The Final Ashfield

The Axis

[SEVEN YEARS EARLIER]

The Axis: A beautiful realm of lush red forest that stretched further than the eye could see. It boasted the Ashtrees – dark red perennial plants impervious to flame that could only be found there, in its magically enhanced environment. Within it, a small family of four inhabited the space and lived peacefully alongside the forest-critters and Sanct animals.

Despite its wonders, what made the Axis so unique wasn't its strange ecosystem, gorgeous woodlands, or even the family that lived there, mind you. No, the Axis was a separate dimension altogether. It existed on the cusp of the fourth dimension, both intangible and untraceable to those outside it as long as Sanctum Energy wasn't used.

Afraid that the kids would fall to the dangers of leaving the Axis and what waited outside of it, the children's uncle – Matsuda – sealed away any knowledge of Sanctum Energy and resources that could somehow trigger exposure to it. He even went as far as sealing away an ancient landmark deep within the Axis through a veil of darkness, ensuring their security and forbidding the children to enter.

With no knowledge of what it was or how to access it, the kids were forced to steer clear of anything regarding Sanctum Energy and keep to themselves. Or so Matsuda thought.

CLANGK!!! CLANGK!!!

Within the Axis, black-haired twin brothers Jacender and Aleximus sparred eagerly in a sun-kissed meadow. The grass beneath them was red like the rest of the Axis's forest, but it was the only place in the Axis whose color would change when sunlight shone on it. Since they had turned eight, they had made the field their battling grounds and hid their training from their uncle and younger sister. They were almost twelve now and grew much fiercer every day though they were self-taught.

CLANGK!!! CLANGK!!!

Their swords were dark red and wooden – shaped amateurishly by them with borrowed wood from the forests' trees. Jacender, who inched forward slowly, felt a bead of sweat roll down the side of his temple as he held onto his blade. The handle was wrapped in a black, leather-like sash, mirroring his brother's white one. He neared Aleximus carefully, attempting to gain the advantage by encircling his brother. There was a confidence in his blue, piercing eyes; Almost like an undeterred determination. Opposite him, Aleximus mirrored his every move, matching his focus and intensity.

"HA!" Jace lunged, bringing his sword down upon his brother's. Aleximus side-stepped briskly, darting to the side as he knocked back the weapon with his slender blade.

He slipped through Jace's off-guard swings and – with an eerie air of calmness – he feinted, making like he'd throw his sword, only to deliver an incredibly fast kick to his brother's stomach. Jacender flew back with an uncomfortable, "Agh!", and narrowly managed to land on his feet.

Aleximus didn't stop there. He pressed his advantage and charged forward, aiming at his brother's head with a curved downswing. Jace ducked, rolling onto his side, and used his body weight to spring upwards into a crouching position. He smirked, understanding that Aleximus's swing had given him just enough time to counter with a physical blow. And he would not pass up the opportunity. 

Triumphantly, Jacender dropped his blade and brought up his arm, clenched fist in tow, and aimed to lift his brother off of his feet with an uppercut. Aleximus realized just a second before the punch had been let off and straightened his toes, rising with the punch to mitigate the blow's effects. 

"What the–" Jace spluttured. But it was much too late to be shocked. Aleximus spun his own body in midair, bringing down his right leg as he came down and directed it at Jace's exposed face. 

Jace raised his arms, bracing himself with a block, but his brother's kick was too fast and too unexpected. His arms were thrown open and knocked to the side as Aleximus landed. The last thing Jace saw before a second kick cut through the air was his brother's slick grin. "Checkmate." he laughed, cementing the blow onto Jacender's lower mouth.

It was over.

THUD!!

Jace nursed his reddened, stinging face and fought back tears. "…Did you have to hit me that hard..?" he moaned, cradling his nose. Aleximus pushed back his hair and crossed his arms. "Packed a punch, didn't it?" 

His lip pursed up, and almost comically, his cheeks inflated, filling with air as he did his best to hold back a laugh. "Or in this case," he snickered, holding his belly, "A kick!"

 He cackled loudly, roaring with laughter as he gave a weak point to the mark he'd lodged on Jace's face: A black footprint. Judging by his brother's wincing and the slimy trail of blood leaking from Jace's bent nose, it was a painful injury indeed.

