38th day of the season of the scythe 2448

In their last period, during the physical training course, the apprentices of Azena's group were assigned to a much more rigid training regime than the last one.

- I placed obstacles all over the race track, Nikala said, with her arms folded and her face as hard as a rock. For the next few days, you're going to spend twenty minutes running around this track as a warm-up.

- Warm-up?! exclaimed Azena, tying her long, straight hair in a ponytail. It's intense...

- Yes, Apprentice Kindirah, Nikala replied, frowning, irritated by the half elf as usual. Then you're going to do three rounds of fifteen planks, ten push-ups, twelve burpees, twelve squats with the weights that suit you, and finally you're going to sit without a chair against a wall also with a weight for a minute. Your muscles should tremble at the end of these exercises, is that clear? You are in the second cycle, so it is time to tone your bodies and become strong. Oh, remember: slow and precise movements.

Most of the apprentices were motivated by the new training regime, including Azena. She was aware that she was going to have a hard time muddling through the next day, but she was looking forward to seeing the results of this course at the end of the semester. Perhaps she would finally have some muscle at last, apart from her arms, which were already strengthened by the use of her elven bow. During the warm-up, she stayed with Fayne, who had a lot of difficulty with these exercises since she wasn't really physically active and always had her nose stuck in a book.

- Come on, encouraged Azena. You're going to impress a lot of beautiful wood elves with your future goddess body.

- Oh stop it, the breathless brunette complained. You're embarrassing me!

- I'm just trying to motivate you, Azena assured with a broad, mischievous smile.

She was expecting a smartass reply from her friend, but she was so exhausted from the track race that she could only utter a series of incomprehensible mumbles. In front of them, a metal bar had been placed half a meter above the ground. Azena took a deep breath and ran at full speed. When she was close enough to the obstacle, she jumped over it with ease.

- Whoo! she shouted while still in the air.

- Apprentice Kindirah, called out a stern voice.

Azena lost her focus, landed on the side of her right foot and fell to the ground screaming in agony. When she calmed down, she cursed, saw Fayne walk by her and gave her a look of apology for having to continue without her, and began to identify the person she was speaking to: Wirus Senblom. The Sage was at the entrance accompanied by Nikala and waved to the half elf to come and see him. He was still wearing his red robe, which made him look even more bulky than normal, as if he wanted to intimidate others.

- Perfect for each other, Azena mumbled, referring to their inflexible nature that she hated so much.

She stood up, shook the dust off her uniform and approached very slowly as if she wanted to stall the inevitable. Wirus inspected her thoroughly without uttering a word, which made Azena uncomfortable. What did he want? This question haunted her until the Sage finally decided to speak:

- Ready or not, you need special lessons that you must be given, he explained.

- And...? Azena asked blinking, unsure why she had to be told about this during her physical training class.

- Your first session is now. Report to the Chamber of Duels under Grand Master Terenas. Mistress Fiara and Mistress Neige await you there.

- I'm going, she said, glad to know that she wouldn't have to deal with a master she didn't like for today at least.

Fiara and Neige were identical twin sisters, but their personalities were very different, making their dynamics zany and interesting. If they were the ones who were going to be there, Azena could already guess what she was learning about: how to master a second element. Wirus was right, she needed to master her animancy, control over the element of life. This element was the most powerful, the oldest and the most mysterious of all. She honestly didn't know where to start or how Fiara and Neige would help, but she trusted them.

Once with them in the Chamber of Duels, which had been emptied of all its furniture, she was immediately questioned by Neige.

- Did Turion mention anything to you, information, anything about the element of life? Unfortunately, this element is practically unknown to us. There are some texts that mention it, but they are vague and brief. We can only guess.

Azena was surprised that Terenas had told Fiara and Neige about Turion. On the other hand, it made sense because they needed to know if they were going to help her.

- Well, he mentioned that it would be difficult to learn without him being physically present to offer demonstrations. But, why isn't there more documentation about this? Didn't we have animancers before?

