“STOP FIDGETING, MOM, and let me feed you soup!“
“I’m not a child, and give me the spoon. Shouldn’t you be at the shop helping your father?“
“Or go bug Nina; she loves attention.“ Leena sighed and stopped trying to force her mom to eat. She was worried since she had dropped the bowl a few times before and didn’t want it to happen again, but the glare her mother was giving said otherwise.
“Mom, Dad is fine, and Nina went to see Wolf. I think he wanted to look for herbs at the lake. He left in a hurry, so that leaves me helping you today, ok? I'm worried."
“ O, hush, child, you’re always worried. If not about me, then your brother or the shop. I love you dearly, but you need to live a little for yourself.”
“Not this again, Mom. I made my choice. “
“I want to help the family, ok?” “ Her mother brushed her face, smiling even as Leena pouted when a low voice spoke, breaking the moment.
“I’m sorry, Len…”
“I failed and let him get hurt…” Both Mom's and Len's blood ran cold. Soup, forgotten, they both looked and saw Nina.
She looked deafened and broken as if she lost a battle they didn’t even know she had to fight… Leena ran over and held her, unsure of what was happening. “ What do you mean?“ Then the realization hit of her words she just said… “Where Wolf….”
After many tears from all of them, the story was slowly told; they were relieved Wolf was going to be ok, but each had a different guilt plaguing them.
Mom, knowing her sickness got her son hurt, trying to help her, Lena, unable to be there for her brother, and Nina, for being too slow to protect the new family she loved. Mom was the first to recover and speak.
“Lena, let your father know.”
“ Nina, please help me clean up since I know Len will want to see Wolf at the church. Let’s give her a chance when Dad gets home. You can leave, but I would appreciate not being left alone like… this.” Lena protested at first, not wanting to leave her alone, but Nina agreed Wolf was… hurt.
But not dying; he will be home before tonight; he just needs time to heal or a very expensive potion.
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***
Wolf awoke disoriented. This isn’t my room; where am I? He knew he had a bad dream of death coming for him… of…death… smashing… his… leg? He pulled the blanket off and looked normal. He was still in his normal clothes, but he noticed blood, and when he tried to move his leg, it jolted in pain. He was starting to panic when a voice spoke.
“Easy, there you got hit pretty hard and still are recovering.” He looked in a panic and saw the shadows move, and out of the darkness was a man he had never seen before.
“Sorry, I tend to use darkness so much that I make myself into shadows to pass the time.” He went halfway into the hall. “ZIALA, HE IS AWAKE!” he turned and faced him. “You hungry? We can get you some food.” He shook his head, still stunned, when a new voice shouted back.
“STOP YELLING.“
“THIS IS A CHURCH”
“ AND HE WAS RESTING, SO ARE OTHERS.”
“Great, now you got me doing it… “ Turning into the room was a young wolf beastkin girl with a serious look that softened upon seeing him: “Hey, wolf?”
“Are you ok? Need anything?” He vigorously shook his head, not knowing what was happening or what to do.
“ Where am I?“ Trying to compose himself, he needed answers.
“ The church your sister brought you here?” the girl wolf said with concern.
“Len did?“ He asked, unsure; they both looked at each other, and the man shrugged.
“Dunno her, sorry.”
“The girl said her name was Nina and she was a foxkin.“
“Had a stone power too, from what I remember.“ He looked upward, lost in thought. The wolf girl offered him a glass of something; he refused, but she was insistent. So he drank and choked; she tried patting his back to help him, and the boy was laughing.
“Got to be careful.“ The man spoke while laughing.
“You don’t realize magic healing tends to dry you out.”
“ I had to start bringing a water pouch between all the heals I got.” Zylia glared at him but went back to focusing on Wolf.
“We could not heal the leg all the way. We lacked that healing power, and normal potions wouldn’t be strong enough; he wanted to laugh at that, even his one ability wasn’t good enough to help him…
Then what was the point of any of this, he thought… Drawn to all the noise, Bishop Light entered the room.
“Sorry, child, I did try, but I fear, despite my name, I lack the gift in the light. He looked more hurt than Wolf felt, which made him feel guilty.
“ You still helped me light, so thank you, um… thank all of you?“ He wasn’t sure who they were and how they helped, but they were here with him, so it did matter to show gratitude.
