"... and then he just suddenly plopped down like nobody's business!"
"Hehe~, indeed. Still, you shouldn't have done that..."
"Done what, exactly?"
"...Dear, it was obvious that you smashed his face into those macarons that YOU 'apparently' bought but not stole."
"Uhhh... no?"
"That all you got for an answer, Ms. Lively?"
"..."
Within the cozy confines of their apartment, a light-hearted conversation unfolded as the family of three gathered around the dinner table. The room was filled with the delightful aroma of their home-cooked meal, the clinking of utensils, and the soft murmur of conversation.
"Hah... anyways, it's been 3 years since that event, how time flies..."
Hannah couldn't help but marvel at how quickly time had flown by. It seemed like just yesterday that her children, Sara and Jin, were tiny bundles of joy, but now they were growing up before her eyes.
"Geez... stay in place will ya?"
She watched with a mix of pride and nostalgia as Sara ate her food with one hand while expertly holding Jin in place with the other.
"..."
Once seemingly oversized, the chair they both sat on now seemed to shrink with each passing year, a tangible reminder of their growth.
A smile tugged at the corners of Hannah's lips as she recalled the countless precious moments she had shared with her children.
The late-night feedings... the first steps... Sara's innocent contagious laughter that filled the room...
All memories are etched deep within her heart. It was a bittersweet feeling, to witness their transformation from helpless infants to more or less individuals capable of their own thoughts now.
'One of them at least...'
Hannah's eyes shifted to her son, Jin, who lay... or sat peacefully in his slumber, oblivious to the world around him.
His dark, tousled hair framed his peaceful expression, while his relaxed breathing filled the room with a sense of tranquility. Despite the chaos and uncertainty that often surrounded their lives, Jin remained a steadfast presence, finding solace in the realm of dreams.
A bittersweet smile graced Hannah's lips as she observed her sleeping son. His innocence and vulnerability tugged at her heart, leaving her to wonder when he'll rise one day to surprise her...
'Still, as long as you stay safe, Jin...'
Lost in the silent beauty of the moment, Hannah cherished her son's peaceful repose, hoping that his dreams were filled with joy and wonder.
And as she watched over him, a sense of both love and sadness overwhelmed her.
She was fortunate enough to have Sara around as she had become adept at rousing Jin from his deep slumber, sparing Hannah the daily struggle of coaxing him awake for meals and other necessities.
However, even in his "awakened" state, Jin seemed to be in a perpetual state of sleepwalking. No matter how much Sara tried to rouse him, he remained lost in his world, drifting through each day with a detached but sleepy expression.
'...'
Hannah couldn't help but feel a mix of frustration and concern, knowing that her son was still trapped within the confines of his mind.
Despite his physical presence, it was as if... Jin's spirit remained asleep, unable to fully engage with the world around him.
It was as if his soul... was in deep slumber for reasons unknown to her.
Nonetheless, Hannah refused to lose hope. She knew that with time, patience, and unwavering support, there was a chance that her son would one day awaken from his slumber and embrace life as it is.
'...'
As she continued to longingly gaze at her son, she remained oblivious to the lack of noise, as Sara had already finished her meal.
"So... mom, is there something you wanted to tell us?"
Sara's curious tone broke the silence, drawing Hannah's attention back to the present.
Broken out of her reverie, Hannah now present in the moment, struggled to find the right words as continued to wrestle with her thoughts and emotions.
"Yes, there is something..."
Confusion flickered across Sara's face, her childlike countenance momentarily giving way to a furrowed brow.
'Verily, the more I contemplate the matter... the more peculiarly this woman's demeanor appears, especially in this past year.'
From Seraphina's perspective, Hannah appeared to wander adrift in the depths of her realm, increasingly consumed by her musings, particularly as their journey toward the age of ten drew nearer.
And coincidentally, this very day, in the year 2355, signified their first decade of existence in this world, a significant milestone for Seraphina... and Jin as well.
'Heh... my slumbering warrior continues to linger on the precipice of his tenth year, mere minutes away from crossing the threshold.'
A sense of amusement mingled with her contemplations, as her eyes rested upon Jin's serene countenance, her left hand firmly supporting his slumbering form from falling over his chair.
Yet, her teeth gritted ever so slightly as a fierce glint briefly adorned her child-like countenance.
