It was a gloomy week, shrouded in the weight of unspoken emotions, and Bael felt a storm of frustration swirling within him. This was the week of his sixteenth birthday, a day that should have been filled with celebration and joy. Instead, it marked a somber turning point—for it was also the birthday of his siblings, a reminder that they were all poised to embark on their individual adventures.

  The air was heavy with anticipation and bittersweet farewells as Bael watched his brothers and sister prepare for the journey ahead. They were all excited; their eyes sparkled with dreams of exploration and the vast world beyond their cove. But beneath this excitement lay a heartbreak he couldn't shake.

  Despite the disappointment, Bael took solace in the fact that he had grown strong enough to stand alongside his brothers. He trained endlessly, honing his elemental skills, but his sister’s powerful and destructive essence abilities still left him in awe. She had an innate gift; with a mere gesture, she could summon storms of fire that could best all her brothers without breaking a sweat. That small fact offered him some comfort in his turmoil—if anyone deserved to lead their siblings into the world, it was her.

  Yet, as the week dragged on, Bael’s heart sank deeper. He was saddened not only by the knowledge that he would be left behind, but also by the thought of his siblings venturing off together, exploring uncharted territories, and discovering their own places in the world while he lingered at home. Their laughter and wild ambitions echoed in his mind, a stark reminder of the adventures he would miss.

  Their mother had gathered them all on several occasions, ensuring that they understood, without a doubt, that they could always return home if needed. Her gentle, reassuring words about the strength of family resonated deeply, echoing in Bael’s heart. “No matter where life takes you, my children, you will always have a place here as your father and I will always return here from our travels,” she promised, her warmth enveloping them like a comforting blanket. However, that reassurance felt both soothing and agonizing, a balm for his restless soul but a painful reminder of the bonds he would soon see stretched across the horizon.

  As he watched his siblings excitedly preparing themselves and exchanging plans, Bael felt a pang of envy sting at his heart. Would they forget him when they found new companions and experiences? Would he be merely a shadow of their past, a memory they cherished but would no longer live?

  In the solitude of his thoughts, he wrestled with the bittersweet nature of familial love and pride for their growth mixed with sadness for his own stillness. As the week wore on, Bael vowed to find a way to chart his own path, Daring to replicate at least a fraction of the bravery it took for his siblings to step into the unknown. He would not let this moment define him; rather, he would use it as a catalyst for his own journey. One that would eventually unite them all once more when the time was right.

  It was time to train. With his siblings now set off on their grand adventures, the cove felt a little emptier, yet Bael could sense a renewed purpose igniting within him. His parents' focus had shifted entirely toward him, encouraging him in his endeavours with unwavering support. Excitement thrummed in his veins; he could hardly contain himself. All he could think about was growing stronger, honing his skills so he could embark on his own adventure.

  Bael often found daydreaming, imagining that he was strong enough to join his sister on her ambitious quest to find her own nest. The Tortusa had always been guided by the notion of finding a safe haven, a sanctuary to return to, a place of comfort that would nurture them throughout their lives. For her, it was crucial, a milestone that would mark her transition into the next phase of her existence.

  In her excitement before leaving, she had shared her dreams with him, mentioning that her nest would likely be located high within a volcano, where the earth’s fiery heart met the open sky. The thought of taking shelter among the molten rock and steam, filled Bael with equal parts awe and envy. He imagined the radiant glow of lava reflecting off her shell, illuminating her vibrant spirit and the raw magma essence she would draw in as she carved a new path in the world.

  Their father had laughed heartily at her ambitions, his deep, rumbling voice echoing through the cove as he teased her about potential competition. “Aim too high, and you might find yourself facing a dragon or even a phoenix!” he warned, good-naturedly. The image of his sister battling formidable creatures that sought the skies above filled Bael’s mind, igniting his imagination with visions of epic confrontations and fantastic adventures. But beneath that stirring excitement lay a flicker of concern. Was she truly prepared for such challenges?

