Standing on the outskirts of Kaptan's city, the Montemayor mansion loomed, resembling a castle and representing the family's wealth and power. Despite the luxury, Ysa always felt a silent pressure, even as a child. At five years old, she was already learning the unspoken rules of the household. She passed through the halls, her steps quiet, while servants greeted her with polite nods—though their smiles were always warmer when they looked at Sylvia.
In one of the sitting rooms, Sylvia, barely three years old, was playing with a collection of dolls. She giggled, holding up a doll with golden hair as her nursemaid watched nearby. When she saw Ysa, her face lit up.
"Ate Ysa!" she squealed, running toward her sister with joyful excitement.
Ysa bent down and smiled as she brushed a lock of Sylvia's hair behind her ear.
Ysa asked, "What are you playing, Sylvia?"
Sylvia answered, "Dolls! Do you wanna play too?"
Ysa lovingly caressed Sylvia's hair. She answered while trying to act as a big sister, "Not right now, but later, okay? Sylvia, satisfied with the promise, returned to her toys. Ysa watched her go back to her dolls.
Today is the awakening ceremony for Ysa. She is excited, not really comprehending the importance of this event. She is just excited because her mother and father will take her out of the mansion with her sister, Sylvia.
Ysa's parents have always favored her sister Sylvia, leaving Ysa in the care of Nana Maria. It was Nana Maria who looked after her when she was sick, and who comforted her whenever she was afraid of the shadows in her room. While Ysa watched her parents hug Sylvia, and her chest felt tight. Why didn't they hug her like that? It made her tummy hurt.
Sometimes, Ysa tried to hug her parents, but they always pushed her away. It made her eyes sting with tears, and she ran to Nana Maria, crying, "Why won't they hug me?"
Nana Maria would always offer the same gentle answer: "It's okay, Ysa. They're just busy. I'll hug you, so don't cry, alright?"
As the days and months passed, Ysa grew used to the cold distance from her parents and stopped trying to seek their affection, afraid of being scolded again. She resigned herself to their indifference, turning to Nana Maria for comfort.
So, when Nana Maria told her that her parents would take her out for her awakening, Ysa felt a spark of excitement. It wasn't the ritual itself that excited her, but the rare chance to finally get some attention from her parents. Maybe, just maybe, they would notice her today.
Ysa's belly felt funny as she stepped into the courtyard. Her parents were by the portal, and she smiled because today was special. She didn't know why, but it felt important.
Greg asked politely, "Are you ready, Ysa?"
"Yes, Father," she answered excitedly.
They stepped onto the portal platform. Greg placed his hand on the designated spot, and the surrounding air shimmered as the symbols on the stone glowed.
Greg signaled, "Let's go." Guiding them to the portal.
The portal engulfed them, and Ysa's surroundings blurred. She reached out instinctively for her mother's hand but couldn't find it. The disorienting sensation of the portal tugged at her until they finally arrived at the Order of Sanggunian headquarters. The ancient crystal tower loomed ahead.
The Order of Sanggunian, a division of the Lupon—the governing body of Kalibutan—is responsible for conducting the Awakening ritual for the children of the land. Each city housed a branch of the Order and its officiating officers; the Baylan were highly revered.
At the Order, Ysa's nerves began to take hold. It was the first time she had ever been outside the mansion. Usually, her mother, Lucinda, would take Sylvia out for shopping trips, buying toys and dresses, but Ysa was never allowed to join them. She always stayed behind, watching from the windows as her mother and sister left together. Today, she thought, might be different—maybe it would be one of those days where she could finally experience what Sylvia and Lucinda did when they went out together.
But as they entered the Order's headquarters, Ysa's excitement quickly turned into anxiety. Her eyes were drawn to the imposing pedestal in the center of the chamber, where the Affinity Crystal stood, gleaming under the lights. She searched for her mother, but Lucinda was focused on Sylvia, holding her hand as they walked together. Ysa was left to walk beside her father, Greg.
The unfamiliar atmosphere weighed heavily on her. The murmuring crowd, the vast chamber, and the strange tension in the air made Ysa's heart race. She tugged at her father's sleeve, her voice timid as she asked, "Father, what are we doing here?"
Greg glanced down at her, speaking slowly, but with a note of impatience in his voice. "We're here for your awakening, Ysa. Just follow what the Baylan tells you to do, okay?"
Ysa nodded, though she still didn't understand what was happening. She hadn't been prepared for this day like the other children in the chamber, whose parents had carefully explained the ritual to them. Ysa had overheard the other children talk about their upcoming awakening, how they had practiced what to do, and how their parents had reassured them.
