Chapter 5: Amanda’s Past
The sun dipped low in the sky, casting long shadows over Verdantia. Axel and Amanda sat on the rooftop of the Exorts’ headquarters, taking a rare moment to rest. The city below them buzzed with life, but up here, it was quiet.
“You’ve never really told me about your past,” Axel said, breaking the silence. He turned to Amanda, his curiosity evident. “How did you get involved with the Exorts?”
Amanda leaned back, looking at the horizon. Her mysterious aura seemed to shimmer in the fading light.
“It’s a long story,” she said softly, a distant look in her eyes.
“But I suppose it’s time you knew.”
---
Amanda's story began in a small town far from Verdantia, a place nestled between mountains and forests. She was a child of nature, always exploring the woods and fields that surrounded her home. Her parents, loving and kind, encouraged her curiosity but always warned her about the dangers that lurked in the shadows.
“I grew up in a quiet town,” Amanda began, her voice tinged with nostalgia.
“My parents were herbalists, known for their remedies and knowledge of the natural world. They taught me everything they knew, and I loved spending time in the forest, learning about plants and animals.”
One autumn evening, when Amanda was ten years old, she ventured deeper into the forest than ever before. The air was crisp, the leaves a riot of colors underfoot. She felt a strange pull, an irresistible urge to explore further.
“I found a clearing I’d never seen before,” Amanda continued.
“In the center was a large, ancient tree, its branches twisted and gnarled. It felt... alive, in a way that was different from the other trees.”
As she approached the tree, Amanda noticed a faint glow emanating from its roots. Curious, she knelt down and brushed away the leaves and soil, revealing a small, glowing stone.
“It was beautiful,” she said, her eyes reflecting the memory.
“But as soon as I touched it, I felt a surge of energy. It was like nothing I’d ever experienced.”
The stone’s energy coursed through Amanda, awakening something within her. She felt her senses heighten, her perception of the world shifting. It was both exhilarating and terrifying.
“That’s when I first saw them,” Amanda said quietly.
“Spirits, moving through the forest. Some were benevolent, guardians of nature. But others... others were dark, twisted things that fed on fear and pain.”
Startled and overwhelmed, Amanda ran home, clutching the stone in her hand. She told her parents what had happened, and they listened with grave expressions.
“My parents recognized the stone,” she explained.
“They said it was a relic of ancient power, linked to the spirits of the forest. They warned me that I had to be careful, that this new ability came with great responsibility.”
---
Over the next few years, Amanda’s life changed dramatically. She trained under her parents’ guidance, learning to harness her newfound abilities. The glowing aura that Axel saw now was a manifestation of the energy she had absorbed from the stone.
“I could see and communicate with spirits,” Amanda said.
“I could sense their presence, understand their intentions. It was a gift, but also a burden.”
One winter night, when Amanda was fourteen, her town was attacked by a malevolent spirit. It was a creature of darkness, drawn to the energy of the stone. It wreaked havoc, spreading fear and despair.
“I tried to stop it,” Amanda recalled, her voice trembling.
“But I wasn’t strong enough. My parents fought alongside me, using their knowledge of herbs and magic. In the end, we managed to banish the spirit, but... it cost them their lives.”
Tears welled up in Amanda’s eyes, and Axel reached out to squeeze her hand.
“I’m so sorry, Amanda.”
She nodded, wiping away her tears.
“After that night, I vowed to protect others from the supernatural threats that lurk in the shadows. I left my hometown and traveled, learning more about my powers and seeking out others like me.”
---
Amanda’s journey eventually led her to Verdantia, where she encountered Priest Anthony and the Exorts. She was hesitant at first, wary of joining a group, but Priest Anthony’s wisdom and the team’s camaraderie convinced her to stay.
“Priest Anthony saw my potential,” Amanda said with a faint smile. “He helped me refine my abilities and understand my purpose. The Exorts became my new family, and together, we’ve faced countless threats.”
Axel listened, deeply moved by Amanda’s story. “You’ve been through so much,” he said. “I can’t imagine how hard it must have been.”
“It was,” Amanda admitted. “But it also made me who I am today. And now, with you and the rest of the team, I feel stronger than ever.”
Axel squeezed her hand again, a determined look in his eyes. “We’ll face whatever comes together, Amanda. I promise.”
---
Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of footsteps. Blaze and Serena emerged from the stairwell, carrying a box of snacks and drinks.
“Hey, you two,” Blaze called out with a grin. “Thought you might be hungry. We brought supplies.”
Amanda and Axel laughed, grateful for the distraction. They joined their friends, sitting in a circle and sharing stories as the stars began to twinkle overhead.
As the night wore on, Axel couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of connection to his teammates. Each of them had their own story, their own struggles and triumphs. Together, they formed a powerful bond, united by their mission to protect the city and each other.
“Here’s to the Exorts,” Axel said, raising a can of soda. “And to all the battles we’ve fought, and all the ones still to come.”
The team clinked their cans together, their spirits high. In that moment, under the starry sky, they knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them as one.
---
The next morning, Axel woke up early, his mind still buzzing with the revelations of the previous night. He found Amanda in the training room, already hard at work.
“Morning,” he greeted her, grabbing Saber and joining her on the training mats.
“Morning, Axel,” she replied, smiling. “Ready for another day of training?”
“Always,” Axel said, his eyes gleaming with determination. “I want to keep getting stronger. For the team, and for myself.”
Amanda nodded, her expression serious but supportive. “We all do. Let’s start with some meditation exercises. It’ll help you connect more deeply with Saber and harness your energy.”
They sat cross-legged on the mats, closing their eyes and focusing on their breathing. Amanda guided Axel through the meditation, her voice calm and soothing.
“Feel the energy within you,” she instructed. “Let it flow through you, connecting with Saber. Visualize the power you hold, and how you can use it to protect and defend.”
Axel followed her lead, feeling the familiar hum of energy resonating with Saber. He visualized the shield he had created during their previous battle, feeling the strength and protection it offered.
“Good,” Amanda said softly. “Now, imagine expanding that energy, shaping it into different forms. A barrier, a weapon, a healing light. The possibilities are endless.”
Axel’s mind raced with images of what he could achieve. He felt a surge of confidence, knowing that with Amanda and the rest of the Exorts by his side, he could accomplish anything.
They spent the rest of the morning training, practicing new techniques and refining their skills. Amanda’s guidance was invaluable, her deep understanding of supernatural energy helping Axel unlock new abilities.