Place : Akira fort, Training Campus, DIafh Aush ( Dlafh City)
Realm : Ignis
Ethan’s Status : 11 Zyk in Fairy age (21 yr in human age), 6’5’’ft, growing up.
Time : Morning, 1041th Rev of Timestar.
Population : 90.256946% (Astrylra Realm wiped completely)
The training ground for the rookie Guardians was vast and intimidating, with its towering stone walls and big advance cannon guns. Seven rookie Guardians, including Emberis and Ryznith, stood tall and prepared, their eyes locked on Asheer Helina, their captain. The tension was palpable, a mixture of excitement and nervous energy filling the air.
Helina, an imposing figure with her battle-hardened demeanor, stepped forward, her voice low and commanding. "I am Asheer Helina, your captain for this training cycle." Her words carried weight, sinking deep into the hearts of the rookies before her. "There are seven of you now. But when this training is done, only two will be selected as Guardians."
Her sharp gaze swept over the rookies. "This will be no ordinary training. It will be intense. You will be tested in ways you can't imagine. Your training will last for one Eru. You will be provided with suits, weapons, and tools. In the end, the council will decide your fate. They may choose two, one, or none at all."
The rookies shifted slightly, absorbing the gravity of her words. Helina's voice deepened as she continued, "Those who are not selected will return to their realms as Guardians of their own. But the chosen ones… they will fight alongside the Savior."
Emberis, standing beside Ryznith, whispered confidently under her breath, "It’ll be me."
Ryznith, ever playful, couldn’t resist teasing. "Which one? Guardian of your own realm?" she smirked, nudging Emberis.
Emberis smirked back. "The selected one," she declared with quiet certainty.
Ryznith chuckled softly. "Ethan better be scared now," she teased again, her eyes twinkling with mischief.
Both of them chuckled, careful to keep their laughter low. But it wasn’t low enough.
Asheer’s sharp voice cut through the air like a blade. "What are you two laughing at?" Her voice was loud and commanding, making the others stiffen. "Am I telling a joke here?"
Emberis immediately straightened, her voice loud and respectful. "No, Asheer!"
Helina narrowed her eyes. "Two phls under water. Now."
The command was clear. Punishment had been dealt.
Both Emberis and Ryznith exchanged glances, their playful banter turning into shared dread. They trudged toward the large tank filled with freezing cold water. For any fairy from Ignis, being submerged in water—especially cold water—was a cruel punishment. Emberis suppressed a shiver as she approached the tank, but Ryznith’s usual humor couldn’t help but break through.
"Oh, come on. We’re doomed now," Ryznith muttered, dipping her foot in and wincing.
Emberis rolled her eyes. "It was you who started."
Ryznith’s grin widened, her voice mimicking Emberis with exaggerated drama. "‘It’ll be me!’—You were so sure!"
Emberis gave her a half-smirk, raising an eyebrow. "**Yeah, but you didn’t have to reply back, smart mouth."**
Despite the discomfort of the punishment, their playful banter continued even as they spent two grueling hours submerged in the cold water, their bodies aching but their spirits bonding stronger.
Days passed, and the training intensified. Both Emberis and Ryznith proved themselves worthy contenders, excelling in the rigorous challenges thrown at them. Whether it was endurance, combat, or strategic thinking, they both consistently scored high marks, becoming a strong pair in every task. Their friendship grew as much as their strength, each challenge only solidifying their bond as comrades.
By the end of each day, exhausted but undefeated, Emberis and Ryznith knew one thing for certain: they were in this together, and nothing could break their spirit.
The day arrived for yet another brutal challenge. Only four rookie Guardians—Emberis, Ryznith, and two others—remained, their determination hardening with each passing trial. The training grounds were quiet as Asheer Helina stood before them, her voice echoing through the tense atmosphere.
"You Yalzets have faced much, but today…" Asheer’s gaze swept over the four, her tone slow and firm. "Today, you are going to be tested beyond your level. You are going to break limits you didn’t even know existed." She paused, letting the weight of her words sink in. "Your task: control two Virgons at once. You either control them or kill them. In the end, only one thing matters—you survive. They do not."
A hushed silence fell over the group. Ryznith and Emberis exchanged a glance but said nothing, their expressions unreadable. The other two rookies stiffened, their unease growing.
Asheer continued, her tone unyielding. "You will have one phls to complete this. For those unfamiliar, that’s more than enough time—if you're not the first to go down. But remember, in the end, one of you will be kicked out. Good luck."
With that, the four rookies were led to separate arenas. The anticipation hung thick in the air. Each arena, though similar in size, felt like a world of its own, isolated and suffocating. They were given the option to choose weapons and tools.
Ryznith picked a spear, her grip tight and resolute. She had always favored the direct approach—no frills, just the sharp edge of her weapon and her skill. The other two chose weapons according to their fighting styles, preparing for the worst.
Emberis, however, chose nothing.
The judges, watching from a higher vantage, whispered among themselves, eyes widening at Emberis’ decision. "Is she unarmed?" one of them murmured. "Against two Virgons?"
