Brothers

The next morning dawned soft and quiet, but the palace was buzzing with activity as word spread of Connor's return. As I passed the grand hall, I caught sight of the guards and maids eagerly preparing for his arrival, a reminder of how highly he was regarded. My older brother, Connor, had been traveling for months on a diplomatic tour, representing Valeria in negotiations and visiting the other great kingdoms. His responsibilities were something he wore with pride, but he was more than just an heir—he was my confidant, my brother, and in many ways, my hero.

The news of his return brought a flicker of excitement that I hadn't felt in a long time. I wanted to hear his stories, to learn about the world beyond these walls.

Soon enough, I found myself in the familiar training hall with Marcus. The clang of swords and the hum of focused energy filled the air as I entered.

Marcus was in the middle of a sparring match with one of the royal guards, his every move measured and deliberate. His strikes were powerful, quick, and precise, and watching him reminded me of the legacy of strength I was supposed to live up to. He noticed me standing in the doorway and broke off from the fight, waving me over with a grin.

"Kaizen!" he called out, wiping the sweat from his brow. "You ready to work today?"

I nodded, mentally preparing myself for the inevitable demands that would follow.

Marcus crossed his arms, his gaze turning serious, but the warmth in his eyes never faltered.

"Today, we're going to work on something different. I know you've been focused on form, technique, and precision, but now, it's time for something more… internal."

I raised an eyebrow, sensing the shift in the air. Marcus had always been about pushing me to my limits, but this felt different.

"What do you mean?"

He uncrossed his arms and took a step closer.

"I'm going to teach you how to control your aura."

"Aura? I've heard of it, but I don't understand it."

Marcus nodded, "Aura is a power that lies within every warrior, especially those of royal blood. It's the manifestation of your inner strength, an energy that flows from you. Unlike magic, it's not something you can learn from a book or a spell—it's something you must awaken within yourself. It's deeply personal, Kaizen, and it sets true warriors apart from the rest. You've seen it in me, haven't you?"

I thought back to moments when Marcus had fought with his green aura glowing around him—his strikes faster, his senses heightened. I had always wondered how he did it, but now I was about to learn.

"Sit down," Marcus instructed, his tone softer now. "This isn't something you can rush. It's about building a connection with yourself, your body, your mind. Aura is an extension of you—your spirit, your will to fight. First, we need to center you. Focus on your breath, deep and steady."

I sat down, trying to clear my mind. I closed my eyes, breathing in deeply through my nose and out through my mouth. Each breath felt heavier, and I concentrated on its rhythm, trying to empty my mind of all distractions. But my thoughts kept pulling me back to Connor, to the world beyond the palace. I longed for adventure, for freedom. But I pushed those thoughts aside. Now wasn't the time for escape. I had to focus.

Marcus's voice broke through my internal battle.

"Good, now—let go of the distractions. Your aura comes from within. It's not magic, and it's not something you can force. It's a part of you, waiting to be awakened."

I nodded, breathing steadily, my body gradually relaxing as I focused on his words. Slowly, the space around me began to feel different. A subtle shift in the air, a faint buzz in my chest. It was as if something was stirring, just beneath the surface. At first, it was a warmth, then a growing sense of energy, a pressure building up inside me, but not in a painful way.

"Focus on that warmth, that's your aura beginning to stir. It's always been there, waiting for you to find it. Feel it… pull it out. Channel it into your hands, your feet. Let it flow."

I could feel it now, a gentle pulse, like the flutter of wings deep inside me. It wasn't violent or chaotic, but there was an undeniable force behind it, and I felt it extending beyond my body. My hands tingled with heat as I imagined the energy swirling around them, trying to guide it, shape it.

"Good, you're doing it. Now, don't rush. Let it build. The more you practice, the more control you'll have. Aura isn't about force—it's about balance. Your inner strength is already there. Now, you just need to harness it."