“It was fine,” the shadow man spoke.
“We are new here. It was a shock of a welcome, but I’m glad we could help.”
“I’m Arlin, and this is my stepsister, Ziala.” She smiled at Wolf, trying to reassure him, and he did feel better now that he got some water, and she did help.
Bishop checked on him with light touches and saw he would be ok to move and left him be, saying when they could, please open the space for others.
Arlin felt it was rude to say that but understood since he lived at a church at one time; there was only so much space, so he always felt alone. Nobody stayed but those who had nowhere else to go… As he lost himself in thought, he heard a voice in the distance.
“ He has black hair about this high.”
“ He was injured and brought here. Have you seen him? He, my brother, “ Arlin heard a reply with something “he wasn’t sure, but he soon saw her…
And was stunned. She was an angel. He had seen girls before, but none ever caught his eye.
She had long black hair, a thin frame a slightly tan face, and she reminded him of moonlight with how she seemed to glow to him.
He froze, unable to move, as she walked up to him…. And she walked past the door with indifference, never once looking at him. He was stunned, not sure what to say when he heard her speak.
“WOLF, you idiot, what have you done?”
“ Do you know how worried we all are?”
“And Mom is sick! What were you thinking?”
“ I know… “
“If I weren’t weak, I would have been able to help Mom; you don’t need to remind me...”
“ Wolf …” she deflated, “I’m sorry; that’s not what I wanted to say… You know we love you. I was scared and not sure how to handle it, ok? “
“I’m not a child, Len. I made a choice. “
“I made a mistake. It’s over; let’s just go.” He refused to look at her; he knew he messed up and there was nothing he could do…
She was hurt, and taking it out on him wasn’t the way, so she regrouped. She was going to help him, not mock him. She will find a way….
“Ok, brother, we will talk more at home.“
“Nina should be here soon and will go then, ok?” Arylin watched it play out. He felt awkward knowing this was their moment; he felt worse knowing he wanted to find a way to get closer to her.
When he saw Ziala glaring at him, “What?“ He said defensively, and Leena looked over at that, noticing them for the first time. Arlin's heart skipped a beat, and he saw her green eyes look at his for the first time. It was amazing.
“Forgive my rude brother and me; we were watching over him. We were close by when Nina brought him to the church.”
“I c-can help if you want,” he tried to take control and be included, but his sister shook her head and grabbed his arm, confusing him.
“My brother and I are leaving. Sorry, we could not be of more help. We are staying at the guildhall if you ever need us.“ Leena slowly nodded.
“Thank you for helping my brother.“ She had an enchanting voice, Arlin thought. Not able to control his heart, his sister pulled him away, leaving the other siblings alone. When she was far enough away in another room, she spoke, “What’s wrong with you? You never act like that…“
“What? I always talk to people…”
“No… you’re acting different”
“Moody, maybe, cocky, sure, acting like you were lost and she was saving you? Never…“
“ Whaaat? Noooo…. I’m acting normal…. Do you think she noticed?“
“O, GODS, do you like her?" His sister was shocked he never showed interest in anyone, even them as kids; it was more of an escape from the church than needing them or love… He fidgeted, looking away and trying to find the words…. Making it very obvious what he thought.
“ So I like her; I mean, she's got to have a boyfriend.”
“So it doesn’t matter.“
“and I don’t think I could compete with whatever guy she picks”
“Got to be a strong guy who wins her heart.” He stared in the distance, dreaming what if… His sister watched, annoyed, as he fumbled over himself…
“Brother… She just found out her brother is hurt."
“You should show more care.”
“Especially if you’re wanting to have her notice you, it won’t be by ignoring the hurt family…." He flinched at that.
“ Yea… I got a little lost in the moment.”
“I’ll keep it in mind, thanks, sis; let’s find Mom.”
“ Best I stop while I'm ahead and don’t ruin any chance I might have.”
“ I mean, the guy has to be really good.”
“If not, I think I can take him and show her who is the better man, right?“ His sister glared at him as they left for the guild hall; the events unfolded, making for an eventful day.
As things settled and Leena waited with her brother, a hidden catkin watched amongst the shadows. She was sad for the child; she had not seen him in maybe years, but he did not change much.
more handsome perhaps, but the same to her; she cared more for her niece…
She still mentioned it from time to time, even as time made them grow distant; she knew her niece would want to know and visit if she was brave enough.