The gates opened with a crackling sound, and the massive Virgons stormed into each arena, their bodies burning with fiery intensity. The heat emanating from them was suffocating, their sheer size and presence daunting. Yet, neither Ryznith nor Emberis wavered.
In Ryznith’s arena, she stood bold and fearless, her spear gleaming in her hand. The two Virgons lunged at her, their mouths ablaze, ready to incinerate her in a breath. But Ryznith was fast—quicker than the eye could follow. She dodged with fluid grace, her spear cutting through the air and slicing into their thick hides. Each dodge, each swift strike, left deep gashes on their fiery bodies.
When they spewed fire at her, Ryznith countered with her own flames, her body glowing a fierce red-black as her powers surged. The fire they unleashed was blocked and twisted back at them, leaving them momentarily disoriented. Ryznith took full advantage of every moment, using her swift movements to wound them further.
Meanwhile, in Emberis’ arena, a different battle unfolded. She stood calm, composed, her eyes never leaving the Virgons. Her approach wasn’t one of force, but of understanding. As the Virgons charged, their massive forms barreling toward her with intent to destroy, Emberis remained still.
At the last second, she dodged effortlessly, stepping aside with a grace that seemed almost casual. As the Virgons turned to attack again, Emberis raised her glowing red-orange hand and spoke softly, her voice calm. "Calm down. I know you're hurt. I’m not here to fight you."
But the Virgons, creatures of pure flame and fury, were far from ready to calm down. They charged at her once more, their fire roaring in protest. Again, Emberis dodged, her movements smooth and fluid. She held her hand out once more, eyes locked on the fiery beasts. "Hey, chill. Let’s talk this out. I’m not here to hurt you."
Her words seemed to cut through the chaos, but barely. One of the Virgons hesitated, its fiery eyes flickering as it regarded her curiously, but the other was still wild with rage. Emberis, unshaken, took a step forward, her hand still outstretched.
"You don’t need to fight me. I know your pain."
The judges watched in awe, many shaking their heads. "Is she… talking to them?"
Back in Ryznith’s arena, the battle was nearing its climax. She had wounded both Virgons severely, their once-intense flames now dimmed by the rapid gashes Ryznith had inflicted. But they weren’t defeated yet. With one final, desperate burst of energy, they lunged at her, attempting to engulf her in fire. Ryznith spun, her spear flashing in the dim light, and delivered two final, decisive blows. The Virgons fell, their bodies crumpling into the ground, their fire extinguished.
Ryznith stood victorious, her chest heaving from exertion, but her face determined.
In Emberis’ arena, the tension was different. The second Virgon, still filled with rage, lashed out one final time. Emberis, rather than striking, simply stepped aside, her hand glowing brighter.
"It’s okay," she whispered softly. "I’m not your enemy."
The second Virgon paused, its movements faltering. Emberis stood her ground, her calm, gentle presence unwavering. Slowly, the flames around the Virgons dimmed. Emberis had done the impossible—she had tamed them.
As the challenge ended, the judges were speechless. Two Yalzets had taken on two Virgons each. One through force, the other through understanding. And both had succeeded.
Back at the camp, the four Yalzets reunited, the weight of their challenge still fresh in their minds. Ryznith, with her usual playful smirk, nudged Emberis and teased, "You're still alive? I thought I’d be dragging your charred remains back here."
Emberis, grinning, shot back with a laugh, "Please, Ryznith, you’d probably trip on your own spear if you tried."
They both burst into laughter, the tension from earlier melting away, even if just for a moment.
Just then, the other two Yalzets entered the camp. One of them, Yuthia, appeared fine, albeit tired. But Bynia, the severely wounded one, was barely standing. Emberis’ playful demeanor shifted in an instant. She rushed to Bynia's side, kneeling and offering support. "Hey, hey... I got you. Easy now," she said softly, concern lacing her words.
Ryznith stayed put, her arms crossed. Healing and nurturing weren't her style, but since Emberis was her friend, she'd step up—occasionally. When Emberis shot her a firm look and called out, "Ryznith. Help her," Ryznith rolled her eyes dramatically. With a reluctant sigh, she walked over and halfheartedly supported Bynia, though it was clear she didn’t have the same care Emberis did.
Emberis focused on the injured Yalzet, gently cleaning Bynia’s wounds with what little supplies they had. She tied a cloth around the deep cuts and offered a reassuring smile. "There, that should hold for now."
Bynia, weak but grateful, whispered, "Thanks, Emberis."
Before Emberis could respond, Asheer Helina entered the camp. The moment her presence was felt, all four Yalzets snapped to attention. Emberis and Ryznith stood tall, unharmed from their challenge. Yuthia, though slightly wounded, managed to straighten up, while Bynia, despite her condition, couldn’t stand on her own. Without waiting for permission, Emberis helped her up, keeping her steady. Asheer observed the gesture but made no comment, her face unreadable.
Asheer’s voice cut through the silence as she announced the results. "Ryznith, you got the most points today. You killed both Virgons with skill. Next, Yuthia—though wounded, you managed to kill one and disable the second. And lastly, Emberis You did nothing but still you controlled both…"
Ryznith raised an eyebrow, her tone half-joking, half-curious, "Emberis? She did nothing, but still controlled them? How is that even possible?"
