Darkness.

A black void filled with nothing but a gloomy emptiness

Endless

Endless

Endless

Emptiness.

The oppressive darkness of this wretched void would drive anyone insane in mere seconds.

Leave them to their own thoughts and to the darkness of their own minds.

It'll leave them hollow, filled with nothing but air as time becomes useless.

That is until..

A light suddenly appeared out of the shadows, its brilliant rays filling the void and transforming it into a breathtaking sea of shining stars scattered throughout the dark surface.

Then, in a second, it vanished.

Where all the light was concentrated, there was only one ball no larger than a tennis ball.

It floated across the endless nothingness in serenity until it was pulled into a vortex-like hole.

Soon after, it shot out of the sky like a shooting star, descending onto a clear, flower-filled land and shining a bright light over the vibrant petals.

The landing resulted in a minor earthquake and a huge energy wave that covered the entire planet.

It then glowed dazzlingly and gradually took on a simple form.

Lying there on the velvety grass is a lean male human, the only reminder of what had transpired.

Then it was as though time had stopped,, and the forest had returned to encircle the clearing.

The crickets chirping in the bright night sky and tiny fireflies flicker their light like the stars in the night sky.

the ball of light - turned man flinched, body tensing as he began to awake.

He opened his eyes and saw the world for the first time with innocent, wonder-filled eyes. Gold eyes gleamed with intensity.

He sat up slowly and took his first breath, inhaling the oxygen as he looked around his hair swaying with the wind.

He got to his feet, struggling at first, then trying again, he was getting used to his new limbs, trying to figure out how to use them.

He looked around the grassy area, feeling its blades brush against his sensitive skin.

With his first step and the grass tickling beneath his feet, he began to stumble and move erratically.

He wandered through the forest, not knowing why, yet still continued.

It had been hours since he awoke, and he was exhausted, his legs trembled, and he breathed heavily, having not eaten since he had received his conscience.

Then he came to a stop. He didn't have the energy to continue walking. He spent hours walking in the same direction, pausing now and then to gaze at the sparse wildlife he saw birds, deer, rabbits, and other unusual animals he was unaware of.

Then, unable to move any further, he stopped, dropped to the mud, and rested against a tree.

His vision was hazy, he felt hot and sweaty, his eyes were heavy, and he felt exhausted. The forest was engulfed in a cold, humid fog.

It did not take him long to fall asleep, drifting off to the soothing sounds of nature.

.

.

.

The voices of people could be heard not far from the man who was sleeping.

The noise of a small boy's laughter was getting closer as a female voice exclaimed, " ??? wait up! ." With joy, the voice shouted, " Can't catch me!! "

The child went on till he saw the young man lying on the ground, covered in filth. He gave a loud cry, calling for the woman.

The woman hurriedly came to the boy wondering why he shouted, till she saw the man on the ground.

She was taken aback when she first saw the man, but she quickly kneeled close to him out of concern to check on him. The small kid stood by her side with a wide-eyed gaze, observing the stranger with curiosity and empathy.

The mother and the small child decided to assist the man without a second thought. They returned to their modest house, tucked away deep in the forest, and helped him with kind hands.

The mother was busy ensuring the young man had the help he needed, while the youngster chatted happily and asked questions about the man.

When they arrived at their quaint cottage, the lady made the man feel at ease on a soft bed and wrapped him in a comforting blanket.

The man was relaxed, and the Mother and the little boy alternated keeping an eye on him to guarantee that he was well looked after.

Following his awakening, the lady questioned him about his origins and identity, though the man couldn't answer her.

The mother continued to nurture him despite his inability to respond to her questions.

Their gentle care and encouragement helped the guy gradually regain his strength and clear his blurry eyesight. He told them about his short travel and listened closely to the stories the mother and the small child had to offer, grateful for their assistance.

Once he was stronger and had cleaned himself up, he started to assist the woman and the young child by carrying objects for them, splitting wood, or going on hunts with them.

After a few months of living with the mother and child, he felt like he belonged; the child loved to call him big brother, and the mother loved him and called him her older son. Living with them also taught him a great deal of new things.

The woman then asked him for his name. “My name?” He said it questioningly while looking at the woman. She smiled at the young man and said, "Yeah, I had been wondering what your name is, if you still remember it."

He looked up, his eyes fixed on the starry night sky. His gaze was glimmering.

"Estel." he muttered, his eyes still fixed on the brilliant stars, "What was it?" Unable to hear him, the woman inquired. He looked back over his shoulder to stare at the mother he had started to love.

"You can call me Estel Elara."

[To be Continued..]

"Estel! Hurry up!" A voice shouts out, "Coming!' a smooth voice then followed.

Estel, Walked along the path with a young man "Slow down Tim, you might fall on yourself again" he said.

Tim who was walking in front of him turned around, walking backwards. "Don't worry bro! I'm not going to fall this time!" he said confidently.

