Elara Faelan sat on a bench in the Phaedra Academy garden, gazing at the cloudless blue sky. The midday sun shone brightly, casting long shadows from the surrounding trees. A gentle breeze swept through, causing the leaves to whisper as if sharing nature's secrets.
Yet, amidst the murmurs of the leaves, Elara found no peace. Voices from the past continued to haunt her mind, bringing back memories she wished to forget.
Two years had passed—What would have happened if I hadn't taken that path? Would it have been different? These thoughts began to plague her.
Elara tried to focus on the book resting on her lap, but the words on the page blurred, unable to penetrate the fog clouding her thoughts. She sighed deeply, closing the book in frustration. "Why won't it all just stop?" she muttered softly.
Eira, sitting beside her, turned with concern. "Did you say something, Elara?"
Elara shook her head, forcing a faint smile. "No, just tired."
"Is something bothering you?" Eira asked gently.
"Y-yeah, just a little—but it's nothing now," Elara replied in a low voice.
Eira studied her closely, knowing her friend was hiding something. "If you need to talk, I'm always here," she said with a tone both soft and firm.
Elara nodded, but inside, she felt as though there was an unbreakable wall within her. Every time she tried to open up, shadows of the past and a deep sense of guilt rushed in to overwhelm her.
"Eira," Elara finally spoke after a long silence. "Have you ever felt like... you don't deserve to be here? Like nothing you do is ever enough?"
Eira looked at her intently, her face showing both worry and empathy. "Sometimes, I feel that way too. But we have to keep going, don't we? What's making you feel like this?"
"You know, honestly—I never wanted this ability. I feel unworthy," Elara said softly.
Eira reached for Elara's hand, holding it tightly. "Don't ever think like that, Elara. You have an incredible power. If you've been given this gift, it means you are worthy."
Elara lowered her head, trying to hide the tears streaming down her face. "But what if I can't protect others? What if I fail again?"
Eira was puzzled. "What do you mean by 'again'?"
"Did you hear what Professor Arion said yesterday?" Elara asked quietly.
"Are you sure, Elara? Do you want to use your power again?"
Eira recalled those words, always wondering about their meaning. "What does that mean?"
Elara gave a faint smile. "It's nothing, just something from the past," she said softly.
Eira let out a long sigh, searching for the right words. "We can't change the past, Elara. But we can learn from it and become stronger."
Deep down, Elara knew Eira's words were true. But the shadows of the past and her overwhelming guilt were like chains binding her tightly. She closed her eyes, trying to draw strength from Eira's grip, hoping it would bring her a moment of peace.
In the distance, the bell signaling the end of the break rang. Elara and Eira stood, ready to return to class. But as they hurriedly walked, a voice whispered, "Elara Faelan...."
"Eira, did you hear that?" Elara asked, her voice trembling.
"Hear what?" Eira replied, confused.
Elara shook her head, feeling uncertain. "It's nothing, maybe just my imagination."
That afternoon, their class was about technomagic—a fusion of futuristic technology and ancient magic, the hallmark of Phaedra Academy. Professor Arion, a wise and renowned expert in the field, stood at the front of the classroom. He was a middle-aged man with graying hair and sharp eyes that radiated wisdom.
"Elara, focus," Professor Arion said in a calm yet firm tone as he noticed her daydreaming.
Elara jolted, feeling embarrassed for being caught. She tried to concentrate, but her mind kept drifting back to her conversation with Eira.
Eira could only watch her with concern from the side.
Midway through the lesson, Professor Arion spoke about the importance of balancing technology and magic. "Our abilities are gifts, but they can also be burdens. Every power comes with great responsibility."
His words resonated deeply within Elara. Burden. Responsibility. She understood all too well what that meant.
When the class ended, Elara decided to speak with Professor Arion.
"Where are you going?" Eira asked with concern.
"I-I think I need to talk to Professor Arion for a bit," Elara replied hesitantly.
"Want me to come with you?"
"N-no, I just need to discuss something small," Elara stammered.
"Really? Alright, let me know if anything's wrong," Eira said, still worried.
"I-I will. See you later," Elara said quickly before walking away.
"Professor, may I talk to you for a moment?" Elara asked softly.
Professor Arion turned and nodded. "Of course, Elara. Let's talk in my office."
His office was filled with old books, magical artifacts, and advanced technological devices. Elara sat in a chair in front of a large wooden desk, feeling slightly nervous.
"So, is this about that matter, Elara?" Professor Arion asked kindly.
Elara nodded. "Y-yes."
Taking a deep breath, Elara struggled to find the right words. "P-professor—I mean, uncle—I feel burdened by this ability. I often see future possibilities, but every time I try to look further, it feels like carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders."
Professor Arion nodded, understanding her feelings. "The ability to see the future is extraordinary, but it can also be overwhelming. If I'm not mistaken, you once said there are many... routes or paths, right?"
Elara nodded again. "Y-yes..., some appear as red, green, and other colors. I still don't understand what they mean," she said uncertainly.
Professor Arion sighed deeply. "Elara, are you still haunted by it?"
Elara lowered her head, avoiding his gaze. "Yes, uncle. I feel like I failed. They... hiks," Elara couldn't hold back her tears.
Professor Arion stood, walking toward the window and gazing out at the garden still bathed in sunlight. "Elara, every power comes with risks. When we look into the future, we must be prepared to face all possibilities, even the worst ones. But that doesn't mean you've failed. You did the best you could with what you had."
"I... I don't know, uncle. I feel like I always make the wrong decisions," Elara said, her voice trembling.
"Then what about the news that someone is targeting the Aliança Stellar? Over there, isn't there—" Before she could finish, Professor Arion interrupted, "Elara!"
Elara was startled by her uncle's slightly raised tone.
He smiled softly. "You don't need to worry—he's strong, and he won't be taken down so easily."
Hearing those words and his reassuring smile, Elara felt she might have been overthinking. She took a deep breath to calm herself.
Professor Arion looked at Elara with understanding. "Elara, mastering your abilities is a long process. Don't rush to judge yourself. Let's start here, together. Learn what you see, understand those colors, and use that knowledge to make better decisions in the future."
Elara nodded, feeling a slight sense of relief at his words. Though the shadows of the past still haunted her, she knew she wasn't alone in her struggle. And maybe, just maybe, she could learn to accept and control her abilities someday.
Professor Arion gave a gentle smile. "Remember, Elara, every day is a new opportunity to learn and grow. Don't let the past bind you. You have great potential, and I believe you can overcome this."
With a lighter heart, Elara said, "T-thank you, uncle. I'll try." Her voice wavered, but her resolve was stronger.
Professor Arion nodded. "That's what's important. Now, return to class and keep learning. I'm always here if you need to talk."
Elara stood from her seat. "Alright... then, I'll be going now." She walked out of Professor Arion's office.
"Now, what's wrong with her again?" a voice echoed from the shadows in the room.
"Hehe, why are you so curious about her? Didn't you doubt her and her abilities yourself?" Professor Arion teased.
"Ugh... that's because her mind is weak. Such a great power, why give it to her?" the voice replied.
Professor Arion smiled. "You just don't know what she's been through."
Meanwhile, outside—
"Hey, Elara!" a familiar voice called out to her. "You look like you just fought a giant monster. Are you okay?"
Elara was shocked at what she saw when she turned around.
To be continued...