~~~Slight trigger warning. Very mild abuse scene ahead (kind of towards the end).~~~

Lena's POV

Gritting my teeth, I slammed my foot against the hot sand, trying to stop myself from moving any further. The combination of being shoved hard by the large muscled boy added to his weak wind powers and pushed me back farther than I would've liked. 

The Gemini boy smirked, obviously thinking he had won as he advanced on me with his long javelin. A growl erupted in my throat. Of course. The boy would only touch the Sagittarius House champion with a long pole. I see. Well, two can play at that game. I hid a smile, staying on the ground and ducking my head as I watched him shuffle closer out of the corner of my eye. When I saw the slight movement of his muscles as he started to stab out the pole, I leaped. The boy's eyes widened as he watched me fly backwards. Landing farther away from him, I started to heat my daggers, twirling them in a deadly dance across my fingers. The heat didn't bother me, but he didn't have to know that. The edge of the red hot dagger skimmed my hand and I cursed, tossing the dagger high in the air as I blew on my 'injured' hand. I locked eyes with the boy, pain showing on my face. I wanted him to be scared. For if even I was burned by my own creation, that meant he would be hurt twice as bad.

I smiled sharply at him, my eyes glowing with a promise, a promise to win this fight and make it as painful for him as possible. He started backing away when I reached back and grabbed the dagger as it came back down, eyes still on him. Whimpering, fear still written all over his boyish face, he squared his shoulders and marched forward, javelin held in front of him. He was faking courage so that he could at least scavenge a shred of his family's reputation. I rolled my eyes, waiting patiently. He marched steadily across the sand while I whistled, feigning boredom. When he got close enough, I raised a dagger, aimed straight for him. He let out a small yelp, but kept walking, although his steps had slowed a bit and become hesitant. Readjusting my aim slightly, I pulled my hand back, eyes on target. The dagger flared red before flying smoothly out of my hand, soaring at the boy. He stopped, now frozen as he stared at the weapon that would destroy him. The dagger seemed to move in slow motion, heading straight for him. I laughed silently as the boy trembled in fear, thinking the dagger would hit him and it would all be over. But no. It sailed past his head, but the edge of the hot blade skimmed the top of his left shoulder, leaving a red, burning slice. And then, the world was back to normal. The Gemini suddenly dropped to his knees, howling in pain. I grinned, slowly stalking towards him as he whimpered. I reached his cowering body and reached down with a burning hand to grasp his chin. He shrieked, eyes brimming with tears. I turned his head up so he could see me. 

"Why did you think you could beat me?" I asked him with pity. "I am the champion of the Sagittarius Clan. We are fire, and we will burn you," I said that last part with gritted teeth and I gripped his face harder, causing him to start crying as my hot fingers dug into his skin. Burn marks were starting to appear and I held on just long enough to possibly cause a scar. Shoving his face aside, I let go and stepped back. "Do you yield?" I asked loudly, loud enough for the whole crowd to hear. The boy scrambled back and nodded furiously, tears streaming down his face. I tilted my head and took a step forward. "I can't hear you," I said softly.

He nodded again. "I-I yield," he croaked, then louder. "I yield!" His terrified voice echoed through the Arena and I witnessed his house shaking their heads with disappointment, while the Water Zodiacs looked angry that I won. 

I only shrugged to myself and walked to the side tent to get some water and meet with my family. Unlike others, I didn't stand in the arena, gloating my victory over my opponent's broken body. As I entered the dark tent, my lean body was tackled by a small shape. I stumbled a few steps back, trying not to lose my balance.

"Lena! You won!" a small voice shrilled. 

"Why, hello there, Violet," I laughed, grabbing my sister and twirling her around. She giggled and I smiled, my heart swelling. Violet's laugh never failed to being me joy. Placing her on the floor, I looked around, my eyes now adjusted to the darkness. The tent was spacious and it was where most winners of the matches met their parents. The dirt floor was smooth and the tent was supported by wooden poles, placed in a line and evenly spaced. Every two poles, a lantern was hung, which provided some light. To my right was a wooden table with refreshments. To my left hung tent flaps, concealing the medical station. The Gemini was most likely in there getting patched up. Directly in front of me were my parents. Smiling, I strode towards them, arms out. I embraced my mother first. "Hi, Ma," I whispered into her hair. Her body heaved and my tunic felt wet. Patting her back, I whispered to her. "It's okay, Ma."

She lifted her head, face wet with tears. "It's just...I'm so proud of you! But I'd hate to see you get hurt!" She gulped in air and turned away, into my father's arms. He nodded at me, his eyes shining with pride as she sobbed against him. Murmuring to her, he led her to the wooden table and got her a cup of water. She took it, hiccuping as she tried to control her sobs. Ma took a sip of the water, calming down. After a few more sips, she was back to her old self. She used a sleeve to wipe at her face, eliminating any trace of tears and turning back to us with a large smile on her face. She gestured to the table. "Refreshments, anyone?"

Violet scampered over to the table and stood beside Ma, picking out something to eat. 

I stared at them for a moment longer, watching Violet excitedly pick out her favorite foods. Although they were frequently in the tent due to my role as champion, Violet still acted like it was her first time there. My father cleared his throat, dragging my attention back to him. His face was like stone, a sharp contrast to earlier. 

He grabbed my arm, leading me away from Violet and Ma. "What the hell was that?" he hissed.

I glared at him defiantly. "I don't know what you're talking about," I lied. 

"You used way more magic than anyone could ever use! Do you know what this means? If the council finds out you're dangerous, they could exile you!" 