Asheer’s expression remained stern. "This is something even the judges want to understand. But we’re not here to discuss that now." She paused for a moment, her eyes flicking to Bynia, whose head hung low in defeat. "And finally, Bynia… you’re out of the list. You fought bravely, but your time here is over. Medics will take care of you, and when you’ve healed, you’ll be sent to Sylvir to serve as their Guardian."
Bynia’s face fell, her eyes clouded with disappointment. Emberis’ heart broke for her friend, and she reached out to offer some comfort. But before she could speak, Bynia pulled away, tears brimming in her eyes. She left Emberis’ support and walked off, her tears flowing silently as she left the camp.
Asheer’s voice softened slightly. "I know it’s hard to see a friend go. But this is a truth none of us can escape. Fairies come and go. The rest of you—take some rest. You performed well today." She glanced directly at Emberis. "Emberis, the council has ordered to see you in person. Get yourself ready and report to them as soon as possible."
Emberis clenched her fist to her chest, standing tall. "Yes, Asheer!" she replied, her voice loud and unwavering.
Asheer nodded before turning to leave, her gaze briefly lingering on Emberis, Ryznith, and Yuthia. Once Asheer was gone, Emberis moved to Yuthia’s side, gently taking her arm and helping her walk toward the medics.
As they walked together, their voices grew lighter. Despite everything, the three of them laughed, their bond growing stronger after each trial. Their voices faded as they disappeared into the distance, the lingering echoes of their laughter carrying through the camp.
----------------------------------------
Emberis sat outside the council chamber, her eyes focused on the letter in her hands. It was from her younger sister, Jiya. The messy, barely readable handwriting made her smile, but for her, it was more than just scribbles. Each letter was filled with emotion, a connection to home, something she cherished deeply.
As she read, lost in the thoughts of her family, she didn’t notice the figure that quietly sat beside her.
“I miss my home sometimes, too...” a voice said softly.
Emberis jumped, startled by the unexpected sound. The voice was different—unlike the usual melodic tone of the fairies. She turned to the source, and when her eyes met the person beside her, she froze, her mind struggling to process what she was seeing.
“S-Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you,” the figure said, a bit sheepishly. But Emberis could barely hear the words. She was paralyzed in disbelief, her breath catching in her throat.
“Hey, you okay? I said...” The figure gently touched her arm, snapping her out of her shock. “Are you okay?”
Emberis blinked and finally came back to the present, but seeing the person before her only deepened her shock.
“Okay, I get it. You’re seeing me for the first time.” The person gave her a playful grin. “Maybe I should act just as shocked as you since I’m seeing you for the first time, too.” The figure exaggerated a surprised look, imitating Emberis' reaction, which caused her to let out a small laugh.
“Phew! Finally, a smile. You okay now?” the figure asked with a soft chuckle.
Emberis, still trying to process, managed to stammer, “Y-Yeah... what...?” Her voice trailed off, unable to form a complete thought.
“Yep, you’re okay,” the figure said, nodding as if to reassure itself.
Emberis stared, her disbelief evident. Her mind raced as she pieced together what she was seeing. *"I... I can't believe this..."
The figure smiled and shrugged casually. “Oh, everyone says that. But, you know, I should be the one saying that. I’m the outsider here.”
Her voice trembled as she whispered, “Y-You... you're Ethan.”
The boy smiled, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “Oh my...., shhh, or you’ll blow my cover,” he joked, pressing a finger to his lips.
Emberis was still in shock, her voice barely above a whisper. “I... I can’t believe this. Are you... are you real?”
“Of course, I’m real! See for yourself.” Ethan extended his hand toward her with a smile.
Emberis hesitated, her hand hovering above his for a moment, but deep down, she wanted to feel it. Slowly, she reached out and gently touched his hand, her fingers barely brushing against his skin.
“See?” Ethan said with a grin. “I’m as real as it gets. And you must be Emberis, right?”
Emberis nodded, still too stunned to speak coherently. “Yes... The council... called me... but...” She trailed off, her eyes never leaving his hand. “I still can’t believe this. Can I... touch you again?” She quickly shook her head, embarrassed. “No... No, sorry, I didn’t mean—”
Ethan laughed warmly. “Don’t worry. I don’t mind at all. Here,” he said, offering his hand again.
Emberis hesitated for only a second before taking his hand in hers, holding it gently, as if afraid he might vanish if she wasn’t careful. She could feel the warmth of his skin, the solidness of his presence. “I still don’t believe it,” she whispered, looking down at their joined hands. “How is this possible? You’re... you’re Ethan...”
Ethan chuckled softly. “It’s okay to be surprised. I felt the same way when I first got here. Don’t ask me how I got here, but I have a pretty good idea why.”
Emberis, still holding his hand, looked at him with wide eyes. “You were sent by the Phinixes.”
