tRain!

“tRain!”

…

“Ha!” Kryrella cried out as she threw a kick at Zevor.

Zevor caught her kick with ease then threw her leg to the ground. He smirked, “Hmm. Come on Kryrella, kick me like you mean it.”

Kryrella came in for another kick, “Ahh!” But it was to no avail as Zevor quickly moved out of the way.

“Use your Spectrumaid!” Zevor said as he grabbed her leg again and then dropped it. Kryrella fell to her knees, but she got up quickly and dusted herself off swinging back at Zevor with her fist. Her eyes flicked red. Zevor noticed the flicker in her eyes and smiled. But then, “Ack!” Kryrella’s fist collided with Zevor’s face. Zevor lost his balance and was even knocked down to his back.

With her eyes still red, she came in for another kick. She swung her leg back, Zevor swiftly blocking his face, Kryrella then swung her leg forward with great speed, her foot crashing into Zevor’s stomach. Zevor clutched his ribs and he barreled across the grassy field. He fought hard to recollect every breath. “Ah!…Ugh! Geez! Honestly, …I didn’t think you had that…ugh… in yah!” Zevor’s left eye slowly faded to green and his palms began to glow a gentle green. A faint green aura hovered over his palms which he placed over his stomach. He sucked his teeth, “Ooph… that’s…so much better.”

“Oh-uh…I’m sorry Zevor! I’m sorry I didn’t mean to kick you so hard! I’m sorry!” Kryrella cried from across the field, her red eyes changing back to purple. Zevor raised his right hand, “No! No it’s alright! You did good! You caught me off guard-that’s what you’re supposed to do…agh!” Kryrella shouted, “It was still too much. I should have been more controlling of my power. Eh…it’s all my fault! I’m sorry I hurt you!” Zevor kept reassuring, “No Kryrella it’s fine really I’m good-“

“-Kryrella.” Tyreethyll tapped on her shoulder. Kryrella jumped and put her hands up, “Ehh!”

“Ooh. Sorry. I don’t mean to scare you. I know you feel bad about hitting Zevor, which is fine for right now…” Tyreethyll got closer, “But if you really want to control this power, the only way to do it is by training.” Kryrella slowly put her hands down, “But I’m afraid I’ll hurt someone.” Tyreethyll chuckled, “Hurt!? Sweetheart even if it seemed that you did, you would never, trust me.”

“-but I could.” Kryrella said as she pulled her toes closer to her foot.

“-but you wouldn’t.” Tyreethyll locked his eyes on hers.

“-but I still could.” Kryrella jolted her head.

“-but you know you wouldn’t.” Tyreethyll pointed between her eyes.

Tyreethyll kneeled down and spoke softly, “You can only do what you allow yourself to do. Yes, you could hurt one of us, you for sure possess the power to do so. But look into my eyes…do you see any malice, any fear?”

“Mmm…” Kryrella’s skin went cold.

“Let me be more specific. Do you see any fear towards you in my eyes?” The wind rushed through their hair.

“…Eh…no?” She looked up.

“Are you going to hurt me?”

She looked back down, “No.”

“Do you believe that?”

“Yes.”

“Do you believe this yourself?”

Kryrella fidgeted with her fingers. Tyreethyll grabbed them. Gently he spoke, “Stop. Enough with the doubting and the fears. You have nothing to worry about.”

Kryrella looked over to Zevor who began to limp his way back. With a shaken voice she said, “But I have the power to kill you if I could-if I wanted.”

“We all possess the power to kill. It is if we allow ourselves to stay in control of that possession, or if we allow that possession to possess us.” Tyreethyll held Kryrella’s cheeks in his palms and tilted his head, “You are not weak, you are very, very strong. But that does not make you dangerous. It makes you precious. And it warms my heart to know that not wanting to harm the ones you love is a power that you are already in possession of.” Tyreethyll smiled warmly. Kryrella turned away attempting to hide the smile creeping across her face.

Tyreethyll chuckled. “Hey, you’re my strongest soldier, ’Kay?”

With her head over her shoulder and her hands holding her arms, she nodded.

“Remember, Don’t look away. That is…the last thing I want you to do.”

“Okay.” Kryrella sighed. Tyreethyll rubbed her head, her hair standing up after he did.

Zevor came up behind her, “Agh…wanna take a break?” he exhaled with a slightly pale face, desperate smile and a thumbs up.

“Yeah I guess.” Kryrella, facing her side, answered immediately and walked off.

“Hm. She’s got a tempest temperament.” Tyreethyll said as he rose from his knees.

“How could you tell?” Zevor asked with a pocket of breath.

Tyreethyll paused, then he said, “The way she storms off…”

Zevor’s face lit up, “…Wow…why didn’t I think of that?” And they both started to laugh.

“Yeah but…no. In all seriousness, she packs a punch. And get this, her eyes were only flickering red. Not even a full hue!” Zevor whispered.

“That…that seems…powerful…from…what you’ve told me…about you and your sisters’ Spectrumaid and how it slightly differs from your parents.” Tyreethyll said.

“Yeah, I know. But a flicker!? If she were to work on her power day and night, by the time she masters Spectrumaid, a single punch would be enough to do some real damage!” Zevor said as his eyes changed back to blue. He stretched, “Ah, much better.”

Tyreethyll tapped his stomach.

“Mmh! Definitely not better.” Zevor said without a breath.

The front door slams open as Kryrella dragged herself inside. Zazzory looked over from the kitchen and threw her arms up, “Kryrella! What in Aighmen, why did you slam the door open!?”

Kryrella marched inside lugubriously. Her shoulder hung and she slouched her hips.

“Hey! Kryrella!? Answer me!”

Kryrella mumbled to herself. Zazzory marched over to her and grabbed her chin, “Did you hear me at all? What’s with your attitude?”

Kryrella’s voice crescendoed from a mumble to an amalgamated stumble of groaning words, “Mmm-ahh-I’m not in the mood today! I don’t wanna talk.” Kryrella took her head and moved it out of Zazzory’s hand. “I’m going upstairs to my room.” Zazzory grabbed Kryrella’s hand, “Hey, what’s going on? Did something happen outside? Was someone hurt?”

“No! That’s what I’m afraid of! I mean Tyreethyll told me that I’m not dangerous and that I’m actually precious but that doesn’t change the fact that I punched Zevor so hard all because I couldn’t control my dangerous power!” She kicked the floor. Bits of dust particles kicked up into the air.

Zazzory sighed, Kryrella. Go to your room.”

“Wait-What!?”

“If you think you’re so very dangerous because of a power that was given to you, then by all means punish yourself for finding out now!”

“Zazzory what are you talking about?-“

“-Do you even see me Kryrella?-“

“-what…?”

