I followed my sister to the center of the circle with sweaty hands. On one hand, I was eager to learn and show what I could do. On the other hand, I knew Anastasia was much stronger than me and I feared making a fool of myself. I shook my head while breathing deeply.

«Come on Arceus, don't be a coward. It's just training with your older sister. Although... what if she completely humiliates me?»

I shook my head as I advanced, seeing out of the corner of my eye how Atlas and Adelaide retreated to the edge of the field. I knew they were watching us carefully, evaluating every movement.

«Great, more pressure.»

—Are you ready, Ars? —asked Anastasia, with her hands on her hips. She radiated a confidence that I simply envied.

I nodded while giving her a crooked smile, trying to show a seriousness that I didn't entirely feel. —I'm always ready, Ana —I replied, my voice sounding smaller than I would have liked.

«Damn it, why does my voice have to sound like that? I sound like a scared mouse.»

From the side of the field, I heard Atlas's deep voice: —You may begin.

In an instant, the air around Anastasia began to vibrate. Small whirlwinds formed around her, making the fallen leaves dance on the ground. Her control over the element was impressive.

—Get ready, Arceus —she warned, her smile widening in a way that made my lips tremble.

«Oh, I know that smile. This is going to hurt.» I took a deep breath, closing my eyes for a moment. I concentrated all my energy, seeking that core of power that I knew existed within me.

When I opened my eyes again, I felt a weak bluish aura emanating from my body. It was barely perceptible, but it was there.

Anastasia wasted no time. With a movement of her hand, she sent a gust of wind towards me. I barely had time to raise my arms in defense before the wind hit me, pushing me back several steps.

Keep your balance, don't let it knock you down. I gritted my teeth, fighting against the force of the wind. My mind was working at full speed, remembering my father's lessons. Stay calm, analyze the situation, and look for an opening.

Tensing my muscles, I managed to take a step forward, then another. The wind roared around me, but I refused to yield. I fixed my eyes on Anastasia, looking for any sign of weakness.

—Not bad, Arceus —she said, increasing the wind's intensity—. But what will you do now?

I didn't respond. Instead, I closed my eyes again, concentrating with all my might. I felt how the blue aura around me intensified slightly. I extended my hands forward, visualizing what I wanted to create.

«Come on, water. Respond to my call. I need your help». A small ball of water formed between my palms, trembling unstably when I threw it at Anastasia.

However, my sister easily dodged the attack, but her eyes opened a bit. —Wow! When did you learn to do that? —she asked with a brazen smile.

I was panting from exhaustion, but I couldn't help a small smile forming on my lips. —I've been practicing —I replied between broken breaths.

This time, instead of a constant gust of wind, she sent a series of compressed air projectiles towards me.

«Oh, no. This is going to hurt.»

I did my best to dodge, moving my small body with all the agility I could gather. But it wasn't enough. I couldn't avoid all the attacks. One hit me in the shoulder, making me stagger. Another grazed my leg, leaving a small red mark that burned.

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Ouch! Damn it, that hurts. I gritted my teeth, refusing to show pain. I concentrated all my energy on my next move. I felt how the blue aura around me intensified even more, and the air around my hands began to condense into small water droplets.

«Come on, one more time. I can do better this time.» With that thought, I launched a series of water projectiles at Anastasia. They were small and not very powerful, but I felt proud of having managed to create so many at once.

To my surprise and satisfaction, the quantity and speed caught Anastasia off guard. I saw her move quickly to avoid being hit.

—That's it, Arceus! —she exclaimed, her voice full of excitement—. Show me everything you've got!

Her words encouraged me as I redoubled my efforts, continuing my attack with water projectiles. With each launch, I tried to make them a bit bigger and faster. But the effort was starting to take its toll. My breathing became more laborious, and I felt drops of sweat forming on my forehead.

I was reaching my limit. I didn't know how much longer I could maintain this.

Anastasia, for her part, didn't seem affected. I saw her move with grace and ease, dodging my attacks as if she were dancing with the wind. From time to time, she counterattacked with her own air projectiles, forcing me to stay on the defensive.

Meanwhile, I was here, panting like a dog.

As the combat continued, I realized how large the difference in skill and experience was between us. While I struggled to maintain my pace, Anastasia seemed to be playing, her smile never leaving her face.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Anastasia decided to end the combat. With a fluid movement of her hands, she created a whirlwind around me, lifting me off the ground.

«Oh, no. Not again. I hate when she does this!»

I fought against the wind with all my strength, desperately trying to break free. But I was exhausted, and my control over water had vanished.

In one last effort, I managed to form a small water bubble around my head before the whirlwind completely enveloped me. At least I won't drown.

For a few seconds, everything was chaos of wind and confusion. Then, as suddenly as it had begun, the whirlwind dissipated. I fell to the ground, landing on my hands and knees, panting heavily.

Well, that was humiliating. But at least I managed to maintain that water bubble. It's something, isn't it?

—End of combat! —announced Atlas, his voice resonating across the field.

Anastasia ran towards me immediately. Through my blurry vision, I could see the concern on her face.

—Are you okay, Arceus? —she asked, kneeling beside me.

No, I'm not okay. Everything hurts and my pride is on the floor. But I can't say that, can I?

I nodded slowly, still trying to catch my breath. —I'm... fine —I managed to say between pants, although I wasn't sure if it was true. I felt exhausted, sore, and, above all, frustrated.

Adelaide and Atlas approached us. I felt my mother's hands on me, emanating a soft green light while she examined me for injuries.

Mom's touch always felt good. Warm and comforting. I wish she could heal my bruised ego too.

—You did very well, Arceus —said Atlas while raising his eyebrows—. You've shown great progress.

«Progress? Really? I don't feel like I've progressed at all.»

I looked up at my father while shaking my head. The frustration and disappointment with myself were overwhelming.

—But... but it wasn't enough —I said, my voice sounding small and weak even to my own ears as I lowered my head—. I couldn't win.

«Great, now I sounded like a whiny child.»

I felt Anastasia's hand on my shoulder. —Hey, don't get discouraged —she said with a warm smile—. You did amazing. Those water projectiles were impressive. I didn't even know you could do that!

Adelaide finished her examination, gently stroking my hair. —Your sister is right, darling —she said while gently lifting my chin with her hand. She looked at me intently before her eyes curved into half-moons—. You've progressed a lot in a short time. You should be proud of yourself.

I nodded slowly, but the frustration was still there, burning in my chest. —But I want to be stronger —I said with slumped shoulders—. I want to be able to protect all of you.

Atlas knelt in front of me, his red eyes looking directly into mine. —And you will be —he said firmly—, but these things take time. You can't expect to master in a few months what takes others years to learn. Patience and perseverance are as important as strength and skill.

"Time. It's always a matter of time. But what if I don't have time? What if something bad happens and I'm not ready to protect them?"

I looked at my father while pressing my lips. Gradually, I felt the frustration beginning to give way to determination. They were right, I couldn't give up just because it was difficult.

—I understand —I sighed, resigned.

Anastasia smiled widely, hugging me tightly. —That's the spirit! —she exclaimed—. And I'll be here to help you every step of the way. After all, what kind of big sister would I be if I didn't help you reach your potential?

Her smile was contagious, and I couldn't help but smile too. I looked at my parents, who were watching us with expressions of affection and love. In that moment, despite the exhaustion and pain, I felt fortunate and loved.