Ethan shook his head with a smile. “Nope, that’s just a rumor. I came from Earth. It’s a planet in the Gardim realm—well, that’s what your texts say, anyway. I don’t know how I ended up here, but when I saw what you’re all facing... that monster... I think I know why I’m here. To help you all.”
Emberis’ eyes softened, her awe still present as she whispered, “You’re our savior.”
Ethan quickly shook his head, laughing. “Oh no, please don’t start with that again. I’m just a human trying to help out. Nothing more.”
Emberis: But they say that you saved us from Tigath and Vith.
Ethan: shrugging lightly, as if it were no big deal Oh, I was... just helping you guys. I can't see you beautiful beings suffering. He leans a bit closer upward towards Emberis, whispering conspiratorially into her ear. And you know, now I’m kind of in love with you people. He grins sheepishly, causing her to laugh warmly.
Emberis: People?
Ethan: Ethan quickly corrected himself, his smile never fading. Oh, my bad. On Earth, we humans call ourselves people, folks, chumps, and all those crazy words. Just like you all here are fairies. You call yourselves fairies, right?
Emberis nodded, her eyes still fixed on his face, and without realizing it, her hand remained firmly, but gently, holding Ethan’s smaller one. The warm touch between them felt natural, and though Ethan noticed, he didn’t pull away. He only smiled warmly, making her feel even more at ease. As she listened to him talk, she found it almost impossible to reconcile this kind, sweet human with the one who had supposedly vanquished the terrifying Tigath and Vith.
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Ethan : continued with enthusiasm. "And you know, when I first got here? Oh man, I was like..." He mimicked a wide-eyed, exaggerated look of shock. "I couldn’t believe it for like, three days straight! And don’t even get me started on your terrain here. You guys really have everything! Flying mountains? Amazing! And the lavafall in Ignis? That was... mind-blowing." He widened his eyes even further, playfully re-enacting his awe-struck reaction.
Emberis, still holding his hands, smiled softly, utterly charmed by his energy and humor. She found herself completely lost in the sound of his voice. She didn’t want this moment to end. There was something about Ethan’s presence that made her feel... light. Safe. Like she could listen to him forever.
Emberis: Lost in his enthusiasm, she can’t help but smile, still clutching his hand. I can’t believe it... She mummer to herself
Ethan: Nathro was really awesome! The water— He glances at her, noticing she’s smiling at him without blinking. Hey, Emberis.
Emberis: Snapping back to reality with a chuckle. Oh, sorry! I got lost
Ethan: You keep getting lost! I should get you a GPS.
Emberis: GP... what?
Ethan: Waving it off playfully. *Nothing! Can I see that letter you were reading?
Emberis smiled again and handed the letter to him, but before Ethan could take it, he noticed something. He glanced down at his hands, still being held by Emberis’. He looked up at her. Realizing her mistake, Emberis quickly let go, blushing furiously. "Oh! Sorry, sorry! I didn’t even realize...
Ethan chuckled warmly. "It’s okay, Emberis. I don’t mind." He took the letter from her hand, offering her a reassuring smile.
He takes the letter from her hand, his fingers brushing hers for a brief moment.
Emberis: Softly, almost to herself. "You are so good. Not like what they say..."
Her words barely reach him, but Ethan’s smile widens.
Ethan: Trying to decipher the almost illegible words on the letter, he scrunches his face in concentration, making a funny grimace that only causes Emberis to laugh harder.
Ethan: In a mock-serious tone. Wow, this writing’s... artistic. I think she invented her own alphabet here!
Emberis: Laughing heartily. No, no! It’s my younger Nyna, Jiya. She writes these to me. They may seem unreadable, but I love seeing them. I can feel her emotions even in these scribbled letters.
Ethan: Looks up at her, a soft smile on his face. And that’s why you controlled the Virgon just by your words.
Emberis: Confused, tilting her head. What? I don’t understand.
Ethan: Gazing at her sincerely. *You have that love in you. You have the power of both fire and love. The way you care for those around you makes you stronger. It’s your ultimate weapon.
Emberis: Swallowing hard, overwhelmed. I... I just... I don’t know what to say.
Ethan: Shaking his head gently. I know. Don’t say anything. It’s all right here in your eyes. He gestures to her eyes, sparkling with emotion.
Their eyes lock, and in that moment, the world around them fades away. Emberis feels a rush of warmth flood her heart, her earlier doubts and fears melting in the warmth of Ethan's presence.
Emberis: *You really mean that, don’t you?
Ethan: Nods, his expression earnest. Absolutely. You’re stronger than you realize.
Suddenly the door of the council chamber opened, a fairy with an air of command stepped out. From the doorway, Erudite Amiraha came out, her presence grandiose as ever. She was the daughter of Lamia, the Supreme Erudite of Aracaneum, but that wasn’t common knowledge—and Amiraha never missed a chance to enjoy the attention she received. Emberis immediately shot up from her seat, standing tall with her fist clenched to her chest and her head bowed in a salute. Her voice was firm and full of respect.
Emberis: "Rookie Guardian Emberis."
Her tone was bold, but next to her, Ethan remained casually seated, entirely unbothered by the formality.
Amiraha (in a commanding voice): "At ease, Yalzet."
