Inside the temple. Everything was shiny and very clean, there were water fountains in the shape of dragons where the water came out of their mouths, the jade on the walls was something very shiny and exquisite with the architecture of the place. When Nozomi and her mother arrived, they saw a group of people wearing the same kimono.
"Happy birthday Nozomi!!" All the people shouted as they showed the table. The table was full of gifts, desserts, a huge cake and on the table there was a handmade sign with the name of the girl and showing that she turned 18 today.
"Grandma, grandpa, what a joy to see you!" Nozomi yelled as she hugged some elders. Both grandparents laughed happily as they caressed their granddaughter.
"My daughter, 18 years old. And I still remember as if it were yesterday when you managed to control the water for the first time." One of the grandparents said with a smile.
"We brought many surprises for you, Nozomi. We hope you like them." Grandma said as she showed the gifts.
"Open ours first." Nozomi's grandfather said as he gave him her gift.
Slowly the gifts were opened. New clothes, training books full of spells related to water magic, some jewelry and multiple accessories, a new set of arrows. Everything seemed to be calm, but there was only one detail.
"Thank you, thank you all. I love every one of your gifts." Nozomi said with a huge smile as she looked at all the presents from her. But her parents looked at each other without her noticing.
"Honey, do you think she's ready?" Nozomi's father asked with concern.
"She is the next leader, the responsibility of the clan will depend on her. We must tell her." Said Nozomi's mother. Although she seemed somewhat determined, she was also very nervous as she and her husband approached her daughter with a gift.
"Daughter. Now that the whole family is giving you your gift, your mother and I think it's time to give you ours." Nozomi's father said with a smile as he gave the gift to the girl.
The girl would open her present with enthusiasm, when she finished opening it. The girl would see that it was a book, the book was something old, in the center there was a kind of circle that had some gems. One red, one ice blue, one electric blue, one amber, one mint green gem. But the strange thing was a kind of gap in the middle of the circle.
"A book of spells?" Nozomi asked confused but she only got laughter from her parents with that statement.
"Daughter. I think the time has come to tell you about a story, a story. Where not only is our origin, but also, talking about the beginnings of magic." Nozomi's father said before starting to tell the story.
Long time ago. For many years, there were people with unique qualities. There were people who could breathe fire from their mouths, they could control water, they were able to create mountains very easily, create great glaciers, and they were even able to control nature itself.
For a long time, these people explored the world in search of a place to establish their home. As they explored the world, they began to spread their wisdom and at the same time, improved their greatest spells to protect their loved ones.
One day. Those people met each other, although they were very surprised to have met more people with unique abilities. They mutually mistrusted each other, eventually establishing their civilization in peace. However, as we all know. The peace would not last long.
The clan leaders distrusted other magicians very severely, not to mention that their curiosity to know the secrets of the clans was very great. It all went so far when the ice mages attacked the nature mages clan, starting a war between all mages.
The war lasted for years, until the leaders decided to end everything before there are more unremitting losses. The leaders faced each other in a combat where they would decide not only which magic was the most powerful, but also. This would decide the fate of the other clans.
The battle was the most violent and bloodthirsty that anyone could witness. The seas created imposing waves of great size, the earth and the mountains broke, great pillars of ice rose of enormous sizes, the fire spread uncontrollably with a flame that seemed impossible to stop, the skies darkened, lightning fell and nature claimed its territory.
The leaders were going to end it all with one last attack, but. The wizards as they contemplated the destruction realized not only that this war had sacrificed so many innocent lives, but also. They were endangering all those people they had sworn to protect until the end.
Regretful, disappointed, and devastated. The wizard leaders decided that blood would no longer run in the seas, the mountains would remain peaceful, nature would no longer be affected, the skies would no longer cloud over, but above all. The wizards pledged loyalty and trust, transforming the battlefield into a home where all could live in peace.
Since that day. All elemental mages were considered among all, not just mages with unimaginable abilities. They would be immortalized as the most important pillars in the world since with their magic, they were capable of healing and curing any evil in the world. Leaving a clear sign of the promise that those wizards made that day, and that will never be broken.
Nozomi was very amazed and surprised to hear the story, she had heard legends and multiple myths or fables. But this story, had far surpassed them all.
"Dad, that was amazing!!" The girl yelled with a huge smile.
"Oh my daughter, and this is the best part. As you know, your mother and I are the representatives of the water mages, but we will not live forever. And we think, that you are ready to be the future leader." Nozomi's father said as he took off a necklace which caught the girl's attention.
"You always wondered what this necklace was for, well. Not only is it a family heirloom, it is also the only key capable of opening our family's book. Inside it, multiple spells are written that were passed on to our ancestors for generations." Nozomi's mother said with a smile as her husband put the necklace on her daughter.
