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solar--xing-blog · 6 years ago

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Tale of Sun and Moon (Pt.2)

Solar stepped into the training room, her hands neatly wrapped up and her expression calm and serious. She knew that to go back to the clan, she had to do more than just show up as the Golden Child.

Diane was already waiting for her in the middle of the mattress when she entered. She looked at Solar softly and waited for the young phoenix to stretch and warm up. “Going back won’t be a problem, our Star. You’ll be welcomed,” She chatted casually, “But leading without your fire? That’s a stretch. You’ve been gone for too long. They won’t allow you to lead, even if you are the Golden Child.”

“Which is why I won’t ask,” Solar snarled as she lunged forward unexpectedly, her dagger already in her hand. She swung the weapon at Diane’s throat, her mind concentrated on nothing but to win.

Diane dodged the attack easily, her posture still relaxed as before. Solar turned around and stayed in her place, waiting for the chance to strike again. “Good try, but too obvious. When I said unexpectedly, I meant not only on the timing,” She slid away from Solar’s attack once again and continued, “But also the movement.”

With that in her mind, Solar charged.

Again.

And Again.

“One more time,” Diane demanded as she once again dodged away from the young phoenix’s blade. She observed the other from a distance and waited patiently for the next strike. Solar had a strong wish, but if this was her best…She frowned slightly.

Solar adjusted her breathing and clenched her dagger, her knuckles white from the force she exerted. Just a few rounds of sparring already made her muscles weak. She wondered how General went through all her training. Sweat trickled down from her forehead into her eyes as she panted, trying her best to maintain her posture. Try again. Solar thought to herself. Try harder. She heard her heartbeat quickened. Think faster. Her eyes hardened. The young phoenix remained still for the next few seconds.

Then like a leopard running its prey down, she leaped at the elder. Solar swung her dagger again, this time to the other’s right arm, and just when Diane backed away from the attack, she spun herself around and threw away the dagger. The action surprised the elder, and the next moment, Solar’s fist was in contact with Diane’s shoulder.

Diane wasn’t expecting that move. Usually, people don’t throw their weapons in a fight. It was orchestrated and apparently too excessive, but Solar managed to reach her goal. She punched her by the shoulder. “Well done, our Star.” The elder smiled, guiding the youngster’s fist away from her shoulder, “We can end here today. Too much training a day won’t do you any good.”

Solar panted, her rapid breathing stopped her from forming a clear response. Instead, she just nodded and beamed, satisfaction gleaming in her eyes. The young phoenix collapsed on the mattress when she heard Diane and raised her hand to give the other a thumb up.

She will do it better next time.

Three months. It took her three months to finally defeat Diane. Solar smirked, her excitement unable to stay hidden as she pinned Diane against the wall with her dagger.

“Well done, our Star.” Diane smiled softly as she always did after a training session. Proudness swelled in her chest. It took less time than she expected, and that gave them more time to prepare with other things.

Solar stepped back, putting her dagger back into its sheath. Months of training and exercise shaped her well, and her breath was only slightly heavier. She wiped away the sweat with the towel on the side pole and plopped down on the ground. “It’s now or never,” She laughed as she started stretching.

Diane shook her head and handed the girl a bottle of water before she walked out of the room. “Dinner will be ready in half an hour, my dear. Don’t forget to change out of your gym outfit!” She chided at the other.

“Sure thing, mom~” Solar teased after she took a huge gulp of her water.

Solar sat down next to Diane as soon as the elder brought the dishes over to the table. She mumbled a small “thank you” and prayer before she started wolfing down her food, not bothered to wait on Diane at all.

Diane sat next to her and shook her head. “It seems like our next thing to study is table manner, huh?” She scolded the girl as she made her own plate, “Future leader of the phoenix clan making a joke out of herself during her dinner with her cabinet. Let’s see how that goes with the media.” The elder murmured a prayer to Light before taking her first bite.

“Oh come on, Diane, I’m just with you! I know what to do if it’s a political event…” She complained with food in her mouth. Good thing that she made the effort to at least cover it up with her hand. She swallowed whatever was in her mouth before she continued, “And this is too good to eat gracefully. This is me paying the respect the food deserves!”

Diane rolled her eyes before she took another bite. Youngsters these days…

“So, what else will we be working on?” Solar asked out of pure curiosity as she continued on her meal, chopsticks in her hand and fork completely abandoned on the table.

