Sunlight shone mercilessly onto the large, oval island nation of Adrynia. Surrounded by the ocean and spotted with lakes and six rivers, heavy humidity added to the sun's beating. Despite the heat, the capital's main square was bustling with life. Native vendors, customers, and business leaders of all kinds happily went about their day. The air was full of excited suspense for the night's celebration.
Tonight was the time for the warrior families to accept their next generation as the warriors they were. Children who were finally of age would be dressed in the elaborate fabrics of their clan house. They would also be gifted with armor designed by their matriarch, forged by their patriarch, and enchanted by any siblings they have - if they don't have siblings, their father would do it after forging the metal. It was a symbol of recognition; they would finally be adults in the eyes of Adrynia's society. While this occurred in all warrior families, only the Noble Four held their ceremony in Adrynia's capital.
This rite of passage, known as the Ajir Ascension, was the biggest celebration of the year. Since the warrior clans acted as the nobility in their monarchy, the event was taken very seriously. It was a boom in spending that helped to boost their economy - though, only those in Adrynia knew about and celebrated it. They sometimes traded with the outside world for this reason; although, it was rare that they ever did. Isolationism had kept them thriving for the last century.
But the arrival of a certain merchant would force them to change.
~oOo~
A young girl sat patiently in her room as the maids swarmed around her. They doted on her with every brush of fabric as they helped her get dressed. Each of them smiled happily at her, excited for their young charge's Ascension. She'd faced many hardships over the years, some of which they'd had a chance to help her through, and now she would be undeniably seen for the talented and beautiful warrior that she was.
When the three women finished, they glanced at each other before nodding in approval. They coaxed the young lady from her seat to stand before a mirror.
Her forearms were wrapped snugly by the flowing ocean blue silks of her family. The flexible lavender fabric of her underskirt protected what the flowing blues did not. A matching lavender top snuggly fit on her chest, both straps decorated with hooks for the shoulder guards that would soon fit there. Long waves of cotton fuschia were calmly tamed and placed into a large bun. Holding it in place was a wide silver band with varying sizes of violet pearls in a crown-like array. The shorter waves around her face were brushed and curled, framing it beautifully. Her gently pointed ears were adorned with thin silver cuffs and matching studs. Sky blue powder was dusted onto her eyelids and coal ink lined her eyes, making her emerald irises pop. To finish her face, they lightly painted pink lip stain onto her full lips.
"You look beautiful, Lady Zarya," the maids chorused. They giggled when she blushed in embarrassment at their compliment. So modest our little lady is.
"I- Thank you." Zarya smiled at them and bowed her head. She was so grateful that home was one of her many sanctuaries away from the judging eyes of other nobility. From her brother and parents to the kind staff, she'd never felt unloved.
Careful of the recently polished wooden floor, she padded into the living room. There, her older brother and parents were waiting. She took in their raven hair, and blue eyes, reminded of her status as the adopted outcast; that was what the other noble families called her. The only physical traits they shared were their lithely built forms and sun-tanned skin; even then, hers was a few shades darker.
They all regarded her with bright smiles and pride shining in their eyes. After several years of training under her mother and father - then her brother after his own Ascension - Zarya was ready to become a true Adrynian warrior. None of them would be prouder than they were in that moment.
Her mother, Oceane, pulled the young girl into her embrace. The sight of their daughter dressed in what would soon be her uniform brought tears to her eyes. "Look at our baby girl, Marlowe."
"She has grown into a fine young woman." Her father's smile widened, joining the hug for a brief moment. Both parents were proud of their prodigious youngest. In the last few years, she'd proven to be no match for her elder brother, only to come close to beating her father - their most recent spar ended in a draw.
Seaton smirked at the fifteen-year-old. He'd been very surprised when she finally bested him. Even now, he remembered staring blankly at the sky as he tried to process what had happened. Pride swelled in his chest as he took in the sight of her in her uniform. He had no doubt that Zarya would be one of Andrynia's best someday. If only Genavee were here to see this.
Glancing out the window, he noted the sun starting to descend into the horizon. Seaton cleared his throat and gestured outside. "We're all proud of her, but if we don't hurry, she'll be late."
