Anger Control

During our journey back, the Shade lady declined my help a few times. She insisted that my help wouldn't change much, and there was no need for me to bother myself. She was the stiffest of them all, but the other Shades wouldn't speak about her. As if afraid they would be punished. Our conversations were usually one sided, meaning I did the talking and they replied out of courtesy.

I wasn't sure whether they didn't like me, or something else. About a week into our journey, I finally decided to ask that Shade woman why they acted so coldly. "Hey, do you hate me or something? I don't recall doing anything impolite to you or others", I asked her privately. "Why would princess assume that?", she replied, though the coldness didn't disappear.

"Based on your attitude? Usually, when someone extends a helping hand, you'd take it. Usually people would converse with each other, especially on a long journey. Why would you agree to escort me back, if you didn't like the idea?", I asked. "Princess is not incorrect. Usually, people would do such things. That doesn't mean always. I've been charged with your safety. If something happens to you, me and my men will die, and will die a horrible death. Perhaps you might think like that, but as long as you are safe, I'm fine with that", she replied rather seriously.

"As you like. I will not bother you guys anymore", I replied then left to my own corner of the camp. She was right to some extent. They didn't need to get along with me, they just had to make sure I was safe. 'This journey will be boring, but I'm not going to beg them for attention. I can at least focus on my own things, like the book I've started but never finished', I thought.

For the rest of that journey, I distanced myself from them. I didn't speak to them, ask them anything or for anything. I had my own food and didn't need their concern. I wasn't some spoiled brat, who couldn't lift a sword to defend herself. I trained for half of my life, and didn't appreciate someone looking down on me, without even knowing the extent of my strength and skills.

Two weeks later, we arrived back at my house. "We have arrived", the Shade woman said. "Thanks for stating the obvious. Any other observations?", I asked mockingly. "... No, we shall take our leave then", she replied. "Great, have a safe journey", I said then stopped paying them any heed. "Let's go Turry, you must be tired already… Uncle Ulon! I'm back!".

"Oh! You've been away for longer than I expected. How was your journey?", uncle asked. "It was alright I guess… Off you go Turry, get some rest", I replied, while taking the saddle off of him. "Moo!", Turry exclaimed before making his way towards the shack. "Sorry uncle, the project got much bigger than I anticipated. The whole thing took us over two months. Anyway, you should visit Sedon. Besides our fun course, there's Sedon's Grand Stage", I added.

"Heh, not a bad idea. I might go there one day or another. Anyway, as you can see, your parents didn't return yet. I'll keep you company until they return. Besides, I have to take care of your father's garden", he replied. "Then I'll cook our dinners. Are you hungry now? If you don't mind, I can cook something", I asked. "Anna, you've just returned. Get some rest, I can make something instead", uncle tried to decline but I insisted. He was there for over three months, alone and taking care of everything by himself. That was the least I could do for him.

During the dinner, I told uncle all about the course and new Grand Stage. He was really impressed by the scope of our project, and even the news of Grand Stage being built. Though he was even more surprised to hear that I declined money for my work. "I heard that a few times already. Does mom really care that much about money? She might be stingy, but…", I asked.

"Well, she's not money hungry. What I meant is that she wouldn't do things for free. Or at least not for everyone. Doing me or your other uncles and aunts a favour is fine. If for example Voltars ask for something, they would pay for it. I'm not sure if you are aware, but your mother is not poor at all. She's actually very rich… One of the richest people in the North to be fair", uncle explained. I could feel my mouth opening, and staying there due to shock. "... One of the richest people? What the hell!", I exclaimed.

"Well, it's true. Your mother's tailoring for instance. She is considered a master tailor here in the North. A lot of the clothes you see in shops are her designs. Moreover, she is an Empress. She ran this Empire for sixteen years, have you heard of poor royalty?", uncle added. "Yes! I'm poor!... She had so much money. Yet each time we travelled together, she'd complain about spending… Even my bed is rubbish! How can you buy your daughter an uncomfortable bed!", I complained.

"Calm down, Anna. She didn't spoil you, but I believe you should know the reason. It's the same reason everyone kept quiet about your father, and who you really were. Don't hold it against her", uncle said. "Haaah… I know, it's just… One bed wouldn't make me spoiled, you know? Anyway, I'm a bit tired from the journey. I'll retire to my room for the rest of the day, you take care uncle", I replied.

Our days slowly passed. Since my return, I focused on my training most of the time. Tara visited me and stayed over for a while. She also brought me the items to place Formations on. She assured me that jewellery was the best thing to place Formations on, and that we could make a huge profit once they sold. I agreed, though earrings wouldn't be easy to work with. She also helped me with my training a bit, but other than that all was peaceful.

That was until a roar reverberated through the skies, about a month after my return. 'They are finally back!', I thought, directing my gaze towards the sky. Frosty made a lot of noise as usual, but I was happy to see them return at last. "We are sorry dear, it took us longer than expected. We had loads to take care of. Have you been well?", mother asked while giving me a hug.

"I'm fine but you surely took your time, about five months to be more precise. What required so much of your attention?", I asked. "Hehe, the North is big you know? Eterians alone kept us for about a month. Anyway, how was your project?", father asked. "Ha, you see. We actually made the project much bigger, and it stands proudly next to the Sedon's Grand Stage. The sort of attraction that will be popular throughout the North. You should visit and have a look. I'm sure you'll like it", I replied.