"That wasn't funny!" Jace snapped back. "How'd you like it if I went for your face, you bastard?!"

Aleximus smirked and extended his hand. "Aw, come on. It's not my fault you suck at dodging." he teased. Jacender opened his mouth. "–And before you say it," Aleximus interrupted before he could say anything, "Your stamina problem isn't my fault either, idiot. You have too much wasted movement."

His brother stared daggers at him, but then after a moment, he smiled and took hold of his hand. Their relationship, though frustrating at times, was for better or worse, built based on their inherent friendship and rivalry. They each carried a desire to help one another, and that was what made them inseparable. It's what made them brothers. 

Jace pinched his nose and sucked his teeth. "But seriously – we do need to do something about this!" His swollen nostrils had made his voice so high-pitched that Aleximus couldn't help but laugh again. Jace shoved his finger into his chest, screaming, "Stop laughing! Uncle Matsuda's gonna go crazy if he sees this!"

To that, a shared image of a screaming maniac surrounded by lightning bolts filled both their minds. They shivered immediately at the thought and realized the severity of their actions. Aleximus knew what would happen if they came home with injuries they had given each other. "R-Right." he gulped, nodding furiously in agreement.

FSSSSSS

His ears perked up, alerting him to a sound in the forest behind them. He turned, eyes narrowed, trying to pinpoint what it was. A small figure in the distant shadows ran towards them, relaxing his posture. "Oh," he sighed, "Looks like you're in luck." Curious, Jace faced the forest, watching carefully as the small figure emerged from the trees, dashing forward as fast as it could.

"Anna!" he beamed, smiling. 

In her hands, a girl slightly younger than them, clutched a small basket filled with an assortment of fruits and approached them. Her hair was of a violet color and was accented beautifully by a small, white, swallowtail headpiece resting clumsily near her right ear. She looked out of breath.

Jacender's face shifted from delightful surprise to worry. "Did you run all the way out here?"

"I-- huff," she wheezed, trying to collect herself. "I knew you were here!" She put her hands on her waist sassily and eyed them. "Jeez!" She groaned scoldingly, "How many times do I have to say it?!"

Before they could react, her hands flashed across both their faces, striking them fast with every word she spat. "Stop! Being! Dummies!"

Jace shrieked, his nose burning now more than before. "Wha–?! We--"

"Shut up!" she ordered, smacking him so hard he spun around. She scoffed and picked him up by his collar, ready to strike him again. "You two came out here to train again, didn't you?!" 

"Even though Uncle Matsuda doesn't want you fighting, you're still being knuckleheads! I'm tired of having to heal you guys every day!"

Aleximus crossed his arms and sneered. "Oh yeah? And what would you know? You're just a girl!"

Speedily, Anna dropped Jacender and turned to Aleximus with death in her eyes. She grabbed his ear and pulled him down to her level. "Excuse me?!"

Aleximus winced, hoping to push her back, but his ear felt like it was ripping apart. "S-Stop hitting us— !" he screamed, trying to escape her. He finally relented and threw up his hands in surrender. 

"Okay, okay!" he begged, "We're sorry! Look, just... Do the thing. Please?"

A flicker of annoyance twitched in Anna's creased eyebrow before he decided to turn back to Jace. He was sprawled out on the floor, hoping she wouldn't remember him, but the moment he heard Aleximus's words -- "Do the thing." – he fled into the air and kneeled as he had just seen a ghost. "W-Wait, I don't think that's really nec--" he pleaded, seeing her raise her arm to his face. 

"Anna, really! It doesn't even hur–"

A purple glow pumped from her palm and hit his face, traveling down to the base of his nose. His fractured bone cracked audibly with a pop! and realigned itself in the center of his face.

"Ooh, that's gotta hurt." Aleximus snickered. Jace bawled, losing feeling in his legs, and collapsed to the ground. Ironically, the pain of healing was exponentially greater than the pain of the injury itself. 

"You're welcome," Anna sighed off-handedly. She rolled her eyes and sat on the grass a few feet away from them. She rubbed her temples bitterly, ignoring their silent looks. Perhaps it was due to exhaustion, or maybe even irritation, but whenever she would use her abilities, the girl would frequently be greeted with strange headaches. She quickly rubbed her temple again and picked at the blades of grass below her.

"You alright?" Aleximus asked, scared to get near her. "Was it another headache?"

