Training with Aura Pt.1

“The imperial guard?” Brandy asked in disbelief. “Why them?”

“Because, my dear, the original seal is in the palace and we need to use the same one. Hundreds of mages helped to create it; it can be repaired but not replaced.” Creed explained. It was weird to see a child yet hear words spoken like an old man.

“Ha,” Demi laughed. “So, home sweet home.”

“Well, yes. The imperial family needs to change anyways. You’re a prince, you’re simply taking your place a little early.”

“...I don’t think it was ever my place. So if we manage to reseal all these wayward souls, what happens to people who are possessed?”

“Hmmm, well there’s no way to know for sure. It could be that consciousness is suppressed or it could simply be gone. It’s hard to know since magic is involved and the dark wizards practiced forbidden magic, so that’s also a factor.” Creed mused.

“At any rate, Creed and the aura users will deal with the seal and the rest of us will make sure they can focus on their job.” Tyler butt in.

“Hmmmm, training re-starts then.” Demi stated with a rather sadistic glint in his eyes. I have a feeling I’m going to miss my scarecrow. “I’ll take the aura users. Tyler should be able to handle the rest.”

“Let’s start in the morning. It’s late, you guys should get settled.” Saved! Tali’s the best!

We claimed an empty corner and rolled out sleeping bags. Dinner was dried fruit and nuts. I was so tired, despite the precarious surroundings I fell asleep right away. In the morning, somebody passed around boiled eggs and coffee. No sooner had we finished eating, Demi and Tyler announced the start of training.

“Okay. Taya, Jer, you two follow me. The rest will follow Tyler.”

We moved into our respective groups. About half of the people in Tyler and Tali’s group also followed for training, including Trent. I’m guessing the rest have some other role, to which we’re not yet privy. Demi lead Jer and I into a more secluded spot in the woods.

“Alright, this will be a different type of training. You two need to learn how to feel and control your aura. Aura responds to your heightened emotions so it’s easy to lose control if you’re upset. First off, I want both of you to recall the time you manifested. Focus on what you were feeling at that exact moment.”

Beside me, Jer donned a look of extreme concentration. I cleared my mind and thought about that moment in the woods. I remembered the panic and helplessness I felt when I realized I wouldn’t get to Demi on time. I felt something overflow within me. From the deepest recess of my heart, it flowed out. Wind began to flow around me. When it started to intensify, Demi told me to stop. I wasn’t sure how to do that but I focused on his voice until my pulse slowed down. It seemed to work and the wind slowly dissipated.

“Good work. Now rather than focusing on the emotion, try and focus on the resonance you felt within. You must have felt the power seep from somewhere, focus on that.”

I furrowed my brow. This seems much harder. While I tried to figure out how to draw out my power without the emotional stimulus, Demi focused his attention on Jer.

********

What was I feeling at that time? I recalled the moment when I almost joined my ancestors in their resting place. The fear, the confusion, and the regrets that surfaced from within me, all came rushing back. Stuck in my reverie, the ground beneath me began to shake. It started as a small tremor and escalated into the beginnings of an earthquake. The shaking earth reflecting my shaking heart.

“Jeremy!” Demi shook me awake. The tremors stopped. Demi and Taya in the background, were both looking at me in concern.

“S-sorry”, I stuttered.

“Jeremy!” Tyler came running from the other side of the woods. I blinked a few times, still feeling somewhat out of place. It was almost like having an out of body experience. I was aware of the people around me, the circumstances, the scenery but I felt disconnected from it all; like it wasn’t my experience but that of a third party. Tyler stood before me, gasping for breath. “What happened? Are you okay? Demi, what did you do to my brother?” Tyler raged. Tyler grabbed Demi by the collar and started shaking him. I heard Taya yelling at him to stop. My body moved before my mind. I firmly grabbed Tyler’s arm. The three stopped and stared at me.

“Jer, are you all right?” Taya asked with a voice filled with concern.

I gave her a small smile. “I’m fine, I just lost myself for a moment.”

Taya nodded in understanding. “I get it. Emotions take on a life of their own with this power it seems.”

“Indeed.” I was grateful to her for relating, even if she didn’t lose control like I did.

“Tyler, it’s not his highness’ fault. Let him go.” Tyler’s armed dropped.

Demi clapped his hand on my shoulder. “The first time I manifested, my flames devoured almost all of the enemy soldiers. A part of myself wanted it, but the majority of me was just grieving the death of my friend. Even now, I sometimes lose control when my emotions are heightened. From now on we’ll work on the feeling of the power flowing through you, rather than the emotions that sparked it.”

I nodded. His highness is truly admirable; mostly stoic but compassionate when necessary. Only around Taya does he break out of that mold. Well, I guess Brandy brings out some unexpected things in me sometimes. Maybe that’s just what partners do. Even Dave and Derek have a deep understanding of each other, without being able to conventionally converse. As I mused over partner dynamics, Tyler approached. I studied his face and knew he wasn’t about to go back anytime soon. I sighed. Demi seemingly came to the same conclusion. “Lets take a break. I’ll work with Taya. Perhaps you two should have a private conversation. I nodded and my brother and I walked into the woods together. After about ten minutes I figured we were far enough away to talk. It wasn’t going to be a long conversation anyways.

“I’m really fine Tyler. You don’t need to fuss. And you should apologize to his highness. He’s been nothing but helpful, yet you continuously antagonize him. Have you forgotten that you’re alive today because of him?”

Tyler sighed, “I haven’t forgotten. But this is different from the war. There’s no one who could stop Demi if he were to turn on us. He has more than enough reason to hate the kingdom.”

I looked at my older brother, who was once my idol, with disgust. “So you trust a bunch of strangers and an unknown mage more than you trust someone you shed blood with? That’s messed up Tyler. Demi’s never demonstrated any animosity towards the kingdom. If anything he’s incredibly indifferent. But he saved my life and I value loyalty, even if he didn’t expect anything in return.”

“You didn’t see Demi after Silvester’s death. It’s like everything human about him died with Silvester. Maybe he’s softer now because of Tali’s sister, but what if something happens to her? Creed might be able to stop him if he unseals his magic but that would mean resealing those wizards will be next to impossible! I can’t risk the future because of loyalties from the past.”

“The same could be said about me and Taya. If we learn how to use our powers properly, we also will be too powerful to stop. Are you going to fight me, brother?”

“That’s completely different! Perhaps Taya has some unknown resentment but why on earth would you turn on us?” Tyler growled.

“Perhaps I value individuals more than an already lost kingdom. Demi is a prince. He could and should become king. What if allying with him and his desires is more beneficial to me than allying with your group?” I smirked.

“Jeremy!” Tyler screamed.

“Enough. I used to look up to you, but it’s like I don’t even know you. If you can’t trust someone because you’re scared you can’t control them, there’s no need for further conversation. You’re no different from the royal family you hate so much.” I coldly stated before walking back to where Taya and Demi were.