TBD

Family

I never realized how much that single word truly aggravated me. What was so important about family? Why are we expected to love each other and care for each other…just because we’re related by blood? Hell no. I used to think that way. But my life was never meant to live up to expectations. It was invaded by the kind fairy known as Change, who I though was a cruel witch. But she gave me a better life than I could have ever dreamed of.

“Buck, have you seen my pinafore? I laid it out on my bed earlier.” A bright voice called, belonging to my beautiful little sister named Athena.

“I ironed it and left it hanging on your chair. Hurry up.” I replied. We lived with our parents in the countryside of the Fire Kingdom, ruled by King Calidi. There were four kingdoms in the land of Kuno; Fire, Ice, Sun, and Star. Each kingdom was ruled by one of the four Kuno Brothers. The oldest brother, Calidi, had control over all of them but only reigned The Fire Kingdom. All four brothers have been around for decades and only King Calidi had a queen and an heir, Queen Regalisque and Princess Keamanan.

“We’re going to be late. Athena, Boudicca, hurry up. Your father will be home soon.” Our mother said, standing by the front door, ready for the day out, while I got my shoes on and straightened my dress.

“I’m coming, I’m coming”, Athena yelled, hurriedly running to us, with her shoes on backwards. Silly girl, I thought, as Mother flattened her blonde hair-her eyes gazing at her in loving wonder, as if disbelieving how she had ever gained such a charming daughter. Turning to me, her gaze became indifferent and her eyes lost that loving glow.

I always knew Mother preferred my blonde, blue-eyed and pale-faced little sister than white-haired, grey-eyed and tanned me. I was quite tomboyish in nature and surprisingly muscular in appearance while Athena looked and acted very much like a proper lady, although she is only 8 years old, twelve years younger than me. Even though Mother's indifference towards me was painfully clear, Father loved me just as much as he loved Athena. Quite plainly, I took after our rugged father and my sister took after our gorgeous mother, but it resulted in my name being Boudicca, given by my father, meaning ‘victory’. I’ve always loved my name; it suits me. I’m tall, strong, and never shy away from a challenge. While my sister basks in admiration, I’d rather be out wrestling with the boys, climbing trees, or proving I can hold my own in any contest. Being ‘one of the guys’ has never bothered me—in fact, I take pride in it, just as I take pride in my name.

About my Ayah, he had been sent to The Ice Kingdom, three years ago, as he had been forced to join in the battle against them, as an argument had occurred between our King Calidi and King Glacialis of Ice. We haven’t heard from him since as His Highness declared, contacting family would distract the soldiers.

Back to the story, we walked to Ember City’s train station, where the trains ran through all four kingdoms, and waited excitedly for the troops to arrive, along with many other families. The train station was packed with families awaiting the return of their soldiers, all citizens of Ember City, the heart of the Fire Kingdom. Our ruler, King Calidi, was the eldest of the four Kuno brothers, a man who held absolute power, but at what cost? His war with King Glacialis of Ice had stolen my father from me. We didn’t have enough money for a car, but I dreamed of one day driving my mother and sister to Ember City. It felt like ages till we heard the train approaching. Many people cheered, my sister and I included, as we all stood anxiously for the train doors to open. When they did, there was a flurry of hugs, kisses and tears, as the soldiers rushed to greet their loved ones. Mother, Athena and I waited patiently, looking around for Ayah. When the train was practically empty, Mother decided to ask a nearby Officer, who was holding a clipboard.

“Excuse me, but we’re looking for Cadet Heros.” she said. The Officer nodded and checked his clipboard before his stern face suddenly became stricken.

“Hmm, Mrs. Heros. I’m afraid I have some terrible news," he hesitated, as if steeling himself but that told me all I needed to know. My chest tightened, my lungs burning as I gasped for air, each breath feeling like it might be my last. I barely heard the Officer as he told the news to Mother who froze and turned white. After regaining some oxygen, I was calm enough to hear, "Please let me know if there is anything I can do.” He walked away. I don’t know how long we stood there but Athena’s crying broke me out of my trance. I hugged her. Ayah meant a lot to us, especially to me. He was the only who believed in me. All this time, my mother had been so still, I thought she died on the spot. Her face was as white as a ghost’s and her lips moved but no sound came out of her mouth.

That was the moment everything shifted. Change whispered in my ear, unseen but inevitable, and I had no choice but to follow.