Neige sighed and prepared to answer, but her twin sister reached out an arm to stop her and walked towards their student.

- You see, my darling, the purple dragon riders never revealed their secrets to the public. You must understand that life is on a far more divine level than the other elements. This was the final step in preventing the destruction of Aerinda's life cycle. In a nutshell...

- It was a much more dangerous maneuver, but necessary in case some individuals caused too much damage and had to be eliminated, Azena ended with a heavy heart. It's a bit like the ultimate weapon that the deities left to their children to defend themselves.

- Unfortunately, it can also be used as a weapon of war or to control others, Neige pointed out. The purple dragons were very nervous about this and refused to give details to anyone who was not part of their flight or who was not their rider.

- These people have no empathy, Azena grunted. They don't deserve this power.

Fiara knelt down in front of the young teenager and offered her a sincere smile.

- You may not realize it, but dragon riders chosen by a purple dragon have a spirit, a soul, a personality, whatever you want to call it, very much in touch with their inner self. You may have your difficulties, but the legendary Turion has chosen you. There must be a reason for that choice. Also, because of these difficult criteria, purple dragon riders were very rare.

She looked down briefly and paused to ponder about her next words.

- I'm afraid you're the last link to the element of life. With the war about to break out, we may have to make some tough decisions.

Those words confirmed that this war was not just a quarrel between neighboring kingdoms. The Guardians of Aerinda were tense, and more and more so as the days went on. The teachers were working hard to prepare their students as quickly as possible and the security of Atgoren had been reinforced many times. Azena honestly hoped that she would not need to use Turion's power, but she had to accept that it was possible for Aerinda's sake.

- I'll do my best, she promised with a bittersweet aftertaste.

Fiara stood up and raised a fist in the air to demonstrate her determination.

- Then show us what you can do! she shouted passionately.

- Well, Azena said confusedly. Well... I'm not sure how...

She shook herself, realizing she wasn't supposed to understand.

- You're the teachers, not me! she said, pointing to Fiara and Neige.

- It's very true, Fiara confessed.

Neige sighed, clearly exasperated by her twin.

- You got carried away with your excitement again! she barked. All right, now, let's get down to business.

Decidedly, those two together were still as unstable and frightening as ever.

- So, where do we start? Azena asked.

- I would say... as far as their mastery is concerned, the elements each have their own style, explained Fiara. Have you noticed them?

- Mmmm... Not really, Azena confessed. What do you mean?

- Think about the times when you needed to use your element and when others did. Specifically, recall their movements. Everyone is unique, but do you see any resemblance between the users of the same element?

Azena obeyed and immediately noticed that she and Reaginn made quick, short, and moderately aggressive movements when they used the power aeromancy. Reaginn's were a little more flexible and graceful than hers, which made sense because he was calmer than she was by nature.

- I think I understand, she said.

She performed a demonstration by amplifying a weak air current that came from her own arm movement. Indeed, it was exactly as she had imagined it to be. It was the confirmation she was looking for.

- Use your instincts instead, Turion suggested. Life is different from other elements. It feeds on your mind, but also on those around you. Take inspiration from your surroundings.

On the spot, Azena stiffened, uncomfortable with the dominant presence of the wyrm imposing himself on her mind.

- Azena, are you all right? questioned Neige who had noticed that the young apprentice had slightly cowered.

The next instant, Azena was freed; her mind was completely under her control again. Turion had withdrawn into her subconscious mind.

- Turion! called Azena. I don't understand what you mean. Your explanations remind me of Teriondil's gibberish. How am I supposed to work with this? Hey! Turion!

No reply. The wyrm had indeed gone back to sleep, probably for fear of imposing too much tension on the spirit of his dragon rider.

- Everything is fine, she reassured with a smirk. Turion gave me some advice.

She repeated the words of the dragon to the two mistresses who listened with fascination. Neige seemed pensive. Meanwhile, Fiara seemed to have had an epiphany.

