O R I G I N

CHAPTER 4

 Axel's Perspective

As we step into the room, a familiar voice greets us from behind. It's Coach, the man who bestowed upon us the extraordinary powers we wield. "Kids! Welcome back! My, my, you've grown since the last time I saw you," he exclaims, his eyes twinkling with warmth.

"Coach, you look... the same?" Sarita says with a hint of laughter in her voice. It's true; Coach's appearance hasn't changed much over the years. He still resembles the quintessential old wizard from fantasy tales, with his long white beard, grey eyes, and his beloved, albeit worn-out, cape.

"Ah, yes, I suppose I do," Coach chuckles, adjusting his fur-covered slides with a grin. "But enough about me. Let's get you all settled in."

As we gather around the table, the opulence of Coach's castle surrounds us. The mahogany table stands as a testament to his status and influence, while the walls adorned with trophies hint at the battles we've fought together.

The feast before us is fit for royalty, a testament to Coach's culinary skills. Despite the lavish spread, an awkward silence hangs over the room as we contemplate the reason for our gathering.

Finally, Coach breaks the silence. "Today marks the beginning of a new chapter," he begins, his voice tinged with both solemnity and optimism. "It's time for me to pass on my powers to a new generation."

The weight of his words settles over us, but Coach refuses to dwell on the somberness of the moment. With a hearty laugh, he steers the conversation towards happier memories, regaling us with tales of his adventures and imparting wisdom that will guide us in the days to come.

As the meal draws to a close, Sarita seizes the opportunity to broach a topic that weighs heavily on all our minds. "Coach, we want to preserve your legacy," she says earnestly. "We want your stories to be heard for generations to come."

Coach's response is characteristically humble. "My dear Sarita, you already carry my memories within you," he says, his gaze softening. "It's up to you to keep them alive."

A beat.

"Alright, let me explain," Coach says, his tone gentle yet resolute.

"When I passed on my powers to each of you, I didn't just give you abilities. I shared a part of myself—the essence of who I am." He pauses, allowing his words to sink in.

"Maia, Sarita, and Miles, each of you carries a piece of my identity within you as well," Coach says, his gaze sweeping over us. "And with that comes a responsibility—to honor the past while forging a new future."

We listen intently as Coach recounts the powers he bestowed upon us, and the memories tied to each one. Maia's sealing ability holds Coach's memories of happiness, Sarita's time control carries his memories of love, and Miles's warping ability contains his memories of freedom. "Axel, when you received my power of magnetism, you also inherited my memories and feelings of hatred," Coach continues, his voice tinged with regret.

Axel's expression remains stoic, but there's a flicker of discomfort in his eyes. "Hatred?" he repeats, his voice barely above a whisper.

Coach nods solemnly. "Yes, Axel. Hatred. But remember, it's not about what you feel now. It's about understanding where those feelings come from and how to navigate them."

Axel's façade wavers for a moment before he regains his composure. "I understand, Coach," he says, his voice steady. "I'll figure it out."

Coach offers him a reassuring smile before turning his attention to the rest of us. As Coach finishes his explanation, a sense of solemnity settles over us. We may have inherited Coach's powers, but we've also inherited his burdens and his legacy.

"Remember, my dear ones, you are not alone," Coach says, his voice filled with conviction. "Together, you possess the strength to overcome any challenge."

Despite his reassurances, a sense of sadness lingers in the air as we contemplate the inevitability of Coach's departure. Yet, even in the face of uncertainty, we find solace in the knowledge that his legacy will live on through us.

As we make our way towards the waterfall, I can't

help but feel a sense of determination coursing through my veins. Whatever lies ahead, we will face it together.

We gather around the waterfall, the sound of rushing water filling the air as Coach prepares to pass on his final power. There's solemnity in the air, a weight that hangs heavy on our shoulders as we await his next words.

"Kids, I've sent the last of my power to the last kid. It's your duty to find him," Coach says, his voice tinged with sadness yet filled with determination. "The gender and the quote from the enchantress are the only clues I'm supposed to be giving you. But the last clue is he's closer to you than you think. Bye now! I expect you to be back here in a week. I'm not getting any younger, so please hurry."

Tears well up in our eyes as we realize the significance of his words. Coach's final gift marks the beginning of a new chapter in our journey—a journey that will test our bonds and push us to our limits.

But before we leave, Axel speaks up, "Coach, what about the koi fish of the enchantress? What do they signify?"

Coach smiles knowingly, his eyes twinkling with ancient wisdom. "Ah, the koi fish of the enchantress," he begins, his voice taking on a mystical quality. "They are the embodiment of balance and harmony. The black fish with the white spots represents the good within the bad, while the white fish with the black spots symbolizes the bad within the good. Together, they form the yin and yang, representing the interconnectedness of all things."

As Coach finishes his explanation, a sense of awe washes over us. The koi fish hold a deeper significance than we ever realized, and their presence in our journey fills us with a renewed sense of purpose.