You Make Me Stronger

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    Jinx... (100)

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    "I bet you are amazing at it but it is wrong. Come on don't draw so much attention to yourself." Ember said and rolled her eyes though she couldn't really be mad at him. He had such a child's delight about life and she adored that about him. "Come on you with the swift feet and fast fingers let's find a place to stay for the night. I am tired." she said and smiled at him. Ember walked with him toward an inn and she walked in to check out their prices. She hissed at how expensive it was and how low on funds they were, or at least she was.
    July 1st, 2015 at 10:21am
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    Saber saw Ember looking at prices and instead chose to look around. He saw a few other people handing in vouchers they had to stay in the rooms. The same vouchers that were behind the man at the counter. Saber assumed you paid, and the man would give you a voucher to cash in for the designated amount of nights. He focused on the fanciest looking one and a swift, tiny gust of wind swirled around the voucher. At the same time, another gust picked up a rock from the ground nearby and threw it to the right so hard it make a huge knick in the door next to the man. When the man turned to see what the noise was the wind brought the ticket to Saber from the counter man's other side which Saber hid behind him. He acted just as confused as the man at the counter when he turned back towards them. Then acted as if he had remembered something important. "Oh yeah!! Sorry, honey," He turned to Ember keeping up the family charade with Reena there to appear even more innocent and said, "I completely forgot I talked to a different person earlier to get our tickets in advance." Saber pretended to pull the voucher out of his back pocket and hand it to the counter man, "I did get the right thing, right?" Saber was asking the counter man as if he really hadn't done this before. The counter man nodded and lead them to an incredibly fancy room and explained the ticket was good for 3 nights. After the counter man left them alone, Saber turned to Ember completely bracing himself.
    July 1st, 2015 at 10:33am
  • Jinx...

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    Ember looked up at him as he called her honey. She looked at him confused and then shocked as he pulled a voucher from behind him. She narrowed her eyes knowing how he got it. She followed the man behind Saber. Once the door closed she looked at Saber and ignored him as she set Reena in the bed and tucked her in. Her powers were still young and made her weak. Ember yawned and stretched moving back to Saber. "Why?" she asked sounding exasperated but not really scolding him. "We have to lay low until we find a place for Reena. No more stealing." she said softly and sighed though honestly she was relieved. Ember sank into a chair and shook her head. "Saber... will we ever see her again?" she whispered and bit her lip before shaking her head. "I don't know how you and her have so easily and so quickly become so important to me and that scares me." she said and stood pacing. "Do you think she will be okay here?" Ember just kept asking questions because she was afraid of the answers. Ember looked tired as she paced and thought and talked. Ember knew she was loosing him but she needed to vent. So much had happened in a day, nearly two.
    July 1st, 2015 at 10:48am
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    Saber walked towards his pacing companion and lead her towards the bed. He laid her down just like she did with Reena and sat next to her. "I can't say for sure if we'll see her again, and I can't really tell you how we grew close so quickly. My guess is that we both don't really open our hearts to many people, so the ones we do open them to are the ones we keep close. Believe it or not, my trust is hard to earn. I used to be a lot more open but that changed pretty quickly...," Saber trailed off. After pausing he continued, "Although, I can answer one of your questions. Whether she is here or a thousand miles away I know she will be okay. She's promised she's going to be strong and brave just like Papa. Remember?" Saber smiled confidently when he said this. "You seem like you need to rest just as much as she does, so get some sleep and save the worry for tomorrow, okay?" After making sure she was alright he noticed there was only one bed in the room. He decided to go sit next to the window and keep watch for a while. It felt more natural to him...yet Ember did still barely hear Saber grumble to himself, "I guess when they say 'King's Suite' they don't assume he's bringing a queen with him." Saber continued to stare out at the sky that was growing darker and darker without turning back.
    July 1st, 2015 at 10:59am
  • Jinx...