- It's so logical! exclaimed the fire elementalist. Life should not be treated totally like the other elements; it is higher, more powerful, more divine. You see, normally you handle an element with concentration of course, but it's also a physical effort. Your body guides the flow and movement of the element. But... in the case of life...

- It's strictly a mental effort, Neige ended. You're right, sister. The element of life is not physical like fire, earth or even shadow.

- Do you enjoy meditation? asked Fiara as she addressed Azena.

- Unfortunately, not at all, the half elf replied. My mind keeps running and twirling in my head like the wind. It's endless and sometimes it keeps me awake at night.

- Mmm, it looks like we have a long way to go, the young woman laughed. I honestly don't really know what to advise you other than trying to do what Turion did.

- But it's so vague, Azena complained, giving up, frustrated by her task.

Neige walked to the back of the room, grabbed two small cages, each containing a grey squirrel, and put them down in front of Azena.

- The second one has an ear wound, you see?

Indeed, the animal's right ear had been damaged by what appeared to be a pair of claws. Luckily, it did not seem to be affected by its condition and was nibbling peacefully on a nut.

- M'yeah, said Azena softly.

- Heal him with the energy of a healthy squirrel, Neige ordered. Be careful, because if you use your power too radically, you risk transferring too much energy and killing it.

- That's so reassuring, mumbled Azena, who suddenly became anxious at the thought of taking the life of an innocent animal.

- Take your time and stay in control of your emotions, Fiara suggested, hopeful. Feel the flow of life around you.

Azena sighed long and hard, sat facing the two cages with her legs crossed, put her hands on them and tried to empty her mind of all her thoughts. It was only after thirty minutes that she managed to find silence within herself, then another fifteen minutes to feel the presence of the two squirrels near her. Unlike when she was in the body of the Turion of the past, she could not detect their heartbeats or the strength of their vitality, but she knew they were there, even with her eyes closed. An image of the desired effect awakened in her and then she felt ready to try the exercise.

- Heal the squirrel, she thought in a strange attempt to communicate with her subconscious. Transfers some of its companion's life energy to ease its pain.

For a long time she didn't dare to move or think about anything else, but she felt nothing special. She finally opened her eyes and examined the squirrel's ear, which had not changed. Frustrated, she swore.

- I guess it didn't work, Fiara said.

- Language Azena, Neige growled.

Azena tried again several times, but as time went on, her concentration decreased and rebellious thoughts crept into her mind at the worst possible moment. At the end of her last attempt of the day, she stood up with a vein protruding from her temple.

- That's the worst element to work with, she complained. This is nuts! I feel like hitting something!

Neige and Fiara opened their mouths simultaneously, but were caught off guard by Azena's next move. The teenager had let off steam by amplifying a gust of wind from an open window and guiding it towards a wall.

- No! Neige shouted, extending her arm towards the disaster that was now the wall.

A piece of stone fell to the ground, but fortunately the wall had not collapsed.

- Just nicely messed up, commented Fiara. At least you don't cause an explosion like me!

- That's not funny Fiara! barked Neige. One day I'll lose my head because of your follies.

The mistress wearing the blue robe hastened to repair the damage with the help of magic. Meanwhile, Azena had calmed down and laughed, realizing her silly mistake.

- Forgive me, Mistress Neige, she said smiling broadly and rubbing the top of her hair as if to try to eliminate her discomfort. I have a...

- A bloodthirsty temperament, Neige finished, rather angrily. Yes, I'm aware of that. Ugh... Just, uh... Take a break, Azena.

- I can help, the teenage girl suggested.

- I'll be fine. With magic, it's not that complicated.

Azena went to the kitchen for a little snack to give Neige some peace and quiet to repair her mess. She chose a warm-colored apple, thinking of Fayne, who was always talking about how she should eat more fruit and vegetables.

When she returned to the Chamber of Duels, she saw three adults waiting for her.

