The War.

Chapter 7: Echoes of The Past.

TW MENTION OF ATTEMPTED SUICIDE

also all the mentions of autumn reeces and mia's childhood tgth in this chapter is actually from my other fanfic "Unraveled Threads."

Now, everyone had mastered their powers. However, you might be wondering why Charlotte doesn't simply heal her leg. The reality is that healing requires frequent use. Charlotte discovered that healing herself actually drains her more than using it on others, so she tries to use it as sparingly as possible.

-

Tomorrow was Ella's 10th birthday, and the group was out on a search. Charlotte had stayed home with Autumn, who was feeling unwell, and Charlotte's leg still hadn't improved since her fall.

Mia was scouring the mall for soft blue decorations, Ella's favorite color. "Mia, come on! You always take forever!" Marjorie shouted from the other end of the abandoned mall.

"Shut up. I'm looking for decorations!" Mia yelled back. After gathering all the decorations and a few presents, they headed out.

As they walked, an Eoldran stealthily approached Marjorie. The only person behind her was Mia, who quickly used her power to burn the creature. She rolled her eyes. "Remember when we didn't have these powers?" she joked.

"Yup," Marjorie replied, annoyed.

"Be a bit more thankful I just saved you," Mia shrugged, still joking.

"Sure..." Marjorie said, somewhat begrudgingly.

After they got home, Mia immediately ran to Charlotte. "Hey, sweetheart!" she said, sitting down next to her.

"Hey!" Charlotte greeted back.

"Where's Ella?" Mia asked.

"Napping. She's tired," Charlotte replied.

"It's the middle of the day and she's been home all day. What could she be tired for?" Mia raised an eyebrow playfully.

"She tried to use her power to see what I was going to get her for tomorrow," Charlotte joked.

Mia chuckled. "I have the perfect gift for her," she whispered. "But first, I want to bake her a cake."

"Well, you know how our fridge is," Charlotte said, glancing at the cluttered appliance, "so you'll need to bake it tomorrow morning."

"Right," Mia said, nodding as she thought about the limited space. "I'll get everything ready tonight, so it'll just be a matter of popping it in the oven tomorrow. I want it to be perfect for her."

Charlotte smiled at Mia's enthusiasm. "Ella will love whatever you make. She's already excited about her birthday."

Mia grinned. "I hope so. I'm planning a special surprise to go with it, too. I've been thinking about it all day."

Charlotte raised an eyebrow. "Ooh, a surprise? Now I'm curious."

"Don't worry, it's nothing too crazy," Mia said with a wink. "Just something to make her day extra special. I'll fill you in once it's all set."

As they chatted, Mia's mind buzzed with ideas, already picturing Ella's reaction. The excitement of the upcoming birthday made her determined to make it a day to remember.

-

The next day, Mia woke up early and began baking. The kitchen was filled with the comforting aroma of vanilla and chocolate. Just then, Autumn walked in, her eyes sleepy but curious.

"Are you cooking something, Mia?" she asked, rubbing her eyes.

"Yep, I'm baking," Mia replied with a smile. She paused for a moment, her thoughts drifting back. "Do you remember when we were younger and I'd come over to your house almost daily to cook breakfast for you and Reece?"