“-Don’t you see what I do every morning with my tea? Didn’t I just tell you two days ago how I needed to regulate my body because of a toxin that’s floating around in my body!?”

“-I…”

“-You wanna know, dangerous!? How about gaining a power to save your life and the lives of others you love only for it to bite you back by poisoning you!”

“-Zaz…”

“That’s what I did for uncle Rhodey, cousin Ashley, cousin Peter, mom, dad, Zevor- you!”

“Uh…I-“

“-You have a power that does not harm you in any way. In fact it protects you more than I ever could!…”

“Zazzy…”

“If you really wanna punish yourself for a power that is rightfully yours and strong enough to help you protect the ones you love, be my guess. But let me tell you. You are not dangerous. Zevor and I have faced way greater threats than you and survived. You think that just because you have the ChromaRosa inside of you, you’re too dangerous for us? Is that what you-“

“-No!”

“-Think… Okay then. If you need a break that’s fine but you are going back out there and you are going to hit Zevor or Tyreethyll as hard as you can and you are going be proud of that strength that your exploring understand?”

“Yes…yes I do.”

“Good. Go upstairs.”

Kryrella stared at her while she tugged at her shirt.

“Now! Didn’t you say you were going!?”

“Yes! But…I don’t know now.”

“Why?”

“Becau- I just wanna stay…I…” Kryrella slowly walked forward. She took her hands and wrapped them around Zazzory. “I’m sorry I never acknowledged that you go through so much. I…I really wish I could take back what I said.”

“Wish, could, can’t. That doesn’t matter. Mom and dad knew what they were leaving behind.

And they were right to leave you with us.”

“Why’s that?”

“…Because…now I can have you clean that mess up in the kitchen after that attitude spike you had just now.”

Kryrella pouted, “…That’s not fair…”

“Yeah well, neither is eating a hundred flowers to gain a power that you should already have inside of you- just for it to poison you a few days later.”

…

Kryrella kept her head down, “Point taken.”

…The wooden steps on the stairway creak as Zazzory leans back on the wooden handle bar.

…”Are you gonna let go.”

“A little longer please.”

Zazzory sighed again and then scratched Kryrella on the head.

Kryrella giggled.

The door kicks open.

“Ha! Kryrella, see I’m perfectly fine just needed a quick fifteen minute break! But I’m back!” Zevor puffed his chest and shouted.

“Oh come on are you serious!? What is with you two and kicking doors!?”

“…Must’ve been something we got from mom.” Zevor lowered his voice.

Tyreethyll calmly walked in, his hold armor clanking like a stack of buckets.

He placed his sword by the side of the door and greeted Zazzory with a friendly smile.

“General…” Zazzory welcomed.

“Wow well, I’ve only been in here a few times and each time it’s…it gets better.”

“Well thank you, that’s due to my well deserved interior design skill.” Zevor bowed.

“Zevor, watch your arrogance. I was literally just cleaning the kitchen.”

Zevor cleared his throat awkwardly, “Mm, well yes, it seems I…Hm…completely inappropriate. Apologies. Where is Kryrella?”

“Under my arms. Why?”

“No worries. We can take a break if needed.”

“I assume you’re the one who will be needing it the most, Zevor?”

“Of course! I’m not kidding, you hit hard! …-Eh but not hard enough to hurt me in any severe way.”

Zevor walked into his office farther down the hallway and closed the doors.

“Tyreethyll please, make yourself at home.”

“Thank you Zazzory.” Tyreethyll said as he went into the living room and sat down on a couch that was closest to the kitchen.

“We will get back to practicing soon. Just give Kryrella a second to clean up that whole kitchen.”

“Aw man. I was hoping you forgot about that.”

“…Nope. You’re doing them.”

“Mmm…”

The lights in the kitchen buzzed and dishes settled.

“Training is difficult. I understand why you may seem…flustered Kryrella.” Tyreethyll’s armor clanked as he turned over his shoulder, “There was a time when I severely revered it. My father’d push me so far that I always dropped to my knees. I hated his teachings, but in all honesty, without them I wouldn’t be general Tyreethyll. I don’t plan on pushing you like he did, but I’m not going to be soft on you either.”

Kryrella lets go of Zazzory and walks down the stairs.

Zazzory leaned forward, the wooden steps aching underneath her shifting weight.

She walked into the living room and kneeled, her face directly in front of Tyreethyll’s, “I…don’t want to hurt anyone. I’m not going to, right?” Tyreethyll nodded. His chest deflated, “Ooh, well a break is well needed. It’s quite hot outside, even though the clouds are out and the sun is setting, it’s so humid.”

Zazzory rolled her eyes. They turned from pink to a crystalline blue. She flicked her fingers and spits of ice cold water spat from her fingertips, landing on Tyreethyll’s face. “Oh! Why, thank you Zazzory.” Zazzory softened her eyelids and her eyes changed back to a luscious pink.

Zazzory stretched her arms and groaned and she walked down the stairs. She walked over to Kryrella and tapped her on the shoulder. “Come on. You’ve had your break.” Zazzory, with her hand on her hip, pointed her chin towards the kitchen. Kryrella groaned as she reluctantly stood up. Zazzory looked at Tyreethyll and with a deadpan stare and a dry voice asked, “Want some water?”

Tyreethyll, with his hands out and arms on his lap, said, “Mmm… no thank you. I’ll…get it myself. Don’t-don’t worry yourself.” Zazzory, expressing assent, grunted.

“Could you help her with the kitchen? I’ve got to speak with Zevor.” Zazzory asked.

“Yeah. No worries! Her and I should have a deeper talk too. Right Kryrella?” Tyreethyll nudged her.

“Mmm.” Kryrella let out while she washed a pot.

Zazzory walked down the hall and opened a pair of doors at the end of it. The croaked opened and inside, Zevor stood still, hands behind his back looking outside the window.

“…What are you doing in here?” Zazzory asked.

The wind outside rushed, combing leaves and brushing blades of grass.

“Oh. Zazzory…I was just thinking…” Zevor turned and faced her.

Zazzory tilted her head and said softly, “About what?”

Zevor’s words were sealed behind his lips. He then looked up and then spoke, “While we were training…Kryrella’s eyes flickered.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Her eyes…they flickered, ha, like a twinkling star. And when she punched me…I felt my stomach ripple throughout my body.”

“…Zevor, what is any of this supposed to mean?”

“-It means Kryrella has a strength that marvels me! That kind of hit I can do but only with a solid red color. …I’m saying she’s strong…much stronger than I am. Even with the fact that all of my chroma concentrates into one eye…I just…” A lone tear trickled down his cheek.

“Zevor. What’s wrong?” Zazzory asked blankly.