Ethan’s eyes widened in disbelief, and a gasp escaped him.
Ethan (mockingly): "What? Really, Amiraha? So you're their commanding officer now, huh?"
He turned to Emberis, his expression one of playful exasperation.
Ethan: "Emberis, come on, don't do this. She's just an Erudite."
Amiraha rolled her eyes dramatically, clearly unimpressed that Ethan was exposing her little ploy.
Amiraha (groaning): "Ugh... Why do you always have to do this?"
Emberis looked between the two of them, her brow furrowing in confusion.
Emberis: "I don't understand...."
Ethan stood up, hopping down from his seat and coming to stand beside Emberis. Being human, his height only came up to her abdomen, but his confidence made him seem much taller.
Ethan: "Let me explain."
He turned to Emberis, lowering his voice as if sharing a grand secret.
Ethan: "Amiraha here is a bit of an attention-seeker. She loves ordering Yalzets like you around, just to get a rise out of everyone."
Amiraha (feigning offense): "Attention-seeker? Me? Never!"
Ethan smirked, arms crossed, leaning slightly towards her.
Ethan: "Oh really? And what did I just see back there, huh? Any comments?"
Amiraha, accepting defeat, let out an exaggerated sigh, her voice dropping.
Amiraha (in a grumbling tone): "Yeah, yeah. Whatever..."
She shot Ethan a playful glare before turning her attention back to Emberis, now intrigued by the young fairy.
Amiraha: "So, you’re Emberis. The one who supposedly controlled a Virgon just by talking to them."
Emberis (modest): "Well, yes, but I wasn’t ...... really talking to them..."
Ethan cut in, waving a hand as if the details didn’t matter.
Ethan: "Emberis, don’t waste your breath explaining to her. Let's head inside."
Before she could protest, Ethan grabbed Emberis’s hand with his and pulled her towards the council chamber door. He turned to Amiraha as they passed, sticking out his tongue with a cheeky grin. Amiraha, though clearly annoyed, couldn’t help but crack a smile at his antics—they shared a bond, after all, even if he loved to tease her.
As Ethan tugged Emberis along, something shifted in the air for her. She couldn’t focus on anything but his hand holding hers, and suddenly, the world around her seemed to fall away. A moment of pure, silent warmth washed over her, her thoughts replaced by the simple, unexpected joy of feeling his hand in hers. She felt her heart flutter, a moment of pure emotion rushing through her.
The trance was broken as they entered the council chamber. Ethan, ever the playful one, let go of her hand and quickly darted towards the chair in the room—Amiraha's, of course—flopping down into it with a satisfied grin.
Ethan (kicking his feet up): "This is comfy. I think I’ll keep it."
Amiraha, catching up to him, crossed her arms, narrowing her eyes at him with mock annoyance.
Amiraha: "That’s my seat, Ethan."
Ethan (grinning): "Not anymore! Amiraha"
Emberis, on the other hand, had found herself standing in the center of the room, suddenly aware of the many authoritative fairies who were now watching her. Flustered but determined, she quickly dropped to one knee, her fist clenching against her chest in a show of respect.
Emberis: "Rookie Guardian Emberis reporting!"
The chamber was silent for a beat before one of the elder fairies leaned forward with a raised brow.
As Emberis stood in the council chamber, she felt the weight of the moment pressing down on her. Elden Aisling, the only familiar face in the sea of commanding figures, offered no comfort. The rest of the council members sat in judgement, staring at her with piercing eyes.
One of the council fairies, an imposing figure with sharp eyes, leaned forward and spoke in a formal tone. "Rookie Guardian Emberis, we have summoned you here to commend your recent actions in calming the Virgons. Is it true that you controlled them by just talking?"
Emberis stood taller, straightening her posture. She took a deep breath, trying to find the boldness that had carried her through that ordeal.
Emberis: "It's true. But I wasn't exactly... talking to them."
Her answer brought a curious murmur from the council.
Council Fairy: "Care to explain then?"
Suddenly, Emberis found herself fumbling for the right words. She couldn’t quite put into words how she had managed to calm the Virgons without any force or weapons. "I... I don’t know..." she hesitated, her eyes darting towards Ethan. He was lounging in the council chair, a cheeky grin on his face, offering her a silent nod of encouragement. "I thought... I thought they needed...,"
"Needed what?" the council member asked, clearly not catching her.
she whispered the last word, her eyes still on Ethan, her voice barely carrying across the chamber. "love" But Emberis was lost again, staring at Ethan as if he were the only one in the room. His reassuring smile made her heart race, and she barely heard the council’s inquiry.
Suddenly, a stern voice cut through her thoughts. "Yalzet Emberis!" Aarthel, one of the more intimidating council members, boomed.
Emberis snapped to attention. "Sorry! Aarthel. Sorry!" she blurted, her face flushing.
"Focus here," Aarthel commanded with authority.
"Right, Aarthel," Emberis mumbled, her nerves rattled.
Ethan, casually leaning back, chimed in with his usual humor. "Relax, Kanthia. No need to bite her head off. I’ll get her a GPS next time so she doesn't get lost." His joke made Emberis stifle a laugh, but she quickly hid her amusement from the council.