But that be on her; she would at least do her part and let her niece know she was owed that much even if it went nowhere; they were still friends or were once…
Nina showed up with Dad and helped Wolf walk. Well, unfortunately for Wolf Pride, his dad carried him more than he walked, embarrassing him, making him feel like a child.
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Later that evening,
They were taking turns yelling at him and saying how happy he was to be safe; even his uncle had a panic attack…
And he assured the family that since Wolf got hurt, he swore they hired guards to watch the dungeon to avoid this happening again.
His mother was glad her son was safe and made him promise never to try again.
Beyond his shame, he agreed to. Leena, feeling guilt at knowing her brother wanted nothing more than to help them, swore she would make time to pray to the gods and hope for the best. She had no power, and their chance was she could get the weakness or she could get a gift…
She will try tomorrow and see if she can be blessed; if not, she will try again the next day. She heard they reward persistence, so persistent she will be…. For her family
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***
Coby wiped his brow. Summer was warmer this year; he used the wind to scout; it was safe; he knew dungeons could bring monsters, but due to their persistent hunts, they seemed to be avoiding the worst of it…
“Dad, it has been a while. Can we make time for me to see my brother Wolf today?” His dad was carrying a bag of fur they managed to get from their hunts. He managed a half-shrug, looking at their fellow hunter and then beyond among the trees.
“I suppose we have been gone for a while, and we have been keeping the peace.”
“Plus, I like to know more about the dungeon that formed; it would be good for us to rest for a week or three? will see,” he was happy to hear his father agreed; he knew his brother was often busy with his potions, but he still liked to see him.
He missed their little adventures. The wind flowed to him, bringing a new scent on the. The wind flowed more unconsciously these days, but he still paid attention to what he felt or smelled as the beast scent traveled in the winds, as it was today, just a pleasant summer breeze cooling some of the sweat beyond the normal smell. Everything was fine.
After the normal busy affairs were taken care of, they stopped at the inn for a meal before seeing their extended family at their brother’s place. The inn was more lively than he remembered it, and they saw a lot of new faces. “What do you need, kid?”
“We’re busy, so forgive my lack of banter,” the bear kin said while serving drinks and food to random patrons.
“ A simple meal and drink, please.“ His dad and the hunters who managed to join them were fine with the same. “Lots of new faces I see? He's trying to be casual and get some info."
“Yeah, I finally get to be with my wife and kid after years.”
“And now I'm too busy to even see them; gods are funny like that.” He nodded, not knowing the bearkin had a family.
“Heard anything new about the dungeon? We just got back from being on a long hunt.”
“ Hmmm,” he set drinks down and poured, “Well, word spread, some kid got hurt and almost died, so they’re setting guard beyond that been quiet. Be about twenty minutes for food, bit back up. “He was surprised there were already issues from the dungeon who was hurt, he wondered. While he sipped his drink, it was a berry drink that Wolf had introduced in the past. Good stuff.
“ I saw the kid who got hurt.” A voice spoke from a table off to the side. It was a man who seemed to blend with shadows even when you looked right at him. A young wolf girl was with him. It was then he also noticed the one server that his brother liked all those years ago still serving drinks here.
“Mind if I join you at your table and find out more?” He wasn’t one for gossip, but he didn’t like anyone getting hurt when he was trying to protect the place.
“I don’t mind if my sister doesn.“ He saw the female wolf girl shrug her shoulders with indifference, so he let his dad know he had joined the new table.
“Thanks, um... My name is Coby. You? “
“Arlin and my sister’s name is Ziala,“ she nodded curtly and drank from a mug; it had a sweet scent in the air, something with honey, he noted. “ Kid got his leg messed up bad. We tried to get a potion for him, but Mom, being stingy, said no. She said it cost too much, and pain is a good teacher.”
“ I think she worried I’d need it, so she kept it in reserve. Dunno if she has more than one, won't say.” He looked into the distance, lost in thought. His sister shook her head before speaking.
“He assumes too much; I help with guild logs. The really strong potions take time and high-grade crystals, which is why it’s a rarer brew, and it’s better to save someone from near death vs. a few months less recovering.” He nodded, and it made sense. Arlin smirked, not agreeing, it seems.
