Time moved fast after Naia's birthday.
Anecus fell into a rhythm with training nothing substantial just yet. 'The basics determine one's end potential.' Red would always tell Anecus whenever he complained about only doing drills.
"Again." Red said sternly while smacking Anecus's shoulder with a wooden 'training pole.' it was just a stick to smack Anecus when he did something wrong.
"I'm trying." he said, gritting his teeth, arms shaking from fatigue.
Cassia after constant pestering got Jane to showed some of her Spirit arts and self defense. Naia had turned 6, a small but cheerful party was held.
Nudging with her elbow Cassia said "You're catching up shortie." It was ironic because Cassia was the shortest among them.
Amara rested a hand on her shoulder "we are proud of you my sweet."
Naia's eyes glimmer not just with joy but with opportunity. Her eyes flick to Anecus, who catches her gaze before quickly looking away. Cassia pretends to barf.
----
Present day.
Anecus, Naia and Cassia are on the roof, feet dangling off and looking up at the stars. While finding constellations Anecus spoke. "It feels like all this time has led up until this moment. Only a week left and we'll know."
Their seventh birthday, along with many of the local children was coming this winter.
Leading up to their birthday Cassia was bouncing off the walls getting Naia excited by proxy.
Anecus was reading over the Latest notes about Echo streams in the living room when Cassia ran down the stairs to their mother who was currently hanging herbs.
"Mom! Mom! Can we go to the festival of the seventh? I wanna get a book on spirits and a dress to mark our awaking!"
Jane shaking her head a little, "Cassie dear we aren't even sure if you will awaken yet..." Jane stopped in her tracks, Looking at those eyes so full of wonder she sighed. "Ok fine. When its your birthday we can go."
Cassia jumping up and down "Thank you, thank you thank you!" She quickly ran up stairs already adding to what she asked for. "Naia! she said yes! start thinking of a dress you want!"
Naia "Really! I already know..." Their voices faded into the walls discussing their dream dresses.
'Already making plans as if everything is set in stone' Anecus thought. He was happy though, seeing his sister and Naia getting along. In regards to becoming accursed however his attitude was complicated.
He had a better understanding of what it meant to be an accursed and that his life was going to be determined by the end of the week.
Some part of him wanted to never awaken and live peacefully with his family.
"Anecus! Lets finish todays training." Red yelled from outside.
Anecus wanted to hide "ugh!" sliding off the couch "Coming!" opening the door 'I wonder what he has planned today...'
----
It was winter now and the air was dry but cold. It didn't snow much in the Goldenfields, mainly frozen ground and ice everywhere. Red was currently finishing up their last session for the week. Even the training monster that is Red understands a vacation.
He was subjecting Anecus to an ice bath after an intense workout while quizzing him. "What is the most important aspect while fighting?"
Anecus forced himself not to shiver and battled against the cold to remember the answer. "C-cclarity of mind…one must have thoughtless awareness."
Red nodded circling Anecus…adds more ice. "Good now tell me what that means so I know you're not just repeating to me."
Anecus moved his legs 'Agk! So much worse when I move.' Stopping himself from jumping out "I-it means you must tt-take in all relevant stimuli without bias or subjective feeling and opinions."
Not getting hit over the head with a stick signified he was right. "Next, what have I been drilling into you over the past couple months and why?"
An inquisitive look came to Anecus's face 'that's a broad question, Isn't there many answers to this question?' focusing onto Reds back that was now facing him he thought about everything he was put through. 'Why?'
Red facing the frozen orchard, hands clasped behind his back looked over the expanse of the once golden fields, now ice blue. I'm proud of you…but your answer will determine if you are ready for what comes next.'
'You must not fall to your own ego, prioritize survival over prowess.'
He heard Anecus shivering voice "ww-ell, you always stress the basics…never taught me any techniques other than simple hand to hand defense." A small smile appeared on Red's face 'so you have been paying attention.
Anecus continued "most of your lessons had to do with core fundamentals, not just with fighting. But living…"
"Survival."
Red felt a rush of pride, In himself and most importantly in Anecus. He turned around to face Anecus.
"You taught me how to survive."
Walking over and placing one hand on his head. "Good answer. You pass." There was a moment of silence.
"Gg-great…Can I get out now?"
Without missing a beat, hand still on his son's head. "No."
'...Tsk!'
----
"Thank the 12 that's over." grabbing a towel from Red he quickly wiped himself dry, 'my muscles feel good at least.'
Red with a knowing smile "feels good doesn't it?"
Anecus grumbles a yes in reply.
Stepping inside the house Anecus was hit with warmth and the intense smell of whatever Jane was cooking. 'I wonder what mom is making?' Taking a big breath in...'Chicken and dumplings!'
Cassia stumbles down stairs "well well looks like the popsicle is done with training."
"Can it!" Anecus said while walking into the kitchen while Jane was in the process of stirring something that smelled divine.
With light steps Anecus 'sneaks' up and peers around Jane's shoulder. Then Jane's voice spoke softly, somehow getting the jump on him. "It's chicken and dumplings, your favorite…yes I made it a 'little spicy' just how you like it."
Anecus couldn't help but grin and make a sound that could only represent satisfaction. Cassia from the dinner table "are you sure that ice did not give you brain damage?"
Anecus the loving brother "No! Shut it!" pulling out a chair 'at least I hope not.' Bowls already placed and utensils at the ready, Jane came over with a big steaming pot, and ladled chicken and dumpling soup into their bowls…a little extra for Anecus.
While eating Anecus took a sip of some hot coffee. It mixed with the spices just right to slightly burn the mouth, a sensation he enjoyed. This was a habit he picked up from Red and against Jane's words. 'So strange.'
While everyone was eating, Cassia was not really speaking to anyone in particular "So… what are the chances of us actually awakening?"
Red mid motion of cutting some bread, "It's never guaranteed, there are some multi generation Accursed families who have heirs that never awaken. This is why they churn out kids at an increased rate."
Jane, noticing the discouraged look on Cassia's face, chimed in. "However you both are children of two very powerful Accursed, with potent bloodlines." she smiled a little."This is out of the ordinary, so I'd say you have a better chance than most."
Cassia's expression evened out. "Oh…" turning to Anecus who was already through his second bowl. "I thought you would be more excited…do you not want to awaken?"
The spoon stopped just before his lips. "Mm, I am excited but I just can't find myself expressing it. Accursed or not, my life will be determined in a couple days...its daunting."
Cassia fell into a deep thought. "I guess…I guess I haven't thought of it like that."
Red watching the two "You're brother is right. For better or worse."