I focused harder, my breath slow and steady. The warmth grew, spreading through my limbs, filling my chest with a comforting heat that made me feel both calm and alive at the same time. It felt like a natural extension of my body, something I hadn't known I was capable of. The more I focused, the more intense the sensation became, until I could feel a current of energy running through me, almost like a low hum vibrating under my skin.

"Now, try to bring it outward, like you're extending your aura. Push it out like you would a strike, but with control. Your aura is not a weapon—it's an expression of your will. Think of it like this: if you can control it, it will amplify your strength. If you let it control you, it will overwhelm you."

I exhaled slowly, concentrating on that buzzing energy within. With every exhale, I imagined pushing the warmth out of my body, stretching it beyond my fingertips, beyond the tips of my toes. There was no explosion, no sudden rush of force, but there was a noticeable shift in the air. My body felt lighter, my senses sharper. I could feel the coolness of the stone beneath me, the faint scent of sweat in the air, even the shifting patterns of energy around the room.

"Perfect," Marcus said, his tone quieter now.

"You've got the essence of it. Keep practicing, and soon, you'll be able to call upon it at will. But don't forget, Kaizen—this isn't about strength alone. Aura is a reflection of your heart. The more in tune you are with yourself, the stronger your aura will be."

I opened my eyes, feeling the pulse of energy slowly ebbing within me. My hands were still warm, but the sensation was more contained now, controlled.

Marcus smiled at me, a rare moment of pride on his face.

"You're ready for the next step when you feel confident in your control. But for now, this is a good start."

A few days later, Connor finally arrived, and the palace burst to life in celebration. Everyone gathered in the grand hall to welcome him back. When I saw him, a familiar thrill shot through me; he looked every bit the heir to Valeria—strong, composed, with the quiet confidence that came from experience.

Connor's face broke into a grin when he saw me. He pulled me into a hug, holding me tight before pulling back to study me. "You've grown, Kaizen," he said, ruffling my hair. "I missed you."

"I missed you too," I replied, feeling lighter than I had in weeks.

After the formalities, Connor and I stole away to the gardens. He had always been the one who understood my yearning for freedom, my restlessness within the palace walls.

"Tell me about your travels," I urged him, unable to contain my excitement.

Connor leaned back against the tree, a soft chuckle escaping him, though his gaze was distant and heavy with thought. "You know, Kaizen," he began, his voice low and reflective, "Valeria is beautiful, but out there... the world is vast, wild, and unforgiving. There's so much to see, but not everything out there welcomes humans. And maybe that's fair."

He paused, as if weighing his words carefully. "I started in Seraphir, the kingdom of the elves. Their forests… they're alive. Towering trees with silver bark and leaves that shimmer like starlight. It's like the forest is breathing, watching your every move. The elves? They're unlike us. Graceful, skilled in nature magic that could make a forest come alive and crush you if you're unwelcome. They don't trust humans, Kaizen. They see us as destroyers, and honestly… I can't blame them. Still, Seraphir is breathtaking, but it's not without its dangers. Shadows flit between the trees, creatures born of the wild magic that guards their lands. If you're not careful, you'll disappear, and no one will find even a trace of you."

I leaned forward, hanging on his every word, but he quickly moved on.

"From there, I ventured to Rhovarion, the mountain kingdom of the dwarves. Their fortresses are carved into the rock, massive halls that stretch deep into the earth. The craftsmanship of their weapons and armor… it's unmatched. They live alongside the giants, who protect the forges and their people. But don't mistake that for hospitality. Dwarves despise humans almost as much as elves do. They see us as greedy thieves who take without giving. And in the mountains, it's not just the dwarves or the giants you have to worry about—there are creatures that burrow deep into the stone, massive worms and shadowed beasts that can collapse entire caverns. If the dwarves don't finish you off, the mountains will."

