The sun hung high in the clear, azure sky, casting its warm rays upon the Mixers Clan. In the heart of thisPrepare to immerse yourself in a captivating tale of tribal rivalries, ancient prophecies, and the untamed forces that shape the world of Taknoa.peaceful settlement stood the biggest house in the vicinity, its weathered facade a testament to the years it had weathered.
It was here that Dalton, the Mixers Clan leader, resided with his two sons, Tomas and Lucien, and his wife.
For four long years, Dalton had devoted himself to training his sons in the ways of combat, instilling in them the skills necessary to survive in a world where danger lurked around every corner.
The day had finally arrived when their close combat training would draw to a close, marking the end of an era for the four 10-year-old kids.
In the secluded confines of Dalton’s personal training grounds, situated behind the house, the air was thick with anticipation.
Tall trees, their branches reaching for the heavens, provided a natural canopy, filtering the sunlight that dappled the training area with patches of light and shadow. Soft blades of grass, kissed by the morning dew, caressed the boys' bare feet as they prepared for their final training session.
Tomas, a sprightly ten-year-old, with a mischievous glint in his eyes, exuded a contagious energy that seemed to ripple through the air. Like Dalton, he had light brown hair and sparkling green eyes. He was the embodiment of a carefree spirit, always leading his companions into adventure and mischief. Today, however, he knew the gravity of the moment and steeled himself for the challenges that lay ahead.
His twin brother Lucien, on the other hand, possessed a quiet determination that belied his age. As Tomas' twin, he had a very similar build, differing only on the very opposite aura they both had. His keen intellect and disciplined work ethic had transformed him into a formidable fighter, surpassing the expectations of his father. Every movement of his fists carried the weight of countless hours spent honing his skills, and his resolve to prove himself knew no bounds.
Jess, a young girl whose presence in the midst of her male peers was a constant source of amusement, was the epitome of contradiction. She had long, flowing black hair and hazel eyes that matched very well with her facial features. Though she possessed a natural laziness that earned her the title of the group's slacker, her natural talent couldn’t be underestimated. Despite being the weakest fighter, none of the kids took a win against her as granted.
As the boys readied themselves, Marlon, their steadfast friend, arrived on the scene. He had been their last companion throughout their arduous training, a pillar of support in times of uncertainty. His unwavering loyalty was matched only by his quiet determination, and his presence brought a sense of calm to the group.
"Dad," called out Tomas, a hint of excitement in his voice. "Is it true that after today, we'll begin training with the others? The rest of the kids from the clan?"
Dalton, clad in his favorite beast fur clothes, turned his weathered face towards his sons, full of nostalgia in his eyes. "Yes, my son," he replied, his voice tinged with amusement. "Today marks the end of your personal training. Tonight, you will join the others in the Clan’s dormitory, where your true journey begins."
Lucien tightened his fists, determination etched on his face. "We won't let you down, Father. We will make you proud."
Jess let out a playful groan. "Oh, come on. Can't we have one day of slacking off before we dive into all that serious training?"
Tomas flashed a mischievous grin, interjecting, "Don't worry, Jess. I'll make sure to keep things fun, even if we have to train with those other kids."
The sun climbed higher in the sky, casting a golden hue over the training grounds as the day's session began. The air crackled with energy as the boys embarked on their routine training, guided by the lessons ingrained in them by Dalton.
It began with a brisk run through the forest, the boys' feet pounding against the earth in synchrony, their breaths intertwining like a chorus of determination.
They transitioned into practicing their hand-to-hand combat skills, their fists flying through the air in calculated strikes. Tomas and Lucien effortlessly weaved in and out of punches and blocks, their movements mirroring their distinct personalities. Jess trailed behind, her strikes less precise and determined, her face beaming with boredom from the exhaustive exercise.
The training continued with grueling exercises, testing their endurance and resilience. Push-ups, sit-ups, and squats pushed their bodies to the limits, building strength and discipline. Sweat mingled with determination as they pushed themselves, their camaraderie serving as an unspoken motivation to excel.
As the day wore on, the final part of their training arrived—the sparring matches. It was a chance for them to put their skills to the test, to pit their wits and physical prowess against one another. The ring was set, a circle drawn in the dirt, serving as the arena for their friendly rivalry.
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Tomas and Lucien stood opposite each other, their eyes locked in fierce determination. The crowd of onlookers, consisting of Dalton and Jess cheering on, sensed the intensity in the air. The moment held a weight that surpassed mere sibling rivalry. It was a battle between two young warriors, each eager to prove their worth.
The first clash of their fists reverberated through the training grounds, setting the rhythm for their dance of combat. They moved with the fluidity of seasoned fighters, each strike met with a swift parry. The exchange was fast-paced, a symphony of dodges and counterattacks echoing in the stillness.
Tomas relied on his agility, darting around Lucien like a playful gust of wind. His strikes were swift and precise, aiming to find an opening in his opponent's defense. But Lucien stood his ground, his movements grounded and sturdy. He anticipated Tomas's every move, countering with a skill that belied his age.
The sparring match escalated, their skill and familiarity with each other's tactics on full display. Lucien skillfully maneuvered around Tomas's strikes, finding openings in his defense. With a sudden feint, Lucien landed a powerful blow to Tomas's midsection, causing him to stagger back. The onlookers gasped in surprise as Lucien emerged as the victor, his triumph etched upon his face.
Dalton stepped forward, a proud smile gracing his lips. "Well done, Lucien. Your resilience and strategy were exceptional."
