Luis is now 5 years and 9 months old
It was a hot day the sun was still rising, making golden rays appear across the village. The sounds of children's laughter could be heard around the village as they darted around, playing tag. Inside Luis's home, Luis was impatiently standing by the door, his small fingers holding the door knob.
"Papa, can I go nowwwww? Everyone's already playing without meee!" Luis asked, his brown eyes shining with eagerness.
Noah, sitting at the table with a calm demeanor, raised an eyebrow. "Not yet. First, do you remember what I told you about blessings and how they work?"
Luis groaned, his shoulders slumping. "Papa, I know it already! Can't I just answer later?"
Noah chuckled, gesturing for Luis to come closer. "Humor me, Luis. If you answer now, you can play as much as you like today."
Luis huffed in annoyance but complied, standing before his father with his arms crossed. "Fine."
Straightening his stance, he recited, "Blessings are given by creatures. How strong they are depends on what the creatures tier is." He paused, his small brow furrowing as he continued, "If the blessing's was given for less than a month, the creature can take it back. But after that, it stays forever. And blessings can go to kids and grandkids, but they get weaker as the generation go on and if no one uses or trains them they also get weaker. Oh yes also you can um only get the blessings if it's..... oh yes mutual consent which is when both parties agree to give and receive blessings."
A smile spread across Noah's face as he nodded. "That's right, in simple terms that's about it. Well done, Luis. You can go outside and play now."
Before Noah could even finish his sentence, Luis bolted out the house, shouting over his shoulder without fully looking back, "Thanks, Papa!"
---
Noah watched his son joined the other children playing, his small figure blending into the group. A soft sigh escaped him as he went around doing chores in the house, his thoughts turning inward.
About Forty percent of this village which is around about fifty people are Phoenix Clan survivors. We've worked with the Xoliti Clan elders to keep our identities hidden, but the children... they've been our hope.
His gaze followed Luis as his son ran around, his movements looked more coordinated and confident than most children his age and most of the children he was playing with.
When the other parents and I planned to make the kids want to play more games, it was more than just about giving the kids something to do. It was about them building bonds, and strengthening their bodies. Luis, especially, was guided so that he would do more of that. Mixing in boring things like history lessons only made him want to play harder. And it worked he thinks physical activity is a game, not a chore or something he's forced to do.
Noah's smile faded as their were more serious matters that he needs to work on.
It was time for the next step for Luis helping him learn to harness and control aura. Luis needs more than just playing around to prepare his body to be able to withstand the Phoneix's reincarnation. His body is stronger already than most children's, but strength alone won't be enough. He needs aura control because his body will never be strong enough to fully suppress the Phoneix reincarnations he will need aura control to make the energy reinforce his body and move in a way that won't put too much strain on his body as the Phoenix is coming back.
The children's laughter filled the air, momentarily easing his worries. Tomorrow, I'll start teaching him. Slowly, carefully. He'll learn... he has to.
By the time the sun was setting Luis was coming home, dirt-streaked and grinning from ear to ear hopping his way back home. His hair was a mess and his clothes were dirty from playing. As he pushed open the door and was immediately greeted by the smell of herbs and spices coming from the kitchen.
"There's our little rascal," Elena said with a soft smile while looking at Luis, she was standing by the counter, chopping vegetables.
Noah was stirring a pot over the fire, turning to glance at Luis. "Wash up first. Then you can help us."
Luis blinked, confused. "Help? Since when do I help with cooking?"
Elena went and crouched down near Luis saying "Because, my dear Luis, we really, really really need your help tonight your the only one who can help us save todays dinner ."
Luis grinned at the praise and puffed his chest . "Alright! Since only I can do it I will help save the day todayyyyy."
---
After washing himself, Luis stood by Elena, who told him what to do and making sure to tell him to not snack on anything yet.
Luis frowned when he was told not to snack but did as he was told, he was standing on his toes put the vegetables into the pot Noah was tending. As he worked, he had a question to ask his parents.
"Papa? Mama?" he said, his tone hesitant.
Elena stopped working for a second and looked at him. "What is it, Luis are you confused about what to do next?"
Luis fiddled with his fingers as he asked. "How do you ignore the whispers that come from the fire?"
His parents froze glances at each other and put aside anything they were doing and asked. "Whispers from fire? What do you mean, Luis?"
Luis shrugged, as if it was something normal. "It started recently. When I'm lying around or being lazy, I hear these whispers. They usually happen more if there is a fire lit around and if I am looking at it. But it's weird they make me feel a some sensation near my chest and it makes me want to get up and run around or do something."
Noah crouched beside Luis as his brows furrowed. "Can you tell us what these whispers say? Can you understand the words?"
Luis shook his head. "Not really. It's like... I can't hear the words, but I *feel* them, like they're telling me to move. Is it normal? Do you guys not hear them too?"
Elena also crouched down, placing her hands gently on his shoulders. " No Luis we do not hear these whispers but can you do your mom a favour, can you make a promise with me, not tell this to anyone. Do you understand?"
"Not even my friends?" Luis asked, confused
"Especially not your friends," Noah said firmly. "This is something very private, just for us okay only your family can know. I know your curious but we'll explain what it means tomorrow morning, okay? But for now, it's your bedtime after dinner."
Luis pouted, but never seeing his parents this serious, not even compared to when he broke 3 of his moms vases at once made him say. "Okay…"
Elena smiled, ruffling his hair. "Good boy. Now let's finish making dinner."
---
Later at night, after Luis was tucked into bed and was sleeping the house was quiet, Elena and Noah sat together on the sofa in the living room. The soft glow of the fireplace bathed the room in a warm, flickering light.
Noah leaned forward, his elbows on his knees, deep in thought. "What do you think we should tell him because well the whispers have to be from the Phoenix?"
Elena folded her hands in her lap, her expression calm but serious. "We have to tell him the truth. The whispers must be from the Phoenix. It's trying to guide him, even in this dormant state."
Noah frowned. "But what if it's not for his good? What if the whispers are pushing him toward something dangerous? His body was not able to handle the essence right after he was born what if the whispers want to make the essence stronger"
Elena sighed, leaning back against the sofa. "Noah, I have listened to my father speak with the guardian Phoenix many times. Also he has told me that its intentions are never harmful toward the clan. Its goal was always to protect and strengthen us."
"That was the Phoenix before," Noah said, his voice low. "This is different. It's reincarnating. What if its instincts have changed or what if it's a different Phoenix a new one with no memories of its past?"
Elena reached out, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Then we'll jus have to protect him ourselves. We've done it this long, haven't we?"
Noah let out a slow breath, nodding. "You're right. I'm just… unnecessarily worrying you. There's nothing we can do now but help him grow stronger."
Elena gave a soft laugh and leaned against him, until she was laying on his chest. "It's fine as parents we are always worried about our kids also you know you should worry about me some more are you not gonna protect me."
Noah caught off guard. "Wha… protect you? You don't need"
Elena lifted her head to look at him, a playful shine in her eyes as she pocked his cheek. "Oh? Have you completely forgotten about me after getting a son I don't need protecting anymore?"
"I-I mean… I didn't mean it like that" Noah's face flushing.
Elena layed back on his chest giggling. "Alright, alright. I'll stop teasing you now."
The playful mood helped lighten both of their spirits and helped spark some intimacy. Outside, as the night deepened, the embers of fire were growing in Luis.