- Ebony cape dragging on the ground, a rogue's outfit that looks, at the limit, like a murderer's, small mistrustful eyes and hostile body language: Master Ruvior! she exclaimed.

- Your sarcasm is not appreciated, Reaginn replied in his honeyed voice.

- Have you come to visit me? she asked, trying to appear polite.

- If you want to call it that. In any case...

He suddenly went quiet and observed his interlocutor chewing her piece of apple noisily with an a subtle irritation.

- Continue, said Azena, happy with the master's reaction.

- I've come to tell you that you won't be able to join Umah and Yuzia's rescue team. Grand Master Te...

-What? Cut Azena down with fury. But why? I have all the necessary qualities!

- Not really, Reaginn replied with a small smirk. As I was saying, Grand Master Terenas and the High Council have decided that you need to learn how to control Turion's power and that the risk is too great. You are simply too inexperienced for this kind of mission. It is exactly as I explained to you yesterday.

He didn't bother to wait for the half elf's reaction; he left in silence, leaving in his wake a strange smell of spicy cinnamon and copper.

- I guess you can go, Neige decided. You need your rest.

A feeling of deep disappointment left Azena frustrated. It was the only plan she and her friends had to help Umah and Yuzia and it had just been torn to pieces. Honestly, she had thought about leaving independently, but that decision would ruin her vocation as a dragon rider and the Guardians would never trust her after that.

- Tch! she spat. Fucking shit!

She went to her room and waited for Ariella, Teriondil and Fayne to return to explain Reaginn's decision. They were not happy, but they expected it. It was difficult, but they had to accept the situation as it was.

✦×✦

43rd day of season of the scythe 2448

She continued to attend her special lessons with Fiara and Neige every few days. Still without results on the day of her first skotar game, Azena felt both nervous and frustrated. Her focus was not in the game. She just kept repeating in her head the possibilities of why she couldn't master animancy.

- Hey, said Ariella, who elbowed her in the side. Where are you now? Usually you're crazy about skotar. It's finally your first game. What's going on?

The entire DarkBlade team was ready to take off when the announcer introduced them. This year's team consisted of the attackers: Serfantor, Shalith, Ariella, Harath, Azena and Tyrath, on defense: Lythrana who had been kind enough to give up her attacking position to Azena, Zurof, Beldroth and Ancus, and finally, the goalkeeper was still Restelle and Kold.

The gentle Ancus sniffed and shook his head sharply. He had caught a cold, but he hadn't given up on the game. He had great courage like most brown dragons, despite his small size. The poor fellow seemed to have no immunity to passing diseases. Fortunately, so far he hadn't caught anything serious.

- Go, go, Ancus, Beldroth encouraged. I know you're not going to be affected by this puny cold.

The brown dragon retaliated with a little growl and shook vigorously. As he stood upright, he sneezed. A volley of viscous mucus almost hit Serfantor in the back of the head, but Ariella pushed her captain out of the way which saved him from this unfortunate accident.

- Ancus! barked the blonde with impatience. Be careful!

- Relax Ariella, said Lythrana. I'm sure that wasn't his intention.

Serfantor stood up, shook his skotar uniform to remove the dirt that had settled there and pointed towards the field.

- Forget your quarrel and get ready. It will start soon. The announcer is getting ready.

The dragon riders mounted their dragon. Tyrath stood to the far right of the three attackers and smiled. Azena felt the drake's fiery spirit spread through her mind and she instantly relaxed. Nothing mattered now except winning. All she had to do was follow her instincts and use a little bit of common sense and that would do the trick. Besides, she was still wondering about Lythrana's motives, as she loved to play aggressively. Why had she accepted the role of the defender? Worse than that, she had even volunteered. Originally, Azena was supposed to take on this role since Ragnor had graduated from the academy and his position had become vacant. Anyway, she and Tyrath liked to be go-getters, so they didn't complain.

