Autumn has arrived, and the bright green leaves have begun to fade, turning to gold and crimson. It feels cooler now, and you can hear the leaves starting to fall.
A couple of weeks had passed since I last dreamt about the girl sitting under the holly tree. Dad still doesn't have a clue about this "Theós" place, even after looking at the kingdom's library.
Ciana and Ciara are already fifteen, two years older than I am. Dad has decided to enroll them both at Starflower Academy, a place where anyone can study, regardless of their race or social status, whether noble or commoner. The academy itself is a floating island that slowly orbits above the western continent.
Ciana is a half-elf, half-spirit who wields the element of light. Ciana possesses a bright and caring personality that draws others to her. She is compassionate and patient, always ready to offer comfort, guidance, or a reassuring smile.
Ciara is the twin sister of Ciana. She uses the element of dark. Unlike her bright and openly warm sister, Ciara is quiet and reserved. Ciara does not anger easily, but when pushed too far, she will beat the shit out of you.
Today, we are preparing a farewell party for Ciana and Ciara. Mom, Alissa, and Sierra are busy preparing the food and putting up decorations, while Aisha is helping Dad pack the materials and gifts Ciana and Ciara might need at the academy. Meanwhile, Stella and Mariella have taken Ciana and Ciara to the capital of the Loodus Kingdom to keep them distracted.
And me? You're probably wondering what I'm doing. I've been assigned as the lookout, keeping watch and making sure to warn everyone the moment they start heading back. The task itself is not difficult for me, for I possess the ability to sense any presence within a 500-meter radius.
Truth be told, I still have no idea what kind of gift I should give them. As I stroll leisurely through the garden, lost in thought, a sudden idea begins to take shape in my mind. Fortunately, I have a few materials tucked away in my spatial storage and I can gather the other materials around the house.
It only took me a few minutes to finish making it. Now, all that's left is to hand it over to Aisha so she can place it neatly inside a proper gift box.
"Aisha, these are the gifts I prepared for Ciana and Ciara. Could you place them in a proper gift box for me? Thanks."
"Sure, just leave them there. I'll take care of it once I finish making my own gifts for them."
Now all that's left for me to do is wait for my older twin sisters and my younger twin sisters to come home.
I went outside and sat in our front garden, ready to welcome them home. The autumn breeze brushed gently against my skin. I looked up at the sky, wishing this tranquil life could last forever.
"I just hope they'll be safe at the academy."
I let out a small laugh. "I feel like an old man."
An hour passed in quiet anticipation, and finally, they arrived.
I stepped inside the house and told them that my sisters were back.
"We're back!" Ciana, Ciara, Stella, and Mariella shouted in unison.
"Welcome home, my daughters," Mom said, her eyes filled with affection.
"How was your trip?" Dad asked.
"We bought a lot, hehe," Stella replied with a grin.
"Is that so? Well then, let's go to the dining room."
We followed them into the dining room, where a table full of delicious food had been prepared. Beside Ciana and Ciara's chairs, beautifully wrapped gift boxes were neatly arranged.
"Ciana, Ciara, these gifts are for you for when you go to the academy."
"Thanks, everyone!" Ciana said with a bright smile.
"Thank you so much!" Ciara said gratefully.
*Clap*
"Alright, everyone, go to your seats and settle in," Mom called out with a warm smile, clapping her hands lightly to get our attention.
"Come on now, it's time to eat."
We started eating as we talked.
Dad looked at Ciana and Ciara, then gently said.
"Ciana, Ciara, while you're at the academy, make sure you listen carefully and follow your instructors' instructions at all times. They're there to guide and help you grow. And no matter how busy or challenging things get, always remember the lessons your mother and I have taught you about respect, responsibility, kindness, empathy, integrity, and perseverance. Carry those values with you wherever you go. Go create your own path and always remember that we will always support you."
Mom smiled warmly and added,
"Not only Ciana and Ciara, but all of you, our dear children. Those words are meant for each and every one of you."
"Yes, mom!" All my sisters shouted in unison.
I didn't say anything, but I gave a small nod in agreement.
Then my sisters run towards our mom and then hug her.
Mom let out a surprised laugh.
"Oh my!"
Then she hugged them all back just as tightly
"Ahem, what about me?" Dad said, raising an eyebrow.
My sisters paused and glanced over their shoulders. For a second, there was silence, then mischievous smiles spread across their faces.
Dad opened his arms wide.
My sisters ran towards him and then hugged Dad.