He locked eyes with Jace once she had given no answer. You do it, his brother gestured silently.

No, Aleximus's eyes strained. You do it, idiot.

Jace stuck out his tongue and shook his head. Nuh-uh!

Uh-huh!

Nuh-Uh!

Uh-huh!

Nuh-Uh!

Uh-Hu– Hey!! Aleximus's eyes widened. Jacender, unwilling to do it, bolted away and hid behind the Ashtrees in the forest. He poked his head out and taunted his brother with a smirk.

"That little..." Aleximus grumbled. But it couldn't be helped. He took a seat near his sister and released a lengthy groan. Anna side-eyed him, ready for another argument. Jeez. So rude, this one, he thought.

He cleared his throat and averted his gaze. "Listen, Anna… I don't understand why you're so angry about our training. You don't have to worry about us." 

Anna ripped out a handful of grass blades, slowly letting them fall, and sized him up. He knew it was a veiled threat.

"Ah, who am I kidding?" he scowled. "Listen, you don't get a say in what we do, okay? You're not even supposed to be here!"

He watched her lips tremble. "Why?! 'Cause I'm a girl?" She whimpered, hoping he would say no. She watched him hesitate. "I–"

She burst into tears, already aware of his answer, and rose to her feet.

"W-Where are you going?!" he stuttered, trying to console her. "Anna, wait! I didn't mean it like that!"

She broke off into a sprint and put distance between them both. Within seconds, she disappeared into the forest the same way she had arrived, brushing past Jacender who sheepishly emerged from behind the trees. He felt a pang of guilt as he noticed Aleximus stop himself from following after her.

"Well, that went well," he muttered, trying to alleviate tension. Aleximus clenched his fist, unwilling to go back on his word. "It's for her own good. Let her go play with her imaginary friends in the forest."

"Hey! That was a bit too far." Jace warned. "I think you should tell her the real reason we're doing this. She'd understand and wouldn't keep hating you. I just don't understand why–"

"--Shut up!" his brother hissed, rising to his feet. "You know why, Jace. You do. And she's better off not knowing anyway, got it? It's better than way."

He picked up Jace's sword and tossed it to him. "Now come on," he said coldly. "Let's finish up."

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[A FEW DAYS LATER]

The twins were back to it – this time without their swords. They sparred in a riverbed now, their wooden swords gone and their fists raised. Jacender was working on breaking his brother's guard with short, precise punches. Aleximus blocked each one but found himself also having trouble landing a blow on Jace. 

He knocked away another punch, barking, "Try harder, idiot!" and let loose a low kick. Jace jumped, bringing his lower leg down as he descended and kicked his brother's foot away, sending him off balance. "How's that?!" he grinned, allowing him to rise.

Aleximus flicked his nose and smiled. "Not bad! But can you keep it up?"

He raised his right foot and feinted a kick, slipping in his left almost invisibly. Jacender saw it coming and checked it with his elbow. He ducked low, avoiding Aleximus's quick jab, and fired a kick to his ribs. Aleximus flinched and guarded with his leg. 

Before Jace could re-adjust himself, Aleximus pierced his chest with a strong strike to his solar plexus. Jace gasped for air and started to back off, just barely holding off the fluid combo of attacks his brother was unleashing. Stunned and tired, it's all he could do to knock away the oncoming attacks. 

Aleximus noticed the drop in consistency and rushed in, delivering three consecutive low kicks to break Jace's footwork. He blasted aside Jacender's foot, then his arms, and then drove his shoe into his face, dropping him onto his back. With haste, Aleximus mounted him, positioning himself above Jace with a rigid grip. "So…" he asked, fist and eyebrow raised, "You give up?"

Jace sighed with a look of irritation and then nodded. 

 "Yeah."

-------🅰🆂🅷🅵🅸🅴🅻🅳-------

[A FEW MOMENTS LATER]

The boys both sat a few spaces away from each other on the hill. They looked off into the distance as they downed their water bottles, basking in the fruits of their labor. 

"You're getting better," Aleximus remarked. He said it reluctantly and avoided looking Jace in the eyes, but his brother could tell he meant it. "Yeah, but you keep beating me. Guess I just suck." Jacender responded. 