Finally, the announcer introduced the opposing team: Crimsoncry from Archlan's academy who tried to imitate Rendar's roar by combining the cries of each of their dragons.

- Impressive, but not as authentic as the real thing, cackled Lythrana.

She paused and it was at that moment that Azena felt her gaze staring back at her.

- Hey, are you all right, Azena? Are you scared?

She seemed genuinely worried about the newcomer. She must have noticed she was shaking slightly.

- I'm just boiling with excitement, Azena confessed enthusiastically.

- Well, that's even better.

Meanwhile, the announcer introduced DarkBlade.

- Let's go kick those meowers' asses! Lythrana shouted, giving Zurof the signal to take off.

The rest of the team did the same in perfect synchronization. The attackers were the first to make their entrance, followed by the defenders and then the two goalkeepers. During their introduction, Serfantor had drawn a shadowy sword in the sky with the help of Shalith. It was the first time he had done this during an introduction.

- Well, he had to counterattack at Crimsoncry's awesome introduction, said Azena aloud.

- Of course, said Tyrath. We mustn't be intimidated!

The game started well. DarkBlade had a good lead over Crimsoncry and a few points had been scored by Azena and Tyrath who received ample encouragement from their peers. Even Serfantor gave her a friendly smile which was rare of him. He was always rather serious.

Around the middle of the game, Azena and Tyrath had gained a lot of confidence, even a little too much, and rushed into the fray without waiting for their companions for support. Tyrath slammed his huge jaws in an attempt to intimidate their enemies. Azena tried to keep them at a safe distance by manipulating the wind around them, disorienting the dragons.

- Azena, wait for us! Serfantor ordered, having just gotten rid of a Crimsoncry attacker who was trying to steal the elemental ball. There are too many of them for you alone.

- Go for the hexagons! Azena exclaimed. They've just changed to the shadow element. I'll make way for you.

At that moment, a heat wave hit her in the back. A sharp pain rose in her bones, she screamed and almost threw herself down by reflex. A shade of red came next to her, then the pain subsided.

- Listen to Serfantor! barked Ariella who was redirecting a flame towards an enemy. You could have been seriously injured because of your foolishness.

Since Tyrath was distracted pushing back a defender and his green dragon, the red dragon rider who was responsible for the first attack hurled a second fireball that Azena was unable to avoid because her back was mutilated by burning. Fortunately, Tyrath twisted like an eel to avoid the vines controlled by his opponent, forcing his rider to move, but he got hit by the flame in his mouth.

The cry of the silver drake unleashed a wave of rage in Azena. Without much awareness of her next actions, she relied entirely on her emotions, which wanted nothing more than to hurt Tyrath's assailant.

- Come here and I'll rip your guts out! she threatened.

The red rider sneered and signaled his dragon to pursue Serfantor as he prepared to score a goal. Azena's anger grew instantly and she felt a second presence overwhelming her mind. When she opened her mouth to scream, a beastly roar came out instead. Then she focused her hatred on the pyromancer, and without knowing why, she obeyed her instinct to raise her arms and pull an invisible rope. The more she pulled, the more she felt a flow of energy from the rider growing and strengthening. During this time, the victim seemed uncomfortable and had difficulty moving. He couldn't say a word. He couldn't warn his dragon of the situation. When the flow reached her hands, Azena pulled one last time and she felt wave after wave of energy building up under her control. Realizing that she was siphoning off her comrade's life energy, she calmed down and wanted to stop, but the transfer continued. In the end, she saw a purple glow appear around her hands, which seemed to have a different structure than usual. Her fingers were longer and her palms were wider.

- Stop! she shouted, hoping that Turion would hear and help her.

As her fingernails seemed to lengthen, everything stopped. On the spot, the purple energy was absorbed by the closest potential host: Azena. She felt invigorated and even more than that. Her wound disappeared in a few moments and she felt so alive that she was no longer certain to be mortal as if she had taken some kind of drug. The feeling of the adrenaline rush was almost addictive. She glanced at her hand; it was back to normal.