Both parents immediately pulled away and walked to the armory. They pulled out the chest they would use to carry their gift and popped it open. The clean scent of polished wood and leather reached them and Oceane smiled. This was likely the last time they'd use it before their grandchildren came along.
Marlowe turned around and glanced over the room to make sure everything was in place before moving to the back. There, sitting on a blue-stained oak armor stand, was the silver armor they would gift Zarya. The shoulder and wrist cuffs were smooth with small swirls engraved in them. Her breastplate was similarly decorated with the carving of a seashell laying between the bust. A single, oval-cut sapphire sat in the middle of the shell, sparkling with the ethereal light of the armor's enchantment. Marlowe smiled at Oceane and the two were quick to remove each piece and set them in their respective places in the case. The couple grabbed either side of the case and left the room.
They watched with satisfaction as Zarya's eyes sparkled with joy. She smiled excitedly, allowing her abnormally sharp canines to show. The lively atmosphere made everyone's hearts light with anticipation. Because after tonight, Zarya would undoubtedly get to show the nation how amazing she was.
Emerald eyes glanced out the window and widened in shock. The sun was almost completely set below the horizon. The festival would be starting soon! She giggled at her forgetful family before pointing out the window. "I think we should leave."
The happy family quickly left for the main square, unaware of the strong magic left behind in Zarya's place. It seemed to swirl and sparkle as it lingered for a moment and turned into a woman resembling the young warrioress. She raised her hand and a pulse of blue rippled from her palm. The room was quickly purged of the incoming darkness before the woman turned back into a cloud of mist and trailed after the happy family unnoticed. If one were to listen closely, they could hear the silent cheers of a people long forgotten.
'Soon, filia.'
~oOo~
"Sin, do you really think it's a good idea for us to be here?" Ja'far had been on edge since the moment they'd docked a few hours ago. They had to sneak around the guards posted at the port just to get into the city. He was getting stressed just thinking about what could happen if they get caught. "The policy against outsiders is even stricter here than in Sasan!"
"Relax, Ja'far. We'll be fine." Golden eyes glanced around curiously, noting the bright decorations and lighthearted music. The joyful atmosphere of the town was infectious, bringing a wide grin to his face. Everyone was so happy for whatever festival they were having."They're celebrating something tonight. Everyone will be too distracted to notice us."
Though he wondered what event was happening that the people were so focused on it. Not a single person looked their way in disdain. Granted, they were pretty well hidden, but he'd seen a few people glance their way with narrowed eyes before shrugging. It was a little surprising considering the treatment they got in Sasan.
Hinahoho placed a sympathetic hand on the white-haired boy's shoulder. The ex-assassin looked back in question but the Imuchakk warrior merely shook his head. Even Mystras knew there was no point in trying. Nothing would convince Sinbad now; it didn't matter how much they attempted to talk him out of it. They would simply have to trust in his judgment and hope everything will be fine.
The young capturer led his friends to the main square as the final rays of sunlight faded into the night sky. Staying hidden in the shadows, they all gasped at the sight before them.
Gentle, golden lights were hung on every house and store. Cheerful, upbeat music played as dancers happily followed the flutes and drums, their bangles jingling with every step and wave of their arms. The various fruits and vegetables that lined the tables surrounded the seafood, Adrynia's best profit. There was joy in the air; everyone was drinking, talking, and dancing to their heart's content.
However, once the announcer called for everyone's attention, the merry atmosphere calmed a bit. "May I have your attention, please."
The people turned to the man on stage with collective anticipation. It was as if they were all holding their breath. Whatever was about to happen was important.
"The time has come for each of the Ajir families to recognize any children who have come of age this year!" The group of four turned their attention to the man standing on a makeshift stage. He wore a simple tunic and shorts with sandals on his feet. "We've all caught glimpses of these young warriors as they grew. Now we will witness their final step into adulthood." The man gestured to his right off-stage where two men were standing. "We will start with the Fiore family."
A young man with cropped, maroon hair and intense brown eyes walked onto the makeshift stage. He was wearing a red tunic top accented with an orange belt and flames sewn into the chest and hems of his sleeves. Behind him, a man of similar appearance decked in gold armor walked behind his son with pride obvious in his expression. In the father's hands was a chest that he set down an opened.