Nozomi was in shock. For a long time, she was more capable as a hunting and exploring girl, rather than a leader. And knowing that she would be the future representative of her family, no, of all the water mages. They left her completely surprised.
"But. I'm not ready yet, how am I going to know that I'm ready to represent our people!? I don't know how to be a leader!!" Nozomi yelled very nervously.
"We will help you, daughter. Your father, your grandparents and all of us support you. We know that you will be a great leader in the future." Nozomi's mother said with a smile as she hugged her daughter.
The night had come, Nozomi was reading multiple scrolls of her ancestors and their multiple forms of leadership. Not only that, the girl was also reading the magic books to learn new spells. After a few minutes, Nozomi had closed the books before leaving her room to go get a glass of water.
"Why didn't we tell her? She should know." Nozomi stealthily walked to her parents' rooms to listen more carefully to the discussion.
"There was nothing we could do, love. Today was her birthday, she is just turning 18. We couldn't place such a burden on her and most of all, we couldn't ruin her special day." Nozomi's father said as he tried to calm down his wife.
"Still, we shouldn't keep a secret like this from him. The fate of the mages is in our hands, we can't just ignore it for selfish reasons. Not only are the lives of our people in danger, she is too." Nozomi's mother said as she began to cry due to fear.
Nozomi started to back away due to fear but she wouldn't notice someone behind her, the girl turned quickly with her bow and arrows at the ready but she relaxed seeing that person was her grandmother.
"Grandma, what a scare. What's going on? Why is mom crying?" Nozomi asked worriedly.
"I see she didn't tell you right? Please come with me." Nozomi's grandmother said as she led her granddaughter to a huge library.
The library was filled with multiple scrolls, and books. But these weren't magic books, they were normal books. Nozomi's grandmother approached a book and using her magic, she would make a hand of water lower the book until it was placed on the table closest to her and her granddaughter.
"Nozomi, your father told you only a part of the history of our people. But there is one more thing, your parents were afraid to tell you. And I, I think it would be better if you knew something. A part of the history that we all swore not speak, let alone mention." Nozomi's grandmother said before telling the story.
After the war. The leaders and all their people began to rebuild their homes after the battle, the rebuilding taking time as it was a difficult task to clean up traces of destruction made by mages with the powers of nature itself.
One night, the guards had brought a poor old man who was wandering alone in the forest. The leaders asked the guards to take the old man to a room and take care of him so that he would recover. But what they never knew was that this old man. He was an ancient man with the ability to see the future.
The wizards after knowing that the old man had been taken to a room, the leaders went to help him. They healed his wounds, fed him and gave him clothes as his old clothes were torn to shreds. During all that time, the old man seemed very nervous but also very worried.
When asked who he was, and what he was doing alone in the forest, the old man remained silent. Although the magicians insisted to be able to help, the old man still remained silent. The leaders reached an agreement and decided to let him rest, believing that the old man was surely too tired to speak.
When the sun rose after a long night, the magi went to the old man's room only to find the tragic scene. The poor man was in his bed, but when they tried to wake him up. They only noticed that the man had died during the night.
The wizards were going to order the guards to prepare a tomb for the poor man, but when the leaders were going to leave. One of them had seen a note in the poor old man's hand, That magician called the other leaders, and together. They read the last words of that poor man.
"My sincerest apologies, I'm sorry I couldn't speak that night but my low energy and my time running out didn't allow me to utter a word. I traveled from far away in order to find you, as you are our last hope of surviving."
"Months ago, far away from here. A fierce battle broke out between two of our most powerful wizards, a battle that not only left a sad moment between us, but also. It left a terrible curse and an omen, an indescribable terror. that if he is not stopped, it will be the end not only of the magicians, but also the end of the world."
"I don't have much time left, and I'm truly sorry I couldn't tell you this properly. But I must tell you what I saw, in my vision. I could see that evil was returning, and the only ones capable of stopping such a great threat. It is the magic of the elements, only you are capable of rivaling the threat."
"Please remember. Evil will return, once when the moon is painted red stronger than blood. And once that happens, the threat will return and will not stop, until it takes its revenge. They are our last hope."
When the magi finished reading the letter, they asked to bury the old man while they discussed the man's vision. As much as they wanted to believe that possibly what that man said was just a horrible nightmare. Fear and worry invaded their bodies.
The leaders decided to keep the letter and took an oath that no one would say anything about the old man or the letter. However, the threat was unavoidable.
Days, weeks, months and years passed.
The wizards were ready to defend their home from the coming darkness, all the while. The leaders managed to create a spell powerful enough to lock the threat in a place where it would never escape.