“Do you know the child’s name or age? How young was he?
“Um… around my age, I guess he had black hair and a baby face. I think his name was Ralph. He had a foxkin sister and a human sister. I really wish I remembered their names…” Coby Blood went cold. He only knew one person with black hair and an adopted foxkin sister with a human sister. Zialia spoke up as he was afraid to ask.
“ It wasn’t Ralph… You were blinded by the girl; it was Wolf, I remember, since it was an interesting name to me. “ He dropped his drink…
“ Hey!” Both Ziala and Arlin panicked as the juice started to flow toward them. Luckily, the maid was close and cleaned with her water magic, but she too had a concerned face.
“ Wolf? He was… is my friend. Is he okay? I always wondered what came of him since he never visited." Coby wasn’t listening anymore; he got up and pulled the wind to leave; he needed to see his brother….
Arlin watched the boy who was just at their table dash away; he even felt an unknown wind help pull him away faster. Crazy… “Do you think it was something I said?“ The hunters at the bar heard some of the talk and looked grim, watching the boy that left; Arlin wasn’t sure what was happening till the taller one spoke.
“You said, Wolf, was the boy hurt?” Arlin nodded and shrugged. The kid was recovering, so he wasn’t sure why they were making a big deal of it.
“ Coby, my son is his friend but loves him as a brother and calls him such, so you know.“ Arilin at least knew a bit more now and felt a little bad being indifferent; he never had so many people love him like that when he was broken… It was just another day, and I recovered from that, so this was different to see….
The rest of the day passed with mixed feelings for them, never really knowing what else was transpiring.
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Teva ran to the back after Coby flew away. She wanted to do the same, but she was working… And why did no one tell her!? She was finding out in such a roundabout way… She saw Grump cooking, so she powered a spell and splashed the back of his head.
“Bloody hell!? What? “ He turns to see what hit him and saw Teva looking ready to fight, surprising him.
“What's your problem, cat? I did nothing to you, ugly mug…” She splashed more water on his face.
“I’m sorry, kid, don’t make me angry. What is this about?!”
“You knew Wolf was hurt and didn’t tell me !”
“Who ?” Another splash in his face, and he stumbled back.
“Kid, you need to talk since you lost me. Did you get in a fight over a boy or something?
“I did not break up; any cats fight over you…” He watched her lose her anger and look about to cry. He wasn’t sure why he never touched her…
“Kid, want to talk about it? Honestly, you lost me…”
“Wolf, my friend, it's why I started working here…” He thought back.
“O…OOO, that kid was hurt ?!”
“I don’t know the details; talk was just rumored. It just happened from what I heard, I swear.”
“I’m sorry, grump, but I… thought you knew and did not care.” He felt bad for her, he did, but the inn was busy and needed to work…
“Kid… Take a day off where good, even without you; come back when feeling better; see you then.” She wanted to protest, but she knew her aunt lived at the church; she wanted answers and felt she was not getting them, so she thanked him and left to try to find something about her friend from the past.
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She was enjoying her visit with her sister; it was a pleasant tea despite the dark news as they kept speaking of the events that transpired.
“I knew he was a fierce boy, but foolish? No… I’m glad he is well." Teva’s mother spoke, sipping tea.
“He was trying to make a cure for his mom too… The poor child expects too much, regardless of his skill,“ the aunt spoke.
“A cure. What do you mean? The mother’s interest was piqued.
“It’s why he hasn’t seen my niece in so long; he's been pushing his craft. You never wonder why we never fought for the medicine for our cramps? He helps increase supply.”
“No! You should have told me sooner. I would marry that child to be with someone with that gift.“ She smiled, tail swishing.
“Well, and to torture my daughter, knowing I took her man,“ she giggled in thought even as her sister glared at her across the table unamused.
A bang came from the front door, startling both until they saw Teva, distraught, staring them both down…
“And you, when were you going to tell me?”
“Oh my! So fierce the cat came to play with the mice…” her mother replied. Teva was not amused, still wanting answers.
“Niece, I came here to tell you it just happened last night…
“And you already left for work when I did arrive. I was just resting before I left to see if you did not leave for work earlier…”
“Yet it seems I underestimated loose lips and gossip.” She heard her sister giggling over the phrasing, but Teva just deflated.