- What happened? she asked.

- That's exactly what I was going to ask you, Tyrath confessed in a worried, almost frightened voice. What you did... it was... it was unnatural.

They heard the whispers and surprised sighs of the crowd, and then Azena realized the game had stopped. She looked down and saw the red dragon rider lying there with his dragon on his right and Nymia on his left who seemed to be examining him.

- Will he die? she dared to ask.

- I hope not for your sake, said Zurof who had approached at Lythrana's request.

What Lythrana was about to say did not come; she remained silent, her nervous gaze darted from one side to the other. Zurof had clearly made her uncomfortable with the direct truth.

- I'm sorry, she finally said.

Zurof sniffed and raised his head stubbornly. He'd never been very friendly, but this time he was being really harsh.

Finally, the rider of Crimsoncry woke up and looked confused, but healthy except for a persistent fatigue. Nymia asked him a few questions and then addressed the audience:

- The game will be postponed to a later date. Please proceed to the academy.

Azena moved slightly in the saddle, making herself more comfortable. She felt Tyrath make a sudden movement as if he was nervous that he would be attacked. Immediately, she made the connection with what had just happened. He wasn't comfortable with her new power. She understood, but she couldn't stop the tension that was forming in her throat from spreading. She held back a tear and sniffed.

- Azena, called Nymia from the ground. Please come to me. The rest of you, go away.

Two of the wounded man's teammates put their arms around him and supported him as he walked. The others, including Tyrath, left at Nymia's request. Only Fayne remained in the stands watching the scene. She was far too far away to hear the words of her friend and mistress. Hands in each other, she looked worried.

- It was a nice first impression of my skotar performance, said Azena, trying to lighten the mood.

- You weren't bad, replied Nymia with a little smirk that she rarely showed.

That smile faded quickly.

- Listen...

- Spit it out, said Azena who was expecting the worst punishment of her life. I'm not afraid.

The effects of the life energy she had absorbed were still active. She honestly felt invincible, full of confidence and strength. Whatever Nymia was going to do to her, she could endure it.

- You remind me of myself when I was your age, Nymia revealed in a slightly playful tone.

- What? Azena said, a little shocked.

- People grow and change; they evolve over time. I wasn't always who I am today.

- What exactly are you trying to make me understand?

- You have a lot of potential, Azena Kindirah, said the blonde, returning to her usual disciplinary tone. Be patient with yourself and learn to forgive yourself despite your mistakes.

Azena felt extremely on edge. This was not Nymia's usual behavior. She wondered what she was playing at.

- But don't repeat them, the teacher continued. Learn to work with who you are and develop your weaknesses into strengths.

- Can we do that? Azena asked, blinking.

- Of course, Nymia said in an exasperated tone. You remind me very much of myself, she repeated. Well, not in aspects, but in many aspects.

She started walking towards the academy.

- Leave my class, she advised. You're obviously a warrior, not a commander.

- How can you know that? Azena shouted, suddenly enraged by the words of her interlocutor.

- Do you really want to discipline, enforce the rules, negotiate with the enemy and train your subordinates? she replied, raising her voice as she continued to move away.

Azena did not answer. She had just imagined herself behind a desk with a ton of paperwork to read and supervising rebellious warriors.

- That's what I thought, Nymia concluded.

Azena was speechless. She was trying to find a good reason why she should stay in the command and policy class, but she couldn't anymore. One way or another, she had to control her animancy and quickly. She could have killed that boy. Besides, she didn't even understand how she had stopped the process. All she had enjoyed was the surge of energy that she had managed to savor despite the grim situation and that she still enjoyed at that moment.

- Maybe I should accept the offer of this strange creature, she murmured.

Stubbornly, her moment of questioning disappeared as quickly as it had come.

- No, Fiara and Neige will help me, she thought. Together, we will succeed.

She heard footsteps in the distance approaching. Fayne ran to meet her and that strengthened her solidarity even more.