But not Ysa.
The only reason the Montemayor family had brought her here today was because they were expecting the manifestation of her bloodline's power. Ysa was noble, and her parents knew the significance of her heritage. They would know what to do with her once her affinity was revealed.
The Baylan stepped to the center of the pedestal and began the opening speech. The Baylan reminded the parents that the awakening was merely the beginning of their children's journey. A lack of elemental affinity did not signify failure.
"If your child shows no affinity," the Baylan said, "being an Ordani, doesn't mean they won't find success. There are many other fields of specialization across the continent. They could become scholars, aiding the Essentari researchers, or pursue a life as merchants or trusted aides to high-ranking officials in the government."
"Parents, remember," the Baylan continued, "for those whose children show affinity, the awakening is only the beginning of their path as future Essentari. It is crucial that you guide them during this early stage. You may choose to instruct them yourselves, hire private tutors, or enroll them in our local novice school to help them acclimate to their elements. This period is essential for them to start filling their crystal hearts, preparing them for formal training at the Essentari school in two years' time."
"To all participants in this awakening, let me explain the steps so you will know what to do. You will place your hand on the Crystal of Affinity. The essence within the crystal will resonate with your crystal heart, and as soon as your crystal heart responds to that resonance, you will notice tiny lights surrounding you. These lights represent the essence of nature.
Your task is to draw these essences toward the crystal to reveal which element aligns with your affinity. The resonance within the Crystal of Affinity will guide you, making it easier to attract the essence of your element. At your current age, without training, you won't yet be able to fully harness or control your elemental power on your own. That is why the crystal's resonance will assist you as you hold it.
Don't be nervous—just focus and follow my instructions. The crystal will do the rest."
As soon as the Baylan finished the reminders, the awakening started. Inside the chamber, the air hummed with anticipation. Ysa watched as other children approached the Crystal of Affinity, their fates revealed for all to see. Some left the platform with pride, others with disappointment hanging over them.
It's the Datu's son's turn, Lukas Glenn approached the crystal confidently. The Baylan guided him, and soon, red and green lights flared within the crystal. The crowd buzzed with excitement.
The Baylan announced, "High-affinity dual-element, Wind and Fire!"
The crowd murmured in awe. Lukas's future was secure, his status elevated by his dual-element affinity. Ysa's heart pounded as her turn came.
It was Ysa's turn. The Baylan called her name with authority, "Ysa Montemayor, come forward."
Her heart pounded as she took a shaky step toward the pedestal. Just as she was about to walk up, Lukas, one of the other children, was coming down from his turn. As they crossed paths, Lukas leaned in and whispered, "It's okay, don't be nervous."
Ysa was startled at first, not expecting anyone to speak to her, but then she felt a small smile tug at her lips. His quiet reassurance made her feel a little lighter. With her nerves eased, Ysa straightened up and continued her approach toward the pedestal, feeling a bit more confident.
The Baylan calmly asks, "Place your hand on the crystal."
Ysa obeyed, closing her eyes for a moment before opening them to see the lights swirling around her—red, blue, green, white, black, and brown. White, blue, and black shone the brightest, filling her with hope. Maybe she would be extraordinary after all.
The Baylan instructed, "Now, draw the lights into the crystal."
Ysa focused, reaching out with her will. The crystal began to hum with power, growing brighter. She could feel the energy of the elements surrounding her. The lights flared, and then nothing. The crystal remained colorless.
Murmurs of confusion spread through the crowd, making Ysa feel small and anxious. She stared at the crystal in front of her, blinking, not understanding why it wasn't changing colors like it had for the other children. Her hands grew cold, and she glanced up at the Baylan, hoping for some kind of explanation, but all she saw was the Baylan's hesitation.
Ysa's heart pounded. What did it mean? Why was everyone whispering?
The Baylan finally spoke, though her voice sounded just as confused. "No affinity? But… the crystal glowed. It should've shown something… Why is there no color?"
Ysa didn't understand. Her lip quivered, and she swallowed hard, fighting the strange lump in her throat. She didn't like how everyone was looking at her.
Her voice trailed off in disbelief. "This has never happened before."
Confusion clouded the Baylan's face, but she knew she had to announce the result. She cleared her throat, uncertainty still clinging to her words.
She announces hesitatingly, "No affinity."
The words echoed in Ysa's ears. She looked at her father, his face hardening with disappointment. Her mother stood rigid, her eyes narrowing. Ysa's heart raced.
"Had she failed?"