“I thought you were closer to him. What happened?” The aunt asked
Teva shrugs. Then said, “Been busy. He sometimes stopped by then less…"
“And you went to his place how many times?” The mother asked, amused.
Teva blushed at the thought but said, “Not once…” That got a frown from both mother and aunt, neither understanding why…
“I did not want to push him.”
“So instead, he drifts away, daughter; I warned you of that.” She knew, yet she was afraid; she wasn’t sure how to move forward, and now it felt like too much time had passed. She wasn’t close enough to be with him even when he was hurt… Her aunt held her while her mother looked away, no longer enjoying the game.
“I can’t say how he feels, but right now… It might be too much, but it’s not too late; no new girl came for him. Though there were a few there."
“WHAT?!” Teva did not believe.
“O MY!” The mother now was invested once more. “Do tell, do tell.”
The aunt, seeing her niece’s distress, spoke slowly.
“Well, one was his sister, and another was Nina, though he sees her as a sister… " pretended to ponder, and Teva was annoyed and was feeling played till…
“ The last was a new, young, lovely wolf girl.” She could see the fire in her eyes, and she smiled knowing she was hooked; the mother was also loving every minute.
“Stayed by his side; it’s why I stay hidden to see how it played out,” she said slowly in a near whisper.
“Who…was…she…?” Teva slowly said with a calm before a storm. Her aunt, seeing she was better and not moping, confessed.
“A new girl in town, but she just helped him recover. She was there when Nina brought him in hurt.” Hearing that she was racked with guilt now was not the time to be petty; her friend were suffering from many things and did not need a third wheel vying for attention… Her aunt was worried her plan to inspire her niece failed as she watched but soon relaxed when she saw the look of conviction.
“He needs time and space to help his family, but… I will not keep waiting for a mouse to play; I will be the one to hunt in the end.” Her mother laughed with joy upon hearing those words.
“My daughter, you make me proud; you will win; I know it !” Her aunt did not feel the same but was happy her niece had a purpose; even if nothing came of this, at least she had her ending. Vs always wondering.
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***
It took time, but Coby managed to pull the wind to speed ever faster.
It would have been an amazing new experience if not for the despair, knowing he had let his brother get hurt and not been there; he hoped Wolf would understand.
Breathing hard, he finally made it to the house and wanted to rush in, but feeling like a trespasser, he knocked instead. Nina answered the door shortly after. “ O, Coby? Why knock? Your family is everything ok? You look horrible !” he felt it as he barely managed to steady his breath.
“ I… I heard… about Wolf,“ he said between breaths.
“Aha, for her, it’s been over a day to recover and have things settled; Coby must just have found out, and from a rumor, she knew how that could feel, and she was there.
“He is in the room if you want to see him. He is okay, at least physically. He nodded and slowly went to the room he knew very well; there was a scent of many brews he had never smelled before moving past to the door.
He saw shelves with potions and books from all the work he had been doing. Wolf was in bed with a book, reviewing notes. He saw a bowl of soup nearby.
“ I told you I can feed myself.“
“I don’t care that you want to visit.“
“But stop staring; it's getting old.”
Coby smiled at that. “Good to see you’re doing well.” Wolf flinched and dropped his book; he looked down, wanting to pick it up, but his leg prevented him.
Coby walked over and handed it to him. He stared at the book, not wanting to talk, so Coby didn’t force him. He was happy he was okay. But somewhere in the silence, he finally spoke.
“ I thought I could heal her…” He wasn't there when it happened, but Coby knew what he meant. The hunts had just been keeping him busy with no time to address it; he felt bad.
“ You will, but you’re not alone; we're family.”
“No. What I need is only deep in a dungeon, and the weakest monster almost killed me with my own weapon."
“I’m powerless, and the power I do have…”
“ is doing nothing so far for my potions…” Coby knew Wolf had a balance blessing and a strong one, but even after all these years, they never were really able to make it do… anything.
“As I said, you got us; we will get it for you, and then you make something better. I'm sure that’s why it never works.”
“ You’re trying too hard to do it like something new versus letting us help you.” Wolf jerked out those words.