Tomas, his pride slightly wounded, wiped the sweat from his brow and grinned playfully. "Don't get too cocky, Lucien. That was just luck. Next time, I'll have you on the ropes."
Lucien laughed, the tension from their match dissipating. "Oh, is that so, little brother? I look forward to it."
“Little brother?! We are twins! I will kill you!” Tomas answered infuriated.
The banter between the brothers continued, their voices carrying the shared bond of sibling rivalry and love. As they headed home, their bodies aching but spirits high, they knew that the journey ahead would demand more from them. The last day of close combat training had come to an end, leaving them hungry for the challenges.
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The night was just beginning to unfold and the sky was a stunning display of clarity, with the sun casting its brilliant glow upon the atmosphere and not a single cloud to be seen.
The kids, who were training earlier, were having the time of their lives in their free time, hanging around the open field near the Clan, when they stumbled upon the Clan leader's magnificent mount.
Despite its awe-inspiring appearance, the majestic creature was clearly unsettled by the presence of the kids, who were energetically poking and prodding at its feathers.
Even being used to these children's annoying behavior the creature didn’t get any less stressed at the kids poking his feathers and trying to climb on his back. Despite its best effort, the beast's attempt to throw the kids away without hurting them proved useless and it could only accept its demise.
"Come on, start moving! Let’s fly! Why won't you fly with us on your back?" Tomas shouted, determined to cosplay his father.
Despite the bird's persistent attempts to stop them, the kids were not deterred in their efforts.
The majestic creature had the power to consume each and every one of the children in a single bite, but it had been taught by its dear friend Dalton, through tough love, that humans were not to be considered as food. After a grueling week of lessons, the bird had finally understood the importance of not hurting the fragile and deliciously tempting humans.
For the past hour, the kids had been relentlessly bothering the beast, causing it immense distress. But finally, the Clan leader arrived on the scene, putting an end to the poor animal's suffering.
"Let's go, you little monkeys, and let's get started on the dream ceremony. Today, you will shed your weak exterior and be reborn as powerful dreamers, just like me!" Clan leader declared, in a voice filled with authority and excitement.
“I bet my dream power will be much stronger than yours Tom!” Lucien provoked.
But Tomas wasn’t one to be messed with and always had an answer ready “Just don’t cry like a baby when you receive a dream useful to wash the dishes!”
“You better not cry too when you get a nightmare instead of a dream” Lucien answered.
Scenes like these had been repeating over the last years and it was just normal brothers annoying each other.
“Shut up both of you and let's get going, otherwise we will be late and your mom will get mad at us. You know what it means right?” Dalton threatened and instantly got the answer he hoped for.
The children eagerly ran towards the large dormitory, as if they were being pulled by an invisible force. They were eager to receive their first dream or nightmare, having watched in awe as the adults and older children harnessed their powers, from hunting down various beasts to even predicting the future.
When everyone was gendered, the great doors of the Clan's dormitory swung open, revealing a cavernous room adorned with tapestries that depicted ancient legends and dreams yet to be dreamed. The air crackled with anticipation as all the 10-year-old children in the clan, including Tomas, Lucien, Jess and Marlon, entered the hall with wide eyes and racing hearts.
Dalton, Tomas and Lucien’s father and the leader of the Clan, stood at the forefront, his large frame and presence commanding respect and authority. Jason, Dalton's trusted right-hand man, was at his side. Despite being a bit out of shape, he was still undoubtedly a pillar of unwavering support for Dalton and the Clan. Artemis, Dalton's wife and the children's mother, stood a few steps behind, her blue eyes shimmering with a mixture of pride and apprehension.
The parents had gathered to witness this important milestone in their children's lives, a day when they would be bestowed with the power of dreams and nightmares. It was a moment of both excitement and trepidation, for the dreams that awaited their children were as unpredictable as they were potent.
"May the gods grant you strength, wisdom, and clarity as you embark on this journey, and remember, no matter what you see, it will be the representation of god, so be polite" Dalton spoke, his voice resonating through the hall.
Tomas glanced at his father, his eyes filled with determination. He had always been eager to prove himself, to walk in his father's footsteps and become a formidable dreamer. Lucien, standing beside him, wore a resolute face, a glint of anticipation in his eyes. He was ready to embrace the possibilities that the dreams held and reach the top.
Jess, the lone girl among them, exuded a quiet confidence. Her gaze met her father's, and in that exchange, they shared an unspoken bond of trust. Marlon, who was the calmest of the group, was already walking inside, like he didn't care about the outcome.
Artemis leaned in closer to Dalton, her golden hair cascading on his shoulders and her voice filled with a mixture of hope and worry. "Do you think our boys will receive nice dreams? I hope they don’t get disappointed otherwise..."
Dalton placed a reassuring hand on Artemis's shoulder, his voice steady. "Our sons are strong, and no dream can change that. Whatever power they receive, they will be great at it. But I hope at least one of them gets our dreams hehe"
As the children started walking, their hearts pounding with anticipation, Dalton approached them, his gaze shifting from one child to another. "Remember, kids, dreams are a gift, but they come with responsibility. Use them wisely, for they can shape the world around you."
The parents watched with bated breath as the ceremony began. The children were led to separate chambers, each filled with an air of mystery and possibility. After all of them were inside, Dalton closed the, chanting a silent prayer hoping that no accidents happen.
Minutes turned into hours as the children remained in their chambers, the weight of expectation hanging heavy in the air. Outside, the parents kept awake as tradition dictated, shared some food and booze while the moon traveled the sky. And then, when the sun showed up, one by one they emerged, their faces radiant with joy or shadowed by uncertainty.