A good two hours had passed after Sara had left. On his laptop, Kieran had chosen to change the music. A calmer atmosphere spread through the room. A mixture of melancholy and bitterness. It was "Way to Go" by the band "Empire of the Sun". He was in bed, on his back, with a red pillow over his face. It had been several weeks since Sara had been cracking down on his behavior. Already that he supported badly this natural authority, in this recent period, that became for him too smothering. "Seriously, what does she care if I miss my life? " He asked himself in various ways, since he had locked himself in his room.
Enervé, he then seized his pillow and threw it on the door of his room with all his strength while letting escape a light growl. A message arrived on his cell phone, which he opened immediately.
"Still ok for tonight at home? :) »
It was Malden, one of his best friends. They were putting together a band, accompanied by another friend, Teano. On a good day, Sara would come and watch them play with the rest of the band. The two boys had met a few years earlier when they joined the athletics club for the youth of Lausya.
"Yeah, that's good. See you soon."
"No smiley face? Are you sure you're ok? :o ! »
"I tell you when we meet"
Just as he was about to leave his bed, his mother knocked loudly on the door.
- What? Kieran shouted, not without making his annoyance heard.
- Kié, Amaëlle has arrived for your class. She's waiting for you in the living room, come.
Kieran took his head in his hands and took a deep breath. Then, holding his breath, he rushed to the pillow he had just thrown and started screaming into it with all his might. After that, he grabbed it and slammed it to the ground several times until he was out of breath. Kieran had completely forgotten that Amaëlle had to come. He was no longer willing. It was wearing him down, especially with the altercation he had just had.
Five minutes were enough for Amaëlle's presence to leave his mind. Kieran had turned on the music and was strolling in the room. Calmly, she knocked and opened the door.
- Can I come in? she asked very gently.
Without stopping his activities, Kieran nodded. Amaëlle took off the long fir-colored coat she was wearing, as well as her beret of the same color, to put them on her bed. Her long ebony hair was styled in a lovely bun, while her azure eyes always seemed to shine. Without saying a word, she sat down on her student's computer chair and crossed her legs, swinging her green pumps to the music. Aware that something was wrong, Amaëlle took care to close the door behind her.
She was a holoron with syor skin, very lightly made up. While she was also bobbing her head from left to right as she played the notes, Kieran watched the reflection of the light come and go on her face, which was like a vase of earthenware. This detail amused him. He addressed a very weak smile to her, then rose to turn off the music before returning to his bed.
- You don't look so good. Your mother told me about you and Sara. I passed her on the way over.
- Yeah, I'm sick of her. I can't get any peace... she's a pain in the ass.
- Don't you understand that she is worried about you?
He hesitated before answering, looking away to stare at the window before continuing.
- Yes, but it's been a few days... She's abusing me now. It's like she wants me to do what she does. I don't want to do that.
- You don't have to be like your sister Kieran, since you are not your sister. She just wants you to work on your speaking and writing skills and develop your concentration. You remember that you were the one who asked her to find someone to come and help you in the first place, right?
- I wanted her to help me, not order me around and embarrass me in front of the guys outside.
Amaëlle gave him a pinched smile.
- I know the context of the situation. You didn't honor your agreement so that made her angry. Why don't you try explaining yourself next time? You are capable of having fun when everything is going well. Don't ruin it. Not everyone is lucky enough to have a big sister who takes care of you you know?
- I know. Kieran replied, very quietly.
- I have to help you tonight. It would be a shame if your sister paid me to just come and look you in the eye. But since you probably need some quiet time, I suggest we take less time than we planned. How about it?
He nodded slowly and stood up. Together they went into the dining room and sat down facing each other. Kieran had dyslexia, as well as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). During part of his schooling, the manifestation of this disability put him in many difficult situations. His clumsy diction and impulsive attitudes were often the cause of mockery from his peers, and therefore a lack of confidence. It didn't take long for these challenges to lead him into bad company, and for him to participate in acts of vandalism in the city.
