Within the confines of a great forest, a teenage Benar could be seen meditating next to a river, the sunlight filtering through the dense canopy above, casting dappled patterns on the forest floor. His appearance hadn't changed much aside from his height, but his demeanor exuded a newfound confidence. The river beside him was a dynamic force, its surface reflecting the ever-changing landscape around it. By simply channeling his thoughts, Benar could seamlessly manipulate the river's form, a testament to his growing mastery over magic. With a simple thought, "Contradict," the river underwent rapid transformations, morphing from liquid water to licking flames, solidifying into stone, and then flowing freely once more.
As Benar rose from his meditation and approached the edge of the river, he observed the fish swimming effortlessly through its waters, unperturbed by the elemental fluctuations. A satisfied smirk played across Benar's lips as he reflected on his progress.
"After three long years, I can finally go through that entire cycle without it affecting me mentally," he mused aloud, his voice carrying a hint of pride, before a shadow crossed his features. "Or leaving any fish dead."
With a practiced gesture, Benar extended his hand and tapped into the fabric of space itself, manipulating its dimensions effortlessly. With pinpoint precision, he contradicted the distance between himself and his home to nothingness, creating a shimmering tear in the air that behaved like a portal. Stepping through the rift, he found himself in the familiar confines of his sister's room, the shock on their faces at his sudden appearance a familiar yet always amusing sight.
Maya and Mara, his younger twin sisters, bore a striking resemblance to him, each inheriting distinct features from their parents. Maya possessed their father's emerald green eyes, while Mara's gaze mirrored their mother's magenta hues. Despite their physical similarities, their reactions to Benar's antics varied, their senses failing to detect his presence until he chose to reveal himself.
Deciding to dispel the suspense, Benar clapped his hands loudly, eliciting startled reactions from the twins. Their initial bewilderment quickly gave way to a mixture of embarrassment and indignation.
"Why do you always have to do that, Big Bro!?" Maya exclaimed, her cheeks flushed with frustration.
"Because it's fun to keep you on your toes, and you guys did used to prank me." Benar replied, a mischievous glint dancing in his eyes as he teased his sisters.
"But our pranks were never this... extreme!" Mara protested, shooting him a reproachful glare.
"Maybe I just don't get scared as easily as you," Benar retorted, unable to suppress a smirk at their expense.
Before the twins could formulate a suitable retort, a soothing voice interrupted their exchange. Elara Falso, their mother, entered the room with a serene demeanor, her presence suffusing the space with a sense of calm.
"What's going on in here?" she inquired, her gaze shifting between her children with gentle curiosity.
Maya seized the opportunity to voice her complaint, blurting out the tale of Benar's latest mischief. Elara's expression softened, though a hint of reproach lingered in her tone as she addressed her eldest son.
"Benar, how many times have I told you to stop scaring your sisters? They're only ten years old," she chided, her words carrying a note of maternal concern.
Benar offered a sheepish grin in response, scratching the back of his head as he conceded, "Too many times to count... I'll try not to do it again."
His mother's gentle reprimand was met with a less-than-compliant acknowledgment, prompting a subtle darkening of her features. Meanwhile, Maya and Mara seized the opportunity to taunt their brother, their tongues protruding in childish defiance.
Unfazed by their antics, Benar resolved to ignore his mother's admonishment, secretly relishing the prospect of future pranks. However, before the banter could escalate further, another figure appeared in the doorway, casting a commanding presence that demanded attention.
This was Gregor Falso, Benar's father, whose acceptance of his son's unique abilities had grown over the years, albeit tinged with occasional frustration at his lack of consistency.
"Benar, the coach will be here within the hour. Are you sure you're ready to go to the Capitol?" Gregor inquired, his tone conveying a blend of sternness and concern.
"Of course, Dad. That's why I've been working so hard these past three years," Benar replied, his voice tinged with confidence as he met his father's gaze with a steady look.
"Don't let your head get too big now," Elara interjected, a hint of amusement coloring her words as she exchanged a knowing glance with her husband.
"Don't worry, Mom, I won't," Benar reassured her with a laugh, a playful glimmer in his eyes.
As the impending departure weighed heavily on his younger sisters, their tearful inquiries tugged at Benar's heartstrings. Placing a comforting hand on each of their heads, he offered words of reassurance, promising to return whenever possible.
His genuine smile eased their worries, prompting Mara to request a symbolic pledge. Benar obliged without hesitation, intertwining his pinkies with his sisters' in a gesture of solidarity.
Elara and Gregor couldn't help but be moved by the tender display of sibling affection, their parental hearts swelling with pride and affection. However, as the farewell drew to a close, Benar excused himself to make final preparations for his journey.
Surveying his modest belongings, Benar contemplated the significance of each item, from the practical necessities to the sentimental treasures. He didn't have to bring many clothes, the school he was attending would provide uniforms. His gaze lingered on a simple bracelet resting on his desk, a cherished gift from his sisters on his fourteenth birthday. With a sense of resolve, he fastened it around his wrist, a tangible reminder of the bond that tethered him to his family.
As he entered the family room, Benar was met with a scene of bittersweet farewells, his family gathered to send him off with well-wishes and heartfelt embraces. Elara enveloped him in a warm hug, her words of affection a soothing balm to his nerves.
"I'm really going to miss you, Dear," she murmured, her voice tinged with maternal tenderness.
"I'm going to miss you too, Mom," Benar replied, returning the embrace with equal fervor.
Turning to his younger sisters, Benar pulled them into a tight hug, their tearful expressions reflecting the depth of their bond. With a gentle reminder to behave in his absence, Benar bestowed a final embrace upon them, his heart heavy with the weight of separation.
Now facing his father, Benar extended his hand for a customary handshake, only to be met with a surprising deviation from the norm. Gregor pulled him into a heartfelt embrace, his words carrying a blend of paternal pride and admonition.
"Make sure you stay consistent with your studies," Gregor urged, his tone firm yet laced with affection.
"I will, Dad," Benar replied, returning the embrace with a newfound appreciation for his father's support.
With farewells exchanged and emotions running high, Benar made his way outside to the awaiting coach. As he climbed aboard, he stole a final glance at his family, their smiles and waves offering a poignant reminder of the love that bound them together.
With a signal to depart, the coach set off on its journey, leaving behind the familiar comforts of home for the promise of new adventures and challenges. As the landscape blurred past, Benar found himself lost in thought, anticipation mingling with uncertainty as he contemplated the path that lay ahead.
Yet, beneath the surface of apprehension, a flicker of excitement burned bright, illuminating the darkness of the unknown. For Benar, this was not merely a journey to the Capitol, but the beginning of a new chapter in his life, one filled with endless possibilities and untold wonders. And as he looked towards the horizon with a smile playing on his lips, he couldn't help but embrace the promise of the future, eager to seize whatever destiny had in store.