ARTIMI

Aaryan

I felt a sense of serenity wash over my senses. Despite the gentle breeze, the exertion of my training had caused beads of sweat to form on my forehead, sliding down my skin and dispersing into the fabric of my crisp white shirt. The contrast between the cooling breeze and the warmth of my body created a delicate balance that made me feel alive and connected to the world around me.

I closed my eyes, shutting out the distractions of the world, and took a deep breath, savoring the fresh air that filled my lungs. It was a practice I had honed over the years, grounding myself and harnessing the power of the element that ran through my veins.

Once more, I focused my energy, seeking to command the air and shape it into a protective shield, a formidable wall of defense. On the surface, the task seemed simple enough, given my innate connection to the element of air. Yet, as I dove deeper into the process, I felt an elusive barrier that blocked my progress.

I furrowed my brow in concentration, trying to break through the resistance. It was as if the very air I sought to command was testing my resolve, teasing me with its potential but refusing to yield. I reached out with my mind, trying to feel the ebb and flow of the invisible currents around me, searching for that elusive thread that would allow me to shape the air into a protective barrier.

With each attempt, I could feel the energy flowing through me and my connection to the element growing stronger. But still, the shield remained just out of reach, like a distant mirage in the desert.

Why, for the love of air, was crafting an air shield so perplexingly difficult? Doubt gnawed at my confidence.

I was trained both mentally and physically to wield the air ever since I was a kid. Yet, despite years of rigorous training, I found myself struggling to conjure even the simplest of defenses.

I raised my hand, and my eyes fell upon the intricate silver lines etched on my wrist, forming an elegant pattern that resembled the graceful flow of the wind. This beautiful tattoo, bestowed upon me at birth, represented my identity as an air elemental.

When a child who is destined to be an Elementalist is born, their wrist bears a unique and intricate elemental tattoo. This mark served as a symbol of their destined elemental gift. From the moment of birth, the tattoo would lie dormant, waiting to be awakened when the child reached the age of sixteen. It was a celebrated rite of passage for every Elementalist, a time when their elemental powers would manifest and they would officially join the ranks of the Elementalists.

Running my fingers gently over the delicate lines, I felt a sense of awe and reverence. This mark was not just a simple design; it was a sacred emblem that connected me to the very essence of nature. For me, it serves as a constant reminder of my destiny and the responsibility that comes with being a member of the royal family.

For generations, royal families have been blessed with the gift of elemental control, with each member displaying their mastery over their designated element with pride and honor. It was believed that the royal bloodline was inherently tied to the elements, and their connection to the forces of nature was a symbol of divine favor.

However, there was one secret that Zephyria guarded with utmost secrecy—the existence of a member who was born without the elemental gift. This was a revelation that shook the very foundation of the royal family's legacy. The birth of this child was kept hidden from the world, concealed behind closed doors, and guarded with silence. Not even a whisper dared to escape through the halls or open fields.

It was a well-kept secret, known only to a select few who held the utmost trust in the royal family. To admit the existence of a non-elementalist in the royal lineage was unthinkable. The fear of tarnishing the family's reputation and disgracing the kingdom was too great to bear.

From that moment on, the weight of expectations bore down heavily upon us—the burden of proving ourselves as worthy princes and princesses of Zephyria. The prospect of awakening our elemental powers became both a source of excitement and trepidation, knowing that even some who awakened their gifts struggled to control them fully.

For my mother, the queen of Zephyria, the pressure was particularly intense. She had high hopes for me as the future ruler of the kingdom. From a young age, she began my training, instilling in me the values of duty, honor, and responsibility. She groomed me to meet not only the kingdom's expectations but also the people's and, most importantly, her expectations. Every day was a relentless cycle of rigorous training and strict discipline.

Yet, despite all the years of preparation, I couldn't help but feel like a dissapointmnet.

I gazed out at the vast expanse of my kingdom before me, Zephyria. I felt a sense of heaviness in my heart. The pressure to live up to the legacy of my ancestors weighed on me like an insurmountable burden. I couldn't help but wonder if I was truly worthy to rule this kingdom in the future.

My mind was clouded with questions, and I found myself grappling with self-doubt. The expectations placed upon me felt suffocating, and I wondered if I would ever be able to fulfill the role that had been laid out for me since birth.

In a tone tinged with disappointment, my mother, the esteemed Queen of Zephyria, the Air Kingdom, directed her question towards Mike, my instructor. "It has been two months since he turned sixteen, and he should already have mastered the basic air spells. What is wrong with him?"

Mike turned his gaze towards me, speaking confidently on my behalf. "Your Majesty," he began, "Aryan has indeed mastered every basic air elemental spell that he needs to know, except for the air shield. However, some individuals require more time and practice to fully grasp certain aspects of their abilities. While he has diligently trained his body and mind to control the air, the true test lies in applying his skills in real-life situations. It takes time and experience to achieve mastery."

"Well, does that stop people from pointing their fingers at us?" she questioned. "They will see him as a failure, a prince and the heir to this kingdom, who failed to create an air shield. It has been two months already, Mike. I am disappointed."

Her words hit me hard, and I watched as she turned and walked away from the training grounds. It was painful to see her disappointment and to know that I was falling short of the high standards set for me.

Mike approached me, his gaze filled with understanding. "Don't be too hard on yourself, young prince," he said gently. "Mastering the air shield is a challenging task, and it takes time for some Elementalists to achieve it. Your mother's expectations are high, but remember that she cares deeply for you and wants the best for the kingdom."

"It is best if we stop the training for now, young prince," he said, his voice tinged with concern. "You need some rest. You have been tirelessly working on your air shield since yesterday evening."

I nodded, feeling the strain of the past hours catch up to me. My mind was clouded with frustration and disappointment, and no matter how hard I tried, the air shield remained elusive. Each attempt left me feeling more defeated than the last.

"I know you're trying your best," Mike said, placing a comforting hand on my desire. "Sometimes, the key to mastering an element lies not in relentless practice but in finding inner balance and peace."

"Take some time for yourself," Mike advised, retreating from the training grounds.

I stood alone on the training grounds; the weight of my mother's disappointment bore down on me like a heavy burden. I couldn't help but replay her words in my mind, each one a sharp arrow piercing my heart. The sting of her criticism wounded me deeply, threatening to shatter the confidence that had always been my pillar of strength.

Exhausted from the day's events and feeling completely drained of magic, all I wanted was a moment of relaxation and respite. I want to indulge myself in a long, hot bath to rejuvenate my tired body and replenish my energy.

Bath First.