Ethan continued, seeing the council wasn’t getting anywhere. "I’ll tell you how she controlled the Virgons. Emberis radiates something called Lvy Waves. They’re a kind of energy that only Virgons can detect and respond to. Along with her flames and heat, the Lvy waves are what calmed them. When she was first ignited , I am sure she was thinking of her family or someone she love most. That’s why these Lvy waves are synced with her powers." He spoke confidently, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
The council members exchanged glances, murmuring among themselves, clearly considering Ethan’s explanation. Even Emberis was taken aback by how much he seemed to understand, though the science of it went completely over her head.
"Are you certain, Ethan?" one council member asked.
Ethan gave a smug grin. "I’m pretty sure. You emit Lvy Waves, right Emberis?"
Emberis blinked, utterly baffled. "What?" she squeaked, completely lost.
Amiraha, who had been standing by with a bemused expression, chimed in. "This actually makes sense. Lvy Waves are only recognizable by Virgons."
The council erupted into quiet discussion, their hushed chatter barely reaching Emberis’ ears. But for Emberis, the council’s murmurs faded into the background. All she could focus on was Ethan—the boy she had only heard stories about, the boy she had idolized from afar—now standing right in front of her. Just moments ago, she had held his hand. The feeling of his small hand in hers still lingered.
After a pause, one of the council members spoke again. "Emberis, we believe you have potential. You could be a valuable asset to us with your powers…(she turn to Kanthia)….. Aarthel"
Aarthel, taking the lead. "We are sending you with Ethan on a mission to Sylvir. This is a rescue operation. Ethan will be your Asheer, your charge. Your mission is to protect him at all costs and complete the task. If you succeed, we will consider you to be Ethan’s official Guardian."
The council fairy who had been speaking earlier, an imposing figure, leaned forward with a grave expression.
Council Fairy: *"Emberis, are you prepared to serve the council in this mission?"
Emberis tried to focus, but her mind was still spinning. A mission? She barely caught the part about Sylvir. Rescue? Protect Ethan? The words sounded like a challenge and a dream wrapped together. Emberis (internally): Ethan's Guardian? Me? Oh stars, this can’t be real.
She was snapped back into the present by Aarthel’s voice, firm but now slightly softened.
Aarthel: "Yalzet Emberis, the mission could be dangerous. But with Ethan as your Asheer, we believe you can handle it."
Emberis’ heart raced. She would be by Ethan’s side, guarding him, maybe even holding his hand again. She blinked rapidly, her thoughts a jumbled mess of excitement and nerves.
Council Fairy: "Do you accept this task?"
Emberis blinked. Did she accept? Of course, she did! But her words got caught in her throat. Ethan, sensing her hesitation, chimed in again, leaning forward from the chair.
Ethan (teasing): "Well, Emberis? You’re not going to leave me unguarded, are you? I could get lost in Sylvir. You know, like, real lost. You wouldn’t want that, right?"
Emberis laughed despite herself, covering it quickly with a cough. The council members raised their eyebrows, watching the dynamic between the two, though they didn’t interfere.
Emberis (finally gathering herself): "I accept. I’ll protect Savior at all costs."
Aarthel: "Then it’s settled. Emberis, you will leave for Sylvir at dawn. Prepare yourself well. This mission is not to be taken lightly. You may dismiss now."
Emberis’ mind spun. Ethan’s Guardian? Is this really happening? She stared ahead, her heart pounding, unable to believe her ears. All she could think was, I can’t believe this. Is this real?
Emberis knelt on one knee, her clenched fist pressed against her chest in a final salute to the council, her heart swelled with pride. The gravity of the moment—the honor of being chosen for a mission alongside Ethan—surged through her. She could barely contain her excitement as she turned away from the council's authoritative presence, her steps light but purposeful as she left the chamber.
The instant she stepped out into the hallway, her mind spun with overwhelming thoughts. Her happiness was undeniable, bursting from within her like fireworks. She could hardly believe it—she was going to fight alongside Ethan. Her dream, the one she never even dared whisper out loud, was coming true. But her joy was intertwined with a new, strange feeling—a giddy warmth that left her smiling, cheeks flushed with a rosy glow that wouldn’t fade.
As she walked down the long corridor towards her camp, Emberis found herself replaying every moment of her interaction with Ethan. She could still feel the heat of his small hand in hers, the warmth lingering on her skin. Absentmindedly, she brought her hand to her nose, inhaling as if she could catch the faintest trace of him there. She could hardly focus on anything except the fact that she had held his hand. His hand. She brought her hand to her nose again, inhaling deeply as if it still held his warmth, his presence.
"Was that really Ethan?" she whispered to herself, her voice a mix of awe and disbelief. *"Am I dreaming?"
Just to make sure it wasn’t some wonderful illusion, she pinched herself—hard. She winced, but it only made her laugh softly. No, this wasn’t a dream. It was real. She had met Ethan, held his hand, and soon, they would be side by side on a mission. The world felt perfect at that moment—nothing else mattered. Protecting him, being close to him—that was all she wanted now. The thought of spending her life as his guardian filled her with a deep sense of purpose.