My arm was still in his iron grip, and I yanked it away. "You don't know what you're talking about," I spat. "And I'm supposed to be dangerous. I'm our house champion. Now leave me alone." I spun around and stomped over to my mother and sister. Forcing a smile to my face, I reached over Violet and grabbed a peach slice. "Hey, Violet. Watch this," I whispered, kneeling down to come face to face with her. Holding the peach slice in my hand, I engulfed it in flame. It wasn't a very hot flame, so I let the peach go for a few seconds before I extinguished it. The peach was charred a little on the outside, and I looked up to meet Violet's wide eyes. 

"Wow!" she whispered, her mouth hanging open. 

I held it out to her, a small smile on my face. "Here, try it," I urged. 

My little sister took the slice, and stared at it for a moment before popping it in her mouth. She chewed it and her face lit up. "It's so good!" she mumbled, her mouth still full. 

I laughed, standing up and ruffling her hair. "With practice, you'll be able to do it," I promised. "Come on, let's head home. It's getting dark." Wrapping my arm around her shoulders, I turned and started to lead Violet out of the tent. 

A great cloud of anger entered the tent, and I stepped in front of Violet protectively, eyeing the figure who had just walked in. It was Jax, the house champion of Gemini. He was extremely unpredictable, and I knew just how dangerous he was. I kept an eye on him until he stormed into the medical tent, and then let out a breath I didn't realize I'd been holding. Sighing, I grabbed Violet's hand and walked out of the tent. 

The night air was cool, and I relished the refreshing breeze against my hot skin. Looking around, I saw there weren't many people left. Everyone had gone back to prepare for their work the next day. 

Beside me, Violet stumbled, and I glanced back at her. Her eyes were half shut and she fought to keep them open. I smiled softly before picking her up. She didn't struggle against her sleepiness like usual; she laid her head on my shoulder and promptly fell asleep. 

I carried her back home without a problem and unlocked the door quietly, taking her upstairs and setting her down in her bed. As I walked out and shut her door, I stretched and yawned widely. It had been an exhausting day, and I think that deserved me some ice cream. I took the stairs two at a time and grabbed some of the sweetened, thick cream out of the ice box. I wiggled happily in my seat as I ate a spoonful, transported to my happy place with the cold treat. 

I was so lost in that place that I almost didn't notice my parents come inside. Oh, but how could I ever miss their voices, reduced to hisses as to not wake Violet or disturb me? Hardened like steel, or laced with poison? How, oh dear lord, tell me how even they could miss me as they stomped into the kitchen, my father's hand gripping Ma's arm like chains from the town dungeon? How they could forget I even exist when my father raised his other hand to bring it down hard on my dear mother's face. The face that is so beautiful with her kindness, seemingly unmarred by horrors to the outsiders that don't know the truth. Oh, but I know. I know the truth because I witnessed it everyday when they forgot about me. When I seemed invisible, when I slunk in the corners of the room trying not to be noticed as I tried to get to Violet, making sure she didn't go downstairs and shatter her perfect illusion of our family. 

I watched silently, my body threatening to break down knowing I couldn't do anything about this, or else I would be victim to this as well. My eyes threatened to pour tears down my cheeks as my father performed this ritual that he has performed so many times. So many times he was comfortable and familiar with this routine. Which, so was my mother. She didn't cry, she didn't whimper, she didn't make a sound. I was forced to watch and listen to my father's angry and harsh words. I was frozen, just a mere bystander, until something broke me out of the ice cage I was held in. Red hot rage flowed through my body and melted the bars as I saw him reach for a knife. 

I leaped from my spot at the counter and rushed towards my parents. I grabbed my father's arm and glared at him. "This has gone on for far too long," I spat. "Drop the knife." 

He stared at me in disbelief before anger hardened his gaze. He threw the knife on the counter and shoved me. "What do you know, brat?"

"Get out!" I growled. "Or I swear to God, I will burn you where you stand." I held his gaze as he stared back at me. We remained like that for a few moments before he turned to stomp out of the kitchen. He glanced back at me.

"You'll pay for this. I'll make you with you had never been born." 

I spit at his shoes, which caused him to leave. He wouldn't pick a fight with me. He knew what I was. 

After he left, I turned to my mother, who was trembling. "Ma," I said, grabbing her and holding her tightly. "It's alright," I whispered. 

She pulled back and looked at me, her eyes wide with fear. "Lena, no. You don't know what you just did. He'll make the whole council come after you. You'll be thrown in the dungeon!" 

"No, I won't," I laughed sadly. I knew exactly what the council was going to do to me after my father was finished seducing them with his words of demons. "Don't worry about me, Ma. Just go get yourself cleaned up and into bed." I helped her up and sent her upstairs. 

Once I heard her door softly shut, I stomped outside. My rage was building up, and I needed to let it out somehow. A fireball appeared in my hand as I walked around my yard and into the fire-resistant training shed. I yanked the door open and walked in. 

For how big it was, it didn't deserve to be called a shed. More like a dining hall, but, you know, without the dining. 

Training dummies lined the far wall, and I quickly shot fireball after fireball at them. They disintegrated into ashes immediately. I knew that normal fireballs were not supposed to be this big or this hot, but I didn't care. I was going to be exiled anyway. Might as well give them a reason. 

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Hey, hey, hey! It's back, and better than ever! I've made the chapter longer and edited a few things, so let me know what you think! 

Also, quick question: Would you rather have first person (I, my, me, we) or third person (he, him, her, she)? Seeing as there will be four points of views, I can see how it might get a little confusing if I'm not stating who's pov it is every two sentences. 

Anyway, thanks for reading!