Short story collection

The battle to begin anew

The times of year are ever changing, the forces of the seasons gaining and losing the powers they need to envelope the world. On this day the maiden of spring was in power, the trees began to spring new leaves and the clouds begin to split. The sun shining down upon the world in a magnificent glow, truly the time for spring has risen... at least, that's how the balance once was on Earth.

This year was not one of balance, the forces of the Maidens that were always equal became unbalanced, and due to the seasons, only the Maiden of Spring was able to survive the advancement... of Winter. Winter was always a kind Maiden, but this year changed her.

"Winter... why would you do this to your own?" The Spring Maiden asked.

"The balance was meant to come to an end this year, too long has it been since life roamed our world. Only I was willing to make this sacrifice,"

"Winter..."

The Spring Maiden let out a single tear while she lay on the cold frozen grass of spring, the Winter Maiden walking towards her. The Spring Maiden has already lost this battle, blood now seeping from her tattered body.

The Winter Maiden creates a spear of ice, holding it above the Spring Maidens neck. The Spring Maiden lashes out in a final effort to throw Winter off, a whip of energy soaring towards her side. Alas, Winter was too strong, and she caught that whip of energy in her left hand. With a single flex of her power the energy snapped and faded. Spring has lost all hope.

As she lay on the frozen grass she sees three bottles hanging from Winters belt, two of them filled. One had pure red energy, while the other was orange and glowing. It was her sisters, Summer and Fall. This was her power... Winter had taken the powers of Summer and Fall for her own.

"Was this truly the only way, Winter..?" Spring asked her sister weakly.

"No, dear sister... but it was the most efficient,"

Winter let out this final comment with tears rolling down her cheeks, as she thrust the spear down into Spring. Spring drew her last breath before laying still on the frozen grass, she was gone. Winter then held up the final bottle at her body, to collect what she needed. As the bottle opened Springs body would turn to energy, entering the bottle Winter held. Her collection was completed.

With a final breath she takes all three bottles at once, holding them to her chest. She suddenly crushes the bottles in her hands, all three energies began entering her body, but it was too much to take. Winter, fused with Spring, Summer, and Fall; fell to the earth.

Three days later Winter rose once again, but with newfound energy. It was not the same Winter. As life began to rise, she spoke to the land.

"I am Mother Nature, the life of Earth,"