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    Ember was surprised when he laid her to bed. She smiled softly up at him. He was right that she didn't open up often and with Saber when she did open up to him there was nothing she could hold back from him. She sighed. "I am honored that you trust me." she whispered and closed her eyes before looking back at Reena. She nodded and relaxed back into the bed. "Like Papa... and so many other things like... me." she said amazed. Ember giggled as he instructed her to sleep. "Alright, alright." she teased and watched him get up going to the window as she laid down more hugging the pillow. She giggled at what he whispered wondering if she heard him right but decided to get some sleep before going into another conversation. "Wake me if you get tired and want to sleep here." she mumbled and smiled knowing she would fit better on the chair to sleep than he would. "And Saber... Thanks." she said and fell asleep soon after.
    July 1st, 2015 at 11:21am
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    It was the next day and the three were scowering the town talking to people to see if they knew of anywhere or anyone that was looking to take Reena in. Saber realized how big of a town they were in and said, "Listen. It may help if we split up. Just in case I don't see you again, come here Reena." Saber hugged her tight and said teasingly, "Next time we see each other, I want you to be able to kick my butt. Got it?" Reena nodded and giggled. When Saber passed Ember he whispered, "If you do find someone or someplace that sounds good, make the decision. That's why I said goodbye just in case, and I want to get started as soon as possible." After saying this he hurried off in another direction.
    Around 10 minutes after Saber was gone a man and a woman approached Ember. They were wearing similar outfits with the same insignia on their backs. It was a circle with four swirls on the cardinal ends. "Excuse me, miss," The man said, "We heard from a few vendors that you were looking for a good home for a child." The two saw Ember's untrustworthy gaze and the woman chimed in,"We're from this city's orphanage. This insignia represents the growth of our children in all cycles of their life. Hence, the swirls in every part of the circle. We want to help all those poor children who have nowhere to go. Especially those discriminated against or left alone."
    July 1st, 2015 at 11:32am
  • Jinx...

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    Ember nodded as Saber whispered to her. "Meet me back at the inn tonight." she said softly before he left. He easily moved through a crowd. She held Reena close and walked slowly with her until two people approached her and looked at Reena hungrily. Ember raised an eyebrow at them. She liked that motto. She rubbed Rena's hand with her thumb soothingly. She looked down at her and frowned before looking back at the people. "What is you're name?" she asked the woman. The woman looked at her curiously and softened a little more. "Sherrie." she said softly and Ember nodded. "Sherrie. I know how special Reena is and I want you to know it too. I would like to see where she will be staying." she said and ran a mental hand through her hair as she watched the woman look at the man beside her. Ember wanted to be sure that it was a safe place, a happy place for Reena to grow up in. Ember was glad when the woman agreed. It was an hour later and they had toured the orphanage. Ember stooped infant of Reena. "What do you think honey?" she asked softly and kissed her head already believing that she was saying her goodbyes. Ember hugged her and kissed her head again. "Remember to keep our secret and to grow up good." she said softly and smoothed her hair. Ember stood and let go of Reena. She could feel the lump of tears gathering in her throat but Ember would not cry, not now.
    July 1st, 2015 at 11:48am
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    Saber was waiting patiently at the inn. His search had come up with no results, but he did learn a few things that interested him personally. He recalled a conversation with a very informed old man.
    "So what can I do ya for, sonny?" The old man asked. "Hey, I was just wondering if you knew of any places that would be a good place to take a 'special' little girl would you?" Saber asked. What intrigued Saber was the old man's reaction. "Special, you say?" The old man asked, "I think I know what you mean. There aren't any GOOD places I know of, but I can tell you a few other 'special' things if you're interested in what i know." Saber had a feeling he knew where the old man was going and knew exactly what he meant.
    His thoughts were cut off when he saw Ember from the window, to his surprise she was alone. He really assumed she found somewhere for Reena when she looked as if she was about to cry. He was ready and waiting near the door for when she came in.
    July 1st, 2015 at 11:58am
  • Jinx...