Amaëlle - who was contacted by Sara almost three years earlier - committed to training Kieran through diction exercises, concentration exercises, as well as giving him vocabulary to learn from time to time, essays and other types of activities. She was a Nerial (Water) Aphorist and Atmologist, who was perfecting her teaching skills. She was 25 years old and was like a caring and always available big sister to them. Over time, Amaëlle gradually became a support to the Farrian family, rather than just a private teacher.
That evening, she simply had him read out some gap-fill texts and comment on them, choosing his words carefully. Despite his bad mood, Kieran had been persistent and calm. He had cut in less often and only got up from his chair once.
- You were exemplary tonight, even with that pig-headedness you pulled throughout the exercises. I am proud of you!
Kieran did not answer for all that. Amaëlle always reserved him a small surprise after the exercises. This made him smile a little before she left.
- I have something to show you. Call your mother too! She said, cheerfully, taking her wand out of her bag.
- Mommy! I believe that Amaëlle will make a stylish turn!
Fond of these little improvised shows, Naska rushed to come and see. As always, it was more pleasant to admire her performances with the lights off. Kieran then pressed the switch and sat down on the leather sofa of the living room, stamping with impatience. His good mood had returned, at least until he saw this.
Amaëlle's tall, slender figure now stood before them, wand in hand, against the light of the hallway. In silence, she seemed to start writing in the air. The ystic symbols - the language of the mystic - gradually took shape, like threads of smoke of a dreamy turquoise blue. The colors were reflected in the eyes of Kieran and Naska, revealing their fascination. They could read "I am extremely proud of you". Amaëlle waited a few seconds, then drew a circle around the letters of Menha that she had formed. Little by little, she formed signs with her fingers, which stretched the circle into a thick bubble of water. She then took a deep breath before blowing very gently on it. The bubble with the magic letters went towards Kieran. When it reached the tip of his nose, it burst.
Suddenly, a festival of positive and deep
emotions invaded him. He felt an intense and yet discreet joy, a certain fullness and a lot of admiration. Amazed, Naska turned the light back on and gave a big smile to Amaëlle.
- How did you do that? Kieran asked, impressed.
- I learned it a short time ago, I'm perfecting it. An Aphorist's art. I tried to share with you how you made me feel tonight.
- Wow! This is really classy! How did you get to be an Aphorist? Now I definitely want to do this.
- I had to practice a lot! She answered with a laugh that brought her back to her student memories. You'll have plenty of time to find out if you want to become an Aphorist. It's not that I don't like your company, but I'm going to have to get out of here fast.
- Me too," said Kieran. I'm going to Malden's tonight.
- The building is on my way there, I think, do you want a lift? I'll go back to Welliyo afterwards, what do you say?
- Is that right? So cool!
- I've got your stuff ready, Kie. I put everything in the bathroom, in your backpack.
- Go get it all quickly Kieran, or I'll change my mind and leave without you! In the meantime, I still have some stuff in your room.
Before they left, Naska had prepared a small box with part of the dish for Amaëlle. Knowing that Sara hated boiled food and that Kieran often ate out, she preferred to offer her some of it.
Once in Amaëlle's car, it was not long before Kieran's good mood faded again, which was not lost on the young woman. The snow had given way to a driving rain, which the windshield wipers struggled to clear from the window. Kieran remained silent, waiting patiently to arrive at Malden's house. -
I have rarely seen you so worried and upset, Amaëlle admitted to him. It's not the first time you and Sara have had a fight.
- This year, it's worse. She doesn't care how I feel. All she does is yell at me whenever she sees that I can. It's as if she's shooting me in the face every time I appear.
Amaëlle paused to think of an appropriate answer. She herself had noticed that Sara was much more emotional when she had met
her before arriving at the Farrian home.
- You know, your sister is growing up and starting to have other responsibilities. She's studying for exams and may have other concerns that we don't know about.
- If she would just talk about it calmly instead of using me as a punching bag, things would be better. But as soon as I talk, I can see that she thinks I'm a jerk. You know, sometimes I wonder if she's just paying you because she's ashamed of me as a brother. I'm not sure she's really interested in my condition. But the idea of Kieran, the town jerk, being her little brother... that's got to be getting to her, so I've got to make some headway for her shitty little reputation.