"With this armor, I, Ignatius, Head of the Fiore family, bestow upon you, your official Ajir armor." He paused, slowly pulling out each piece of the golden metal he'd chosen.
The Fiore patriarch was careful to put everything on correctly, making sure the shoulder guards clicked into place. His waist and leg guards were quick to follow, flames carved into the flat of each piece. Next were his new wrist cuffs and shin guards. Then, finally the chest plate was attached, an elaborate flame etched into the metal, with a single, triangle-cut ruby inlaid at the center of his ribs. It glowed with the ethereal light of enchantment.
"With this, you will be recognized as a master of fire-based combat," the man smirked down at his son, "Just as a Fiore should be. I am proud of you, my son."
The crowd cheered as the two men walked off-stage and the next family was announced. They had a similar speech and a set of bronze armor was presented to each sibling. This family was a clan of sound. Applause and cheers followed them as they left the stage as well.
Sinbad and his friends watched in awe as both sons and daughters of the warrior nobility were recognized from each respective clan. Their parents and siblings each giving speeches of pride and encouragement to each new Ajir Warrior.
It wasn't until the last family walked on stage, that the Sindrian merchants looked on in mild surprise. Everyone up to this point had looked like the parents who recognized them. But this time was different. While the parents had navy blue hair and varying blue eyes, their daughter had cotton fuschia hair done up into a large bun the size of a crown; her sparkling emerald irises were a stark contrast of her hair. Warm taupe skin shone in the moon and festival lights giving her a gentle glow. The blue and lavender fabrics she wore seemed to flow with a rippling grace. Just from the short walk onto the stage, the fifteen-year-old had an ethereal presence that simply couldn't be ignored.
Though everyone watching was stunned silent by this exotic beauty, Sinbad was the most entranced by her. It was light of life shining in her eyes that kept him captivated. When her eyes met his, there was awe in her expression for just a moment before she gave him a kind smile. His heart stopped when a dusting of pink rose to her cheeks as he smiled back at her. At that moment, the young capturer knew their fates were intertwined.
For her part, Zarya was struggling to calm herself. The anxious excitement she felt from Ascending was momentarily replaced by awe when she saw him. The violet-haired boy with caramel skin and gorgeous golden eyes staring at her. Something about the aura he exuded - that she could surprisingly feel from where she stood - made her recognize him as someone special. More than that, the sense of wonder he regarded her with made her heart race with a different kind of excitement.
Her father spoke first, breaking her trance with the sailor. "Zarya, when your older sister found you on the shore that day, Genavee saw a bright future for you - we all did. We raised you as our own, trained you and now," he paused as he reached into the case at their feet to put her shoulder guards on, "it is our honor to bestow upon you, your official Ajir armor. With this, you will be recognized as a master of water-based combat." Marlowe broke into a smile as he gestured to his wife to step forward.
Oceane's joy was contagious and her turquoise eyes shone with pride as she spoke. "Little one, you have learned all of the Edmond family skills, mixing your training with the grace of a court lady." She reached down to grab the breastplate and carefully snapped it in place. With an affectionate hug, which Zarya heartily returned, her mother pulled back with tears in her eyes. "You bravely faced and overcame the social obstacles thrown at you and stood tall in the face of doubt. You have truly become an amazing young woman, Zarya."
Finally, her older brother came forward, a cheeky smirk on his face. "Well, little sis. What can I say? You have outmatched me in more ways than one and I couldn't be more proud. It'll be nice to have another Water Master around." His smirk softened into a smile as he reached for the silver wrist cuffs and carefully snapped them onto her. "Though she isn't here to deliver her speech, Genavee wrote it down."
He reached into his pocket and pulled a folded paper out. Seaton took a deep breath and started reading. "It's your Ascension already? Wow, it seems like just yesterday, you and Nar were sparring and destroying half the yard." The crowd chuckled along with the family as Zarya wiped a tear from her watery eyes. "I always knew you'd be powerful one day and I have no doubt your early Ascension is only the beginning. You have a bright future ahead of you. Keep striving, little sister."
The emerald-eyed girl sniffled and hugged her brother, the two silently remembering their older sister's bright sapphire eyes and wise smile. Finally, she was given the last piece to put on herself. Sharp battle-style heels she'd been training in for years had been altered to expose the flat of her foot. They wrapped around and covered her shin and knee; two bands hugged her ankles and two bands came around the top of her calf and covered her knees with points.