Diane looked up from her plate, raising a brow at Solar’s excitement. Usually, the younger phoenix was already tired out of her mind. “Well,” The Elder said after wiping her mouth with a napkin, “You need to catch up with all the politics you didn’t learn. And-” She raised a hand to stop the younger from complaining, “And yes, even if you know roughly what is happening. You want to stop a war. It takes more than you expect, our star. Some of us benefit from the war, and you’ll have to learn to challenge that.”

Solar grumbled at that, but she nodded nonetheless. She would need some catching up after all. “At least it’s not Sammy that’s teaching. His class is always so boring.” She mumbled under her breath, ignoring the obvious snort coming from the Elder.

#the tale of sun and moon

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solar--xing-blog · 6 years ago

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Tale of Sun and Moon (Pt.1)

"Return, and you will find your answer."

Solar felt at home with her Imprint by her side. She did. The proximity relaxed her. It was just that she can't get rid of the memories the m!a gave her. She couldn't stop worrying about the clan, about all of her people. Unable to shake away her thoughts, the young phoenix curled up into Viitorul's shoulder and sighed deeply.

"What's wrong, Sunshine?" Her young dragon sensed her distress through their imprint bond and nudged her lightly, their tone worried.

Solar raised her head and looked at them, shaking her head slightly. It was hard for her to explain, honestly. Her memories were all jumbled up, after all. At one point yesterday, she couldn't even figure out which version of her is the real her. The General, or the lost one?

"I don't like to see you frowning, Sunshine. Something's bothering you." Their voice pulled her out from her tangled thoughts, "Talk to me, please?"

Solar looked up to the wooden ceiling, her eyes tracing the intricate patterns each panel has. "It's really nothing," Eventually she started talking, "Just, memories, I guess. My people, they are suffering. The war has cost both sides too much. I saw too many families being torn apart. Too much bloodshed." Her voice was filled with pain and confusion. Through General's memories, she saw what the war has done to her clan. The damage, the sorrow, the rage, the hope...

They are her people.

It suddenly dawned on her. It didn't matter who she was. To them, she was the only hope. She was the one who brings peace and joy. Solar abruptly sat up, already thinking up a plan. She needed to go back. Beside her, Viitorul sat up too, apparently startled by her movement. They looked at her worriedly and asked, "Sunshine? Please, I want to he-"

"V, listen, I need to go back. They are waiting, and I can't keep running away with this." She interrupted them as she stood up, pacing back and forth, occasionally stopping to look at them, "I have to end this. I-"

"Sun-Sunshine?"

Their nervous voice snapped her out of her rather panic reaction. “I’m sorry, V, did I scare you?” She sat back down again slowly and smiles apologetically, “I just…”

Viitorul shook their head. They pulled up a soft smile, “Do what you gotta do, Sunshine. I’m not going anywhere. I’ll be here waiting for you.”

Solar gently knocked on the door, waiting for the elder to reply. The house looked just like how it looked the last time. The pond in front of the house was calm as always, reflecting the cloudless baby blue sky. It soothed her nerves a little.

“I see our star has decided for her path.” Diane’s gentle voice shook her out of her own thoughts. She leaned on the door, smiling at the young phoenix gently.

Solar quickly walked over to Diane and hugged her close, feeling a bit more at ease, “I want to go back to the clan, Diane. I have to help.” She huffed out a frustrated sigh, apparently confused and at lost of what to do.

Diane gently led her into the room and sat her down on the couch. She handed the young girl a cup of tea before sitting next to her. “Well, what do you need me for, love?” She asked, though she already knew the answer.

“Well… I do need to talk to my brother. But I’m pretty sure that he is at another dimension…” Solar mumbled out her words, already picturing the perfect storm her brother will be giving her the second he hears about this. She clenched the teacup subconsciously and sipped from it.

Diane nodded understandingly, “Well, you are right on time then. I have just collected enough things to do the ritual. You’d have to wait for a little longer before we’re ready to travel. Until then, would you mind sitting alone for a little bit?”

Solar shook her head and smiled, “Take your time, Diane. I’ll be fine.”

Lunar yawned as he turned the page of his book. He hadn't had time for this kind of leisure-reading in... ever, actually, at least not back home. Generally, there it was all strategy and war planning, but now he relaxed with a copy of the newest fantasy young-adult novel this dimension had to offer, laughing at the depictions of dragons and knights and elves and the like. He absent-mindedly reached for his morning tea, blowing at the steam a bit before taking a sip.

Solar took off in Lunar's garden and walked over to the door. She was about to knock on the door when she froze up. She really hadn't thought about how to talk to her brother yet. "In the Sun's name...!" The young phoenix muttered under her breath and started pacing in the garden, thinking about ways to approach the topic.