Zevor gripped his palms, his fists turning red, “I am proud! So proud! And I am also terrified. What happens to her if I am not strong enough to help her control it?”

Zazzory walked closer, “-That’s why…she has us and Tyreethyll. Zevor- Kryrella will be strong enough on her own the more we train her. Why are you scared for her? I just told herself not to be scared about her own power. Don’t you start too…please.”

“Oh I’m sorry. You’re right. But I just can’t shake that feeling. Can’t you?” Zevor turned back around, “Before that battle with Gayallessee, you nearly died. Now suddenly you have this power that most of your life you never had.”

Zazzory narrowed her eyes, her gaze piercing like an arrow through the air, “First of all, I have always had this power, it just wasn’t as concentrated as it is now. And it saved your life didn’t it!?”

Zevor darted closer, almost in her face, “You weren’t there Zazzory! Her eyes might as well not have been red! And what about me!? The only thing I’ve ever done that did any amount of damage was when I had to fight our father! And that was years ago! Name one thing I’ve done! Something- anything please!”

Zazzory leaned back and looked at Zevor’s lips. She gripped her palms. The air around her was dense and her lips twitched.

“I thought so.” Zevor walked past her towards the door. “You saved our lives. I’m not in them. Kryrella is getting stronger with each passing day. I can’t keep up and be honest, neither will you be able to as well. You told her to stop fearing her power, that’s great. But what about you? Don’t you fear that you won’t be able to protect her anymore?” Zevor walked off. Zazzory stood quietly, breathing heavily, subtly rocking back and forth.

Tyreethyll grabbed a plate and ran it under warm water, “It seems your power grows everyday.”

“Like a lily.” Kryrella responded absentmindedly, scrubbing a pot.

Tyreethyll gruffed, “Hm. And how are you in this regard?”

Kryrella placed the pot down, soap dripping down its rim, “What do you mean?”

“I mean this ability you possess is greater than your siblings and greater than the knowledge you have about it now.”

“-I’m not a monster!”

“I never said that.” Tyreethyll softly replied, grabbing another dish. “No you are not a monster. Don’t remember what I said?”

“What?…”

“-You are more precious than you know.”

“-Because of a power I was born with but never asked for.”

“-Not…exactly.” Tyreethyll smacked his lips, “But because of you.”

…

“What?” Kryrella looked at Tyreethyll with eyes that tried to speak with his.

“Okay. That sounded better in my head. I just meant this fear of yours isn’t something to acknowledge because in doing so you will end up doing what you fear the most.

“I…get that…Tyreethyll.”

“Ah, well I guess I’ve just been repeating myself.”

Kryrella picked up a spoon and ran it under the warm water. Tyreethyll wiped his plate dry. He nudged her, “Hey, why don’t you try and hit me.”

“Now!? Oh-wha…but I’m still cleaning the dishes!-“

“-I know. So am I, so if we get in trouble I’ll take all the blame.”

“-Of course you will- you’re the one inciting it!”

“Okay! Okay. Just…punch me on the shoulder. Don’t worry I won’t cry.”

Kryrella rolled her eyes and stepped away from the sink. She balled her fist and raised it. She rolled her lips in and shook her head. “I just can’t.”

“Why not?”

“What if something happens? What if it doesn’t work or it works too much and-and-and I…hurt you?”

“You can trust yourself.” Tyreethyll smiled.

Kryrella shifted her stance and brought her fist back. Her eyes instantly switched to a bright brimful red. She landed her punch on Tyreethyll’s cheek.

Tyreethyll’s jaw popped and his body soared across the hallway and through the walls.

Kryrella gasped, “Oh no!” She cupped her hands around her mouth.

“What’s going on!” Zevor shouted, arms raised.

The house groaned in pain and wooden planks snapped off their nails.

Zazzory rushed behind Zevor. The front wall of the house with a hole in it.

“I did it! Uh-but only because he said I could and I-“

“-Enough!” Zevor shouted at Kryrella as he ran outside.

“Zevor I’m sorry I didn’t mean that.” Kryrella cried.

“Zevor!” Zazzory yelled out, walking towards him.

“Stay inside!” He pointed.

“Ugh!” Zazzory crossed her arms.

…

“Zazzory?”

…

“Zazzory I didn’t-“

“-I know you didn’t!” Zazzory’s voice was heavy.

“…Then…why do you seem so upset?”

“I am! But not at you. At him. Both of them really.”

The wind ran inside. It brushed against Zazzory’s shoulders.

Kryrella fiddled with her fingers and stepped closer, “Do…do we have to stay here?”

“-No. Come on.”

…

“O-okay.” Kryrella licked her lips.

“Tyreethyll what happened? Why did Kryrella punch you!?” Zevor asked as he brushed off Tyreethyll’s shoulders.

In pain, and with a groan, he answered, “Argh. How do you know it was her?”

“Uh because you wouldn’t dare hit my little sister that hard even in training.”

“Of course of course.” Tyreethyll nodded.

“Can you please explain what happened!?”

“Yes, as soon as I get up.” Tyreethyll with an exaggerated grunt, stood up slowly, stretching.

Zevor crossed his arms and held his chin in his hand, “Why are you dragging this? Why are you Vociferating?” Tyreethyll tapped him in the shoulder, “I’m fine. Her strike was very powerful and I definitely felt it. She definitely popped something back into place.” He chuckled.

Zevor scoffed with a look of disappointment, “Why would you tell her to hit you!? We just got inside! We were taking a break!”

“-A break from what exactly, sir?” Tyreethyll stood up tall and without a scratch. “What exactly did you need a break from? Did she really need one, or did you?”

Zevor stepped closer, his face almost pressed up against Tyreethyll’s nose, “What are you insinuating, general?”

Tyreethyll closed his eyes and sighed, “Sir, I don’t mean to offend you, but it’s clear, she has powers beyond ours. She had her break. She was frightened she hurt as much as she did, but you are a different case. Why are you hiding in doors when you should be out here helping her overcome her own fear?”

Zevor puffed his chest, “Fear of what exactly?”

Tyreethyll looked to his feet. His eyes like melted gold, “Sir-“

“-Zevor!” Zazzory shouted from behind. Kryrella followed slowly behind her.

Zevor turned over his shoulder. Zazzory, with her arms still crossed, asked him, “Why are you acting like this!?”

“-Like what!?”

“-Why are you acting so…erratically!?”

“-I am not! I’m simply…acting appropriately to the situation!”

“-What does that even mean!?”

“-That means, I’m doing my job!”

“-Why are you shouting at me!? For what reason are you so upset for!?”

“-Because! …Because I need to be! We have no clue what roof Kryrella’s power has or if she even has one! You wanna let her just not be afraid of it!? What kind of advice is that!? Are you seriously suggesting letting her swing without a clear gauge of her power!? Without an appropriate target!?”