Aleximus shrugged, smilingly, and shook his head. "Nah. You're stronger than me that's for sure. At least physically anyway. Plus you're tougher. If you landed a hit that you actually meant to land, I probably wouldn't have won." 

Jace scratched the back of his neck and blushed. "Then why am I losing?"

"Like I said before," Aleximus shrugged, "Too much wasted energy. Not to mention you telegraph a lot of your punches. Throw some variety in there. That kick earlier caught me off guard because it wasn't something you normally do. You adapted. Do that more."

"Easier said than done," Jace fussed, pulling at Aleximus's face. "Adapting takes time. I don't have that in a real fight."

In a flash, Aleximus grabbed hold of his brother's arm and locked it in an arm bar. "Then don't think!" he urged him. "Feel. You don't have to change who you are or what you do for it to work. Just change the way you apply yourself, dummy! Now think about it – What's something you and only you could do to get out of this?"

Jace thought for a moment and flexed his arm, hardening his muscles in the process. "Well… If we're talking about the first thing that comes to mind…"

He slowly lifted Aleximus's body with his entire arm. His muscles stiffened and bulged until they were unrecognizably large. "I'd break my arm!"

Aleximus released his hold on him and landed on the ground. "See? That's all you have to do. Be yourself." he smiled. Jace beamed from ear to ear and dropped next to him. "Right."

Before he could get too happy, Aleximus flicked his forehead hard. "Don't get excited though," he added, "The reason I beat you is because I'm smarter. And faster. That won't be changing anytime soon."

"Why you…" Jace grumbled, his neck riddling with cross-popping veins. Aleximus laughed again, unable to take him seriously. "I'm getting sick of you," Jace whispered under his breath. 

FSSSSSS

Something behind them in the forest made a sound. Was that..? Jace squinted, trying to make out what hid behind the trees. But before he could, Aleximus distracted him, saying, "Doesn't that make you excited, Jace?"

"Huh?" he turned curiously, "Whaddya mean?"

"Out there." Aleximus pointed, looking into the distance. The afternoon sun was beginning to dim, and the bright sheen of the moon was coming into view. There, in the distance, a white dove flew past their line of sight and disappeared. 

Aleximus smiled. "Beyond the barrier. Aren't you curious? The type of people there… How strong they are, what they look like, where they live -- It's all so damn exciting! Knowing nothing about it makes me want to go even more. I want to experience everything out there, Jace. Don't you agree..?"

Jacender's eyes were filled with amazement. He had this talk with Aleximus numerous times before, but every time it was brought up, his brother had the same expression of wonder glued onto his face. Jace couldn't help but be captivated by the idea of his dream. "I don't know. Really," he said ultimately.

He kept his eyes peeled on the sunset. "As long as we're all together… That's what matters to me."

With a grin, he turned to Aleximus and clenched his fist. "I'll support whatever you wanna do. We're brothers after all."

The words, though childish, came from a place of sincerity and love. Aleximus knew it, and his face quietly turned pink. He cocked his head to the side and muttered, "Shut up. I know what you meant with that 'all' comment, idiot. I'm still not telling Anna."

Suddenly, an epiphany struck Jace like a lightbulb over his head. A cat-like smile formed on his lips, but he quickly covered it. "Huh? I have no idea what you're talking about. Tell Anna what?"

"Stop being stupid." Aleximus began, falling for his trap. "You know I won't tell Anna that we want to leave the Axis."

RSSSTLEEE

Aleximus's eyes went wide. Not only had he spoken too loud, but he had heard something behind them both rustle in the forest. He spun with shock to find Anna staring at them both with a bewildered expression. 

"...Anna..?"

Sure enough, she looked dumbfounded. Her basket of fruits dropped from her hand and landed at her feet. "What… Did you just say?" 

"D-Damn it, Jace!" Aleximus realized, ready to lay into his brother for deceiving him. But Jace was gone. He was the first to notice her hiding in the forest. Aleximus's laughter had hidden the sound of her footsteps. You traitor! Aleximus yelled inwardly. His brother had vanished from his seat as if he were never there.

 "Is," Anna's voice trembled. Her face had become sunken – her eyes almost dejected. "Is this why you guys kept pushing me away -- why you never let me know where you're going?" She mumbled. "Anna, listen," Aleximus interjected. "No!" she shouted, shutting him up. Tears welled at the corners of her eyes as she spoke. "Aren't we safe here? I don't get why you need to fight! And… And, you want to leave me behind?" 

