Early Years

She hushes him, glancing towards the door uneasily. "Please try to quiet down, Artisan." Reflect sighs. "I wish they wouldn't try to make us all into just... weapons."

OOC: I think it's another Flame woman thing. Not only do men chase after them, they have a thing against people being made into robots O.o

OOC Wow...

IC

"Why doesn't pops say anything? He's closer to Progenitor than anyone, he's next to take charge!"

"It's not as simple as that..."

OOC: Well, Phoenix did always take after her mother...

"Yeah it is! Just walk up to him and say, 'Hey Progenitor! I want my family treated like people!"

"No, it isn't," she insists. "You're still young, you can't know just how complicated it is..."

-I walk inside their residence.-

"Reflect, may I speak with you a second?"

"Of course, Progenitor." She stands up, releasing Artisan's hand. "Artisan, why don't you go and find your father? Perhaps you can show off your creation to him."

Artisan: "Sure mum!" -I run to find Fade.-

Progenitor: "'Mum?' he doesn't even address you respectfully?"

"I've always been a little more relaxed when it comes to my sons," she admits. She doesn't apologise for it.

"It is miraculous that you have produced the top two students and the bottom one with such approaches."

'Produced'... it's like they're just puppies born and raised for fighting, she thinks in disgust.

"It wasn't just me. Fade, too."

"I came out her to remind you that Crest and Sound's mission-readiness trial is in a few days."

"Really? I'll admit, time got away from me..."

"Hardly surprising. Those two are the youngest to ever do it. But their prowess is too stunning to ignore."

"I have full confidence Crest shall become the next Head after Fade."

She can't help a smile. "I won't choose between them." And, of course, by 'them', she means all three. "It wouldn't be right for a mother to pick a favourite."

"Indeed. It may beseech you to remind your sons of what is involved in this trial so their mental preparations can begin."

"I'll do so as soon as possible," she promises.

"Good, the test of magic, strength, mind and personal detachment are all ready for them."

"The last one I'm sure Crest is ready for, but Sound might not have it in him to fatally harm himself."

Reflect struggles to suppress her own emotions, but she manages it, after a lot of effort.

For now.

"Sound is... determined and loyal."

"His resolve is admirable, but alas it is not on the same level as Crest's."

"I have faith in them both."

-I walk out without a word.-

OOC Want to fast forward to the aftermath of the trial?

Sure!

-The trials have passed, and both boys have succeeded. While Sound remained bedridden to heal his self inflicted wound, Crest was outside doing some push-ups, fighting through his pain and wondering how his brother had beaten him by mere seconds.-

Throughout it, Reflect worried for both of her sons. What if the wound would be impossible to heal? What if they failed? But, thankfully, neither of those situations had come to pass.

She chuckles when she sees Crest. "Your strength astounds me, dear."