Then she remembered when she saw him training at the second year's arena, his movements swift and agile, his muscles rippling under his shirt. He was so focused on training, so driven to succeed. She never saw him like that in Mythralis. His eyes were sharp, his body toned, and his skin glowing with sweat. It was a sight that made her weak in the knees, and it was hard to deny her attraction. She knew that she couldn't stay away much longer, and she knew it was time for her to confront Zenyph.
"I will talk to him. I need to let it all go. It's time to move on."
As she spoke those words to herself, she felt a sense of peace wash over her. She smiled and walked towards him, her mind racing with ideas about how to apologize and start over. As she approached, she saw him practicing his swordplay. He was swinging his sword with grace and precision, his movements smooth and controlled, and she couldn't help but admire his skill. She watched him for several minutes before approaching him, her confidence building with each step. He was her brother, after all, and they could fix things. They were blood-related.
As she got closer, she noticed something else. His eyes were different. They were a vibrant blue color, not the same azure hue that she remembered. And he was taller too. She shook her head, dismissing the idea. It couldn't be. He was still her brother, and she was going to apologize.
"Brother it's nice seeing you again." greeted Norena, her tone polite, but cautious.
"Hey Nori." replied Zenyph casually. That was all it took, one word from him and Norena knew, it was no longer her brother in front of her. It was an imposter. She knew it deep within her bones. It was not Zenyph. This was an alien wearing his face. Her wish had come true. Zenyph had indeed perished. This creature was a mere imitation.
The sound of distant bells brought Norena out of her memories. The surrounding trees were slowly regenerating. She noticed she lost control of her magic when she going down memory lane. She had accidentally burned a section of the forest, but it was quickly recovering thanks to the magical aura of the area.
"Maybe he'll like me for me? But I doubt it, not after what I did." Norena whispered to herself.
She had done something horrible to her true brother Zenyph, and she regretted it every day. Even if he was alive now as a dragon, she knew she could never forgive herself. She had betrayed her true family for a fake. She was a monster, just like the creature that had granted her wish. She didn't deserve redemption.
"Why are you feeling down, Norena?" a familiar voice called out, interrupting her thoughts. It was Celeste, standing behind her, a concerned look on her face.
"Nothing, just thinking about the past," replied Norena, trying not to let her emotions get out of control again.
Celeste placed a hand on Norena's shoulder, her expression soft and caring, "It's okay, sometimes the past comes and bites us when we least expect it."
Norena sighed, "You have no idea, Celeste."
Celeste smiled and gave Norena a comforting hug. "Let it out, it's okay. I'm here for you, Nori."
"You know I just talked to Zenyph, and he's changed. I don't know why or what happened, but he isn't who he used to be. It's almost as if he was a completely different person," admitted Celeste, a frown creasing her face.
Norena nodded, her expression somber. She knew exactly why Zenyph had changed. But how could she admit to her friend that it was all her fault?
"Well, I guess people change over time," said Norena, hoping that Celeste would let it slide.
Celestia shrugged, her expression unreadable. "Maybe, but something about this whole thing seems weird to me."
"Weird, how?" asked Norena, curious to know more.
"Zenyph, he's different yet still as kind? I don't know to explain it, but something about this whole thing just doesn't make sense. He used to hate magic, and now, he's a dragon with a talent for chaos. Did he perhaps join the Church of Eternal Discordance? It's a faction that worships Chaos, but it's highly unlikely as it's not his style." mused Celeste, her eyes darting around the courtyard as if trying to figure something out.
Norena remained quiet, not wanting to give anything away. She couldn't tell Celeste that the true Zenyph was dead, and she had made a wish upon a star to bring back Zenyph as a different person. She didn't even understand how it happened.
"Do you think he needs our help Nori? He killed someone and I beat him to a pulp but it didn't change his mind. If anything, it only made him more determined to get stronger. He's so focused on improving his strength that he's willing to kill others." said Celeste, her voice filled with concern.