Her mother, father, and brother all smiled at how well the armor suited her. Seaton chuckled at the intimidating image she created, standing proudly in her new armor. "Silver always was your favorite, sis."
"Thank you." She returned his smile, finding comfort in their love for her despite her differences.
The crowd erupted into applause, rejoicing the new additions to the Ajir, the nation's army. Sinbad and the others eventually joined in the celebration, the Adrynians too inebriated to care about the foreigners in their midst.
~oOo~
Unbeknownst to either Zarya or Sinbad, their energies silently connected in the air. The unseen gold and sapphire swirled together playfully for a moment. Almost dancing, their game stopped with a pulse of light. It was a gentle nudge of djinn magic that made the blue power ripple. Its strength grew for but a second before settling down. Soon, they returned to their respective wielders, a small piece of the other going with them.
It was this small spark of gold that traveled to the depths of her soul and destroyed the magic seal around the brightest part of it. This flirtatious warmth exploded to reaffirm itself into her spirit. Its long silence had left that part of her restless. Now that it was free, things would change.
Whether that was good or bad, only time could tell.
~oOo~
As the festivities carried on, Zarya grew restless. Her mind kept going back to the boy with golden eyes she'd seen in the crowd. Though she knew he and his friends were likely the group who'd snuck in - none of them appeared Adrynian, much like her - something in his gaze made her heart race. For a brief moment, she'd felt how powerful he was, how powerful he could be. It sent an anxious thrill down her spine.
There was a flash of violet in the corner of her eyes. The fuschia-haired girl excused herself from the inane conversation with one of her peers and turned to pursue it. She weaved through the crowd until she saw him, smiling at his friends with a drink in hand. He just happened to glance her way and their eyes met once more.
For a moment, everything around them fell silent. The new Water Master smiled charmingly at the boy. He blinked and smirked back at her. A gentle spark seemed to travel between them and she started walking toward him-
An indignant "Hey!" snapped her out of the trance before something tackled her. It took all she had not to topple over from the abruptness of it. Looking back over her shoulder, Zarya saw the newly appointed Fire Master waving at her. With a final glance in the strange boy's direction, the emerald-eyed girl shook her head and smiled at her friend.
"Hey Nar." The maroon-haired boy smiled wide and slung a well-defined arm over her shoulder. They started walking back to the main avenue, so she guided them in the direction her house was in. "Congrats on getting Fire Master, Ajir Fiore."
"Too you as well, Water Ajir Edmund," he chuckled. His brown eyes danced over the street sign on to their right and frowned. "Why are we heading home when the party is still going?"
Zarya sighed. As much as she wanted to hang out, she really didn't want to have to be dragged out of bed in the morning. Seaton warned her about what happens every year: new recruits celebrate to their heart's content, only to get dragged out of bed, hungover and whining, to the training grounds first thing in the morning.
"I don't want to end up like my brother." At the questioning look he gave her, she explained what happened. The seventeen-year-old bent laughed harder than he had all night. Which reminded him why he'd walked up to her in the first place.
"Zarya!"
"Yes?" Sensing the sudden change in his mood, she internally snickered. The guiltless smile on her face was betrayed by the slight twitch in her lips. She knew why he was upset, but the Water Ajir enjoyed riling him up just as much as he enjoyed returning the favor. It was just what they did.
He growled playfully at her 'innocent' expression. He knew damn well she was practically smirking at him - not that he wasn't doing so himself. "You know what's up, Rya! You were distracted by something and didn't hang out with me."
"Oh?" The fuschia-haired girl giggled at his childishness. Recalling the way he announced himself earlier, she snarked, "Who was the one that used my 'distraction' to tackle me? Besides, after Seaton's warning, I didn't want to get too carried away by the festivities."
He rolled his eyes at her words, knowing how she was about punctuality. Even after all these years, she's still a stickler about being early to everything. Nar said nothing about her conscious avoidance of what distracted her and smirking down at the emerald-eyed girl. "Well, guess I'll see ya tomorrow then."
She smirked back and turned with a wave, throwing over her shoulder, "See ya."
Little did they know how much would change in the next week.