The next Five Elementer

One month had passed since the incident at the Stellar Palace. Many students from Catalina High had tried to claim the legacy of the Five Elementer, but none succeeded in mastering all five elements. While Athena found solace in Aron's remarkable progress in both magic and swordsmanship, her heart remained heavy with the unfulfilled destiny of the Five Elementer. Amid this turmoil, an invitation arrived from the King of the South, Adam of House Caratheon, calling the four great houses to attend the funeral of his wife, Liliana, who had reportedly passed due to a loss of life energy. Athena, Aron, and Ser Arthur attended the somber occasion. Upon their arrival in the South, Aron immediately sought out Alastair, Adam's son and his closest friend, to offer condolences. The two young boys exchanged quiet words of comfort, their bond evident even amidst grief. After the funeral concluded, the heads of the four houses were escorted to their chambers to rest. Athena, however, had other plans. She strode directly to Adam's private quarters, her steps determined. Once inside, she closed the door behind her and confronted him. "How did Liliana truly die?" Athena asked, her tone sharp and unyielding. Adam frowned, taken aback. "Pardon?" "Your wife. Liliana," Athena pressed. "How exactly did she die?" Adam's expression darkened, and his voice rose. "I've told you already, Athena. She ran out of life force and passed away. What more do you want? I've just lost my beloved wife, and now you come here to pour salt into my wounds?" Athena's gaze hardened. "Do not take me for a fool, Adam. I'm not like the others, content to believe your story. Liliana's death was not natural. You used forbidden magic, didn't you? You drained her life force because you couldn't obtain the essence of Stellaraether. You're the one who killed her." Adam recoiled at her words, but before he could retort, Athena continued, her voice cutting through the air. "Don't bother denying it. I know you, Adam, better than anyone. The essence you stole from her will sustain you for no more than a month. After that, the forbidden magic will take its toll again." Adam's shoulders slumped, and the weight of his guilt seemed to settle visibly on him. "Even if what you say is true," he murmured, "how can I possibly help you? If no scholar from Catalina High can master the five elements, how do you expect me to find one from elsewhere? I have enough troubles of my own. The magic I used is already worsening, and I'm running out of time." Athena's expression softened slightly, though her resolve remained firm. "Listen to me, Adam. I cannot approach the heads of the other houses for their scholars. If I do, whoever masters the five elements will no longer be loyal to me or my legacy. They'll become a tool for another house to wield. But you... You can help me without raising suspicion." Adam looked at her warily. "And how exactly am I supposed to do that?" "You must stay out of sight," Athena instructed. "You've just lost your wife, and no one will question your absence. Use this time to locate scholars from other regions. Even if it means... acquiring them by less conventional means. No one will suspect you." Adam hesitated, his guilt and desperation warring within him. "And what do I gain from this, Athena?" "I will help you," she promised, her voice steady. "Stay away from forbidden magic for now, and I will ensure you have a way to restore your strength when the time comes." Adam sighed deeply, rubbing his temples. "Very well. I will do as you ask. But this path is fraught with risk, Athena. For both of us." Athena's lips curved into a faint, grim smile. "Risk is a small price to pay for the future of Stellaraether." With that, she turned and left the room, her mind already planning the next steps. The legacy of the Five Elementer would not end with her.

