Golden dawn broke softly over Whistlehollow, filtering through the rustling leaves and painting the village in hues of amber. Aleron stood in a clearing at the edge of the village, carefully tracing glowing silver runes in precise, practiced patterns on the grassy earth. Each stroke shimmered briefly, as if whispering memories of forgotten ages and distant worlds. He didn't need Rina's journal; every glyph was already etched deeply into his mind, thanks to restless dreams and the guiding clarity of God's Whisper.
Corvin sat cross-legged nearby, eyes gently closed. Small forest creatures gathered curiously around him, squirrels and birds settling quietly, drawn by the tranquil pulse of his empathic aura. "Your heart is fluttering, Aleron," he murmured, eyes still closed. "It's making all the little ones nervous."
"I know," Aleron sighed, dusting his palms nervously. "But this isn't just another lesson. This ritual—it's crucial. If I get this wrong..."
Eira leaned against her staff, raising an eyebrow. "You've faced far worse than drawing circles in the dirt. Just breathe. And remember—I'm right here if something goes wrong." Her confident smirk masked the careful vigilance behind her eyes.
At the circle's center, Sakura flicked her nine silvery tails, her eyes twinkling with wisdom far exceeding her tiny cub form. She cocked her head, voice gently teasing. "Nervous, little brother?"
Aleron managed a small laugh. "A little. But I trust you."
She padded toward him gracefully, placing a soft paw on his knee. "Good. Because trust is exactly what makes this bond real. But first—ground rules."
Corvin smiled, opening his eyes. "Now that's something I can translate. Sakura says no bossing around, Aleron. Equal terms, respect each other's limits—especially mana limits."
Sakura purred approval. "Precisely. I've seen empires rise and fall, young one. This path we walk is shared."
Eira laughed softly. "Sounds like we've got an elder sister, not just a familiar."
"Indeed," Sakura confirmed regally, licking her paw. "And as your elder, allow me to advise caution. My true form will demand far more mana than you currently possess, Aleron. Summon it only in dire need."
Aleron swallowed hard but nodded firmly. "I understand."
The morning quiet was suddenly punctuated by a ripple of mana—a slight yet distinct tremor shaking through the ritual circle. Corvin frowned, his voice low and steady. "Something's disturbed. The forest creatures are frightened."
Aleron glanced sharply toward the tree line. A low growl rose from Sakura, eyes sharpening. "We must complete the ritual now. Prepare yourself."
As Aleron raised his hands, channeling mana into the runes, they ignited with silver fire, the circle blooming in radiant clarity. His voice echoed ancient syllables clearly into the dawn. "By bond and blood, mana and trust, forge now a pact that none may sunder!"
Light burst upward, swirling fiercely around Sakura. Her cub form expanded rapidly, fur shimmering brightly. She grew taller, majestic, her slender body now draped in silken ivory fur, tails ablaze like graceful tendrils of moonlit fire. Sakura's adult form towered over them, proud, fierce, and formidable.
Aleron gasped, knees buckling as his mana poured outward in an unstoppable torrent. Corvin rushed forward, pressing a steady hand against Aleron's shoulder. Warm empathy surged between them, easing the pain of mana drain.
Suddenly, feral shapes lunged from the tree line—wild mana-maddened wolves drawn by the enormous mana fluctuation. Sakura roared, a sound both beautiful and terrifying, as petals of ghostly fire surrounded her.
"Corvin, Eira—protect Aleron!" Sakura commanded, her voice echoing powerfully.
Eira swung forward instantly, golden motes sparking as her staff spun into a defensive stance. A shimmering golden shield flared briefly, deflecting snapping jaws inches from Aleron's vulnerable form.
Corvin whispered calming words, his blessing weaving a tranquil aura even amid the chaos. The wolves hesitated, briefly confused, but soon resumed their assault.
Sakura's eyes blazed with ancient fury. She danced through the battlefield elegantly, fire petals whirling, slicing through the beasts, driving them back. But each flare drained Aleron's mana further. His vision dimmed, body trembling.
"I—I can't hold it!" Aleron gasped desperately.
Sakura growled softly, compassionate yet firm. "You must endure. Trust your strength, and mine."
Eira's golden shield flickered again as a wolf charged. She gritted her teeth, determination flaring brightly. "Hold on, Aleron!"
Aleron closed his eyes, reaching deep. Mage runes flared briefly at his fingertips—small, precise bolts of flame flew from his hands, forcing the wolves back, buying Sakura precious moments.
Corvin whispered reassurance, his empathetic aura amplifying Aleron's resolve. "You're stronger than you know. We're here."
Aleron clenched his fists, steadying his breath. "I won't fail you—any of you."
With a final, dazzling surge, Sakura's flames erupted outward, scattering the remaining wolves. Exhausted, she swiftly shrank back into her cub form, collapsing gently into Aleron's waiting arms.
Mana depletion made his head spin, but as Aleron held Sakura tight, a sudden, unfamiliar warmth surged through his core—like a locked door finally swinging open. Sakura's eyes widened, ears twitching upward sharply.
"What...is this?" she murmured softly, awe clearly coloring her voice. "Aleron—your mana. It's...vast."
Corvin leaned closer, sensing the shift in her emotions. "Sakura? Is everything alright?"
Sakura nudged Aleron's palm urgently, eyes searching his face. "How could you hide this from me? Your mana pool is immense—far beyond what a child your age should possess."
Eira raised an eyebrow skeptically. "Aleron? Care to explain?"
Aleron took a slow breath, smiling faintly as realization settled through him. "I almost forgot myself. When I was younger, I went through a period where my body was...locked away. Stasis. I was conscious, but couldn't speak or move freely."
Corvin blinked in surprise, leaning closer. "You remember that clearly?"
"Yes," Aleron continued gently, stroking Sakura's soft fur. "I spent years with nothing to do but watch, wait—and gather mana. My mind practiced subconsciously, collecting mana every day, every night, until it pooled deep within me. But I guess that mana was locked, sealed away even from my own senses—until now."
Sakura huffed softly, clearly impressed but feigning mild annoyance. "You should have warned me sooner. I worried needlessly about draining you dry."
Eira chuckled, nudging Corvin with her elbow. "Seems like we won't have to worry about Aleron fainting on us after every spell now."
Corvin grinned warmly. "Next time, maybe give us a heads up when you unlock hidden power? I'd prefer fewer surprises."
Sakura settled comfortably in Aleron's lap again, curling her tails regally around her paws. "This changes things significantly. Still, caution remains wise. Even a vast pool is not infinite."
Aleron nodded, exhaustion fading into newfound confidence. "I understand now. Your adult form—I can sustain it in battle, but not indefinitely."
She purred approvingly, eyes glinting with pride. "Precisely, little brother. Use this strength wisely."