  As for Bael’s brothers, their paths were less defined, at least for the moment. They simply planned to see the world first, to journey across uncharted lands, visit distant shores, and quench their thirst for discovery. Each of them had dreams of seeing the vastness of the planet, exploring places and realms that went beyond the familiar confines of their cove. Befriending creatures and beings of all sizes and joining in on their adventures. Bael admired their spirit. So free and bold.

  Yet it was his sister's mission that consumed Bael's thoughts. He yearned to be by her side, to share in the adventures and challenges that awaited her. He longed to prove his strength, to show her that he was not just a little brother who would shy away from danger; he wanted to be a warrior, a protector who stood shoulder to shoulder with her against whatever threats they might face.

  ***

  With each passing day, he trained harder, nurturing the power within him. He envisioned the day he could cross paths with his sister in her volcanic haven, celebrating their trials and triumphs together. He spent hours imagining their reuniting, the exchanges of laughter and stories of feats accomplished.

  But today, Bael didn’t need to dwell on his ambitions and dreams; he was sitting cross-legged on the beach, positioned before his parents, whose enormous forms loomed like majestic islands washed ashore.

  Both his parents were focused on him today, guiding him through the complexities of managing his essence abilities. As he prepared for the session, he couldn’t shake the thrill that ran through him—he realized just how strong he had become, thanks in part to their unyielding support. The bond between them felt electrifying, a shimmering connection that fuelled his determination.

  He was about to ask a question when suddenly, he sensed something powerful building around his parents. The flow of energy surged an overwhelming essence that buzzed in the air like the anticipation before a storm. In a heartbeat, the two gigantic beings that had cradled him in their warmth transformed before his eyes, their forms collapsing into a shimmering aura of light.

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  When the brilliance faded, standing before him were two humans.

  The man towered over him, arms and legs reminiscent of tree trunks, his skin bearing the same warm, earthy tan that signified their shared heritage. His face, though stern and weathered by time, held a familiar twinkle in the eyes—the unmistakable gaze of his father. Next to him stood an ethereal woman, her presence radiating warmth. She had a nurturing aura, with moss-green hair cascading around her shoulders and lightly tanned skin that seemed to glow with vitality and energy.

  Bael sat in stunned silence, caught between astonishment and disbelief, almost choking on the question that eluded him. “Father? Mother?” he whispered, struggling to drag the words from his throat.

  How had he never known this was even a possibility? His father had hinted at it, but to witness it so casually—this profound transformation—left him breathless.

  In the blink of an eye, his father closed the distance, scooping Bael into a tight embrace with his large, rough hands. “Gahhh! I’ve been waiting so many years to do this!” His father exclaimed, laughter filling his voice like a joyous melody that resonated deep within Bael’s heart.

  Before he could respond, he found himself cradled in his mother’s arms. “Oh, my darling,” she murmured softly, her voice laced with warmth, “I’m so sorry we couldn’t tell you about this sooner. It takes immense power, but your father and I are more than capable of transforming when the time is right. We held off, you see, because it’s important for your siblings to discover their own paths, and we didn’t want to intrude on their desire for independence.”

  Tears welled in Bael’s eyes as he processed her words. He hadn’t realized how different he had felt from his family until this moment—the love that had always surrounded him was now tangible and overwhelming. Being held by the man who had once loomed like an Mountain, the very embodiment of strength and protection, filled him with a sense of belonging he had longed for.

  Lost in the depths of his emotions, he revelled in the warmth of their embrace. But as if sensing his heart's swelling tide, his father took a step back, the joy mingling with a slight cough that punctuated his words.

  “Bael, it’s time to start.”

  His father’s declaration was energizing, a call to action that snapped Bael back to the present. With renewed determination igniting within him, he looked into their eyes, ready to embrace the lessons that awaited him. Today was not just about training; it was about solidifying his place within the family and forging ahead with the strength and love of his parents at his back.

  With a deep breath, he steadied himself, prepared to learn from the very beings who had shaped him and shown him the power of their indomitable spirit. The journey ahead felt brighter now, a testament to the unbreakable bond they shared and the adventures that awaited him.