Her thoughts carried her all the way to the camp, where her friends, Ryznith and Yuthia, were lounging. As soon as they saw Emberis approaching, they exchanged curious glances. She was glowing, her cheeks flushed, and her eyes seemed to glow with a mix of excitement and... something else.
Yuthia was the first to rush over, her concern mixing with curiosity. "Emberis! What happened? What did the council say?" she asked eagerly, but Emberis was too lost in her thoughts, still replaying Ethan's every word and gesture in her mind.
Ryznith waved her hand in front of Emberis’ face, chuckling. *"Em! Hey... over here. Back to us. Is everything okay?"
Emberis finally blinked and came back to reality, her smile still unfading.
Yuthia narrowed her eyes, noticing the dreamy look on her friend’s face. "You..." she started, a knowing smirk creeping across her lips. "You look... happy," she teased.
Before Emberis could say anything, Ryznith gave a sly grin, crossing her arms. "Okay, I get it now. She met Ethan, didn’t she?"
At the mention of his name, Emberis’ face turned an even deeper shade of red, and she let out a small squeak before rushing to her bed, burying her face in the pillow to hide her embarrassment. She was smiling so hard, she thought her face might split in half.
Ryznith laughed, clearly enjoying the moment. "Oh, so she did meet Ethan," she said with a playful tone, nudging Yuthia.
Yuthia's eyes widened in delight as she rushed over to sit beside Emberis on the bed. "Really, Emberis? You met Ethan? Ethan?! Tell me everything!" Her excitement was barely contained, her voice practically squeaking with anticipation.
Ryznith leaned back against the wall, arms crossed, smirking. *"Come on, Yuth, give her a break. She's practically glowing. I don't think she'll stop blushing for the next four days at least."
Emberis, still hiding her face in the pillow, groaned in embarrassment and tossed the pillow at Ryznith. "Ryz! Stop!" she squealed.
Ryznith dodged the pillow with a laugh. *"What? Look at you! You can't even stop smiling. I bet you can’t wait to tell us what he’s like."
Yuthia, ever persistent, hugged Emberis tightly, bouncing on the bed. "Come on, Em! Please! Tell me! Tell me everything about him!" she begged, her voice filled with genuine excitement.
Emberis sighed, knowing there was no escaping her friends. She pulled herself up from the bed, still smiling like a fool, and took a deep breath. "Okay, okay... I’ll tell you." She paused, her mind flooding with images of Ethan—the way he spoke to her, the way he smiled, the warmth of his hand in hers. She was lost in those thoughts again, her eyes distant.
Both Yuthia and Ryznith leaned in closer, hanging on to her every word. "Go on," Yuthia whispered eagerly.
Emberis let out a soft laugh. "So... I was waiting outside the council chamber, reading Jiya's letter. And then... sit beside me, and I even didn't notice it. Then he said'I too miss my home sometime' and I was...I shocked at his voice.....," she said, her voice filled with awe.
Emberis her face flushing again. "It was... it was perfect. And he was so kind... so smart. He explained to the council how I calmed the Virgons, like it was nothing. He just knew things about me that I didn’t even know myself. And... when he looked at me, I... I felt like I could do anything."
Ryznith, watching Emberis closely, smiled warmly. "You’ve got it bad, huh?" she teased, but there was affection in her tone.
Emberis nodded, still lost in the memory. *"And... the council is sending me on a mission with him. To Sylvir. Tonight."
Both Yuthia and Ryznith froze, their eyes wide in shock.
"What?!" Yuthia shrieked, grabbing Emberis by the shoulders. *"You’re going on a mission with Ethan?!...With Ethan?....Like Ethan, our Savior."
Emberis couldn’t help but laugh, the joy spilling out of her. "Yes! I’m going on a mission with him. I’m supposed to protect him. They said if I do well, I could become his Guardian."
Ryznith let out a low whistle. *"Wow. That's... that’s huge, Em. You’re going to be fighting alongside Ethan. This is what you've always dreamed of."
Yuthia hugged her tightly again, practically bouncing in excitement. *"Oh, Em! This is amazing! You’re going to be with him, fighting with him, protecting him! You’re living the dream!"
Emberis smiled, feeling the weight of it all settling in. It was more than a dream come true. It was the beginning of something even greater. Something she had always wanted but never thought possible.
----------------------------------------
And then in the evening sun , the sky was red and voilet. The ground was bustling with Yalzets and other huge aircrafts and machines of fairy technology. Ethan was standing with a Prodge( A multi-functional tablet that projects hlographic projections), near a machine Emberis never seen before. She approached Ethan from behind and Ethan was lost in his Prodge, doing something to the machine.
Emberis (Smiling) : Savior Ethan!
Ethan tuned back to see Emberis, but as he turned Emberis is about the kneel on one knee and salute him. Ethan, always warm hearted and down to earth, never wanted any fairy to kneel before him.
Ethan instantly grabbed Emberis by her shoulder and stopped her in midway.