Connor's expression darkened. "Then there's the desert of Volkaris, home to the barbarians. They're human, in a way, but we don't consider themselves as such. They've built a life out there in the sands, forging their own tools, hunting their food, living in ways we've forgotten. They have no time for greed or luxuries, and they see us as weaklings, slaves to our comforts. I'll admit, there's something admirable about them. They fight for every breath, every drop of water. Their strength isn't just physical—it's a way of life. But tread carefully in Volkaris. The heat alone will kill you if the barbarians don't. They don't just dislike us, Kaizen—they see us as invaders, trespassers in a land we abandoned long ago."

I couldn't help but shiver, but Connor's tone shifted again, his voice quiet and somber. "Then there's Eldermark," he said, his eyes narrowing. "It's the beating heart of trade, a city where you can find treasures from every corner of the world. But it's a city built on secrets and lies. Merchants, thieves, assassins—they all converge there. And while it might seem like a paradise for adventurers, it's a graveyard for the naive. Everyone there wants something, Kaizen, and they'll do whatever it takes to get it."

His gaze turned distant again, his voice dropping as he continued. "And then there's Astravia, the royal kingdom. It's the largest, most powerful kingdom in the land, with a capital that could swallow Valeria whole. But power comes at a cost. There's corruption beneath its golden facade, whispers of betrayal, and a hunger for control that reaches even here, to Valeria. The royal family… well, let's just say they've built their empire on the backs of others. And the city? It's so big it's easy to get lost—physically and morally."

Connor's voice grew darker, laced with both awe and bitterness. "Draconis," he said, his tone heavy, "is a place unlike any other. The land itself feels alive with fury. Volcanic peaks rise like jagged teeth against the sky, rivers of molten lava cutting through the blackened earth. The air is thick with heat, and the ground trembles with the heartbeat of the mountains. Even the skies are ominous—perpetually overcast, with ash and smoke that blot out the sun. It's a realm forged in fire, dangerous and unrelenting, just like the Draekor who call it home."

He leaned forward, his voice lowering as if the weight of what he was about to say demanded reverence. "Their cities are carved into the volcanic rock, glowing with the faint red light of magma that flows through their streets like lifeblood. Towers of obsidian rise high, their surfaces gleaming like polished onyx, and their homes are built with a brutal elegance—sharp lines, strong structures, no room for frivolity. Everything serves a purpose, every detail a testament to their resilience. The heat would kill most of us within hours, but to them, it's life. They thrive where no one else could."

Connor's jaw tightened, and a flash of anger flickered in his eyes as he continued. "And the Draekor themselves? They are strength incarnate. Scaled like dragons, their bodies are a blend of grace and power, their claws sharp enough to cleave through steel. Their eyes burn—literal flames of molten gold or searing crimson that seem to pierce your soul. They're cunning, relentless, and proud, Kaizen. Everything they do, every word they speak, carries an intensity that demands respect. They're a people forged by the fire of their lands, and they do not tolerate weakness or deceit."

His voice turned colder, a bitter edge creeping in. "But their hatred for us… that runs deeper than the lava rivers of their homeland. And they have every reason to despise us. Humans—" He spat the word like it was poison, his disdain unmistakable. "—we captured them, tortured them, twisted their very beings in the name of 'progress.' Experiments to harness their elemental power, to turn them into weapons. Entire generations of Draekor were stolen from their homes, broken, and discarded when they were no longer useful. And for what? Greed. Fear. A desperate need to control what we didn't understand."

Connor's hands clenched into fists, his voice trembling with restrained anger. "Can you imagine what it's like to know your people have done that? To stand in their lands, surrounded by the weight of their hatred, and not be able to argue against it? To know that, if they killed you on sight, it would only be justice in their eyes?"

He exhaled sharply, his shoulders tense. "The Draekor are stronger than us, Kaizen. They're better than us. And yet we've done everything we can to break them. So when you think of Draconis, don't just think of the fire and the danger. Think of the pain, the rage, and the resilience of a people who've endured more than anyone ever should. And pray you never have to face them in battle."