Lu looked up and blinked at the door. He was pretty sure that was Solar's voice. Huh. He placed the book upside and open on the couch before rolling to his feet; it couldn't help to check, right? He eased the door open, seeing her pacing. "Oh, good morning my star," he said, opening the door more fully. She seemed, at the very least, stressed. "What's up?"

She snapped her head up, clearly not expecting Lunar to hear her and come see her. Well...it's now or never. She smiled softly and walked over to her brother, hugging him lightly. "How've you been?" She figured that it may be better if she doesn't bluntly state that she's going back and nullifying all her family's work.

He hugged her back. "I am well, and you?" he pulled back so he could flick her in the forehead gently. "It isn't like you to come over here and pace where you're so easily caught out. You like to hide these things from me." he teased.

Solar chuckled awkwardly, not really feeling relaxed. Instead, she just dragged her brother into the room and kicks the door close. She sat him down on the couch and plopped next to him rather ungracefully, her posture was still rigid. "Well, you see, I figured this isn't something I can really hide..." She trailed off. She really wasn't good at this now was she.

He noticed her nerves and how his teasing hadn't soothed them in the slightest. Huh. This can't be good.

"You know I support you through anything, Lil’ star." he murmured, catching her hand and rubbing soothing circles across the back. "There's nothing that you could hide that would make me love and support you any less, so what is it? Who is it I need to kill." he joked, but there was a subtle light of truth in his eyes. He'd killed for his sister before, and he'd do it again, this is something they both knew.

His words really didn't make her feel better. She was going to be doing something that her brother and her family have prevented her from going through, but she knew it's for the best. Taking in a deep breath, she looked into Lunar's eyes. She kept her tone serious and determined as she spoke, "I decided to go back to our clan."

His heart stopped in his chest, and his blood ran icy cold. He would like to say he could barely suppress the rising distress in his Song, but years of experience have lent him ease and efficiency in that particular task. "You have." he shook himself a bit and nodded mechanically. "Of course you have." he looked away. Every instinct in him screamed his discontent, his pure panic at this idea, but-- she was his higher up, the golden child, the-- No. right now, she was his little sister.

"Solar, I--" he sighed sharply, exhaling what felt like daggers in his lungs. "I do not like this. I do not like this at all, I think you realize." It explained the nerves, at least, though. "I-- why? After everything, what's changed?" he managed to keep the desperation out of his voice.

She knew this wouldn't go well. She knew it. Her determined expression faltered a little. She struggled to get her words out, but nothing seems fitting. The room fell silent, the intense atmosphere almost choking her. She shifted in her seat uncomfortably and continued, "It's just- ever since that magic anon I can't- I just can't get those memories out of my brain I-" She looked at him almost beggingly.

"I saw them suffering, Lulu. I saw the damage. I saw the blood and the horror and Gods I felt the pain..." Her voice was barely a whisper at this point, "Please Lulu- I know this- I just want to end this for them. I want the hatchlings to grow up in peace and joy Lulu. I don't want them to go through what we went through." Tears nearly spilled over as she recalled General's her memories.

He held the tension in his shoulders for a minute before he sighed it out, shaking his head. "Of course," he said softly. "That is very like you." he squeezed his eyes shut. "That being said-- about how much I don't like this, I mean-- this is your decision." he took a deep breath. "It is, but it's just... I don't like the thought of you going back to where I can't protect you. I can't be by your side to fight for you while Samoel still breathes, you know that. Once we get there, I'll have to work from the shadows to keep you safe, and the shadows can sometimes obscure the things I should want you safe from."

It wasn't a question of if he'll go back with her. There was no question there at all, there was no way he would send her back to their wretched home alone. But how was he to do anything? Not only was he the silver kid, but he was also a fugitive now, too. He'd deserted. And how far would his sister like to follow the prophecy? If she were to end the war, it is said that his life be paid.

“I know you can’t come back with me, brother...” She took in another deep breath, trying her best to calm her nerves. Letting Lunar know was never the hard part of this. That was only the start.

“I know Sammy won’t allow you to be seen anywhere near the clan.” She swallowed hard and mumbled out, “which is why you won’t be coming with me...” Part of her hoped that he didn’t hear what she said. But she knew that there is no way in hell she would let her brother walk into danger. He will not come with her.

"Solar..." his tone was dangerous. "Don't think I didn't hear that. Being paranoid enough to listen to the whispers around me has saved my life far too many times. Give me one good reason I shouldn't come with you. Worst comes to worst I beg on my knees for my life to that old fuck, and he gives me my old place with the Elites. At least then I am still a resource to you. You should not go back to that place alone. You know what he's like! You know what the war is like!"