  ***

  “Eeeerrrrgghhhh!” Bael exhaled forcefully, his breath escaping him like a rush of air from a deflated balloon. His body trembled with fatigue, every muscle straining from the intensity of the training session. He had thought the exercises before had been tough, but now that his father had transformed into a more manageable size, it seemed he had decided to double the effort. The sparring bouts were brutal, and Bael felt as though he might still be unconscious from last week’s session if it weren’t for his mother’s incredible healing abilities—skills he was eager to learn himself. If his father’s punches were any indication, mastering the art of healing would be an invaluable asset.

  Throughout the training, both his parents displayed a joyous enthusiasm, particularly when it came to the essence skills they wielded so effortlessly. Their laughter and encouragement echoed through the cove, providing a warmth that surrounded Bael even in the midst of his struggle while getting dragged up and down the beach by his father during their sparring. Yet, as much as he delighted in their spirited support, he often found himself grappling with the complexities of what they were teaching him. The intricate math and science behind the study of essences and aspects felt far beyond his grasp, even as he neared his seventeenth birthday.

  But despite the bewilderment, Bael didn’t mind. In fact, he revelled in the sensations coursing through him—the thrill of tapping into powerful energies made him feel invincible. It felt as if he could accomplish anything with the right focus and determination, and he could almost hear his father’s words ringing in his mind: “Your will can shape all before you.”

  He poured essence through his core and directed it into the channels that ran throughout his body, fostering a deep understanding of the flow of energy. His father taught him breathing techniques that helped him center himself, allowing him to draw in the essence of the world around him. He learned to weave that energy like a tapestry, pushing it out in a fluid motion to manifest his abilities, intertwining his essence with that of nature.

  With each training session, Bael could feel his strength growing, his mastery over his powers developing further with every passing day. He found joy in challenging himself, discovering how to bend the essence around him to his will. Soon, he would be ready to embark on his own journeys, perhaps even returning to confront the Bloodbones—the mischievous creatures that prowled the trees of their cove.

  The thought of facing them infused him with excitement. “I can’t wait to teach those crimson blood bags a thing or two on my way out of the cove,” he thought with determination, his spirit ignited by the prospect of the opportunity. As the sun began to dip in the sky, casting a warm glow over the cove, Bael took one last deep breath, letting the essence flow through him as he steadied himself. He was ready to push through the exhaustion, knowing that each struggle brought him closer to becoming the powerhouse he envisioned.

  ***

  Bael found himself increasingly drawn to the stories of the human world, relishing each lesson imparted by his mother, who had travelled far and wide. As she recounted her adventures, a tapestry of laws and customs unfolded before him, weaving tales of distant empires and the complexities of human nature.

  “Humans can be curious beings,” his mother would say, the light of adventure dancing in her eyes. “In some places, they demand respect and praise from those they consider lesser—often overlooking the strength and wisdom that other races possess.” Bael listened intently, fascinated by how different cultures approached honor and status.

  His father, meanwhile, added a gravity to those discussions. “But remember, Bael, their kingdoms often relate Valor with war. They speak of battles with pride, rallying thousands to the call of conflict. Stories of glorious conquests and heroic deeds in dungeons filled with monstrous beasts’ echo through their histories.” His father’s voice resonated with a cautious respect for the bravado of human warriors, but also a hint of scepticism.

  The more Bael heard about the human realms, the more excitement bubbled within him. He envisioned himself navigating the bustling streets of human settlements, engaging with their people, and perhaps even embarking on grand escapades that rivalled those of the legendary heroes in his father's tales. However, he couldn’t miss the conflicting emotions that flickered across his mother’s face during these conversations.

  There was a worry that dulled her smile, a flicker of concern that gnawed at her heart. She knew all too well that the excitement of human interactions could be eclipsed by greed and ambition. “Promise me, Bael,” she said softly one evening as they lingered under the stars, “that you will be careful. Not all who cross your path will have good intentions. Many will seek to take what is yours, whether they know it or not.”

  Bael nodded earnestly, a sincerity in his gaze that reassured her. “I promise, Mother. I will be cautious,” he vowed, though a part of him didn’t fully grasp the weight of her concern. He felt the stirring of adventure in his bones, convinced he could navigate the treacherous waters of human society with ease.