Estel snorted "You said that last time, and you still managed to trip on air", Tim paused at that but continued on walking on "W-- well this time I'm not going to fall" he said sternly

Estel smiled lightly and fastened his walk so that they were walking beside each other and ruffled up Tim's hair "Whatever you say Tim".

"Awh! Estel! I just combed my hair!" Tim huffed out fixing his hair again, "Well let's hurry up now, we have to get those groceries for Elise" Estel said

"Right! I can't wait to eat Mom's special soup!" Tim said excitedly as he drooled imagining the creamy sweet soup filled with meat and veggies.

It had been 5 years since Tim and his Mother, Elise, found him on that faithful day.

He is now 20 and Tim 16

Him and Tim grew a Brotherly bond with Tim being a clingy younger brother and Estel being a responsible older brother.

.......

.......

.......

The market was bustling, filled with many people buying things and shop owners advertising their products loudly, as well as guards roaming about their armor shining in the sunlight.

Tim ran ahead and started browsing through the shops looking at interesting things "Don't go too far Tim!" Estel shouted to him shaking his head as Tim was already too into it.

He went ahead and started to get the things he needed, greeting the shop owners with a polite smile and a nod.

"Estel! Good Afternoon How are you doing?" Ms. Beverly who sells bread and desserts said smiling at the boy, "Hello to you to miss Beverly, I've been doing fine, just on a quick trip for some groceries'"

"That's good to hear, say how's Elise? it's been a while since she has visited, I miss her" Beverly asked, She and Elise used to talk all the time whenever Elise came out of the forest and into the village.

"She's doing good, her fever has calmed down a lot, though the doctor has told us that she should stay bedridden". Estel said

Beverly sighed "hmm I see hope she gets better soon, and hopefully she stays and rests though knowing her stubbornness she's probably not doing what the doc tells her"

Estel smiled fondly "She is a strong woman after all", Beverly smiled back and agreed.

"Estel! Look look! This looks so cool!" Estel turned around to see Tim excitedly showing him a glowing rock "It's pretty cool" Estel replied, "well i have to go now miss Beverly" He said to the woman "alright, goodbye Estel, goodbye Tim!" Beverly said waving goodbye to the two boys

"Bye miss Beverly!" Tim said back to the woman.

After walking around for a bit, Estel and Tim saw a stage and a large crowd of people gathering in front of it

"Oh the king must be announcing something!" Tim said as they stood not so far away.

Estela hummed and listened to the person yell out the king's letter

"All of those aged 18 to 30 must come to the palace to be tested for potential! No matter if this person is a he or she they must come for this is the king's order!"

The crowd all murmured in excitement.

"Tested for potential?" Estel asked confused "Oh, Every year the king's Messenger comes to every village to recruit people, though some people don't get recruited, it's a really small chance and so far only 7 people have successfully joined" an old man said from beside them "why is that?" Estel asked

"The king wants to find people that possess abilities or power, I do not know why he wants to find these kinds of people, but the 7 people he did find have extraordinary powers that help the kingdom from many hardships"

Estel hummed in thought as he watched the Messenger finish his speech and go into a carriage to probably go back to the palace.

He then stared up at the sky and noticed it getting dark "Tim! It's time to go now" he said to his younger brother "aww man!" Tim whined as he dragged his feet to be beside Estel.

"We don't want to delay Mom's special soup don't we?" Estel said smiling fondly, Tim's eyes widened as he remembered "Oh yeah! Lets goo!" Tim shouted as he pulled on Estel's sleeves to drag him in the direction of their home.

.............

.......

.......

Back at their small Home…

"Mom! We're back from the village!" Tim shouted out as he ran in

Elise who was sitting down on a chair reading a book with a candle lit beside her "Welcome back" she said smiling, she looked tired.

"Hello mother, I've bought everything we need" Estel said as he laid down the goods on the table "thank you dear" Elise said as she stood up.

Estel quickly went beside her to help her walk "careful you're still sick" he said worried

"I'm fine.. So anything special happened today?" Elise asked, Estel shrugged.

"The king's Messenger went to the village today!" Tim who came from his room said, Elise raised a brow at that "why?"

"It was the same thing, anyone whose age 18 to 30 must come to the palace to get tested for potential and whatnot" Tim said

Elise was in deep thought and suddenly perked up "oh! Estel aren't you of age yet? You probably need to attend and get tested" she said looking at the young man "oh yeah… I'm already 20 this year" Estel said

"Hmm no matter, you two should go and rest for now, I have to go and make my special soup".

Tim nodded and ran off to his room.

"We can talk about this tomorrow Estel" Elise said, "Understood" he said as he walked off to his own room "I'll call you when the foods done!" he heard Elise shout from the kitchen.

......To be continued......

Estel sighed as he got off the carriage and paid the horseman 15 copper coins.

It had already been 3 months since he and his little brother went to buy groceries.

He came to the main capital village of Geisha, where the palace is; he only brought with himself a spare set of clothes, a couple of copper and silver coins, his daily necessities, and his hunting knife.

