Who We Are (A Zodiac Story)

POV: Aries

I keep my stance steady, feet shoulder-width apart, as I focus my concentrated energy on the test subject tree before me. The crackling, roaring flames in the distance beckon, tempting me to let them spread, but I resist the urge, channeling my power with precision and control.

Bending my hands slightly, I feel the rush of heat and energy coursing through my veins, directing the dancing flames to slowly decompose the wood and foliage of the target tree. As I methodically close my palm, the tree's sturdy structure begins to collapse, the charred materials breaking down and disintegrating before my eyes in a mesmerizing display.

I watch, my gaze unwavering, transfixed by the sight of the tree succumbing to the primal force of the fire until the last embers finally fade into the air. Satisfied, I let my hand fall back to my side, turning to Capricorn for his assessment.

"That's better," Capricorn says, his voice laced with a hint of approval as he marks down my results on his clipboard. "You've made a lot of progress, it seems."

A sense of pride swells within me, and I can't help but grin. "Think so?"

"Definitely," Capricorn affirms. "Seems like you're a lot calmer these days, more in control of your abilities."

"Maybe it's because Aqua's watching," Leo chimes in, a playful grin spreading across his face as he turns his gaze toward the figure standing in the distance.

I follow Leo's line of sight, my eyes landing on Aqua's familiar form, her presence a comforting, steadying influence even from afar.

Today is evaluation day, a time for Capricorn to put us through a series of rigorous tests, tracking our progress to report back to the king. The promise of a grand feast at the castle's banquet hall serves as a tantalizing incentive for those of us who meet the minimum required of 60 points.

"Leo, quit getting distracted," Capricorn scolds, flipping through some papers on his clipboard.

While the fire signs were actively undergoing their assessments, the other astrological signs had a bit of downtime until it was their turn to be reviewed.

"But I'm going to pass anyway," Leo confidently declares, and I can't help but chuckle at his bravado.

"What makes you think that?" I ask, genuinely intrigued by his self-assurance.

"I'm the only fire sign with a star power," Leo boasts, puffing out his chest. "Which currently makes me the strongest."

"You can't even summon a phoenix yet," Capricorn reminds him, "Which is one of your most powerful beasts."

Capricorn places his hand above the ashes I created. Making a new tree spring out of the ground.

Sagittarius chuckles, "And he can barely get the dragon right either."

Leo playfully punches Sagittarius' arm, a competitive fire burning in his eyes. "I'm still a lot more powerful than you, though."

"Okay, okay," Capricorn interjects, his voice cutting through the banter. "Leo, you're up next." Leo eagerly steps forward, raising his hand as a flame begins to take shape in his palm.

"Phoenix!" he shouts as if summoning the mythical beast through the sheer force of his voice.

But to his evident frustration, the flame merely flickers and dies, failing to manifest the powerful creature Leo had hoped to conjure.

"Why won't this damn thing come out?" Leo groans, angrily shooting the extinguished flame at the new tree Capricorn had created, scorching the leaves.

Capricorn levels a stern glare at Leo, disapproval evident in his expression.