Guardian of Vulnerable Flames

Chapter 3

Furie and Blaze's lives, marked by a rare camaraderie between siblings, unfolded within the Guardian world and the different training places. Boosted by a period of relative peace, the sisters heeded the advice of their friends and committed to the rigorous four years of Guardian training. As they neared the completion of their first year in Fire Guidance, Furie and Blaze discovered a surprising depth to their similarities. Despite their contrasting personalities, they found common ground in their shared love for practical lessons and classes that ignited their elemental prowess. The crackling flames of their passion danced in unison, forging a bond stronger than either sister had anticipated.

However, amidst the exhilarating training sessions and hands-on experiences, there loomed a hurdle both sisters struggled to overcome – the seated classes. The academic aspects of their Guardian education demanded hours of focused studies, historical explorations, and detailed writings about the past. The sisters, ever eager to dive into action, found themselves less enthused about the sedentary pursuits.

Furie, though harboring a natural aversion to the seated lessons, was determined not to let her dislike jeopardize her progress. Her parents had instilled in her the value of hard work, and she approached her studies with unwavering commitment. Late nights were spent poring over ancient scrolls and absorbing the lessons of the Fire Guidance instructors. Furie's fiery determination burned brighter than ever as she navigated the challenging terrain of her first year. Blaze, her impulsive nature tempered by the understanding of the importance of education, mirrored Furie's sentiments about the more sedate aspects of their training. She was raised by Aiden, her fire Guardian adoptive Dad, who had already taught her a lot about the Fire element and how to manipulate it. Yet, with each passing day, the sisters pushed each other to persevere. The promise Furie made to herself echoed in her mind — to succeed, not just for herself but for her family and the legacy of Guardianship they upheld.

As the flames of their commitment flickered through the first year of Fire Guidance, Furie and Blaze's journey continued. They weathered the challenges of both practical and academic realms, forging ahead with a shared determination to rise above the expectations set before them. The fire in their hearts mirrored the blaze of their elemental affinity, probably coming from their paternal side.

Underneath the ethereal glow of the Guardian world, Furie and Blaze found themselves grappling with the uncertainty of their father's response. Each had individually sent message spheres to Ignatius, their elusive biological father, filled with words of longing and welcome. However, the silence from his end persisted, a void echoing through the unopened messages. Furie, ever the optimist, clung to the hope of meeting Ignatius one day. The dream of a reunion with their father fueled her determination, a beacon in the midst of the unknown. Meanwhile, Blaze, marked by a tinge of pessimism born from past disappointments, had started to resign herself to the possibility of unfulfilled yearnings.

One day, as portals beckoned before them, the sisters stood at the crossroads of anticipation and doubt. Furie, her eyes still reflecting the flicker of hope, halted Blaze before they ventured into separate gateways. "Blaze," Furie implored, a sense of urgency in her voice, "let's try one last time. Together. Maybe, if we send a message sphere to Ignatius together, he'll respond." Blaze, her face marked by a skeptical expression, sighed with resignation. "Furie, I think it might be time for us to let go. I don't think he will ever answer us." Furie frowned, frustration evident in her eyes. She hated how Blaze could be so negative at times. "Please, Blaze," Furie pleaded, "let's do it together this time. One last time. For both of us." Blaze rolled her eyes, a habitual response to her sister's persistent optimism. She hesitated for a moment, then reluctantly agreed, "Fine. Let's do it, but don't get your hopes up, Furie."

Together, they created a message sphere, pouring their sentiments into the ethereal container. Furie's words dripped with warmth and longing, while Blaze's carried a hint of resignation and guarded hope. As the sphere shimmered with their combined emotions, they sent it off into the vast unknown, hoping that this shared effort would break the silence that lingered between them and Ignatius. Furie and Blaze stood united, their shared message weaving a delicate thread of anticipation that danced through the realms. Whether their father would respond remained uncertain, but in that shared act, the sisters found solace and strength in facing the unknown together.

The two sisters had different routines for the end of their day. They would embark on divergent paths, each immersed in the tapestry of their distinct endeavors. Furie, with a spirited determination, would set her course toward the human world, where she would rendezvous with Leaf and whichever relic he was protecting. Their telepathic link was still strong. It was an unbroken connection that transcended distance, it allowed them to share thoughts, emotions, and occasional distractions even in the most mundane moments. Their bond, a silent conversation that wove through the recesses of their minds, made even the most routine tasks an adventure. Furie cherished the comforting presence of Leaf's thoughts in the corner of her mind, a delightful distraction during dull classes or tedious training sessions.

Meanwhile, Blaze's end of day would always lead her back to the familiar embrace of her home in the fire realm. The echoes of her childhood resonated within the fiery walls, and the training grounds held memories of the fierce determination that shaped her. Blaze, fueled by an unyielding desire to master the four elements, honed her skills with relentless focus. In her secluded sanctuary, Blaze found solace not just in her elemental pursuits but also in the companionship of Ash, her newfound best friend. Ash, committed to his duty of safeguarding a dormant volcano in the human world, brought a unique perspective to Blaze's life. Their friendship, forged in their love of Fire and shared dynamic, provided a balance to their fiery spirits.

Before parting ways through their respective portals, the sisters exchanged some goodbyes. Furie, with an infectious grin, embraced Blaze with the warmth of sisterly affection. "Guard those flames well, Blaze. And say hi to Ash for me." Furie teased, her eyes reflecting the shared understanding that fueled their bond. Blaze, though more reserved, returned the sentiment. "May your flames burn brighter, Furie. I'll see you tomorrow." With those words lingering in the air, Furie and Blaze stepped into the portals, each embarking on different paths.