“What did you say?“
“ Um, you have us?“
“NO! The other part!”
“Uh…” he thought for a second, “trying to make something new?”
“YES, THAT !” Nina's voice came from the hall into the room. “Why are you yelling so much?”
“ I was trying to give you space to feel better.”
“ I guess now you’re fine.” She watched him, and he did seem to have a gleam in his eye, almost a scary madness. “ I figured it out !” he shouted with more conviction, even though both Nina and Coby had no clue what he was going on about.
“The trick I have been missing all these years! I have been trying to make something new!”
“But that is not how balance works!”
“I need to make what already exists!“ He started laughing, and they were not closer to the truth of understanding their mad brother…
“ Wolf mom sleeping, please calm down a bit.” He slapped his mouth and got a bit ashamed. “Sorry, you’re right. I just need a test. Please hand me the light mana potion and a vial of water.
"So I can be sure."” Nina wasn’t sure but did as he asked, and he focused; they saw what looked like him staring then. The water turned light blue, and they were shocked he did it….
Years of feeling like he had no power, and the gods gave him the most powerful magic known to man…
Able to make potions from will… He just needed to balance it with one he knew how to make. “Try it, brother; Nina can’t test it; her magic is too strong, but maybe it will work with you.”
Coby was skeptical. He knew how they worked but had never really drunk them before. He trusted his brother, so he took it to drink. He saw Nina get what he knew was an antidote to be safe.
He drank the vial and felt his mana return. He even felt it grow a bit, causing him to feel a little lightheaded but good…
“This stuff could get addictive if not careful.”
“But I do feel better; it's working.“ Wolf beamed at that. Just like that, he found his power, but he still needed a made version of the cure, and he had no way of doing that.
So just as quick as he felt empowered, he remembered he could do nothing to help his mother…. Coby, noticing his defeat, wasn’t going to let it go at that.
“Brother, this is a powerful magic.”
“Kingdoms would kill for that kind of on-demand power.”
“You will get the cure, and you will be a hero.“ Wolf smiled weakly at that; it was just talk. He faced the monster; he knew his place. Nina wasn’t letting it go either.
“You’re not even going to try and ask?” Nina spoke up.
“ We literally have a guild hall where we can get more help and get whatever you’re missing.”
“I’m sure you know I’m not weak. Just ask, and I will help.”
“I got at least a week, up to three, Dad said so.” Coby chimed in.
“ I will find a way to help.”
“The two of us will find a way to get more were told we need at least three for the deeper stuff.”
“More is always better, but we got two. We can get more.”
” Thanks, guys, I… I just need time.” Wolf spoke slowly.
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They spent the rest of the day bonding and learning what they could when Leena came home from work and praying she was happy, but like Wolf was depressed, she could not do more. She had been left behind when her brother needed her more than ever…
Wake up early, bathe, and make breakfast. Help resupply the shop, check on Mom and Brother, make sure both are fed, pray, go home, and help make dinner; repeat.
That was her routine for over a week, and time was blurring together; she wasn’t eating as much from the stress, and she was no closer to helping her brother; even as her stepsister and stepbrother plotted ways to help Wolf, she was lost, and praying wasn’t working; it was one of the times at church that Bishop Light saw her and spoke.
“I know you are seeking magic; I prayed and got such a thing, but know even if it works, it might not be the magic you want or very strong. The gods are fickle when and to whom they gift it. Part of the test, I believe,” she nodded. She heard the same from grey robes and others from times she came before.
“ Thank you, I understand nothing is granted just because we pray, but I need something to help my brother, so I pray…”
“I do not judge child merely speaking advice; do with it what you will.” He bowed and left; the silence was deafening by the low glow of candles, offered her no solace.
She sighed as tears gently fell. “Please, I ask not to empower myself but to help my brother if I had that power….”
“ I would use it to also help others.”
“ I swear you do know he's trying to make a potion to heal the weakness curse?”
“ He can’t do it alone … and I don’t want him to do it without me; we're family.”
“You blessed him with something beyond him, so balance it with me….”
Maybe she was arrogant or expecting too much from the gods, but she could feel that Wolf had a power beyond him. She wanted to be there to help him.
A gentle stir in the air. She went cold; she could feel this once they listened, and they were in judgment…
She was afraid to move, to think. Less, they dismissed her out of spite; she felt each element brush her and pass; none seemed to want to stay; she was about to break from that rejection.