“-What’s an appropriate target, Zevor!?” Zazzory pinched her fingers, “What are you saying!”

“-Am I the only one with common sense here!?” Zevor threw up his hands. The clouds became darker, the wind ran faster. “Kryrella was scared she would hurt someone at her full potential and look at what happened!”

“-But I am not injured sir.” Tyreethyll tapped Zevor on his shoulder. “And a clear gauge of one’s ability is unknown if you do not measure it.”

Zevor stepped away from Tyreethyll. Tyreethyll’s hand fell to his knees, “-And that’s still besides the point! Kryrella punched you at her full power! You flew through our wall, now Kryrella is in fear!”

Zazzory placed her hands on her cheeks and rolled her pink eyes, “And how do you know that for sure, Zevor?”

Zevor scowled, “-Jus-uh…look at her! Hiding behind your shoulder!”

Zazzory voice started soft, then grew into an outburst, “-Maybe that’s because you’re screaming at us!” Her eyes flashed.

“-And for a good reason! Zazzory do you seriously believe that maybe your advice to Kryrella was just…unwise?”

“-You’re telling me that telling our little sister with a power she was born with, not to fear it!?”

“-Yes!” Zevor dropped his posture.

“-So what about me!? Am I supposed to tell her that she must fear it!?” Zazzory snapped her head.

“…Well…no- not exactly…”

“Do I have to remind you so many times!? -I have the same power inside of me that you have! All of that power lay dormant inside of me!” Her eyes flickered in the setting sun, “Don’t you think I was afraid!? Afraid of death!? Afraid that the one power I earned, nearly killed me!?”

Zevor was silent. The shimmering edge of the sunlight faded beyond the horizon. Clouds, dark and black marched through. The air became warm, moist and dense.

Zazzory continued, “If you think shouting is going to get you anywhere, then by all means get lost!” Zazzory turned around, hands on her head, hiding her face.

…

“Uh…I’m not…scared…” Kryrella let out, scratching her wrist. Zevor and Tyreethyll raised their heads. “I’m not scared…exactly! I’m mad! I’m mad that you told me to trust you! I’m so mad you told me to trust me! I punched you through a wall! When I didn’t want to hurt you, I still did!” Kryrella pointed at Tyreethyll, then to herself, “I was right and look what I did! You’re all arguing because of me, because you told me I could do it and not hurt you- but I did!” Sweat dripped down her forehead and under her eyelids, “I was right and you were wrong! You were wrong Tyreethyll!”

Tyreethyll lifted his hand and rolled his fingers in. He then struck himself on his chest. “No. You did not.”

Kryrella’s eyes widened, her purple gaze piercing through the dim air, “But I…launched you through a wall, and I heard something pop when I hit you- I felt it even! How did I not-“

“-I told you to trust me didn’t I?” Tyreethyll let out a hearty laugh, “And look at me, still standing, still breathing. I am fine and you did fine.”

“But I…”

“Don’t. You were at full power when you struck me, and you were in control, don’t you know that?”

Kryrella shrugged and looked aimlessly.

“Listen, you were at full power and you did what you needed to do…trust in your own strength, in your own power- your own restraint. Now could I have told you differently, absolutely, but could we have gone about it any other way than facing it, absolutely…not. No. No way!” Tyreethyll chuckled once more.

Tyreethyll stretched, his armor clanking as he did,p. Then he spoke gently yet with a deep gruff, “Now, listen- all of you…” Kryrella, Zazzory and Zevor turned to face Tyreethyll, “You all have a power that I cannot relate to nor fully comprehend, at least for the moment, but I do understand that your fears- yes all of your fears, are a power that you’re all are not in possession of but rather they possess you.” He took a deep breath and continued, “You are all spectacular people with spectacular abilities that rival even my own.” Tyreethyll lowered his voice, “Your parents made you extraordinarily. Embrace that part of you, don’t run from it.”

Zevor asked him, “How? I can’t keep up with her. I can’t watch over her.” He then turned his gaze to Kryrella, “I’m sorry Kryrella. And then I couldn’t even protect you Zazzory. You had to face her alone, nearly ending your life, for a life you never actually wanted, and what am I? A king with no experience, no guidance and a legacy left in blood. I’m a kid- a…scared…little boy with a crown on his head.” Zevor faced the sky, “I’m so sorry for yelling- I… I don’t know why I didn’t just say that I was…that I am…”

“I’m scared too.” Zazzory took Zevor’s arm, “I’m scared too. I miss them too. I want…to be right too. But I’m not. I barely am. Sometimes, my hunches are just hunches and most of the time my advice could just be considered suggestions. But that’s not gonna stop me from not letting…myself get in the way of her or you…or even Tyreethyll…or anybody in Aighmen. My family is not my body, I don’t need to keep you guys in check too.”

Leaves crunched under her feet, grass sharpened their blades in the wind, “I…I don’t think my powers are…good. But I guess I am and I can make them…good.” Kryrella began to tear up, “But I don’t like hurting you guys. I still think I could accidentally…kill one of you…and that it’ll be all my fault and I’ll never see you guys again and I’ll be alone with my mistake forever because it’ll be my fault!”

Zevor and Zazzory wrapped their arms around her. Kryrella cried, tears fell to the ground and into the dirt. Tyreethyll watched from beside them, loosened his shoulders and smiled. “…Huh? When did it start raining?” He asked himself.

The smell of rain and wet grass swarmed around them.

“I’m sorry! I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to do anything wrong! I just wish I wasn’t stupid scared of myself! I didn’t mean to say all that to you guys!” Kryrella tightly gripped Zevor’s arm and Zazzory’s back.

Zevor gently spoke, preening Kryrella’s hair away from her eyes, “No. It was my fault. I was…the one scared. I was scared of…you. I know that sounds terrible, I’m a wuss. But, I shouldn’t be. You are my sister, it’s not fair for me to tell you that nothing could separate you from me and then I let my own fear get in the way of that same statement. I went back on my word, not just as a king but as your brother, and I’m sorry.” Kryrella shoved her head deeper into Zevor’s chest.

Tyreethyll cleared his throat, “Hm, not to ruin the moment but, would you guys like to try this again?”

Zazzory darted her deep, pink eyes towards Threethyll, carving them into his, “Really? Now?”

Tyreethyll gulped and closed his eyes, a smile twitched across his face, “Of course…” He let out an awkward laugh. “However if you are we should act now before it storms harder-“

Zazzory flicked her wrist and water splattered out onto Tyreethyll’s face.

“Of course! Right!” He smacked his teeth and scratched his head, “Guess, I’ll go…over there…”

The sky became dark and the rain fell harder. Winds ran through blades of grass.