Estel walked through a busy street, dodging children playing and people that weren't paying attention.

After a while, he finally arrived at his destination.

Estel stared at the huge castle, amazed at how majestic it was. 'Woah!'

'Hope all goes well,' Estel thought as he entered through the giant gate with other people who would partake in the test.

As Estel entered the palace, he saw a booth with a woman in professional clothing sitting in it.

Estel approaches the woman. "Hello, Madam," Estel said as the woman lifted her head to look at him.

The woman smiled professionally at Estel. "Hello, Welcome to the Palace of Geisha," she said. "Are you here to partake in the test?" she asked.

Estel nodded his head. "Yes," he said simply, to which the woman nodded and began to write on a piece of paper. "Alright then, please write your information in this paper," she said as she slid the paper she was writing on to Estel.

Estel wrote down his limited information, including his name: Estel Alara, age: 20, and Guardian: Elise.

After writing,, he gave the paper back to the woman. "Here is a badge so that you will be recognized as one of the participants. Don't lose it,, or you'll be kicked out by the guards," the woman said as she gave Estel a palm-sized round silver medal-like badge. It had the carvings of a fierce lion.

"Thank you," Estel said as he stored the badge in his pocket. "Alright, now go in and take a seat. It's about to start," the woman said as she gestured to Estel inside.

Estel walked inside the large castle; seeing so many different people made him both nervous and excited. After a while, he found an empty seat and sat on it. Besides him was a young-looking man with light red hair and sharp silver eyes.

'He's handsome,' Estel thought. The staring thought was noticed by said man, who glanced at Estel oddly, Estel flinched, surprised at being caught staring. "Ah-"

"Isnt it a bit rude to stare?" the man says, amused. "Sorry!" Estel said, embarrassed. "No sweat; I'm used to it, so you don't have to be so nervous," the man said, smiling.

"Oh, my name is Brecksin Zil, by the way," the man now named Brecksin said. "Nice to meet you; my name is Estel Elara," Estel replied back, smiling slightly.

As Estel and Brecksin were about to continue their conversation, a hush fell over the crowded hall. A tall, imposing figure stepped onto a raised platform at the front of the room. The man had long silver hair tied back in an intricate braid, and his piercing blue eyes seemed to look through everyone present.

"Welcome, aspiring candidates," his voice boomed, silencing any remaining whispers. "I am Lord Aethon, Royal Mage and Chief Examiner of the Geisha Palace. Today, you will undergo the Test of Awakening."

Lord Aethon paused, his gaze sweeping across the room. "The test is simple yet profound. Each of you possesses a unique power, dormant within you. Today, we shall awaken that power and determine your potential."

He gestured to a line of ornate pedestals behind him, each holding a glowing crystal orb. "You will approach these crystals one by one. Place your hand upon the crystal, and let your inner mana flow. The crystal will resonate with your latent power, revealing its nature and strength."

A murmur of excitement rippled through the crowd. Estel felt his heart racing, a mix of anticipation and nervousness coursing through him.

Lord Aethon raised his hand for silence. "Remember, there is no pass or fail. Each power is unique and valuable in its own right. Now, let us begin."

One by one, candidates were called forward. Estel watched in awe as the crystal orbs glowed with various colors and intensities. Some candidates gasped in surprise, others beamed with pride as their powers were revealed.

"Brecksin Zil," called out an assistant.

Estel watched as his new acquaintance confidently strode to the crystal. As Brecksin's hand touched the orb, it blazed with a brilliant crimson light. Lord Aethon's eyebrows raised slightly.

"Impressive," he murmured. "Pyrokinesis, with remarkable potential. You have the ability to control and manipulate fire, young man."

Brecksin grinned, a flicker of flame dancing in his silver eyes as he returned to his seat.

"Estel Elara," the assistant called next.

Estel's legs felt like jelly as he approached the crystal. He took a deep breath, extended his hand, and touched the smooth, cool surface of the orb.

For a moment, nothing happened. Then, slowly, a soft pinkish purple light began to emanate from the crystal. It grew brighter, pulsing with a gentle rhythm that seemed to match Estel's heartbeat. Tendrils of energy swirled within the orb, forming intricate patterns.

Lord Aethon leaned forward, his eyes wide with interest. "Fascinating," he breathed. "Young Estel, you possess the power of one of the stars, which is quite powerful and possibly even the very essence of life itself."

Estel stared at the glowing crystal in wonder. He had always felt a connection to the stars and life, but this... This was beyond anything he had imagined.

"This power carries great responsibility," Lord Aethon continued. "Nurture it well, Estel Elara," Lord Aethon said quietly.

As Estel returned to his seat, still in a daze, Brecksin clapped him on the shoulder. "How'd it go? That light was really bright," Brecksin said curiously.

"I just have a really good ability," Estel said, smiling at the light red-haired man.

...TO BE CONTINUED.......

Sorry about the long wait, there were some familial problems at the moment.

anyway, hope y'all enjoy!