A Haunted Forest

Aaron rose from his bed, while his little brother lay fast asleep on his. He shared a room with his younger brother since childhood, not because there wasn't enough room in the house but because the boy had been afraid of the dark and sleeping alone even after being the bravest person he knew.

He slid down from the bed completely and entered the bathroom to relieve himself. He was already done with freshening up when his twin brother finally woke from sleep.

Nathaniel staggered off the bed and walked towards his brother a crooked smile on his face as he approached. Even though he was the junior, Nathaniel never really respected his brother except in serious situations.

He threw his hands over his brothers shoulder not minding that he was already cleaned up and he wasn't. He tapped the boys shoulder twice before walking past him. He didn't want to talk because he had morning breathe but those two taps already spoke all he wanted to say.

Aaron left the room and headed downstairs. His parents were already up and having their early morning discussions which he didn't want to interrupt. He greeted them dismissively doing his best not to look them in the eye. He didn't want to get caught up in whatever arguments or topic they were discussing about.

He went straight to the kitchen and took an apple only realizing now that he had also woken up late. Their breakfast was covered and had probably gone cold and he wasn't planning on having a cold breakfast so that only meant more for Nathaniel who came running downstairs almost immediately.

Nathaniel jumped in between his parents and threw his arms around them. He was always hyperactive and the cheerful one while Aaron never spoke only he was spoken to. They were identical in almost every aspect apart from character, the both of them taking more of their father's physical appearance while Aaron took his mother's character.

Aaron took bites out of his fruit while watching the three of them play with each other. He was suddenly interested in the conversation but before he could make any steps forward, another figure walked in, the sudden intrusion stopping him from making further advancements. Robert.

He was Nathaniel's best friend but not his. The three of them might be close but in all honesty, he was never compatible with Robert. It might be because he always lost in their spars or just maybe because he felt like his brother was being stolen from him. Nevertheless, he still made his way forward hoping to join in on his family moment and not let this foreign figure ruin his morning.

He walked past Robert not saying any words to the figure before joining by his mother's side.

Robert settled opposite the family listening to what they shared. He was always here because he had outgrown his parents and being with his friends was a better idea.

Sian soon stood from where she sat and left the four men to themselves. She felt odd sitting in between them and she was already aware of the fact they were about to train. She had had enough of training in her life and even the sight of combat didn't really entertain her any longer.

Robert replaced the spot Sian had left open now sitting in between the twins.

Aaron also stood at the same time, walking away without another word. He wasn't really in the mood for training and would rather spend the rest of his day watching birds or playing with the river

He walked up to his room and and armed himself with his father's Tonfas which had been given to him as a present last year. He knew the world wasn't very safe for his kind, even though the world was were slowly developing and adapting to the fact that Elementals were also a part of humanity. Regardless, he trusted no one.

He came down moments later and excused himself from the days training but typical Nathaniel wouldn't let his brother leave without him and he had also excused himself too. He had made up his mind to follow his twin brother which also meant without even a second thought that Robert was coming too. They have relieved Warren the stress of beating them up for the day.

The three left the house without a destination in mind. They were practically touring the entire village until Robert had suggested a forest everyone dreaded. It was believed that a building once stood in this forest and suddenly, it had vanished clearing half of the forest with it. But now the place was alive once more, and without frequent or no visitations by humans at all, there was no telling the type of creature that lurked behind the tall canopy of trees. But regardless, the three of them decided to tour the forest just to ease their boredom.

They walked into the forest starting their journey amongst the shrubs and stunted trees until eventually they were within the company of the larger trees. It was dark and they could barely see. With no one having the gift of fire to light their way Aaron had suggested that they turn back but his over excited brother had decided otherwise and Robert had seconded the demented boy.

They wanted to see the site of the building which had suddenly disappeared so they continued despite all Aaron's warnings. They continued venturing deeper into the forest searching fruitlessly for the site but suddenly, something had caught their attention.

The forest had suddenly lit up and behind them, a huge ball of fire was soaring towards them clearing everything in its path as it approached. Nathaniel and Robert leapt out of the way just in time while Aaron drained the trees around him countering the flaming ball with a water ball almost equal in size. This could only mean that someone was inhabiting this forest and this person was definitely an Elemental.