"Your father only asked to be polite, we already saw it. Your course was great", mother said. "Huh? You guys had a go? When?", I asked, surprised. "Sedon was our last stop on the trip. We actually hoped to pick you up, but you already left. You did great, Anna. I loved the way you guys made everything, really innovative. You should see the crowds though, people were lining up day and night to have a go", father explained.

"I just don't understand why you didn't want to get paid? You worked really hard to make that course, you deserve the money without a doubt", mother added. "Now that you mentioned the topic of money, I have a bone to pick with you! You are really stingy, you know? One of the richest people in the North, and you refused to get me anything quality wise. I slept on uncomfortable beds, because you wouldn't spend money on your own daughter. That's just cruel!", I complained.

"Wow, no wonder people wanted to deal with me instead of you. I didn't know you would be so stingy to your own daughter…", father added. "You… You… I worked hard for this money!", she replied angrily. "What's the point of having that much money, if you don't use it? Seems like little Anna is more like me in that sense", father argued back. I hugged my father, then showed my tongue to my mother. "You two are unbelievable… Nex, are you jealous that your wife is rich? Behave well, and I'll give you some money", she replied.

"Behave well, and I might be really nice to you at n… Bam!", father couldn't finish, because mother hit his head. "Stop talking, or I'll be really mad", she warned him. "Give it a break, will you? What's wrong in helping people, or doing something for friends? You have so much money, where are you going to use it? Do you plan on taking it to the grave or something? Use it while you can, instead of hoarding it", he added.

Father let go of me, then walked over to her. "Do you really need money for happiness? For me, it's enough to have you and Anna. I don't need money at all. No amount of money would replace any of you", he said while picking her up. "I'm still mad… Ah!.. Nex!", she exclaimed but I wasn't sure why. He whispered something to her ear, then she blushed.

"Really! Give a rest, you two!", I exclaimed. "Anna, you should be happy your parents love each other so much. Anyway, I heard from Lira what happened. You lost control of your anger once more. Well, we shouldn't put this off for any longer. Starting tomorrow, I'll help you control the anger inside you", father said. "Yea, that isn't such a bad idea. I'm looking forward to that", I replied.

"Sorry Ulon, I kind of neglected you there. Thank you for taking care of our house. I'll help you out in a moment, so wait over there", father added. "Hey, take your time. I'm not complaining. The new herbs you planted are really nice. I'd like to learn more about them", uncle replied. "Sure, I'll give you a few seeds". Father took mother inside, then conversed with uncle about plants and whatnot.

I joined my mother inside, where she handed me a finished scabbard for my dagger. "Oh yea, I almost forgot about that. The scabbard looks really great, better than my sword's... Master tailor, eh? Thank you anyway. I'll be sure to cherish it", I said. "You are still mad about the money thing, right?", she asked. "Well, I know the reason now… Though, father is right. What will you do with all that money? You guys are the rulers of this land, you can have everything potentially. Why would you need so much money then?", I reasoned.

"Yes, I know. I just… I didn't spend my money, since there was no need. Over the years, everything accumulated. Yes, I'm a master tailor and my work is expensive. We will use this money somehow, mommy promises", she replied. "Nah, it's yours. Do whatever you like with it. I already learned to earn my own money. I care more about you and dad than money", I added and gave her a hug. "Mmm, my daughter…". We stayed like this for a while, before taking care of our own business.

Uncle left that day on Frosty's back. Frosty was much quicker than any Taurus, therefore he could leave in the evening. The next morning, father took me outside for the training. "Alright, so how do I control my anger?", instead of an answer, father disappeared from my view. When he appeared, I was already flying backward. "Bam.. Pak.. Pak.. Cough… What the hell are you doing!?", I exclaimed angrily.

Before I could even pick myself off the ground, father kicked me upwards then slammed me back to the ground. "Bam", "Grrr…", a growl escaped my mouth. "Bam!", father kicked me once more. "Pak.. Pak, pak…", my body bounced on the ground a few times before stopping. More than pain, I felt hate towards him. "...I will… Kill you..", a sinister voice escaped my mouth while I picked myself up.

My view of the world changed to that of red and black. Though the only black thing in my view was my father. "Control it", he said suddenly. "Grrr… Die…", my voice sounded again, but I wasn't saying those things. "Swoosh!", I rushed at him with my sword unsheathed.

Before I could even get close, an Aura of unimaginable hate and vengeance enveloped me. "Ugh…", my body stopped. "I said, control it. If you let it control you, then we will get nowhere with this", father said once more. I could hear his voice, but I was too scared. The hand holding my sword slowly trembled, my body was trying to move it. I wanted it to stop, for everything to simply stop, but my body wouldn't listen. My hand moved slowly, until the sword pointed towards me. "..D..Die", my barely audible voice sounded again.

Father appeared next to me and grabbed the sword. "Seems that your anger is much different compared to mine. To think it would try to kill you, instead of attacking me. We have loads to work on", he said, then tapped my head lightly. I lost my consciousness, while all the hate I felt simply disappeared.