There were two minutes left in the journey, during which Kieran continued to express what he was feeling and thinking about the situation. Nothing would change his mind at the moment, not even the best of wills, and Amaëlle understood that. She stopped in front of a damaged sidewalk, littered with scrap metal and chewing gum. A few meters further on was a neighborhood where middle-class Lausans and Malden's family lived. Kieran opened the door to get out.
- Thank you for dropping me off, Amaëlle.
- Instead of thanking me, promise me something.
Since he sensed that this would have something to do with Sara and him, he sighed quietly before answering her.
- Well, okay. But it depends on what.
- If there is any problem between you and your sister, or even if there is something else you don't feel you can handle, promise to tell me about it. I don't want you to carry this around by yourself. Is that okay? Even if it's not mine, at least talk to one of your friends. Even Renyu for example.
- Oh no, not him. He's the first one to make fun of me for every mistake I make.
- I forgot, that's true... well, is that okay?
- Yes, I'll try to do my best. See you later, Ama.
Amaelle laughed out loud. She stuck her tongue out at him, closed the car door and went on her way. These little light attitudes she could have reassured Kieran a lot, even if he didn't always say so. During the short walk to Malden's house, he lost himself in imagining what he could achieve if he ever became an Aphorist. The idea of making up for his lack of expression, of one day being able to show others that he could handle himself and that they should never have laughed at him, was a very pleasant prospect. Since he was young, he had dreamed of studying Fothîol, the Fire Atmology, to become a great adventurer. In various broadcasts, he had heard about the fighting contests between atmologists and martial artists, the squads of adventurers going to the famous Domains, where incredible creatures, treasures and the legendary Incarnations were hiding. Just imagining all that energy flowing through his body and intoxicating him, Kieran was ecstatic. This was the life he wanted to live, not just hang out in Lausya, go to college and argue with his sister.
His phone rang as he approached the Cly
- Where are you? Malden asked
- I'm on my way, I'm almost downstairs.
- Okay, well, I'll be right down. Don't ring the bell, my father is taking a nap and it might wake him up. Then, my mother will bother me again.
- Not always easy to be a gardener, I guess," said Malden, laughing. Well, I'm coming, see you soon!
Kieran reached the big gate: a copper
fence several meters high, impossible to cross without having the right pass, or without ringing the bell at one of the numerous apartments that were piled up behind, in the big park. He saw the light of a distant hall, and someone opening the door coming in his direction. It was Malden. He had taken a worn red raincoat and an umbrella. When he opened the door, Kieran walked in without looking at him.
- It's a good thing Ama dropped you off. Why didn't you take something to cover yourself ?
Without a word, Malden handed him his umbrella. The two boys continued down the hall without talking, and once they were in the elevator, the conversation started again.
- Did something happen outside? Malden asked.
- Again? But that's all the time?
Kieran still wasn't much of a talker. When they arrived at the apartment, they went silently to Malden's room. When Malden opened the door, he was surprised to see his brother emptying one of his closets.
- Isaac, what the hell are you doing in my room?
The young boy was startled and stood up like a post in front of his brother and Kieran. -
- What did you come for now? I already told you that I didn't want to see you here! -
I needed a pen to write something and...
- Don't fuck with me, there are plenty of pens everywhere! Just ask Sawako or Hayate!
Akane, Malden's mother, arrived with a heavy step. She had long black hair, some of which fell over her face, and a dark, piercing, often angry look. When he saw her, Malden put his hands over his face and blew out a loud breath. -
- How do you address your brother Malden? I've told you to talk different!
- How many times have I told him to stay out of here?
- You don't set the rules in this house! You don't pay rent, you don't do the shopping! If your brother has something to look for he does it, whether you like it or not! This is my home!
- No, but he can at least ask me!
- Then he should have waited! -
Do you have something to hide in your room to put yourself in such a state just because Isaac entered? Just because Kieran's here doesn't mean you can start messing with me, Malden, you hear me?
Isaac hadn't moved an inch, watching the whole conversation carefully. A sardonic laugh escaped from between his lips, then he took a notebook out of his pocket before writing down a few sentences in a table named "Malden", and ran off. The argument continued for a few more minutes.