When Athena returned to her chamber, she found Alastair in the middle of an emotional outburst, accusing his father of killing his mother. Aron stood beside him, looking both concerned and conflicted. "Boy, do you even realize how grave it is to accuse your own father of such a heinous act?" Athena's sharp voice cut through the tension as she shot a stern look at the two boys. "Grandma," Aron began hesitantly, "Alastair said he saw his father performing some kind of ritual right when his mother died." Athena exhaled deeply, her gaze shifting to Alastair. "That doesn't mean Adam killed his beloved wife. Have you considered the possibility that he was trying to save her but failed?" Alastair clenched his fists, his face betraying his inner turmoil. "I... I saw it with my own eyes. He—he was chanting strange words while she..." His voice cracked, and he trailed off. Athena stepped closer, her tone softening but still firm. "Do you even understand what your father is going through, Alastair? He's running out of energy—fighting a battle he can barely win. Yet here you are, accusing him of a sin he did not commit. Your words are a heavier blow to him than any burden he already carries." Her words struck Alastair like a dagger. Shame flooded his expression, and he couldn't meet her gaze. Without another word, he turned and ran out of the chamber. "Alastair... Alas—" Aron called after him, starting to move, but Athena stopped him with a raised hand. "Do not follow him," she said firmly. "Let him be. He needs time to confront his own thoughts. As for you, it's late. You must rest now. Ser Arthur will continue your training in the morning." Aron nodded reluctantly, bowing to his grandmother before retreating to his room. Once the chamber fell silent, Athena summoned Ser Arthur. A few moments later, the knight entered, bowing respectfully. "Your Grace." Athena looked at him, her expression troubled. "Ser Arthur, I feel restless. I wish to take a walk in the forest. Escort me." Ser Arthur straightened, moving to one side to allow her passage. "After you, Your Grace." Athena nodded and stepped out of the chamber, her thoughts swirling as she made her way into the cool night with Ser Arthur at her side.

As Athena strolled through the forest, a sudden gust of wind swept past her, carrying an unearthly energy. She halted mid-step, her senses alert. Raising her hand, she summoned her energy, forming it into a glowing orb. The energy ball began to float ahead, lighting up a darker, overgrown path. Without hesitation, Athena ran after it, Ser Arthur close on her heels. "Your Grace, what's happening? Why are we heading deeper into the forest?" Ser Arthur called out, trying to keep pace. Athena's voice carried a mix of curiosity and urgency. "I sense something strange here. There's energy—something similar to mine. It feels like… like someone is calling me." The energy orb led them to the heart of the forest, a place teeming with magical creatures. Ents loomed tall, their bark-like bodies crackling softly in the dim light, while pixies flitted about, their faint glow dancing like fireflies. In the midst of the magical grove, a small figure caught Athena's eye. A boy stood among the creatures, watching them cautiously. Athena took a step forward and called out, almost startling the boy. "Who are you? What are you doing here?" The boy's eyes widened in fear. Without answering, he turned and bolted. "Stop!" Ser Arthur growled, giving chase. He caught up with the boy effortlessly, grabbing him by the arm. "How dare you run when Her Grace is speaking to you?" he barked, pulling the boy forward. "Let me go, you monster! Don't touch me!" the boy shouted, struggling against Ser Arthur's iron grip. But then, something extraordinary happened. The boy's fear transformed into raw power. With a wave of his hand, the ground quaked, and elemental forces burst forth—fire, water, earth, and air—surging towards Ser Arthur in a ferocious attack. Athena stood still, her eyes wide with astonishment and joy. A smile tugged at her lips as she raised her hand, and with a single wave of her energy, the rampaging elements were silenced, dissolving into nothing. She approached the boy, her expression warm and inviting. "Child, how did you do that?" The boy stepped back, trembling, his defiance overshadowed by fear. "Do not fear me, child," Athena said softly. "I won't hurt you. You remind me of my grandson—he's about your age. Come closer, there's nothing to fear." The boy hesitated, then took a tentative step forward. "What is your name?" Athena asked gently. "I… I'm Ivan," the boy stammered. "Ivan," Athena said with a smile, "do you know how special you are?" Ivan said nothing, his wary gaze locked on her. "Where are your parents, Ivan?" she asked. The question made him tense, and he dropped his gaze. Ser Arthur, impatient with the boy's silence, gave him a rough shove. "Answer Her Grace when she speaks to you, you little brat! Have you no manners?" Ivan yelped in pain, tears welling in his eyes. "Ser Arthur!" Athena's voice rang with anger. "How dare you lay a hand on a child in my presence? Stand down at once!" Ser Arthur stepped back, bowing his head. "My apologies, Your Grace." Athena knelt to Ivan's level, her tone soft and reassuring. "Don't be afraid, Ivan. No one will harm you while I am here." The boy wiped his tears, his voice cracking as he finally spoke. "I… I don't know where my parents are. I've lived here for as long as I can remember, with the Ents and the pixies." Athena's heart ached for the boy. She extended her hand. "Ivan, would you like to come with me? I promise you will never have to fear anyone again. With your abilities, you have a future beyond your imagination." Ivan hesitated, glancing at the magical creatures around him. The Ents and pixies seemed to nod in silent encouragement. Finally, the boy looked back at Athena and gave a small nod. "I'll go with you," he said quietly. Athena smiled, rising to her feet. "You've made a wise choice, Ivan. Come, let's go home."

