Chapter 17: First Sparks

That next afternoon, after Solan had returned from his outing, Lea and Leo stood barefoot on the trimmed grass of the courtyard. The sun was warm on their skin, the stone walls of the manor cast long shadows across the lawn. And Lucina sat a little ways off in a wooden chair, a romance novel open in her lap, though her gaze often glanced at the children.

“Alright, Leo,” Solan said firmly, folding his arms. “It’s time to test that new sword of yours. I trust you feel ready to hold something real instead of that wooden stick?”

“Yes, Father,” Leo answered without hesitation, though his palms itched as he tightened his grip on the handle.

Step forward, pivot, strike… all those years of kendo drilled this into me a thousand times. But here it’s not a sport. Here, it could be the difference between life or death... Can I really carry a blade for that?

I know how to fight. But now it's actually expected of me…

“Good. Remember control. A weapon is not about swinging wildly. Breathe, find your rhythm, then strike.”

Leo gave a quick nod, spreading his feet as he’d learned long ago. He exhaled, then stepped forward, giving a sharp diagonal swing against the wooden practice dummy. Which was basically half a cut-down tree trunk.

The steel struck hard against the surface, leaving a small gash in the wood.

Solan’s eyes narrowed slightly, Interesting stance… but it works. “Again,” Solan commanded.

Leo obeyed, adjusting his posture, trying to let the blade flow with the movement of his body instead of forcing it. His second strike was smoother and cleaner. The weight of the sword began to feel more natural after each swing.

Lucina lowered her book slightly, smiling faintly. “He really has a talent for swordplay doesn’t he?”

Lea sat cross-legged in the grass nearby, hugging her knees. “Of course he does,” she muttered under her breath, though she couldn’t help but feel a slight bit of jealousy. She was stuck watching while Leo got to show off.

I want to use magic already but how do we even start?

Solan must have caught her expression, because he turned his attention towards her. “And you, Lea, you’ll take your turn as well. Pick up the wooden sword. Even if you don't like weapons like these you should always know how to defend yourself if necessary.”

Lea scrambled up and grabbed the practice blade from the grass. “Now try to strike me with it,” said Solan, holding a wooden staff.

She swung for his arm but Solan dodged. She tried again, this time rushing for a slash at his chest but it was blocked by the staff.

“Better,” Solan said, his tone calm but approving. "You've got a ways to go but we’ll keep practicing, the both of you. A sword is one way to fight, but not the only one.”

Lucina then closed her book, “Yes, that’s enough with the swords for today. It’s time they try something else”

Lea blinked, her chest tightening with a strange sense of fear and excitement. Something else? are we…

Lucina stood and walked over. “Yes. Magic. You’ve studied the basics in books. Now it’s time to awaken your mana.”

The twins exchanged a breathless glance.

“Leo,” Solan said, gesturing to the wooden targets lined against the far wall, “focus. Remember the warmth you felt during the blessing test at the cathedral. Draw it out. Shape it into flame.”

Leo swallowed hard, lowering his sword and extending one hand toward the target. He tried to steady his breathing. Okay… just like they said. Focus on that power.

For a moment, nothing happened. He closed his eyes remembering that sharp rush through his veins. Then warmth began to pool in his chest, running down his arm, prickling at his fingertips. Sparks flickered into life, then a small flame burst forward, flying from his hand and striking the wooden target with a faint hiss of smoke.

“I… I did it!” Leo shouted, eyes wide.

“Good,” Solan said, though his mouth quivered into a faint smile. “Again.”

“Flame!” just then another small burst of fire came forth, scorching the wood

“Keep trying, and make the flame more intense. If you start feeling weary then it's time for a break since your mana will be limited for the time being.”

Nearby Lucina began mentoring Lea. “Now you, my dear. Think of water, not rushing wildly, but steady and calm. Try water ball.”

“O-okay I'll try”

She took a breath in, raising her hand. Her thoughts rushing. I used to study science, didn’t I? Water is just molecules of hydrogen and oxygen and those are in the air all around us so I should just be able to…

She closed her eyes and felt the rush through her right arm. She imagined droplets condensing into a sphere before her and before she knew it. *Splash* She opened her eyes to Lucina smiling.

“You did it, Lea, that was really good for your first try!” Lucina clapped.

“I…actually did?” she said astonished glancing back towards the target

“Wonderful! Both of you. You’ve taken your first step.” exclaimed their Mother

Lea lowered her hand slowly, staring at the damp wood where her spell had landed. It wasn’t strong, not even close but it was real.

Leo, meanwhile, stared at his still-warm fingers, heart pounding. Fire, real fire, at my command!

And with that, the air between them seemed to change. They weren’t just children anymore.

They were now mages in the making.

“Okay, Lea, try once again then we’ll do another spell”

This time she kept her eyes open and attempted to manifest the water again. Droplets began clotting together above her palm “Water ball!” she exclaimed. The liquid shot from her hand, soaking the wood before her.

“Wow, that one was noticeably more powerful, well done. Want to try hydrostream now?”

“Yes, I can do it,” she replied, confidently.

“Okay, now as per the book, it said to envision a stream of water coming from your hand spraying out in the distance. So go ahead and try.”

Lea lowered her head, concentrating on the words, Okay, this should be easy just like before but since it's a shooting stream maybe bring it out from within?

“Hydrostream” she muttered.

At that moment a sharp string of water burst from her palm, splintering the wooden target.

Lucina watched stunned. “You just started and you two are already this incredible…” she said wiping a tear away

“I- I feel a bit dizzy now Mama”

“Oh yes, that's enough for today, let's go back inside. You two Leo, I'm proud of your progress today,” she beamed.