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    Ember walked into the room and looked up seeing Saber looking at her expectantly. She moved to him and hugged his waist her face hidden in his shoulder. She stood there like that quietly for a good while before she pulled back and sniffled. "The orphanage worker's approached me and so we looked around and Reena said she wasn't scared. She said she would grow good just like you said she should." Ember ran a hand through her hair and sat on the bed. She looked at a plain wall and let her thoughts go as she tried to think of the future and how much of a better chance Reena had here at a more normal life. "It is hard to say goodbye." she whispered grateful for Saber being supportive here.
    July 1st, 2015 at 12:05pm
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    Saber was being his usual supportive self until she talked about an orphanage worker. His face looked puzzled as he explained, "Everyone in town I talked to said there were no orphanages here. That was one of the first things I was looking for." Ember described the people in detail including the marking which made Saber's eyes grow wide. "Take me there! Now!" Saber demanded urgently. They raced back to the same building to find it completely empty without a trace left. Saber punched a wall in sheer anger, but it didn't hurt him. Instead the wall now had a small crater in it. He looked back knowing Ember would be confused and explained, "This is all my fault. I should have told you about that marking." Ember looked at him as if he only obtained the information today so there was no way she could have known but Saber continued. "No, I've seen that mark long before today. They're the ones who take in Elementalists alive. Only today did I learn what they call themselves: Origin. Apparently the symbol represents the earth with the four circles representing the four original elements: Water, Earth, Fire,and Wind. Not many Elementals have pure elements like these. Most are derived from them such as wood or metal Elementals coming from Earth. Either way all I know is they plan on changing everything to where the Elementals rule everything rather than those regular people who look down on them. The other group that opposes them is called Evo. They're looking towards constant progress and change to wipe out all of the Elementals and be completely self reliant. My suspicions were right when I said neither could be trusted, but I can't believe I was stupid enough to not warn you about a symbol I've known since I was a child myself," Saber said as he sat down frustrated with his hands on his head.
    July 2nd, 2015 at 12:12am
  • Jinx...

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    Ember frowned as he commanded her to take him where she had left Reena. she did and when they arrived she frowned shaking her head. "It was just here. There're were kids and play toys and beds..." she felt the panic set in as Saber punched a hole in the wall. "What did I do?" she whispered.Saber was explaining to her and Ember's eyes clouded over as she reached out for the wall. She found it and propped herself against the wall before sliding to the ground. "She's not safe is she?" Ember asked knowing she had failed Reena. In the one thing she had to do for Reena she had failed. Ember knew from the moment Renna called her mama that she would fail her and she had in a way that Renna would never forgive her for. "I should have known." she whimpered. Ember had a feeling about them and she hadn't listened t herself. She looked at him. This wasn't his fault. He didn't hand Reena over to a bunch of psycho radicals. "I... I am sorry." she hugged her knees shaking and feeling herself growing warm. She felt like she had sent Reena, that beautiful little girl with so much potential to her doom, to her death. Ember cocked back a sob but she couldn't help the tears. Ember once again was in tears and she was so angry with herself for crying instead of trying to think of what to do to save Reena, to protect her sister and to free them all from having to run their entire lives for being different.
    July 2nd, 2015 at 03:58am
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    Saber turned to her just as upset, but at himself. "This is no way you're fault. I've known that symbol but didn't say anything. I should have warned you about it a long time ago," Saber explained but he was a little less worried as he continued, "It's not over yet, though. Think about it. If one group is made to eradicate Elementals and they oppose Origin, adding the fact that Origin takes Elementals alive, my guess is that they're a group who is looking for members. The younger the member, the more potential they have to train them and the more desperate they are for people to join. That old man did tell me they were growing incredibly fast, though. I just hope I'm right, because sure she will have to train and work for them but she will be safe. As long as she's alive I know we can save everyone." Saber seemed as if he was trying to convince himself at first until the pieces started falling into place as they did. He seemed a lot more calm than before, but still clearly worried about her. "Ember, it honestly isn't your fault at all. We'll save Reena. I promise, and I don't break promises," He said as he knelt down and looked her in the eyes. Saber sighed as he tried to make some relief out of the situation by adding, "This way we kill two birds with one stone anyway, at least for me. I was already planning on searching for those guys. This just gives me twice the motive to mess them up." He smacked his fist into his open palm as he said this.
    July 2nd, 2015 at 04:21am
  • Jinx...