Zevor tapped on Kryrella’s shoulder and on Zazzory’s back. He said, “Okay. Let’s give this another try. No holding back this time.”

Kryrella grunted, “You sure?”

“Yeah. I’m ready now.” He said softly.

“You’re ready?” Kryrella raised her eyebrow.

“Yes!” Zevor chuckled.

“...Fine. I don’t…if I am yet but… I guess if…no one is actually that hurt, then I guess I’ll try again.”

“Hmm. Okay then. Let’s do it.”

Thunder roared, lightning flashes, and tree branches swayed.

“Now, this is a free for all! Each of you will fight your way to get to me! If you can get to me and disarm me, you win, but if you all knock each other out or if any of you reach me and I subdue you, I win! Got it!?” Tyreethyll shouted through the rain. Zevor, Zazzory and Kryrella shook their heads, “Good! Now begin!” Tyreethyll stabs his sword into the dirt.

Zevor, Zazzory and Kryrella stare at each other. The rain slides down their hair, Kryrella takes a deep breath, Zazzory shifts her stance, Zevor tightens his posture. Their hands were pins and needles.

The dark grey sky above, the only thing moving faster than them and then without wasting another second, they all charge at each other!

Zevor’s right, blue eye darkened. He waved his hands around, the rain bending with his movements. He turned and twisted, then took both hands and directed the water at Zazzory and Kryrella.

Zazzory’s eyes melted into an opulent orange. Her arms were engulfed in flames and rain sizzled as she elegantly waved them around. She aimed at Zevor and flicked her wrist, the fire shot out reaching towards Zevor, but Zevor took the rain and blocked the fire from reaching him.

Kryrella’s eyes turned to a deep red. She ran over to Zevor, Zevor’s eyes widened. She grabbed his arm and with both hands she spun him around and threw him at Zazzory.

Zevor’s eye changed from blue to yellow and he covered his face and braced. Zazzory stopped the flames on her wrist and covered her eyes. Boom! They both plummet deep in the dirt.

Kryrella rushed to Tyreethyll who stood still and both hands on his guard. Lightning illuminated his armor and for a split second she was blinded by it. As she opened her eyes, she saw Tyreethyll tower over her. He took his hand and grabbed her wrist and threw her to the side. “Ack!” Kryrella shouted.

“Rushing in blindly will get you killed!” His voice boomed with the thunder.

Kryrella pounded her fist in the dirt.

“Learn to absorb a hit next time- don’t be so abrasive!”

Kryrella’s hair is drenched. She balled her fists and quickly got back up.

“Be grateful that your siblings that you tossed managed to get up before you fell down!”

“Okay I get it!” Kryrella shouted.

Tyreethyll laughed, “Ha ha ha ha!”

“Get…Off!” Zazzory grunted, kicking Zevor off of her.

Zevor’s body rolled on the dirt, but then he got up. Zazzory wiped her lips and her eyes flashed to yellow. They both ran at each other. Zevor drew his right hand back, Zazzory put her arms up. Zevor’s punch connected but Zazzory was not affected. She then launched her left fist forward. Her hit connected but Zevor was not affected. Then they both started punching each other, each hit landing but neither of them would go down.

Each hit struck like thunder but neither of them would sneer or move. After a flurry of punches by each of them, Zevor wrapped his arms around Zazzory’s waist and threw her down. The mud splattered, Zazzory hooked her foot behind Zevor’s left knee and she drew her foot in, causing Zevor to fall to his palms and knees.

Zazzory then changed her eye color from yellow to a piercing purple. She flicked her wrist again and thin purple strings strummed out of her fingertips on both hands.

Each stand latched onto Zevor’s body. “Huh!?” Zevor exhaled.

Zazzory lifted her pointer finger and Zevor’s body was lifted. She then extended her pointer finger and his body was thrown back.

“Woah!” Zevor shouted. His back hit the bark of a nearby tree.

“Okay, somehow that actually hurt.” He said while rubbing the back of his shoulder. The strings wiped across the surface of the grass. Zevor grabbed them and changed his eye color from yellow to a raging red. He then gripped the strings tightly and used them to drag Zazzory closer. He then grabbed the underside of her arm and slammed her into the mud.

The air rushed out of her, “Ahh!”

Kryrella kept swinging at Tyreethyll, each strike pushed him back a little but he kept blocking effortlessly.

“See!? I told you you didn’t hurt me!” He grinned.

“Argh!” Kryrella roared.

“I simply allowed your hit to make contact with me! Come on, give me everything you’ve got Kryrella!”

She roared louder. Her eyes burned brightly, a large red aura flashed in her eye sockets and she slammed her feet into the dirt, took her fist and swung it back and as she stared into Tyreethyll’s eyes, her fist collided into his side.

“Urggh!” Tyreethyll grunted. Kryrella forced her punch through and Tyreethyll’s body flew closer to the horizon. His body tumbled a couple of times but he was able to stab his sword into the mud and catch himself. Slowly he stood up…

“Ha ha ha! Now that’s more like it girl! You’re startin’ to hit as hard as me!” He screamed from across the field with wide eyes and a wide smile across his face.

Kryrella’s eyes were still shimmering a bright red. Her breathing accelerated.

“Come on, this is just the beginning!” He yelled, “Don’t look away now.”

Like the raging wind, Kryrella ran towards him.

Tyreethyll widened his stance and held his arms out. “That’s a foolish choice Kryrella. Once again rushing in. I understand your rage, but it seems that that is truly what possesses you.”

“Come on. Stay down Zaz!” Zevor pleaded out of breath.

“Why!? So you can continue to prove to yourself that you’re still the strongest!?” Zazzory fussed out of breath.

“Of course! But no! Seriously, I don’t like hitting you!”

“This is training we aren’t actually fighting!”

“-It feels like that!”

“Ugh!” Zazzory grabbed Zevor’s leg and pulled it. She then turned her body over and pushed his leg in. As she pushed, she was able to get back up and slowly regained her balance.

“Ah! That hurt!”

“Oh please. It hurt when you slammed me into the ground.”

Zevor switched his eye color again, this time to a gleaming green. He took his palms and rubbed his leg and then kicked himself up and rubbed his back. “Much better. Now prepare to feel my- Oof!” Zazzory had punched him with red eyes. With intermittent breaths he cried, “Ow! Ow…Ow! Okay I get it no more holding back!”

“Hm.” Zazzory moved her wet and heavy hair away from her face.

Zevor placed his hand over his stomach and then changed his eye color back to an ocean blue.

Zazzory ran towards him.

Zevor turned his back and looked over the side of his shoulder and snapped his fingers on both of his hands. They popped and a confetti of blue, shimmering light illuminated from his fingertips and fluttered into the air. A thin layer of water collected on his hands. He smirked.