By the time Athena, Ser Arthur, and Ivan arrived at the palace, dawn had already broken. Athena stopped one of the palace guards and asked, "Have you seen Aron, my grandson?" The guard hesitated before responding, "Your Grace, I saw His Highness following Princess Evylin of the West in secret." Athena's expression darkened. "How dare you accuse my grandson of such behavior? They are children—they must simply be playing!" With an uncharacteristic burst of anger, she struck the guard across the face. The guard immediately dropped to his knees, trembling. "I beg your pardon, Your Grace! Please show mercy." Athena dismissed him with a sharp glare and continued on her way, leading Ivan to her chamber. "Ivan, stay here," she instructed gently. "I'll fetch Aron, and then we'll prepare to leave for the capital." Ivan nodded, obediently taking a seat on the floor beside the bed. He drew his knees to his chest, tears silently rolling down his cheeks as he sobbed softly. Suddenly, he heard footsteps approaching and hastily wiped his tears. When he looked up, a boy was standing before him. "Who are you?" the boy asked, his tone guarded but curious. "And what are you doing in my palace?" Ivan blinked nervously. "I… I'm Ivan. Are you Aron? Your grandmother brought me here." The boy's expression softened. "No, I'm Alastair, the prince of this territory. Why did Queen Athena bring you here? Did you do something wrong?" Ivan shook his head hesitantly. "I… I don't know. I was in the forest, and she told me she would take me to her home." Alastair's brow furrowed. "Where are your parents? Why did you leave them?" Ivan's voice was barely a whisper. "I don't have any parents." Alastair's expression shifted to one of sympathy. "Oh… that's fine. I lost my mother, Queen Liliana, a few days ago. And my father… he's not talking to me, so I don't have any parents either." After a moment of silence, Alastair extended his hand with a small smile. "Would you like to be my friend?" Ivan hesitated for a moment before shaking Alastair's hand. "Yes," he replied shyly. Meanwhile, Athena found Aron in one of the corridors, speaking softly to Princess Evylin. "Do I owe the pleasure of asking Prince Aron why he is here, chatting during his practice hours?" Athena teased as she approached. Princess Evylin blushed and quickly fled the scene, leaving Aron stammering. "I—I was just passing through the corridors when I ran into Princess Evylin. She asked me… uh…" He hesitated, his cheeks flushing. "She asked me how you're doing!" Athena smirked knowingly at her grandson. "How thoughtful of her," she teased lightly. "Come now, Aron. I've brought someone with me—a boy named Ivan. Be sure to treat him kindly." Aron nodded, though he couldn't shake his curiosity. Back in the chamber, Ivan was bidding farewell to Alastair, who looked genuinely saddened to see him leave. The scene made Aron bristle with jealousy—Alastair hadn't even said goodbye to him, his best friend. "Goodbye, Alastair," Ivan said softly. "Goodbye, Ivan. I hope we meet again soon," Alastair replied with a warm smile. Athena, Aron, and Ivan soon departed for the capital, leaving behind the palace and the bonds newly formed within its walls.

Author's Note:

Ents are tree bigger than normal trees who can walk and talk

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