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    Ember looked up going to argue with him as he said it wasn't her fault. She wiped her tears listening to him. He thought she would at least be safe and that gave Ember hope. She nodded as he laid out his plan. He promised her they would save Reena and she nodded. "I believe you." she said knowing somehow that he didn't break his promises. She smiled gently and briefly as he hit his fist like a little kid would. She nodded and bit her lip. "I got a name. The lady... she said her name was Sherrie." Ember said and looked at Saber. "And when I get my hands on her she will see how much she should have stayed away from Reena." she said her eyes sparking with an internal flame. Ember sighed and looked around. She stood and dusted herself off before holding her hands out to Saber. "Well let's not waste time, let's go." she said and gave him a shaky smile.
    July 2nd, 2015 at 04:41am
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    Saber picked her up as they headed back to the inn. Once they were inside he sat down on the bed and started explaining, "We have a lot of ground to cover. First, we have few leads on either of the groups. The only thing we can rely on is generic direction. Origin is said to be on the eastern side of the continent while Evo is on the western side. Second, we only have you and me. I don't know how successful we will be if we only have two people trying to stop two entire organizations. And it's hard to trust anybody especially with both of these uprising. Third, you still need to learn to control and hone your own abilities." Saber walked next to the sink and started getting them something to drink. "Personally, I think the best idea would for now would be to just head East and have you train along the way. If we can pick up any potential allies that would work, too. Do you have any ideas yourself, Ember?" He asked as he handed her a glass of water.
    July 2nd, 2015 at 05:20am
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    Ember bit her lip. "As much as I want to go after Origin... They aren't killing our kind and making the rest of the world scared of us. And honestly I am wondering if fighting our own kind would be harder at least I know it would be harder for me emotionally." She said as she took the water sipping at it as she watched him. "It would make it easier to travel to the other side if we didn't have to hide who and what we are." she said trying to think rationally about this. "Is there a reason you thought it would be best to go after them last?" she asked and bit her lip. "But I agree with everything else. I know I have a lot to learn but... I believe I can do it." she said softly. "I have to."
    July 2nd, 2015 at 05:28am
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    Saber sat across from her on the chair. "I'm actually not sure what's best. And we don't know exactly what they are doing to whoever they capture. But whether it makes sense, or is even the best option, but I'm going to find them as soon as I can. That's something I'm not budging on," Saber said. This was the first time Ember had seen Saber not being completely open-minded like he normally was. "I don't care if they're 'our kind' or not. We're all humans. We all have differences and similarities. I don't care if they're Elementalists or people with high powered weapons. Origin has done too much for me to sit back and let them have their way. Maybe you don't feel that way just yet but they're people I can't forgive. Not until I get answers," Saber said as he completely lost himself in his own thoughts for a bit.
    July 2nd, 2015 at 05:35am
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    Ember set the water down as he got passionate and she realized this was personal for him. She moved closer to him and took his hand in both of hers. "Saber... I will follow you. You asked for my opinion so I gave it to you. Please don't take my thoughts as me trying to take control. I just am sharing." she said softly and smiled gently. "Saber... On day will you tell me why this is personal?" she asked softly her voice low and controlled as to not spark anymore anger from him.
    July 2nd, 2015 at 05:55am
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    Saber looked a little surprised as he realized how fired up he was. "Sorry," he said, "I didn't mean to make you feel like that." Saber sighed calming himself down. "It isn't really a secret, and since you'll be with me from now on anyway you may as well know," Saber explained as he began telling her what happened. "When I was really little, I lived far to the east. It was a town that embraced the whole Elemental thing with open arms. In fact, they almost seemed as if they celebrated it. Well, there were two kids in particular they found amazing. One was me, the other was a girl named Laura. We were both a few years younger than Reena when we awakened our abilities. I found out about my wind, and Laura had ice. We were already best friends so awakening them at the same time felt amazing, especially with the way all of the grown ups praised us. However, Laura was a lot better at it right off the bat than me. Anytime we would practice or put on any kind of show she always outdid me. She was always teasing about it, but my younger sister, Tawny, would make me feel better. I don't know what Tawny did, but everytime she comforted me it made Laura immediately want to help me. After that, Laura started teaching me a lot of things and helping me get better and better. Tawny always loved watching us and was there with us no matter what we did. Right around the time when I started to feel I could take on Laura is when it all happened. Almost out of nowhere the entire village was scattering and going crazy. Apparently we were under attack. My first instinct was to find Tawny and Laura and get out of there. I couldn't quite fly well but still no one could match my speed. The village had planned for something like this, because they had a train ready to rush out of there in case of emergency. The rules for boarding went something like: We leave when the enemy gets here, be quick. When I found the two, Laura had encased both of them in a shell of ice that had enemies all around it trying to break in. All I heard was Tawny crying and I snapped. If only for a few seconds I knew I was strong enough to fight no matter how many came at me. I wasn't in much control but the raw power wiped out the soldiers and even broke Laura's ice shell. I'm just glad she was strong. Laura and I took Tawny and ran towards the station. However, after we were about to enter the doors I heard a scream. We looked and one of them had grabbed Tawny and was trying to pull her away from us. The next thing we heard was the train signal it was leaving. I was going to jump forward to save Tawny but Laura hit me as hard as she could knocking me into the moving doors of the train. The last thing I remember seeing was Tawny crying, Laura's ice swirling everywhere, and that same Origin mark on every single one of the enemy's uniforms." Saber took a breathe and laid back on the bed looking up at the ceiling. "I knew if I found Origin, then I would find Tawny and Laura. Or at least find out what happened to them or where they are. I'm not quitting until I get those two back. The whole world could turn against me but that wouldn't stop me."
    July 2nd, 2015 at 06:11am
  • Jinx...