- If you keep yelling like that you're going to wake up Dad! Malden said.
- By now it's about time he got up.
Still with the same energy, she closed the door and went to wake up Richard Cly, the father of the family. Kieran sat down on Malden's bed and laughed nervously.
- It seems to be a good vibe in here too. - I don't know what's wrong with her right now, it seems like Isaac gets to do everything. And me, no privacy.
- Why are you so upset about him coming into your room?
- Because he lies and acts so weird. He writes things about me in a notebook and talks about them with Suzanne without telling me what they are. They think I'm a freak, and I don't even know why.
Kieran frowned as he imagined the situation.
- Okay, yeah. It's pretty weird.
- Anyway, that's how it is. What about you and Sara?
Once again, Kieran explained his altercation with his sister, and how he felt about it. The simple fact of being so little considered, and especially of being locked in by precepts he did not share, made him hateful. -
Sara and I used to have a lot of fun, but I have a feeling it will never be the same. All he cares about now is getting rich and doing biology.
- There will always be Teano and me just in case!
- I know, but this is different. -
I understand that, and I'm sorry. I feel like that sometimes with Melva. I feel like it's never going to get better. If you want, I'll talk to Sara if I get a chance. -
You know what, we weren't supposed to meet for this tonight. We should put on "Alvist War"! We have a fight to watch. I'm tired of being pissed off from earlier, I want to think about something else!
A big smile appeared on Malden's face. Without a word, he went to get his laptop and put it on the bed. "The Alvist War was a television program that was shown every evening, but was also broadcast on various platforms on the Internet. Atmologists of varying levels took part in clashes every venckelbuth, broadcast live, and this throughout the year! They judged the quality of the atmos used, their choice, and not necessarily the damage caused. On this night, a Heroine (Fire and Sun atmology) was to face a Cantator (Lightning and Lightning atmology)! Malden checked the website to be sure of the time of the confrontation.
- There's plenty of time. I know they were planning to move the time exceptionally because of the problems with the GCA, but we still have thirty minutes.
- Do you think your mom will let us watch this in the bedroom?
- Either she'll let us, or we'll watch it in the living room with everyone else, or we'll watch the replay. - Oh, the replay sucks. I want to live the thrill of the moment, when you see them doing crazy things!
- Yeah, I agree, but thanks to Isaac, my mom's all fired up tonight. I'm not sure she'll choose to be nice and leave us alone.
A thought crossed Kieran's mind. He squinted his eyes and gave her a big smile without saying a word. - I don't like it when you make that face, Kié. What are you thinking about?
- I don't know, your mom seems pretty busy, your siblings too, your dad's in the coltard after a nap at the worst time of the day...
He checked that Malden still had his shoes on his feet.
- And so I'm going to use my superpowers.
Without warning, Kieran leapt onto the bed, shut Malden's laptop and put it in his bag. He grabbed his arm and pulled with all his might. Malden slipped off the bed and rolled a few inches.
- What the hell are you doing?
- Let's go! I've got some more nanthilia at home.
- You know how to talk to me.
- You got your clip? Quick, grab it and let's go.
Malden was still putting on his raincoat in the middle of the hallway. He pulled up his slightly baggy pants and almost tripped twice as he caught his feet in his shoelaces. Kieran opened the front door, when Akane's voice rang out from the other end of the house.
- Who's going out at this time of the night? she shouted.
- It's Malden! said Isaac, who was not far away.
Already on the landing, Kieran signaled to Malden to hurry up. Seeing that his friend hesitated, he grabbed him again and pulled him with all his strength before closing the door behind him. They made their way down the three flights of stairs, nearly falling again several times. They ran through the park, opened the door and started running through Lausya. -
This is what track and field is for! Kieran exclaimed with a laugh.
- When I come back tomorrow, they're all going to kill me.
- I can't spend my life at your place, how am I going to paint and do my sports? I have to see Sylva too!
That evening, Akane made several phone calls to her son, but Malden never picked up. They had arrived home soaking wet. Naska was happy to know that her son would spend the evening at home, and especially that his boiled Yone would finally be consumed. When she asked why the boys had returned, a simple, poorly crafted lie had been enough to convince her.