Zazzory came closer… then closer and closer and then Zevor dug his feet into the mud and twisted his body. He grabbed Zazzory by her neck and swung her around and Zevor pushed her away.

Zazzory stumbled and shook her head. The water was jumping off everywhere. She stared at him in shock for a moment and then she said, “Where’d you learn that!?”

Zevor chuckled and shrugged, “Hm. Kryrella isn’t the only one who trains.”

Zazzory squinted.

Zevor held out his arms and curled his wrist to his chest. The rain behind Zazzory pushed on her back. More and more rain collected and Zevor pulled his hands towards his side, the rain water pulled Zazzory in closer.

Zevor then raised his arm and pinched his fingers, water from the mud rose and a thin layer of water separated Zevor’s feet from the ground. As the water pulled Zazzory in closer, Zevor slid across the ground swiftly moving from left to right.

Zazzory growled and changed her eye color back to orange. She flicked her fingers and small fire balls sizzled as they flew through the rain and towards Zevor. Zevor dogged each one effortlessly.

The water kept pulling Zazzory in closer and Zevor kept sliding closer and then Zevor’s eye turned red and as Zazzory came within arms length, he punched her hard. She coughed, the water behind her shot out and landed back on the ground.

Zazzory was about to fall back but Zevor caught her with a thin rope of water.

Zazzory grunted and changed her eye color to a deep blue and then she grabbed onto the thin water rope.

“Ugh! This is ridiculous!” She shouted

“-What is!?” He shouted back.

“How were you complaining about not being strong enough to protect Kryrella but you fight like this!?”

“I don’t know! I guess I was startled when I realized her strength!”

“Zevor- you fight effectively! You can protect, you could even protect me! But that’s not why I’m upset!”

Zevor looked at her confused for a second. Then he responded, “Well then why are you upset!?”

Zazzory hesitated but then spoke, “...I was upset at the way you yelled at Kryrella and ignored me earlier.”

Zevor listened.

“You, yelling at her, fussing at me!? That wasn’t going to help anything!”

“...I’m sorry!”

“I’ve already accepted your apology but why do you feel like you need to prove something? You’re not weak, you’re not a boy with a crown, you’re our brother!”

Zevor’s tears camouflaged as rain. “I know! …But I want to be!”

“What!?”

“I’m tired of being King Zevor Zazzory, I want to be your brother yours and Kryrella’s! How did you think I felt when I realized her power grows everyday and It’s only a matter of time before she gets much stronger than me and has to face an enemy much stronger than her!?-”

“-Then we fight! We fight together! Who said she’ll be on her own!?”

Zevor pondered the thought and out of breath he answered, “Uh…I don’t know!”

“...Stop being so insecure and be our brother! Kryrella looks up to you! …I look up to you! Don’t sour your image by being the old you!”

Zevor’s breathing became heavy.

Zazzory pulled on the water rope and Zevor lost his grip. He tripped and hell on his hands.

Zazzory dropped the water rope and it dissolved back into its deformed shape. She then started to walk away.

Zevor looked down, water trickling down his nose, “Zaz!” He called.

Zazzory turned around, her pink eyes shooting through the rain.

Zevor continued, “I’m sorry… to you. I was… scared and insecure- you’re right! But I am…sorry. Here I am trying to be a good big brother, but instead I got scared of my own little sister! I should have been helping her, I should have been there- I shouldn’t have shouted at her! And I shouldn’t have pointed at her and disregarded you. Forgive me.”

Zazzory walked up to him. She looked down at him and then spoke loud, yet softly, “I said I already did. But you can back up what you just said by helping me help Kryrella face Tyreethyll.” Zazzory offered her hand.

Zevor looked away but then back at her hand. He then smiled gently and took her hand.

Farther off in the field, Kryrella ran in towards Tyreethyll for another punch.

The mud squishing beneath her.

“Kryrella!” Tyreethyll grunted.

“Argghh!” Kryrella growled.

“Didn’t I tell you…” Tyreethyll lowered his stance, “...Not to…” He pulled his fist back, “...Rush in!?” Kryrella threw her fist but Tyreethyll ducked under it. He then threw a punch and struck Kryrella in the stomach. Spit flew out of her mouth and she was launched into the air.

Her body soared across the field for a couple yards, but then Zevor and Zazzory jumped in and caught her! They all fell down like heavy stones.

“What’s this? The Colorheart siblings facing me at once? …Finally!” He whispered to himself as he smiled, his white teeth gleaming with the lightning.

“Oof!” They all went.

Kryrella’s aura in her eyes dissipated. She shook her head and looked behind her, “You guys!? What are you doing here!?”

“Coming to help you. It seemed that you could have used it.” Zevor said, wiping the rain off his eyes.

“Well, it might be too late now, we’re all down.” Zazzory pointed out.

“Yeah” said Kryrella, “Yeah.” said Zevor.

“What are you waiting for! You three get up!” Tyreethyll’s deep voice echoed across the field.

“But all three of us are down! We’re done!” Zevor shouted back.

“Are you kidding! Forget the rules!” Tyreethyll roared then his smile widened cheek to cheek, “I’m only allowed to have this much fun whenever I’m out with Rhodey.” He grabbed his sword’s handle and pulled it up from the dirt.

He then changed his stance once more. He stood straight and tall. His sword, up in the air facing the top right and his left hand balled up and close to the side of his chest.

His hair began to flow like leaves in a river, in the wind.

The lightning flashed. His sword, a beacon in the dark, a rain drop hung at the tip of his sword. His deep, tinted gold eyes, barely visible. His silhouette, like an ominous, looming shadow.

He whispered to himself, “Come on Colorhearts. Show me.”

The thunder shouted, the shockwave demanded.

Zevor, Zazzory and Kryrella look at each other. They contemplated what was happening, then…they all shook their heads, got off of each other, dusted themselves then stood up; Zevor to the right, Zazzory to the left, Kryrella in the middle.

“Yes…I see Zerella and Klef in all three of you.” Tyreethyll said to himself.

The winds hollered in the tree branches, the leaves like a raging crowd.

The clouds like mountains surrounding them from above, the grass looked up…

Kryrella closed her eyes and breathed in.

Time was humid, tense and heavy.

Kryrella exhaled.

She stepped forward, Zazzory stepping after her, then finally…Zevor.

The rain fell with excitement, Tyreethyll kept his posture and their steps increased into a walk and their walk into struts and their struts into full on sprints until all three of them charged in at once.

“Ahhh!” They cried.

“Ha ha ha ha ha!” Tyreethyll let out an excited hardy laugh.

Tyreethyll turned on his foot, extended his leg and struck Zazzory first and followed through the rest. His leg landed back firmly on the ground, the siblings trip over each other’s feet.