“Lunar please...! I can’t risk it, and- and no you are never going back to the Elites whenever he’s in control! I can’t risk losing you again! What if- what if they try to make us kil-” she stopped herself mid-sentence, not wanting to finish that train of thoughts, “I’m the golden child- they want me. There won’t be any reason for them to hurt me! I’ll be safe brother.” She tried to reason with him at the same time brainstorming ways she could persuade him.

"No reason for them to hurt you, maybe," he said stormily. "But what of the dragons? Being the golden child puts a target on your back as much as me being the silver child did, my enemies were just closer to home." he was almost ranting, now. "And you don't want the answer to that question," he added, flinching when he realizes how much the words will sting her. He was the best fighter of his clan, sure. But nothing and nobody would make Lunar fight back against his sister. It wouldn't be a fight. It would be an execution.

All at once, it seemed like his anger just rushed out of him. He had nothing left. He slumped, took a few deep breaths.

"I can't make you let me. You know that." he looked up into her eyes. "Please just let me?"

She curled into herself a little. His words cut her deep as she recalled that horrible, horrible nightmare. That nightmare where she ended her brother’s life. She stayed silent for a bit, trying to fight down her own worries and frustration.

“I’m not going back to fight in a war, brother. I’m there to make peace. I won’t let them hurt me.” She reached out to Lunar’s hands and gently linked them together.

“And I know someone who can help me. I know it worries you, Lulu. But I can’t risk it. You’re the only family I have left and- and I can’t bare with the thought you losing you.”

His heart clenched. He had known he was fighting a losing battle since this conversation had started, and he hadn't much fight left in him, anyway. He squeezed her hands.

"I know. I know, I-- I just don't want to lose you either. You're all I have left." he stopped for a moment, and silence ringed heavily with the truth of his last statement.

He steeled himself. "Okay. Okay, you win." he sighed before forcing a smile. "When are you leaving? Least I can do is help you pack. Give you a few tips and tricks. Perhaps a new dagger, yeah? Your neck one is a bit too important to be used for protection, yes?"

Her shoulder slumped in relaxation when he agreed with her. A smile spread across her face, and she swung her arms around him. “You’ll have plenty of time to chat and pack for me once we get to Diane, Lulu.”

He laughed a little and hugged her back. "Yeah, okay, whatever you say, Sol."

By the time the twins reached the elder's doorstep, it was already dusk. The glowing sun, a crisp circle in the bloody sky, illuminated a garden of colors across the cloud. Solar led her and Lunar to Diane’s doorstep, keeping their hands linked as she knocked on the door, "We're here, Diane!"

The elder pulled the door open seconds later, a warm smile spreading across her face. It was the first time she met with the Silver Child, but she didn't look like she minded the twins being so close at all. "I'm glad you made it back in time." She nodded at the two, leading them into the living room, "And it's nice to finally meet you, Lunar. Your sister talked about you a lot."

Lunar had been tense all day, at this point. This was not helped by the clan elder opening the door, despite her already apparent kindness. Every inch of him appeared ready, ready to defend, ready to bolt, ready to fly and take his sister with him. It was instinct, at this point. He was Silver, and he was scared. It was only natural.

But he trusted Solar. And Solar trusted this woman.

Squeezing Solar's hand, he forced a grin.

"All good things, I hope." he ground out, even that little jest sounding off, but he was trying.

Sensing the unease coming off from her brother, Solar gently rubbed circle on the back of his hand and whined, “hey, I don’t trash talk my brother behind his back...! Give me some credit!”

Diane chuckled lightly at the twin’s banter as she handed over two cups of tea, sitting down across them. She keeps some distance between herself and the two, knowing that the older one isn’t comfortable with her presence. “Well, she certainly complains about her brother being taller than her all the time.” She said teasingly, her voice gentle and calm as ever.

Lunar laughed to himself. "Yes, I suppose that would be fair." Unconsciously, he waited for the woman to take a sip of her tea before touching his. It was a habit, after all, but what he does notice was her effort to not make him any more uncomfortable than he already was. He relaxed slightly at her consideration for him, even allowing himself to playfully ruffle his sister's hair.

Solar feigned a glare to her brother before taking a gulp from her cup. She barely swallowed it down before she started talking again, “Well, it is a bit unfair don’t you think? We’re twins. How come you’re always taller?!” Her voice raised just ever so slightly as she talked. It was clear that she held some opinion about the subject.

