The Life I Gained From Dying

Chapter 31 - Who Are They?

"Jayson, can you tell me what's the shape of water." A woman asked to a young Jayson.

"Shape? But, water doesn't have a shape... right?" Jayson replied.

"Mmm yes and no. Water itself doesn't have a shape yes, but it can take the shape of any container it occupies. That makes it flexible."

"Is that why you say 'water essence is the strongest elemental essence type'."

"That's part of the reason." She replied with a smile.

"What else makes it the strongest?"

"...Close your eyes Jay, and think of a calm lake on a clear and peaceful day. Look down at the water in the lake. What do you see?"

"Ummm, fish?"

"No, you're looking too far." She replied with a light chuckle.

"Ummm, oh, my reflection?" Jayson guessed as he opened his eyes.

"There you go. Your reflection. Water perfectly reflects your own image once it's still enough. Because of this, the more calm and collected you are, the better you'll be at controlling this essence. Your mental state heavily reflects how well you can control this."

"So that's why we meditate?"

"Yes, that's why we meditate. Avery gave you the nickname bluejay right?"

"Yeah it's kinda cool, don't tell her I said that though."

"It's a fitting name." She replied while chuckling again. "Bluejays are very territorial and protective. They're quick to attack intruders and always protect their own. You have similar traits Jay. Make sure you always protect the people you care about, because you have the strength to do so. I know you may feel like an outcast here, but remember, family isn't who you're born with it's who you'd die for. I'm sure you'll find people who you will see as your family."

"...I understand mom." Jayson responded as his mom patted his head.

"Alright Bluejay."

.....

The smell of honey lingered under Jayson's nose as he slowly regained consciousness. He was barely able to make out the figures of the people sitting in front of him before they realized he was awake.

"Jay!" Tanner shouted out of relief and excitement.

Shaedon got up and ran out from the cover they were sitting under to announce it.

"Jayson's awake!" He shouted out.

"You okay Jay?" Tanner questioned.

"Yeah, I'm feeling fine." Jayson replied.

"Avery and Nakayla used their life essence to fix your injuries."

"Mmm, I'm sure they're worried about me. How long have I been out?"

"Over a day now."

"An entire day passed..."

"They figured your exhaustion had built up from not getting appropriate rest during this journey." Shaedon explained as he walked back under the cover.

"Nothing I could really do about that."

"Jayson!" Sayu shouted while running in to embrace him with a hug full of relief.

"Hey Sayu." Jayson replied.

He slowly gazed up to greet all of the others that came in after Sayu. The other kids lead by Avery, stood in front of Jayson with saddened looks painted across all of their faces.