Aleximus felt something squeeze his heart like cold venom. "It-It's not like that. I prom–"

"--Then why..? Why don't you trust me?!"

The words hurt Anna to say but destroyed Aleximus to hear. He didn't want her to feel she wasn't wanted, or trusted. He loved her. But that was why he didn't want to tell her. Though, now, he had to. 

"I know you like following us," he began, "And watching us fight. But I don't want you accidentally getting hurt. The reason I always shoo you away and blame it on you being a girl is… Well, it's because it's my job to take care of you. And sometimes that means making you hate me. I didn't… Want you to…" 

Anna nearly shook at the sound of his words. She was so close to sobbing. 

 "I tried to distance you from us because Uncle Matsuda doesn't want us fighting. That much is true. But it's also because we get hurt. You already hate having to heal us when we're banged up, so I couldn't even imagine what it'd do to you to see us hurt each other. It's why I never tell you where we're at, and it's why we spend all day out here to do it."

He couldn't believe it himself, but he was finally leveling with her. Everything he wanted to get off his chest for the past few weeks was being laid bare; No thanks to Jace. He was embarrassed, but somewhere deep inside, Aleximus was relieved. Relieved that he didn't have to wear a mask anymore. He could just… Be himself.

"And of course, we're safe here. But what me and Jace are doing is preparing for a time when we might not be. And we have to be ready. For you." 

Anna shook her head and wiped away her tears. She was puzzled, but touched and couldn't understand why. "I don't get it," she lamented, "I really don't." 

"You're saying you're doing it for me, but you don't wanna involve me. You're… So confusing."

Aleximus chuckled dryly and carefully raised his arm, placing it on her head. Once he knew she was okay with it, he slowly patted her. "Dummy. That's because we're going to bring you with us!" 

Astounded, Anna's eyes shone, slowing her quivering lip's pace, but unable to stop the tears flowing from her eyes. "I-I don't know why I'm crying." she sniffled, desperately trying to dry them. "You two are the ones being dumb. You don't even have a reason to go! Why would I–"

"--Who do you think I trust to heal us every time we come out here?" Aleximus insisted. "Who lets us know if Uncle Matsuda is looking for us? Who always checks to make sure we're alright even though her brothers are 'being dumb'?"

Anna buried her face into her elbow, avoiding his gaze. "That's not a reason. I'm just… useful."

Seriously, Aleximus grabbed her head and pulled her into his chest. He hugged her tightly and smiled widely. Only she could ever make him this emotional. "We wouldn't be risking our necks for a tool, idiot. Never say something like that again, got it? You're more than that."

She could feel his genuineness. It radiated from his body in the words he said and his stern face. "Whenever we fight, you're the one I care about the most, Anna. Because even though we get hit, you're the one getting hurt.

She paused, everything suddenly clicking for her. He did care, though he didn't show it. That's the kind of person her brother was. She dug her face into his shirt and bawled like a baby. She didn't have to say it for him to know. She was sorry.

"W-Wait, Anna, you're getting snot on me!" Aleximus complained. This whole time, she wept, you've been protecting me..!

"So you get it now, Anna?" a voice in the forest asked. "We didn't want to tell you until we were ready to protect you!" 

Aleximus's eyes bulged with anger. "What the–"

Jace emerged from the forest, standing away from them with his hands crossed behind his head. "Also, I think Aleximus just really wants a girlfriend. You heard him talking about 'meeting new people' didn't you?" he snickered.

Aleximus exploded with frustration. "Screw you! I did not!"

Anna and Jace giggled together. Perfect timing, Jace thought to himself, smiling slyly. This is how it should be. 

"I agreed because I think it'd be interesting. You do too, don't you Anna?" he asked her. Anna began to stammer, mumbling, "I never said that!" before Jace grinned.

"You didn't have to. After all, you didn't say no when Aleximus brought it up, right? You even asked for reasons." Deep down, Anna knew he was right, so she didn't try denying it. Instead, she let a soft smile form on her lips.

Jace took another look at the setting sun ahead of them and pointed like Aleximus did before. "Guess that settles that!" he smiled. The evening sun dimmed, making their shadows stretch over the horizon.

 "We're going to leave the Axis!"

[The Axis]