Diane simply relaxed in her chair and sat back to watch the twins interact. She knew Solar’s plan. It would be a long time before Solar could ever see her brother again. “I’ll start the preparation.” She bluntly stated before standing up, knowing that this will have to be brought up sooner than later, “it’ll take awhile. I’ll call you over when we’re ready.”

Solar nodded, not saying anything. Instead, she just curls up next to Lunar and sighed internally. She will most definitely miss her brother...

He chuckled. "Well, it's been said I grew early. You may have a snowball's chance with dragons yet, Lil’ star." he grinned, but it fell away when Diane walked off. He held his sister tightly, rubbing soothing circles on her shoulders. "It's not forever, Sol. We're gonna see each other again. The war will be over, I might not be public enemy number one..." he smiled softly. "If that's the case, I'll take you to dinner. Fanciest place I can afford." he went quiet for a moment before his smile went a little tight with a wave of sadness. "You're going to be great."

“You’ll have to take me to that shiny restaurant we’ve always wanted to try...!” She laughed, though it was clear that she was on the verge of tears, “I’m gonna miss you, Lulu.” She buried her head in his chest, trying to think about happy memories instead of the farewell.

“I will make you proud, Lulu. I’m gonna end this once and for all.” She promised. Her voice was barely a whisper, but she knew he could hear her just fine. She was no one, just a lost phoenix wandering in the world, but she would never break a promise to her brother.

He fought back tears, but that was something he'd had far more practice with than his sister. So calmly, gently, he kissed the top of her head, and when he spoke his voice did not waver.

"You've already made me proud."

He holds her close for a moment longer before pulling away against all instinct to hold on forever. "I brought you something for your trip."

Carefully, he pulled out a silver dagger from a hidden sheath. It was wicked sharp and deadly, but the hilt had a little carved crescent moon. He offered it hilt first to his sister. "I hope I'm not presumptuous... I have a matching one." He pulled a golden dagger just enough out of its place in its boot to flash Solar the tiny sun engraving on the hilt, "But we have talked about you needing more weapons before you left."

Solar carefully took the silver dagger, her finger gently brushing over the edge of the knife and landed on the cares crescent moon. She chuckled, “Oh Lulu...I love it. And you know I’ll be carrying this with me from now on. No need to worry about the lack of protection.” She teased him lightly, attempting to lighten up the atmosphere a little. She wouldn’t want this farewell to be filled with somber memories.

He grinned. "Glad we both have good taste in knives, then." he covered his relief with humor. "And I will still worry, thank you. It's what I do." he flicked her lightly on the forehead before pulling her in for one last hug.

Solar was about to argue with him again when Diane called from another room.

“Alright my dear, I think it’s time.”

She gently pulls him up from the couch and led him to the other room, gripping his hand tightly. As they stood in the middle of the ritual circle, she couldn’t help but to spiral.

They both were avoiding the potential situation where...they end up not be able to see each other again. But all of sudden she could not get rid of that thought. “You’re gonna come back to me, Lunar.” Her voice was shaky. She was truly scared.

Diane waited outside of the circle, not wanting to interrupt the last few minutes the twins had. She held onto the bad of purple powder and stood silently.

Lunar gripped her hand back just as tightly and locked eyes with her. "I will. I promise I will. And you're gonna be okay, you hear? No dying on me, sun's sake." his voice was shaking for the first time since this whole nightmarish day started. "We're gonna be okay."

“We’re gonna be okay.” She whispered back, tears finally spilling over. She kissed his cheek lightly and pulled back, slowly stepping out of the circle against her will. The young phoenix kept her eyes locked on her brother, trying to remember every little bit of his details. Their reunion was too short.

But it will be okay. They will see each other again. They will.

“Just pour this in the center once you’re ready, my child. You’ll find yourself in a safer dimension,” Diane spoke softly, holding out the purple power to Lunar, “I will be here for our Star, my child. Worry not.” She reassured him again, even though she knew her promise wouldn’t make a huge difference for him.

He nodded shakily, refusing to cry in front of his sister, and worst of all, an elder, though she seemed kind from the short time he had known her. He knew she would take care of his sister.

"Thank you," he whispered, not trusting his voice to get any louder without breaking. He looked to Solar before giving a small, playful salute. "See you on the other side, Lil’ one. Love you."

With that, he poured the sand.

And then he was gone.

Solar watched the purple flame engulfed his brother’s form and disappeared along with the ritual circle. She wiped away the tears on her cheek, his words still ringing in her ears. “Love you too, brother.” She whispered to the still air.

(( @lunar-xing ))

#the tale of sun and moon

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