Rise

Melanie

"Oh, my gods why are you so annoying!"

"I'm annoying?"

"yeah, you are. I couldn't get one minute of sleep because of your snoring!"

"Yeah, well at least I don't steal all the blankets in the middle of the night. You're from Ignis, a burner. Future Queen of Flames, aren't you always warm?"

"Shouldn't you be used to the cold by now Nix? You would think since your heart is frozen you wouldn't have a problem with it. "

"that's it."

"what the hell is going on?"

"Adara does been a pain in my ass all night.

"Nix is just acting like a child."

"your both acting like children. Stop. " My peaceful sleep is ruined by voices. Loud and angry. I sit up, my eyes being blinded by the light that is coming through the window. I look around at the scene unfolding around me. Calore and Fin charged into our room when Nix and Adara's voices start growing. As soon as they rush in, the room explodes in noise. I turn my attention back to Adara and Nix, they are fighting. Adara's hands are wrap around Nix's throat, I sigh in exasperation and start to wake up Alana and Kira, wriggling out of bed. Alana is slow to react, tearing Adara off of Nix. She huffs lunges back at Adara but a big gust of wind stops everyone. I look over at the window to see Vita and Nari standing there, trying their best not to practically snarl at all of us. Nix growls in anger.

"what the hell is that?!"

"you're both being childish. It needs to end, or we can't stop them and our kingdoms will fall to ruin. " Nari and Vita stare at us, their looks making us feel inferior, which only made everyone else madder. A knock on the door stops the noise again. Adara walks to the door and opens it. She steps outside and disappearing from view, I can see from the corner of my eye that her brother tensed up with worry. Adara walks in with a cart. On top, it has nine dishes. Some stacked on top of the others. They all have lids to hold whatever is inside. Underneath the cart seems to be a pot of black liquid and nine cups, the liquid is served back in Ignis. I never bother to try it. After everyone got their dishes, Kira and I walk up to look at all the ones remaining, there are our names on each one. I grab the one that does my name and a cup of water and move back to the bed. I slowly open my lid. Fish and chips I roll my eyes.

"how lovely" my voice is dripping with irony, I eat everything but the cod and set my plate down. I watch my brother and sister shiver in disgust as they open their plates to reveal more sea life like salmon or crab. After we all finish our early lunch I go to put my food away back onto the cart. I pick up the lid to see a small note stuck to the inside of the lid, I pick it up.

"what is this?" I slowly unfold the paper in my hands. They quiver slightly as my eyes scan the paper.

Melanie,

I hope you are proven trustworthy enough to join us. Your compassion will be of great use someday if you decide to join our team. But if you can not prove yourself or refuse. We will have no choice to rid of your family. Hope you will pass the test, good luck.

rise.

I stare at the paper in disbelief. They wouldn't kill my family. They need them, are, suppose to be important. I look up at my brother and sister who are showing each other the notes they have as well. I can hear everyone talking about what is written on their papers, but my attention is focused on my family. I can't let them down. I sit on the bed and wait. I wait for someone who will take me away from Alana and Fin and probably fight for our lives. It's kinda ironic actually, they have the weakest one fight for our survival. No Melanie, it's not ironic, it's cruel. I usually try to make the best out of any situation, but I don't know if I can with this. I'm going to kill my family, and rise will destroy our realm, our home. There is nothing I can do but try my best. I hear a loud pounding on the door to see rise soldiers standing in the doorway. One walks in and eyes everyone in the room, for such a small woman she is oddly intimidating. She does caramel blonde hair and baby blue eyes. Finally, landing on me. She stumps over and holds her hand out. I look up at her and gently reach out to her. My hand is shaking violently. I squeak as she grabs my wrist tightly and pulls me. I comply with her command and stand up following her, I can hear the protest from my sister and brother. I glance back, two guards hold them, they push and hit but their efforts are useless. The woman guard speaks as soon as we are out of earshot from the others.