Dark Ascension

1

The village of Vern was a place where the pace of life was slow and the rhythm of the seasons dictated the activities of its inhabitants. Nestled among rolling hills and dense forests, Vern was a picturesque village, seemingly untouched by the ravages of time. Thatched cottages lined the narrow, winding paths, and the air was always filled with the scent of pine and fresh earth.

Kael's family lived in a modest cottage on the outskirts of the village. From a young age, Kael understood that his life was different from the other children in Vern. His father, Joren, was a towering figure, his presence looming over the household like a dark cloud. Joren's love for alcohol was well-known in the village, and his frequent visits to the tavern often ended in drunken rages that left the family in turmoil.

Kael was the eldest of three children. His sister, Liliana, was a delicate girl with a gentle spirit, always eager to help their mother around the house. Roan, the youngest, was a bright-eyed boy with an insatiable curiosity about the world. Despite the constant fear that permeated their home, the bond between the siblings was unbreakable. They found solace in each other, their shared experiences forging a connection that nothing could sever.

Their mother, Elara, was the glue that held the family together. She was a woman of quiet strength, her gentle hands worn from years of hard work. Elara did her best to shield her children from Joren's wrath, often stepping in to take the brunt of his anger. Her love for her children was evident in every action, every word of comfort she offered them.

Kael's earliest memories were filled with the sounds of his mother's soothing voice, singing lullabies to lull him and his siblings to sleep. But those moments of peace were fleeting. More often than not, the nights were filled with the sound of Joren's heavy footsteps, the crash of furniture being overturned, and Elara's cries of pain.

Despite the fear that dominated their lives, Kael and his siblings found ways to escape the darkness. They would venture into the woods surrounding Vern, their laughter echoing through the trees as they played games of make-believe. In those moments, they were no longer children living in fear; they were warriors and adventurers, heroes in their own stories.

Kael took on the role of protector, always looking out for Liliana and Roan. He taught them how to climb trees and hide in the underbrush, skills that would come in handy when they needed to escape their father's wrath. The woods became their sanctuary, a place where they could forget about the troubles at home and simply be children.

Life in Vern was dictated by the changing seasons. In the spring, the villagers would plant their crops, their hands working tirelessly to sow the seeds that would sustain them through the year. Summer brought long, hot days, and the village would come alive with the sounds of children playing and farmers tending to their fields. Autumn was a time of harvest, the villagers reaping the fruits of their labor. And winter, with its biting cold and long nights, was a time for the community to come together, huddling around hearth fires to share stories and warmth.

For Kael, each season brought its own challenges and moments of joy. Spring was a time of renewal, when he could feel the earth awakening beneath his feet. Summer was a season of freedom, when the days stretched long and he could lose himself in the adventures of the woods. Autumn was a time of reflection, as the leaves turned golden and the air grew crisp. And winter, despite its hardships, was a season of closeness, when he and his siblings would huddle together under blankets, finding comfort in each other's presence.

Kael's fascination with the warriors of Vern began when he was just a boy. He would watch them train in the village square, their movements precise and powerful. They were masters of chi, the life force that flowed through all living things. Chi could be harnessed and directed, enhancing physical abilities and granting extraordinary powers. The warriors of Vern were respected and admired, their skill with chi setting them apart from the rest of the villagers.

Kael would often sneak away from home to watch the warriors train, hiding behind barrels or crouching in the shadows to avoid being seen. He was mesmerized by their strength and agility, the way they moved with such grace and power. He dreamed of one day learning their secrets, of becoming a warrior who could protect his family from harm.

The concept of chi fascinated Kael. He would listen intently whenever the village elders spoke of it, absorbing every word. Chi, they explained, was the life force that connected all living things. It flowed through the body like a river, and with the right training, it could be harnessed and directed. Chi could enhance physical abilities, allowing a person to run faster, jump higher, and strike with greater force. It could also be used for healing, mending wounds and restoring vitality.

Kael would practice in secret, trying to feel the flow of chi within his own body. He would sit cross-legged in the woods, closing his eyes and focusing on his breath, trying to sense the energy coursing through him. It was a slow and frustrating process, but Kael was determined. He knew that mastering chi could be the key to protecting his siblings and standing up to his father.

As the years passed, the abuse from Joren only grew worse. The small cottage that Kael called home became a place of constant tension and fear. Joren's rages were unpredictable, and even the slightest provocation could set him off. Kael learned to anticipate his father's moods, to read the signs that a storm was brewing. He would usher Liliana and Roan out of the house, taking them to their secret hideouts in the woods, where they would wait until the danger had passed.

Despite the constant fear, Kael remained hopeful. He believed that one day, he would be strong enough to protect his family, to stand up to his father and put an end to the violence. He clung to that hope, even as the darkness of their situation threatened