'Still... you continue to slumber for the better part of your existence, abandoning the burden of responsibility upon my weary shoulders... mark my words, Jin... I shall hold you accountable for your debts, exacting retribution tenfold, I swear...!'
"I'm sure you're aware of how things aren't exactly normal... per se."
Seraphina's train of thought was abruptly interrupted as Hannah finally decided to speak, her words carefully chosen after a period of contemplation.
The young girl's gaze fixed upon her mother, anticipation evident in her eyes.
"Have you ever seen those extraordinary abilities on TV, like individuals who possess superhuman powers?"
"Like... Solaris?"
Sara knew well that Solaris was one of those extraordinary individuals.
"Yes, someone like Solaris, for instance. A human capable of flight, effortlessly lifting buildings, shooting lasers from his eyes, and freezing his surroundings with a breath..."
Hannah's expression grew firm and serious as she continued to explain.
"At first, it may seem unusual for someone so young to witness such phenomena firsthand. However..."
After a brief moment of hesitation, Hannah summoned her courage, a palpable shift in the air occurred as a dark and eerie aura began to materialize, emanating from her palms. The energy pulsated with a sense of darkness, swirling and coiling around her fingers like wisps of black smoke.
"After a while... you become used to such things. Every ordinary person you see on the street could be someone like Solaris."
As the aura expanded, tendrils of shadow-like energy danced and twisted around her hands, moving with uncanny grace. It seemed to ripple with ominous energy, a reminder of the untapped forces that lay dormant within her.
Sara's eyes widened in amazement, her sparkling gaze reflecting her awe and childlike excitement. The surprise on her face brought a giggle to her mother's lips, a warm and tender expression that conveyed both amusement and love.
"Woah... mom, you can do those things too!?"
Her voice was filled with a sense of wonder, tinged with a touch of disbelief. The realization that her mother possessed such extraordinary abilities ignited a spark of joy within her, bubbling up with unrestrained enthusiasm.
Hannah's laughter echoed through the room, a melodious sound that mirrored the joy radiating from her daughter. She nodded, her eyes twinkling with mirth and affection.
"Yes, my dear. There is much more to me than meets the eye. There are hidden depths within each of us, waiting to be discovered and nurtured."
A confused expression adorned Sara's face as she pondered something.
"Within each of us?"
'It has finally come to this...'
Hannah took a deep breath before speaking out.
"Indeed, within each of us... for instance, the unassuming waitress at that restaurant you like... the kind grandpa across the street, all of these people-"
She then looked at both of her children.
"-Including the both of you, have that same potential as well."
Upon hearing her mother's words, Sara's excitement was palpable as she turned to her brother, her voice brimming with anticipation.
"Jin! Can you imagine? We could have am-"
But before Sara could shake Jin awake in her excitement, a sudden voice whispered beside her ear, causing her to startle.
"Now, now, not so fast."
"?"
Confusion etched across Sara's face as she turned around to find her mother standing there, a serious expression adorning her features.
"When did...?"
A mischievous glint danced in Hannah's eyes as she swiftly vanished into the shadows, leaving behind an almost ethereal presence.
In the blink of an eye, she reappeared behind Jin's sleeping countenance, her form emerging from the darkness like a phantom. Her silhouette seemed to flicker with a subtle darkness, a reminder of her enigmatic nature. Her features, partially obscured by the dim light, held an air of intrigue and power.
"Sara... this power may be within all of us, but we must nurture it."
Hannah explained, her gaze remained fixed on her children, unwavering in its intensity.
"And to do so, one must unlock a hidden aspect within our bodies called Aura Veins."
Coming out of her dazed state, Sara's eyes widened in curiosity as she absorbed her mother's words.
"These things called Aura Veins... are complex pathways that run through our bodies, much like the branches of a tree. They serve as conduits, allowing the flow of aura, the essence of our inner power. These veins remain closed and dormant since birth, but as we approach the age of 10, they become increasingly sensitive to the presence of aura."
Hannah paused for a moment, allowing the weight of her words to sink in. She wanted Sara to grasp the significance of what she was sharing with them.
"When the time comes, the opening of the Aura Veins will be a pivotal moment. It is an important initiation, where the body will finally be able to absorb the essence surrounding us."
She then took a deep breath.
"Though... if I have to be honest with you, opening one's Aura Veins is tormenting. It's a process where every fiber and cell within your body will scream in agonizing pain..."