Ethan : Hey...No..no..no. Don't do this here.
Emberis confused and stood back up. She can feel his hand leaving her shoulder.
Emberis : What? Why? You are my Asheer.
Ethan ( taking in lightly) : *Nevermind. I don't want any of you beautiful fairy to kneel before me. I want you all to be just .... umm...proud and happy. And forget about Asheer. I am just your Ethan.
His kindness and kind words, melted Emberis heart more. She can't believe that how can he be so kind and warm, when the whole world says different and all bad stuff about him. But, she now seen him in person. She is more believeing what's in front of her. She believes him and for her this is all.
Emberis : You are so kind. (she said in low voice)
Ethan : What? (he can't hear her as there were other rustling sounds too)
Emberis : Nothing. I was asking what's this? (she said indicating the machine she never seen before, on which Ethan is working)
Ethan : Oh, this. This is Mini-Dyfost. I built this..(he said doing something in tablet)...
Emberis : I herard about Dyfost. But what's Mini Dyfost.
Ethan : *Oh Again. My bad. This is the smaller version of Dyfost. Mini means lighter one.
Emberis : *So I think we are using this to get to Sylvir.
Ethan : yup. You guessed right. now come here and hold it here...(he moves to the backside of the mini Dyfost ).... Right...
Emberis (holding the part, but still amazed) : *You made this yourself.
Ethan : Yes …. (doing something on mini Dyfost)...you fairies really have amazing technology. There's so much potential on your each realm. So much to discover and invent. But... it's your bad luck that Zovrath showed up and wiping your realms. I want to help you saving your realms, but....
Emberis : You are helping us. (she said instantly, assuring him) And wait, did you took that name?
Ethan : *Oh, Zovrath. What's the big deal in that?
Emberis : *You shouldn't take that name. It dangerous ...and they say it can control you and make you a Dihodos the moment you speak that name.
Ethan (stands up and look into her eyes ) : *Emberis, Believe me, you fairies and we humans are facing the same problem. Superstitious. It's all science and Logic. The name Zovrath is a unique name, and when pronounced normally, it's frequency directly impact your mind. And you think you are controlled and make your cellular growth wild. Then you turn into a Dihodos. But if you take that name, in different tone, like this, Zovrath, Zovrath, Zovrath...look nothing happened.
“Believe me. If you speak that name in a different tone, nothing will happen. Try it,” he urged gently.
“No. It’s dangerous. I don’t want to be one of its Dihodos! I'll stick to Neshis.”
“Emberis! Do you trust me?”
“Yes, I trust you. But—”
“Then say it in a different tone. I’m sure the fear of Zovrath will just fade away.”
“But Ethan... What if I can’t say it in a different tone?”
Ethan took her hand, his small fingers perfectly fitting around hers. “Emberis!” He looked up into her eyes, sincerity radiating from his gaze.
His grip reassured her, igniting a warmth in her chest. She smiled, savoring the moment they shared. “Believe me. Nothing will happen. I’m here,” he continued.
Bolstered by his words, Emberis took a deep breath, her heart racing as she summoned the courage to speak the name. “Okay,” she said, closing her eyes tightly. She tightened her grip on Ethan’s hand, her pulse racing in her ears. “Zovrath.”
To her astonishment, nothing happened. She opened her eyes, searching for Ethan’s reassuring gaze. He was still there, smiling up at her, their hands still intertwined.
“Look! As I said, nothing happened. You’re fine,” he beamed.
Emberis could hardly believe it. The name she had feared was now stripped of its power. “Wow... You are right,” she said, laughter bubbling up as she realized the weight of her fears had been unfounded.
“Now you believe me! And yes, you can try it more, in any tone you like—just not your normal one,” Ethan encouraged.
“No... I’m okay with it. I don’t want to,” she chuckled, a blush creeping to her cheeks.
“Okay! .........Now, back to work,” Ethan said, a grin playing on his lips.
“Yes,” Emberis replied, still smiling, blissfully unaware that she was still holding his hand.
Ethan glanced at their clasped hands and back at her, his playful spirit shining through. “You know, it’s not bad having you hold my hand,” he joked lightly.
Emberis pulled her hand away, a flustered laugh escaping her. “Oh... sorry! Please don’t take it the other way...”
“Don’t worry about it. It’s okay. Besides, I actually like it when you hold my hand,” Ethan said warmly, his words wrapping around her like a comforting embrace.
Her heart skipped a beat, disbelief flooding her mind. How could this be happening?
“Okay, Em. We’re ready now. Let’s get seated in our Mini-Dyfost,” Ethan said, breaking the spell of the moment.
They both climbed into the Mini Dyfost, Ethan triggering the switches with a series of deft movements, the machine humming to life.
“You comfortable?” he asked, looking over at her.
“Yes,” Emberis replied, her heart racing with excitement.
“Okay then. You may feel a bit dizzy, but you’ll be fine. Okay?”
She nodded, anticipation bubbling within her.
“Here we go!” Ethan announced, pulling the lever.
With a swift motion, the Mini Dyfost vanished in a blink, teleporting them to the Sylvir realm.