“I just told Kryrella not to rush in! I know you three are better than that!”

Zazzory scowled at him. She spat out some dirt that managed to get in her mouth.

Zevor grabbed Tyreethyll and pushed him onto the ground. He shifted his eye color to a roaring red. He grabbed Tyreethyll’s right arm and shouted, “Now! Grab his sword!” But Zevor was shocked. Tyreethyll pushed against Zevor’s arm.

“Word of advice my king.” Tyreethyll tightly gripped Zevor’s arm, “You don’t wanna shout your plan directly in front of your enemy’s face.”

“What!? But you knew that that’s what we’re trying to do!” Zevor shouted.

“Does that matter? You’re a king. You’re a brother if something happens…it’ll be because of you!” Tyreethyll pulled Zevor’s arm off of his. “I told you, I was perfectly fine!” Tyreethyll kicked Zevor off of him and rose back to his feet.

“Now tell me why you two didn’t take the chance of subduing me when you had it!?” He looked at Zazzory and Kryrella. “Come on, work together- for crying out loud!”

“Ugh!” Zazzory growled. Zevor changed his eye color to green. A faint green aura began to glow over his palm. He then placed his palm over his chest.

Kryrella’s eyes, still red, ran back towards Tyreethyll. “Kryrella- wait!” Zazzory shouted, throwing her hands up.

Zazzory was about to get up and help Kryrella but Zevor caught her attention, “Psst!”

“What!?” Zazzory’s wet hair wiped across her face.

“It’s clear Kryrella is not clear on making a plan, however, we are.”

“What’d you mean!?”

“Kryrella is strong enough on her own to keep Tyreethyll at bay.”

“Okay so- what’d you propose!?”

Zevor looked over at Tyreethyll and Kryrella fighting in the distance, he then turned back to Zazzory. He flashed his eye orange.

“...What!?” Zazzory mouthed, a little bit of air escaping from her throat.

Zevor rolled his eyes and tilted his head back. He pointed at his right eye, still orange.

Zazzory, still confused, squinted her eyes.

Zevor kept overtly pointing at his eye.

Zazzory scoffed and finally, she flashed her eyes orange.

“Thank you!” Zevor mouthed.

“Why didn’t you just say it!?” She whispered loudly.

Zevor waved his hands around and mouthed his words frustratedly, “Because he told me not to!”

Zazzory rolled her eyes and sighed, “Whatever.”

“Just follow my lead!” Zevor said out loud.

Zevor and Zazzory stood up. Zevor changed his eye from orange to blue. They both ran further into the field where Kryrella faced Tyreethyll each exchanging blows.

Kryrella pushed back and grunted, Tyreethyll exchanged breaths with the wind.

Kryrella kicked his shin, Tyreethyll sucked his teeth, he drove his knee into her waist. “Ahh!” She groaned.

Tyreethyll kicked at her knees and she dropped to the ground. With his hands and hers, he lifted her up, threw her over his shoulder and kept her there.

Kryrella kicked her arms and legs, “Ah! Let… me… go!”

Tyreethyll turned and faced Zazzory and Zevor who stopped in their tracks.

With a voice riding the thunder like a horse, he shouted to them, “I hope your plan wasn’t letting her fight on her own! Because of the lack of leadership and a plan, she is now my hostage!” Kryrella continued kicking her legs. Tyreethyll continued speaking, “But, because I am a nice role playing enemy, I shall release her from my grasp!” He tossed Kryrella onto the soaking wet mud. The air rushed out of her back, “Ack!” She coughed.

“When you’re faced with an enemy twice the size of your entire team, it would be wise to consider such things!” Tyreethyll gripped his handle, “Come and get her and then face me like real warriors!” Zevor and Zazzory shared anxious looks, Kryrella looked up at Tyreethyll in awe. “Your mother alone would have been able to give a run for my money!”

The field went silent, Zevor breathed heavily, hands shaking, eyelashes sloped. Zazzory raised her eyebrow, legs like freezing water. Kryrella’s mouth loosened.

“I’m just kidding. Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!”

Just then, Kryrella got up and ran towards Zevor and Zazzory. She stumbled into their arms and faced Tyreethyll together.

“Okay, this training session does not feel like one!” Zevor said out of breath. “But I do have a plan, just follow my lead and Kryrella- trust me but I need you to keep him occupied!”

“-What!? B-but-”

“-I trust you!” Kryrella looked up to him with red eyes interlaced with purple. “I know…you can do this.”

…

Kryrella huffed, wet hair covering half her forehead, rain dropping down her cheeks.

She shook her head.

“Yeah? Good girl! Trust me, we got this! Your plight is our plight. You are our strength.”

Kryrella shook her head again, “...O-okay!”

Zazzory tapped on Zevor’s shoulder, “Okay guys, break up the moment he’s coming to us this time!”

“-Okay Zazzory- with me. -Kryrella go!”

Shockwaves rumbled the ground, Kryrella ran in once more.

“Oh you never learn.” Tyreethyll sighed. He pulled his fist back, lowered his chest, swung forward- but Kryrella ducked under his fist but then slid on the mud, stumbling over her feet and fell on her chin. Tyreethyll looked behind him, a small string attached to his ankle.

Kryrella pulled and his body toppled. “Uff!”

“-Now Zevor!” Zazzory shouted.

Zevor took his hands and raised them to the sky. The rain in the surrounding area of all four of them halted in mid air. He waved his arms in a circular motion and the rain collected into a large ball of water.

“Okay now Zazzory- shoot at it!”

Zazzory’s orange eyes ignited. With flames on her arms she shoots them into the ball of water.

The water began to boil, steam and expand and finally, Zevor clasped his hands then pulled them apart. Immediately, the ball of water burst into steam.

The whole surrounding area of the field was shrouded in a breath of white.

“-Okay- now go help Kryrella!”

“-Wait! -What’re you going to do!?”

“-Just trust me- please!”

Zazzory let out a deep, exasperated sigh and vanished into the steam.

The rain and thunder deafened the field. The wind wrapped them tighter in the steam.

Deeper into the steam, Tyreethyll quickly got back up.

Kryrella’s fist banged against Tyreethyll’s armor.

He lurched.

Kryrella ran back into the steam

She struck again!

Tyreethyll stumbled, catching a couple of punches.

Tyreethyll threw his own punches.

Blam!

Kryrella was knocked back.

Suddenly- out of the steam- Zazzory came and bombarded Tyreethyll.

Bam!

Tyreethyll pushed her back with his palms.

Back and forth.

Zazzory- boom!

Tyreethyll- Wham!

Kryrella again!

Zazzory again!

Both of them managed to lower Tyreethyll to his knees!

Just outside of the battle, Zevor waved his hands around.