Connor's gaze darkened, and he exhaled slowly, the weight of his words pressing into the air. "Then there are the Ferin, the beastfolk," he began, his voice heavy with both reverence and regret. "They're closer to the wild than we could ever understand, Kaizen. Wolves, foxes, bears—each tribe tied to the traits of the animal they descend from. Their connection to nature isn't just spiritual; it's in their blood. They move with the grace of predators, their senses sharper than any hunter's, and their loyalty to their kin is unbreakable. To them, family and the pack are everything."

He straightened, his expression grim. "Their lands are as untamed as they are. Vast forests dense with ancient trees that seem to hum with life, sprawling grasslands where the wind carries the scent of the hunt, and hidden valleys where their tribes gather. Their villages are built into the wilderness itself—treehouses that blend seamlessly into the canopy, dens carved into the earth, and burrows hidden beneath hills. You'd never know they were there unless they wanted you to. It's as if the land protects them as fiercely as they protect it."

Connor's voice dropped, carrying a note of sorrow. "But humans… we've done everything in our power to ruin them. We've enslaved them, Kaizen, captured them like animals to sell in markets. I've seen it—Ferin in cages, their spirits broken, stripped of their pride. Hunters treat them as trophies, their pelts taken as if they were mere beasts, their claws and fangs sold as trinkets. It's sickening." His jaw tightened, the disdain in his voice unmistakable. "And it doesn't stop there. The experiments… Humans have used them to test alchemy, magic, anything we don't want to risk on ourselves. We've poisoned their bodies and their spirits, all for our own gain."

He paused, his fists clenching as if the memory itself burned. "The Ferin hate us, Kaizen. And why shouldn't they? We've given them every reason to. They see us as reckless, cruel, and selfish. To them, we're monsters who destroy everything we touch. They hate us as much as the dragons do, and maybe more because they know we're not stronger than them—we're just more ruthless."

Connor's gaze softened slightly, though his voice remained firm. "But for all their hatred, the Ferin are remarkable. Their lives are simple but full of meaning. They hunt together, fight together, and live in a way that's so deeply tied to the land that it almost feels sacred. They don't just survive, Kaizen—they thrive, even in the face of everything we've done to them. And they don't need cities or empires to prove their worth. They are their land, and their land is them."

He leaned back, the fire in his eyes dimming but not fading. "When you think of the Ferin, don't just think of their claws and fangs. Think of their strength, their pride, and the pain we've caused them. And understand that if you ever step into their lands, you'll need to earn their respect—or you'll never leave alive."

I frowned, curiosity gnawing at me as I listened to Connor's vivid descriptions. Finally, I couldn't hold back anymore. "If all these races hate humans so much," I asked slowly, "how did you meet them, Connor? How do you know all of this?"

Connor's expression shifted ever so slightly—a flicker of something unreadable passing across his face. He leaned back against the tree, his gaze distant, as if he were seeing something far away. "Let's just say the world has its ways of showing you things if you're willing to see them," he replied cryptically.

"But—" I started, but he cut me off, his tone calm yet firm.

"Kaizen, it's not about how I met them. It's about understanding their stories, their pain. That's what matters." He tilted his head, his lips curling into a faint, enigmatic smile. "Sometimes, it's better not to ask too many questions. The answers might change the way you see things."

There was a weight to his words, a finality that told me not to push further. Still, the mystery lingered, leaving me more intrigued than ever about my brother and the life he'd led beyond the kingdom's borders.

Connor's voice softened, and he leaned back again, his gaze clouded. "Out there, Kaizen, humans are the villains in most stories. And the more I see, the harder it is to argue otherwise."

I stared at him, a mix of awe and unease settling in my chest. "Do you regret going?" I asked.

He smiled faintly, his eyes shadowed. "Not for a second."

"You will be able to explore one day. Yes you have a duty, but duty can also mean freedom."

"freedom.."

Yes, I want to be like Connor and explore the world, that is the type of freedom I want.