When the magicians faced the threat, the combat was so brutal that it made the whole world tremble. Although the leaders were strong, their enemy far exceeded their powers. All hope seemed lost until at one point the wizards managed to corner the threat.
Although everything seemed hopeful, the leaders had used much of their power in order to keep their enemy immobilized. There was only one last alternative.
Elemental mages were not only known for their unique abilities. There was a secret kept in them, if a mage with elemental skills managed to perfect magic from him. They had the ability to convert their life energy into pure energy with the ability to increase their magic.
With determination and knowing that their destinations were sealed. The magicians would use all their vital energy in their last spell, the enemy could not avoid their end and would be banished from the world without being able to avoid their end.
The battle was over. But what did it cost?
When the wizards arrived at their home, they could barely breathe. They were taken care of as quickly as possible, but there was no salvation. The ivy mage managed to survive due to the plants that kept him alive, his last words were.
"The world is safe, but for now. Even if we have managed to defeat the enemy, the seal that holds it will not last forever. When the crimson moon returns to the sky, the seal will be broken. The threat will return and again it will have to be fought, we did what we could but our efforts were not in vain."
"We swore an oath. We swore loyalty, justice, truth and protection to our people, an oath that would never be stained with blood and that would stand firm until the end. And although now, it is my turn to rest. I will die with honor, knowing that I managed to fulfill my purpose: protect our people and nature."
That day. It marked not only one of the darkest days for all of us, too. It was the day where our objective was more than clear. Protect the world until the end.
Nozomi was speechless. What she had heard was without a doubt the most terrifying and shocking revelation of all.
"Grandma, me. It's impossible, you mean. Everyone's fate depends on me now?" Nozomi asked fearfully.
"That's right. As you are the future leader, you have the responsibility to protect and take care of all the people of our town." Nozomi's grandmother said with some seriousness while the girl seemed flustered by the statement.
"Grandma. I can't, I'm sorry but I can't! This is too much for me, I don't know if I'm ready!!" The girl screamed in fear, but her grandmother quickly hugged her to try to calm her granddaughter.
"Don't worry, my little flower. There is still a lot of time left, that magic won't be back for a long time. However, we will have to be careful." Nozomi's grandmother said as she got up and walked to the library entrance.
"You said magic, but. What kind of magic can it be? Is it some kind of elemental or ancient magic?" Nozomi asked curiously making his grandmother stop.
"An ancient magic perhaps, but it is called by many wizards. As a power that, when used, corrupts the mind and soul if not controlled and perfected. That power is dark magic." Nozomi's grandmother said before leaving. Leaving her granddaughter alone with her.
Suddenly the memory slowly disappeared. I felt that many images, spells, memories of another life came to my mind. It was as if two souls merged into one.
When I opened my eyes I saw that I was in the temple, but everything was rebuilt as if nothing had happened.
"Finally. I have the honor of meeting you." I turned around only to step back out of fear and amazement.
"You. It's Nozomi. But how is that possible!?" I yelled very surprised while the girl started to laugh.
"It's possible, because now we are in the deepest part of your mental space. A place that you can reach when you meditate. You must be Benja, right?" Nozomi asked with a smile.
"How do you know my name?." I asked surprised.
"Before I answer your question. Tell me, don't you feel something different?" The girl asked curiously.
"Well, yes. I feel like I know a lot of water spells all of a sudden now, and. I saw your memories, how?" I asked in surprise.
"The answer is easy. Within you, you carry two unique powers. Believe it or not, one of those powers, is a magic with a special quality and along with your other magical elements, you have the ability to see the memories of those who in the past they had the same powers as you." Nozomi said as she walked over to where I was.
"But still, how come you are here in my mind? It's impossible." I said something nervous.
"I'm afraid that question is difficult to answer, however. It is possible that there is an answer even if it is hard to believe." The girl said as she touched the water on the ground.
In that moment I saw that the ground seemed to tremble a little and at that moment we both saw a huge mural where there was an image and ancient runes. The image was of a human being with multi-colored circles around him, in the center of that person there seemed to be two circles. One was gold and the other was dark.
"My grandfather found it many years ago in his explorations before he died of old age, he told me. May this mural be an ancient prediction that was made many years ago." Nozomi said as she showed me the mural.
"And what does it say?" I asked curiously.
"When the world is consumed by darkness, and the crimson moon becomes the new moon of the world. A wizard with the unique ability to control all the elements will arise, when that warrior appears. The evil will end and the world will recover its balance, and the magician. He will be the new protector of the land." Nozomi said as she translated the runes.
"It's impossible. Is that me?" I asked nervous seeing that the person drawn. It was me.