Subtly and silently the vapor collected on Tyreethyll’s hand.

Emerging from the steam- Tyreethyll saw Kryrella.

In her eyes, red swimming in purple.

She swatted the steam away.

Her gaze- locked on his.

Tyreethyll widened his eyes, covering his face.

She stomped into the mud.

She grabbed and gripped his shoulders tightly- pushing him back.

Tyreethyll moved forward, trying to take steps…

But his feet dragged in the dirt.

The mud squelched.

Tyreethyll looked at his legs deep in the ground.

“Agh!” He exhaled.

Suddenly- Zazzory appeared from the breath of the rain and attempted to grab Tyreethyll’s sword.

But Tyreethyll grabbed her wrist and pulled her to the ground.

“Ugh!” Her chin perched in the wet and deep mud.

“Too obvious!” He barked.

Kryrella, without wasting one more second, kicked his arm, but Tyreethyll held on to his sword.

“Argh- let go of it already!” Kryrella fussed.

“Showing frustration is a fool’s doing! Stay calm and focused!” Tyreethyll held his sword up but at that moment, his grip started to loosen.

“What!? What’s happening!?”

From the vapor Zevor appeared and helped Zazzory up.

He then lifted Tyreethyll out of the mud and slammed him on the ground.

His sword- slipping from his grasp, “Ugh!”

Zevor reached.

Tyreethyll gritted his teeth and threw his sword in the air.

It soared high. Lightning struck behind it. The sword hummed as it pierced the wind and fell back down. They all looked up…

Tyreethyll reached.

Zevor reached.

Zazzory reached.

…Kryrella reached.

Their arms, like a mountain, Kryrella’s…the peak.

The steam cleared.

Thunder roared once more.

And…

The sword landed in the hands of…

Kryrella!

She gripped it tightly, swung it around and before Tyreethyll could get up…

Rain tapped against the dirt, gold steel of the blade, running down her hair.

Her eyes, a solid purple.

She breathed heavily. The tip of the blade…

Right at Tyreethyll’s neck.

He held his hands up.

…

They all huffed and puffed.

Tyreethyll’s wide eyes softened. Then he chuckled, “Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!”

Kryrella squinted. Tyreethyll continued, “Ah ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! Mighty well job you three! That was marvelous!” His white teeth gleamed in the darkness of the twilight.

“Huh…please…are we done?” Kryrella asked.

“Of course! You and your siblings win! Congratulations, you not only did win, but are in control of your power.” He responded, hands still in the air.

“-Wait- does that mean I’ve mastered it then!?”

…

“No.” Tyreethyll, Zevor and Zazzory answered.

“-But…you’re on your way.” Tyreethyll smiled and winked.

Kryrella chuckled, cheeks pink, “Ha…oh…okay.”

“Uh… how’s about you get that sharp thing away from my neck and help me up please? I’m a little fetched and starved- not to mention dirty and soaking wet.”

“Aren’t we all?” Zevor said, gently swaying his arms by his sides. “-But yeah. Kryrella, let go and let’s help him up, yeah?”

“’Kay.” She said as she threw the sword down.

It bounced and clanked.

Zazzory grabbed Tyreethyll’s arms and Zevor grabbed his sides.

The mud choked as his body was pulled.

Tyreethyll dusted himself off, tapped Zevor and Zazzory on their shoulder.

He walked closer to Kryrella and kneeled. He dusted her off, “I told you not to keep rushing in…and did you listen… you didn’t.” Kryrella’s smile melted. “-But… I also told you, Don’t look away and… and did you listen… you didn’t.” Kryrella tilted her head, but then he smiled and snicked.

Kryrella awkwardly laughed with him.

“I’m proud of you. Today you’ve hit a major milestone whether you believe that or not. Good job.” He said to her gently.

He stood up and reached down to grab his sword, “Now, off to your house then? I assume Zevor will be cooking?”

Zevor tossed his arms, his face straight and bemused, “Why me?”

“Isn’t it obvious?” Tyreethyll asked.

Zevor shook his head.

“Zazzory and Kryrella were the ones doing the hard work of cleaning the dishes today. You should honor that by making a delicious meal…and then clean the dishes yourself- ha ha ha.”

Zevor looked around and shrugged, “...Sure.”

Back at the house, Zevor reached for the front door, “Now before we go, please take off your muddy shoes and your…” He paused. He looked at the three, mud and water dripped from their heads to their feet. “...Nevermind, just get in. I’ll clean.”

“Thank you Zev!” Kryrella cheered and swayed her arms, humming her way inside.

“You’re right you will.” Zazzory said as she followed Kryrella.

“Hm. Good luck tonight!” Tyreethyll chuffed, tapped Zevor on his shoulder and ducked his head to get inside.

Zevor dropped his shoulders and narrowed his eyes.

Inside, Tyreethyll placed his sword against a corner near the front door.

“Kryrella go to your room and change, then bring your clothes down here.” Zazzory told her.

Zazzory’s hair was like thick wet strings.

“Okay!” Kryrella said, shaking her head. Spurts of rain water sprayed in all directions.

“Kryrella!” Zazzory fussed.

“Oh! Sorry!”

“Ugh.” Zazzory pinched her nose.

The rain outside fell harder. Rain drops like a chorus as they banged on the roof.

The house filled with the rich smell of bread, herbs and chicken on the flying pan.

The oil sizzled like the rain.

“It smells delightful in there sir!” Tyreethyll said from the living room, watching the rain fall. His stomach growled.

“Well you might wanna get up, cause it’s done!” Zevor said as he set the table.

“Oh! Yes!” Quickly sat up.

“Zazzory, Kryrella, dinner is finished!” Zevor shouted.

Lightning flashed, thunder groaned.

“Okay!” Kryrella shouted from upstairs.

She rushed downstairs. Zazzory calmly followed behind her.

Zevor smiled, “Well you two look comfortable.”

“I know right! -This onesie feels great!”

“I agreed to wear this with her if she stopped begging me to do it.”

“I see! Well, please, let’s eat.”

“It looks great Zev!”

“Thank you.”

Tyreethyll’s armor clacked as he sat down and his chair screeched as he scoots in. “Mind telling us what you made?” He asked.

Kryrella and Zazzory grabbed their seats and sat down. Zevor joined them. Tyreethyll grabbed a knife and cuts into the chicken on his plate and takes a bite, “Okay, well I kinda just started with a thought- What if I seared this chicken we have- just sleeping in the fridge- of course it wasn’t alive when I say that, but I grabbed it and then I…”

The light inside the house shone brightly in the night. Laughs from inside echoed.

The winds rushed through the trees and exhaled as they landed on branches.

Thunder once more yawned, its shockwave stretched across the bathed grassy land.

And the cloudy night rolled on.