athanasia put down her sword and cast a healing spell on Elijah. Elijah sat on the ground and took deep breaths. Resentment could be seen through his Azure blue eyes. And that was the thing Athanasia wanted. How much of bond has effect on him? Would he be able to counter attack if he was near his death. Because words couldn't pass through him. But after this test it was evident that there was still a chance to undo the spells.

Athanasia stood in front of him, the imidating tone was evident. She said looking directly with her piercing gaze.

"Elijah, listen to me carefully. From now on the bond only exists till I find a way to undo it. You should learn to value your life. Don't throw it away for anything but what you deem important".

Life has been hard on them. For Athanasia Elijah's existence was far more than a responsiblity. Because of him being vulnerable and Athanasia had a upper hand in the bond, she could actually feel his emotions. It was hard for her too, just as it was hard for Elijah. She saw herself in him. Broken, isolated, vulnerable and abandoned by fate. She wanted him to learn to take the reins of his fate in his hand. She taught him how to do magic, they practiced swordmanship every day. Elijah was a good sparring partner. His sword style differed from hers. A wild horse that needed to be tamed. Elijah also valued the teachings of his master. The bond of master and slave evolved into a trustworthy relationship. They could count on each other and have their back to each other.

Elijah grew with time. He started to learn and understand his situation. Elijah started reading and researching on his own. He wanted to be useful to his master. Since he found a new purpose in life.