As Malden began to eat the yone with his pakato puree with pavarus and echex, Kieran pulled out the nanthilia he had hidden under his desk. For a moment, he remembered the discussion with Amaëlle, who told him that Sara was worried about him. He hesitated. But the memories of his screams and his persuasion about Sara's true motives came back to him. The wound that had been growing inside him reopened immediately, and anger rose. He got up to lock his bedroom door and rolled two joints. He gave one to Malden before lighting both.
- It's going to start in a few minutes," Malden said after thanking him. Who do you think will win? -
My money is on Syzia, the Heroine. Already, she's using Hanoma atmos that no one has ever seen. When she introduced herself, she said she had done a lot of research in Nelthis, with the Grimoire of Balance, and had spent a lot of time learning old Hanoma. - It's not dumb, but in a way, we've already seen Albert come through a few times and win his matches. He sings great and people love it. And don't forget that he also uses Hanoma, some of which he developed himself!
- Yeah... It's tight though. But he's old Albert, I think he's over 60 years old. Syzia, I think she's even younger than Amaëlle!
- People prefer to give their chance to the younger ones. -
I hope they won't vote like that, it's not very fair. Or maybe they should make a "War of the Alvists - Senior Edition". That would probably be better. The older ones have so much experience in general...
- Yeah, but they're usually doing the same things, so you don't learn much from them, I think.
The Alvist War took place in Susalia, in Sei-Galtar. A big kingdom often considered as the mysticillian capital. The credits were presented with a dynamic and very rhythmic music, and a short presentation of the candidates. Malden and Kieran were never able to sit still each time they found themselves in front of the show. For a few minutes, the show's host spoke about the situation that had caused the show to be moved. A group of arcanists called "Black-Wings", a branch of the infamous "Guild of Antis", had stirred up trouble for reasons still unclear.
- Yes, yes, we know about that! Kieran persisted. I want the fight!
The introductions went on and on, even though the challengers were known to the public. The two boys knew that this process was supposed to make the viewers reconsider their preferences and make their judgment more difficult. But with them, it didn't work!
After long minutes, Syzia and Albert arrived at the big field where they would compete. They were given five minutes, after which the other challengers came to replace them for their own fight. At the end of the show, the votes would be revealed to everyone, as well as the decisions of the jury.
- He's pretty good-looking for his age, Albert," says Malden. Well dressed, little jacket and shiny shoes, the little groomed haircut and all. The well-trimmed beard and the winner's smile. -
He is a nogdarr at the same time, they are always stylish! And Syzia is a class act too !
It was a young anekionne dressed with an armor of Almandol and Helyor, where were engraved runes in hathôm language. The alloys with which she was covered shone with a red and orange glow. Her face was thin, her skin black, and her eyes a piercing yellow. There was nothing but cold determination, and nothing else.
- Her chelicerae give me the creeps. Look, it looks like she cut them to kill the people she kisses. I can imagine her leaning over to kiss Albert and then bang: she pierces his cheek.
- You're disgusting, man! You know that with our animal barriers, these things can't happen.
- Yeah, but imagine: there, she puts him on the ground, he has no more Anima, and she comes to kiss him.
While they were talking, the fight began. Without a word, Syzia rushed towards Albert while executing a series of signs with her fingers. When everyone expected her to deliver the kick she had enchanted with pink flames, a wall of pale green light blocked her path. Albert was standing in front of her, unperturbed, still smiling. He began to sing a short sentence with his tenor voice. Small emerald sparks began to converge in the sky. Sizya looked around, worried.
- What a handsome kid Albert is! Malden exclaimed again. He masters, you see, he doesn't even have to move!
- It's true, he's super stylish.
As the lightning was about to strike Sizya, the young anekonia jumped at the last moment to avoid the blast. Several times, she tried to come back to the charge but Albert's protection was very strong. However, everyone could see that as time went by, her shine was fading. Soon, she would have broken this damn protection and could reach the old man!
- She's going to make it," said Kieran. Everyone knows her, she won't let go.