"What about you, Neihil? You're not gonna hug us?" Mom asked gently, tilting her head with a warm smile.
I hesitated for a moment, feeling my cheeks grow warm as everyone looked my way. Then, taking a small breath, I stand up.
My steps were quiet compared to my sisters' earlier rush. Mom opened her arms without a word.
I wrapped my arms around her carefully, resting my head against her shoulder. She squeezed me just a little tighter, as if she understood my shyness without me having to say anything.
When I pulled back, I turned to Dad. He gave me an exaggerated expectant look, his arms already open wide.
"Well?" he said playfully.
I couldn't help but smile. I stepped into his embrace, and he ruffled my hair gently as he hugged me back.
"There we go," he said warmly. "That's better."
My sisters burst into laughter, and the sound only made my face grow hotter. I wished the floor would swallow me up as they teased me with playful grins.
"Alright, alright," Mom said, trying not to laugh. "Time to finish our meal."
Gradually, the noise settled down. We returned to our seats, still smiling as we picked up our utensils and continued eating. The rest of dinner passed with light chatter and the occasional giggle.
Once we were done, we cleared the table together and made our way to the living room.
"Ciana, Ciara, let me know when you're done packing the things you'll take to the academy."
Ciana raised her hand and gave a quick thumbs-up.
"Sure, Dad," Ciara replied with a small nod.
"Oh my... I can't believe they're already teenagers," Mom said softly, teary-eyed.
Dad placed a comforting arm around her shoulders.
"And now they're strong enough to chase their own dreams," he said gently.
Mom nodded, smiling through her tears.
"I'm so proud of them," she whispered.
"Anata, would you like to come with me to take them to the academy? It's been a while since you've gone out, after all," Dad asked gently, glancing at Mom with concern.
Mom hesitated, her brows knitting together slightly.
"I'd love to… but who will take care of the others while we're gone?" she asked, looking around at us.
"Don't worry, Mom," I spoke up, trying to sound more confident than I felt.
"I'll take care of them."
"I'm sorry, Neihil," Mom said softly, her eyes filled with emotion.
"I know you're the most mature among your siblings. Sometimes it feels like you don't need us anymore… like you can already take care of yourself."
"That's not true, Mom," I replied quickly, stepping closer to her.
"No matter how responsible I try to be, I'll always need you and Dad."
Mom wiped a tear from her eye before pulling me into a tight embrace.
"In that case, you'll be the man of the house for the week, Neihil," Dad said with a reassuring smile.
I nodded.
"I'm done packing," Ciara called out as she came down from her room.
"I'm finished too!" Ciana added, hurrying down the stairs right behind her.
All of their belongings had already been stored inside their spatial inventories.
Alas, it was finally time for them to depart.
"We're going to miss you," Aisha tearfully said to Ciana and Ciara. Alissa, Sierra, Stella, and Mariella nodded in agreement, tears streaming down their faces as they tried to smile through the sadness.
"We'll miss you too," Ciana and Ciara replied in unison.
They stepped forward and wrapped everyone in a warm embrace.
"How about you, little bro?" Ciana asked, glancing at me with a teasing smile.
"I'll miss you both," I said, before pulling them into a tight hug.
"Next year, I'll be able to attend the academy too," Alissa clasped her hands behind her back and rocked on her heels.
"So when that time comes, you have to help me, okay? Hehe."
"Remember to write us letters, big sisters, and don't skip the details. We want to know everything." Sierra said softly.
Stella crossed her arms, a confident grin spreading across her face.
"Next time we meet, I'm going to beat both of you in sparring," she declared boldly. "So don't you dare neglect your training, big sisters."
Mariella, who was usually the most composed among them, suddenly broke down. Tears streamed down her face as she tried and failed to hold them back. She covered her mouth, shoulders trembling, her quiet sobs filling the space she normally kept so calm.
I walked over to Mariella and gently patted her head, trying to comfort her.
"It's not like you'll never see them again," I said softly.
"They'll come visit when it's their vacation," I added, offering her a reassuring smile.
"Don't worry, everyone. We'll do everything you told us," Ciana remarked with a confident smile, her voice warm and reassuring.
Ciara simply nodded beside her, her quiet agreement speaking just as strongly as words.
"All right, it's time for us to go. We'll head to the Capital first to meet your Aunt the Queen. From there, we'll travel together to Starflower Academy." Dad reminded everyone that it was time for their departure.
Mom suggested one last hug, so we gathered together and shared a group hug.