'...This truly evokes memories of my mentor's eloquence...'
Seraphina pondered, her gaze deep and thoughtful.
"..."
Hannah looked deeply into Sara's earthly brown eyes.
"As such... I'll be opening both of your Aura Veins in 6 months. Before that..."
She gently placed her hand on Jin and Sara's shoulders, her touch firm yet comforting.
"We'll have to undergo... training. Training that will put your body's mental and physical capacity at its limits..."
And with a loving smile, she gently assured her children.
"It may seem challenging, but it is necessary to prepare you for what lies ahead."
She began, her voice trembling yet filled with steadiness.
"However, I know that maybe... this isn't what you wanted, but please... I just-"
"In a world where strength matters the most... being normal is detrimental, right?"
Sara's eyes sparkled with understanding as she spoke up, her voice laced with a maturity beyond her years.
Surprised by her daughter's mature response, Hannah felt a mix of pride and concern coursing through her. She quickly regained her composure, realizing that her daughter was growing up faster than she had anticipated.
"You're right... my dear. Both of you need to be strong in order to protect yourselves."
Hannah replied, her voice filled with a mix of love and determination.
"Mom can't always be there for you when you grow older, and I need you to understand that."
Her gaze then shifted to Jin, and a wave of sadness washed over her. She couldn't help but feel a pang of longing and worry for her son, who seemed lost in his own slumber. His seemingly eternal sleep weighed heavily on her heart.
"What should I do with your brother?"
She whispered, her voice tinged with a hint of sorrow.
But before she could dwell too long on her thoughts, Hannah shook her head, snapping herself back to the present. She needed to stay strong for her children. She couldn't let her emotions consume her.
"Hah... you should go to bed. We'll continue tomorrow, is that alright?"
Hannah suggested, her voice returning to its usual warmth. She wanted to shield her children from the burdens that weighed on her own heart.
Sara, sensing her mother's shifting mood, quickly nodded and sprang into action. She rushed over to her room, clutching Jin's wobbly body tightly in her embrace as if protecting him from the uncertainties of the world. It was a tender moment, filled with a sibling bond that Hannah cherished.
*Click*
As Sara disappeared into her room, Hannah let out a sigh, her thoughts swirling in a mixture of love, responsibility, and a tinge of apprehension.
She knew that the path ahead would be challenging, for both herself and her children. But she was determined to guide them, to provide them with the tools they needed to face whatever lay ahead.
'I have to do this... no matter what.'
With a renewed sense of purpose, Hannah turned her attention to the dishes scattered across the table. She would take care of them, as she always did. She knew that tomorrow would bring new challenges, new opportunities for growth and strength.
Tomorrow will be the day they embark on the path of Aura Harmonizers.
...
...
...
As the door to her room closed behind her, Seraphina gently set Jin down on their bed. Her gaze settled on her brother's slumbering form, and a determined gleam slowly filled her eyes. With careful steps, she approached him, her movements imbued with a sense of purpose.
*Rustle*
As she settled down beside him, a hushed tranquility enveloped the room, creating a sacred space where only the whispers of the unseen resonated. Her gaze traced the gentle rise and fall of his chest, captivated by the serenity that graced his features.
"There were moments where doubt whispered its venomous words, urging me to forsake this place, to abandon my sacred duty and embark on a quest to find my lost companions..."
She confessed, her voice tinged with a hint of melancholy, just like three years ago.
Yet, this time was different. This time, Seraphina had come to terms with herself and the path she had chosen. She pressed her fingertips against Jin's forehead, her touch firm yet gentle.
"But in the depths of my heart... I found the unwavering sanctuary of my vow, the promise I made to protect those entrusted to my care. No matter the trials, no matter the darkness that may threaten to consume us, I will stand steadfast in my resolve."
As her words hung in the air, a surge of energy welled up within Seraphina's being, pulsating with an intensity that sent tremors through her very core. The room seemed to darken, shadows lengthening as a crimson and dark energy emanated from her small frame. Her once gentle brown eyes transformed, blazing with a fiery crimson hue that held both determination and a touch of untamed power.
"So... Jin-"
Seraphina's hand glowed with an otherworldly aura as she placed it on Jin's forehead. The energy surged through her touch, gently seeping into his slumbering form.
"-experience this world... with me."
...
..
.