Rather than strike again, Sizya took some distance. Closing her eyes, she crossed her legs and sat on the floor, then began to levitate. The audience began to raise their voices. Kieran's eyes widened.
- No? Is she really going to do that now?
- It's a very good idea. If she invokes an afterglow, things could be totally different for Albert.
Lest she cause too much damage, Albert readjusted his defenses by erecting variable shapes around him. Diamonds of emerald light, spheres, circles and a whole bunch of random creations weaving together and resulting in a magical and brilliant tapestry. The whole thing was nimbed with sparks and shimmering of all greens, which greatly impressed the spectators.
- She better do something worthwhile," Malden commented. People want to be wowed, and Albert understood that. Look what he did.
- Hell, yeah! He's really good, I'm starting to think he has a chance.
- He's always had a chance!
The art of the Heroines was to invoke afterglow from other times or dimensions, where various deities were believed to exist. The Heroines manage to channel the essence of the faith of these individuals across space and time, and invoke the crystallization of what they believe in. Thus, behind Sizya, the silhouette of a huge colossus was outlined by dots of pink Menha. A man of thick musculature, with a full beard and long hair flowing down behind his bare back. His face seemed marked by an unspeakable fatigue. He carried a forge hammer in his right hand and an anvil in his left.
- I think I know this invocation," said Malden.
- Hephaestus. Renyu told me about it once, they had come across images and treatises from the Heroines' classes while researching the dragons of the Mystician. The downside is that it's not Hanoma! It's classy, but not as bold as Albert's creations.
Hephaestus' remanence, once fully drawn, put his foot heavily on the ground. As he did so, a powerful, fiery shockwave crossed the battlefield. When it met the shapes created by Albert, more than half of them went up in smoke. Hephaestus raised his hammer and threw it straight at Albert. Opening his arms wide, he let out a mighty howl, ready to act again. Kieran and Malden looked at each other in amazement.
I'm not sure if summonses normally do that," Kieran remarked. Are you sure she's not doing a Hanoma?
- I don't know, but it's really shocking. It could be.the remaining time, Albert and Sizya continued to battle, bringing to life phenomena as surprising as each other. The summoned Hephaestus remained on the field until the announcer announced the end of the battle. It was rare for the audience to make so much noise in the stands. The two challengers shook hands before leaving. Regardless of the outcome of the votes, they seemed to be mutually satisfied with the experience, and to have impressed each other so much. Kieran and Malden spent the rest of the evening watching the other matches, which were all equally interesting.
When the show was over, they decided to go to sleep, but it was impossible for them not to discuss everything they had seen. They spent most of the night talking about these incredible shows, and then they went into their most incredible daydreams. Every time they found themselves in complete darkness, they had this urge to remake the world.
- So you want to be an Aphorist now?
- I don't know. Now that I've seen all the fights I still want to do something else, I can't decide.
- It was atmology, that doesn't prevent you from being an Aphorist on the side. It's a martial art. -
And you, are you still in the idea of being an Inleier?
- Yeah, I think it's going to stay. I like the idea of using my emotions to do something with them. I know that at the Inleier house, I'll get what I need. - Doesn't it scare you to know that you have to dip into your animal reserves to fight?
- No, since I want to do lightning atmology as part of the healing. If I have a problem, I can fix it.
- Or Sylvania can heal you! Kieran exclaimed in a burst of laughter.
Malden laughed in his turn with an embarrassed air before kicking him.
- You're an idiot! Anyway, she has a much better future ahead of her.
- Aren't you supposed to meet tomorrow?
- Yes, she's got a few things to teach me on the piano. And then apparently she composed another song. Maybe she can join the band with Teano and us. It would be great if she could come with us, but she's still got some crazy restrictions with her mom...
- You'd be happy if she was there, right, Kieran said.
- Yeah, I'd be happy if she joined us.
For the past few weeks, Kieran had suspected that Malden had feelings for their friend. Although he denied it, the young man was still very attracted to Sylvania, but the nature of this attraction was still very unclear to him. Only one thing was clear: something in Sylvania reminded him a little Mélva, his twin sister. He missed her a lot. Because of Kieran's teasing and this unsettled feeling, Malden fell asleep dreaming about them.