"Apparently yes, Benja. And I understand your fear, however you have nothing to fear. I saw your memories, and it asks to see that you are someone outstanding. And I am very sure that with this book, your abilities with magic will improve." Nozomi said as she showed me the book I saw in the girl's memories.
"But, it's the gift they gave you. Are you sure about this?" I asked looking at the girl.
"I'm pretty sure you'll know what to do with him, and if you need help. Remember, you and I are one now. You'll need more help than just mine, though." The girl said as she showed me a map.
"On this map, there are the former homes of the other mage clans. If you find them, they will help you. And together, we will help you overcome your limits." Nozomi said with determination.
"Just remember. It won't be an easy task, maybe you will need help. Still, I wish you good luck on this adventure." Nozomi said with a smile.
"Thank you very much, Nozomi. I hope one day, we can meet again." I said smiling as I felt that drops fell on my head. When I looked at the sky I saw that everything started to rain and everything became very bright causing me to close my eyes.
"Benja, wake up. Please wake up, I need you to wake up I beg you." I slowly opened my eyes only to see Pam crying while my head was on her legs.
"Pam, is that you?" I ask curiously. Suddenly, when the girl saw that I woke up, she hugged me tightly and she cried harder.
"Damn idiot!!. You scared me, you were on the ground for three hours!!. I was so scared, I had no idea what happened to you, never do this to me again. Never!!." Pam yelled as she continued to cry.
"I'm so sorry, Pam. I'm really sorry, but how did you know I was here?" I asked curiously. The girl was silent for a few moments to relax before speaking.
"I. I followed you, I saw you walking through the woods until I saw you come in here." Pam admitted nervously.
"Wait, that means what. You saw me, well. Use fire or control lightning?" I asked nervously.
"I saw it all." Pam admitted a little nervously.
"Pam, please don't tell anyone. If everyone finds out about this, everyone in Metropolis might know too and I'll have no choice but to move." I said nervous and worried. At that moment, Pam caressed my cheek making me blush as she smiled.
"Don't worry, Benja. I assure you that no one will know about this, it will be our secret." The girl said with a smile.
"Thank you. It will be better to return to the camp and go to sleep, tomorrow there will be many things to do." I said as I got up but at that moment I looked at Nozomi's necklace before taking it and looking at it.
"Everything is alright?." Pam asked as she looked at me.
"Yeah, I just remembered a weird dream I had. Umm, Pam can you get out of the room for a minute? There's one thing I need to do." I said looking at the girl.
"Okay, take your time but please be careful." Pam said concerned.
"Don't worry, if something happens. I'll call you" I said smiling as the girl left the room.
At that time I looked at the wall for a few moments before touching the wall of the room before activating my water element. When I woke up my water magic, I saw how a small opening opened and inside there is. There was Nozomi's book.
"Don't worry, Nozomi. I promise that I will protect everyone, and I will do my best to become stronger to face that dark magic." I said seriously and with determination before taking the book. After that, I put on Nozomi's necklace and left the room leaving everything behind.
Pam and I started walking back to camp. We were both silent until I broke it as we were about to arrive.
"Pam, I trust you. But please, you must promise me. That you will never break your promise, and that no one will know about this." I said looking the girl in her eyes.
"I promise Benja. Nobody will know this." Pam said with a smile as she looked me in the eye.
When we arrived. We both went to our sleeping bags and lay down on the floor, while I had my eyes closed and was ready to sleep. I heard someone approach and saw Pam approaching with her sleeping bag.
"Benja. I was wondering if I can sleep with you. I don't want to sleep near Doris, she snores so loudly." Pam said a little nervous and a little embarrassed.
"It's okay, Pam. We can sleep together." I said with a somewhat shy smile as the girl lay down next to me.
"See you tomorrow, Pam." I said before closing my eyes.
"Rest, Benjamin." The girl said with a smile as she watched as I fell asleep.
'Don't worry, my pretty flower. No one will know about this, I will not let anyone know about this. If the other girls find out about this, things might get worse. I don't want Leslie's bitch to know, that bitch would go public with this. And I won't let them separate me from your side," Pam said in her mind with a small blush.
At that time, the girl would use her powers to move me around a bit and make her get into my sleeping bag. Pam then hugged me and hid her face in my chest before sleeping soundly with a smile.
So far today's chapter. I am very sorry for the delay, I was very busy with exams and studies so I didn't have much time to think about a next chapter.
I hope you are enjoying the story and I also hope you liked today's chapter. I promise that I will continue to improve and try to be as active as possible.
I wish you a good day, a good afternoon or evening. See you later. Goodbye dattebayo.