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    Ember listened holding his hand as she did so. She smiled softly as he talked of good memories and frowned when his memories turned darker. She bit her lip as he laid back. "I'm sorry. I understand." she said and looked away remembering the last moments with her sister. "Saber I want to help you get answers too. You deserve that. And I know that you are able to on your own but I want to help because you're maybe the only one that understands me." she said softly and blushed. "I haven't let anyone in... at all for a very long time." she said and looked at their hands before she gently released his hand. "Thank you for telling me." she said and smiled softly. "Uhh." she laid back her belly growling. "I need to eat." she said remembering how she had been making sure Reena ate but forgot to eat herself.
    July 2nd, 2015 at 06:52am
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    As Ember went to get food Saber grew even more lost in his thoughts and without realizing it he fell asleep where he was. He woke up much later than usual and saw Ember already awake. It was at least noon and he felt a little embarrassed as he shot up. "Morning...," He said as he yawned then stretched. Saber got himself ready and said, "I guess we should go ahead and head out. I know we have another night we are allowed to be here, but I don't think either of us want to use up anymore time we don't have to." Saber handed Ember a similar mask to the one he was wearing the first day they arrived as well as the one he got himself. "I got you one, too. I thought they looked pretty cool, but they could come in handy for all we know." He put his own in Ember's bag because he didn't have one himself. "Once we get to the woods I already have your first training exercise in mind. Let's just head east whenever you're ready. You can feel free to do anything else in town if you think we should, though. We have an extra day here if we need one," Saber said.
    July 2nd, 2015 at 07:22am