When the light touches her. She stiffened, waiting for it to pass too, but it stayed gentle upon her shoulder.
Then into her breast, and she gasped. A light flooded her lungs and bathed her inside with such warmth.
A power that could heal but also could be a weapon. Everyone assumed the light was just healing. Still, she could feel even it had destruction, and she knew why the gods always hesitated to hand mortals gifts; it was so easy to abuse once given, but they trusted her, and she cried with joy.
They trusted her…
She got up and bowed. She spoke words, and they agreed; now it was time to prove it, with action. She would help her brother with this newfound power of light.
“ I can do it myself; stop babying me.“ Wolf tried to shoo away his stepsister, who kept checking. His every step, he was feeling better knowing how his gift worked but also trapped staying home; his mom and Nina only agreed to let him leave if he was watched…
Humiliating as it was, he had to agree he wasn’t ready to walk yet, but he wanted to see the lake.
He missed it. The air was fresh and freeing; he loved his herbs and potions, but it was starting to be stifling, and he needed a change.
“Are you sure you’re okay, or do you need help sitting? Want me to get you something to drink? You know I’m here; just ask!“
“NINA… sister, please, I’m fine, just… fine.“ She wilted at that but sat beside him, looking down. “Ok, brother.”
He sighed, “ I know I would be worse off without you, so thank you, really, but I need to be treated like a man, not a child.”
“Yes, I made a bad call, but I made it…” She wanted to cry; she was so close to him, but now he felt so distant. She missed how it was before and how close they seemed. She didn’t realize how much she needed that till it was gone. She decided to try to change the subject.
“Where is Coby? Do you think he would hound you more than I do if he were here?” She flinched at that. What a stupid thing to say. How was that small talk? He laughed, surprising her; she missed that sound.
“Yeah, I suppose he would…” She watched him in that silence, seeing him smile. She wasn’t sure why that made him feel better; it even made her feel more distant, knowing she didn’t have the same effect.
The wind blew, pulling her hair in her face, and she gently tucked it back. They sat in that silence, just resting.
It seemed he did not want to talk, so she would not force him; she nudged herself closer to feel him.
He did not push her away, so she enjoyed the moment as long as they stayed. It really was a nice view.
“ WOLF!“ A feminine voice she knew well sounded in the distance; it was Leena, and she was excited. Why? She was more depressed than she was just the other day…
“ I did it, brother.” She stopped breathing hard while they watched her, waiting for her to continue.
“Brother, they blessed me too!” She pulled up her hand, and a bright light formed in it, stunning them.
Wolf did not know what to say, and even Nina was lost for words. “ I did try to heal Mom…”
“ It’s not that kind of power, sadly, but I feel it can help you!“ The joy in her eyes was undeniable. Could it work? She looked over to see Wolf’s thoughts; he was just as stunned.
His sister did not wait for permission. She reached for his leg and touched it with the light.
He did flinch, but more out of unknown fear than any pain. Truthfully, he only felt warmth from the touch.
After a moment, she tumbled onto her side, breathing hard. Both Wolf and Nina tried to reach for her to help, but she waved them off. “I’m fine.”
“ That took a lot out of me.”
“ You were badly hurt.”
“ It took a bit of mana and drained me.”
“But I’m ok.” She looked at them, beaming a smile, tears falling from her eyes.
“Well, brother… Walk!”
He was scared; he did not doubt his sister, and he did feel the light, but just like that, he was healed? That was too easy…
He sighed. He had a power like that too, one that changes things easily.102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnvD45Sqk5W
Don’t hate your sister for finding a way to help you fix your mistakes…
“Thank you, sis…” He slowly tried to pull himself up, but his legs wobbled. Nina reached out to help him stand; he let her After a moment, his legs gained strength, and he could stand “no pain.”
Both sisters laughed with joy, Nina grabbing and trying to dance with her brother while he protested.
Lena fell flat in the grass and was relieved she had faith; she knew she had power, but was it enough?
She stared at her hand while she listened to them bicker in the background.
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We can do this; I can save my family from pain, and Wolf will heal Mom from the weakness curse. Things will be ok….102Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Cea4Y5uBc
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