"I don't know, Celeste, but we can't force him to change. People change at their own pace, and sometimes they never change at all. It's best to just let them be and accept that they will always be different." said Norena, trying to calm Celeste down.
"Wow, I didn't think those words would ever come out of your mouth, Nori." chuckled Celeste, shaking her head at her friend.
"What can I say? I guess you rub off on me sometimes," joked Norena, a smile forming on her lips.
They continued to talk about various topics, and Norena was grateful for the distraction. As they talked, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of regret in her chest. She knew it wasn't enough to apologize and fix her mistakes. She had done irreversible damage to the original Zenyph. She had to find a way to make it up to him somehow, even if it meant risking her friendship with him.
Norena knew that it was going to be difficult, but she was ready to take a stand against her guilt and make things right.
"Did you talk with him already Nori? You might be able to change his mind, he is your brother after all." Celeste suggested.
"Yes, I did talk with him. We trained together before the first year's Velos event. We didn't really talk about much else besides magic." said Norena, her eyes downcast, not wanting to meet Celeste's gaze.
"Hmmm." hummed a thoughtful Celeste. Norena knew that her friend was smart and perceptive.
"Come on spill Nori, I can feel it, you're hiding something big," urged Celeste, giving Norena a knowing stare.
"Alright Celeste, it's not easy but here it goes." said Norena taking a deep breath, "I'm kinda happy that he's changed like you said."
"Really?"
"Yes," replied Norena, nodding her head. "He is nicer, kinder, and I think he is more open. He used to be cold and distant, but now, there are moments when he shows his softer side."
"How would you know that Nori if you only spent a few days training with him?" teased the blonde angel, poking Norena's ribs playfully.
"I have my ways, Celeste," said Norena, trying to hide her smile.
"I bet you do. Does it include watching him sleep? Skipping class and gazing out of a window to a certain first year's class? Or did you already look into his mind? I wonder what's going on inside of there." said Celeste, her voice filled with mischief as she grinned at Norena.
"Celeste, you have no shame." giggled Norena, blushing at her friend's accusations.
"Well, you're the one that's doing those things. I'm just pointing them out," said Celeste, shrugging her shoulders.
"I have no idea what you're talking about, Celeste. I've been busy with school and training. I haven't had the time to do any of those things," defended Norena, her face turning redder by the minute.
Celeste laughed and hugged Norena tightly, "You know I'm just teasing you Nori. I'm so proud of you for finally admitting that you have feelings for him again."
Norena smiled and hugged Celeste back, grateful for the support. She felt a weight lift off of her shoulders. Maybe she could start fresh with Zenyph and make things right. It might also be a good idea to look into Zenyph's mind. He was an enigma, and she wanted answers.
As she thought about it, she realized that she didn't need to apologize to him. She could just use her mind magic to find out the truth behind Zenyph and his newfound powers.
She couldn't wait to get started. She had a mystery to solve, and she was determined to get to the bottom of this. She would uncover the truth, and hopefully, find some redemption along the way.
As she stood there, she wondered how far she would go to achieve her goal. What was worth sacrificing, and what was too great. She had already betrayed her bloodline once, but this time she was going to do better. No matter what. It was time to make things right.
"Celeste," she said, her voice soft and hesitant.
"Yes?"
"Would you still be my friend if I turn into something you hate? Someone you can't stand?" Norena asked, afraid to meet Celeste's gaze.
"Funny I was just thinking about what I'd do if Zenyph turned evil. I guess we're all capable of becoming something we never dreamed we could. But I'll still be your friend and support you, no matter what." replied Celeste with a gentle pat on Norena's shoulder, sensing the underlying message hidden in her friend's question.
"Thank you, Celeste, it means a lot to be your friend and have you by my side." said Norena as they walked together towards the library.
The sun was setting on the horizon, and the shadows grew longer as they approached. As the sun dipped below the edge of the world, Norena couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement bubbling within her. She had so many questions, and Zenyph had so many secrets. She couldn't wait to uncover them all.
As she entered the library, she couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. She knew that this was only the beginning, and she was ready to take on whatever lay ahead.