The streets and port were extremely busy. The river was filled with large wooden boats, either coming in or out or just docked on the banks. They were either pirate ships, merchant ships, or just regular passenger ships. People and carts lined the streets as people stopped by shops and stands. Is was just an ordinary day. The community was diverse, going from pirates to thieves, to ordinary citizens to extraordinary mages. It was an extraordinary place to visit and yet, a horrible place to visit.

I studied the magic wristband around my arm, stopping me from using my magic to cheat in the race. It gave what event I was running and what heat and lane I was in. It was the first heat for the 100 meter race. The heat contained 5 of the fastest men and woman around the ages of 15 and 17. I was in the center lane; the lane that showed I was the supposed fastest, making more people put money on my name as people liked to do bets with other people as it was the easiest way to gain money. For the contestants who have to run the race, they place money for themselves and compete as this was another easy business, races being held once a week and were quite popular. I had put every cent into myself as it was an all or nothing race. My shies were beginning to wear out on me and I was in a good need for a new pair. I gave a heavy sigh as I could feel the butterflies within my stomach flutter. No matter how many races I do, the nervousness in my stomach never went away. I stretched myself as they prepared for the first heat to go off. I was in front of the start line and it was almost time for the race to start. I was only moments away from starting. This time seemed to pass forever as I waited. Then, the starter gave a loud whistle to silence the crowd. The crowd fell silent and their eyes watched starting line. "On your marks!" The starter gave out the first command.
We gave a few last stretches as we got into starting position. My left knee supported my balance as it sat on the floor while my hands were right up to the start line. My right knee sat right under my chest, just barely touching it. My feet were on its toes as my ankles were raised, ready to spring me out of my position. I looked at the dirt, trying to keep myself relaxed and confident. My heartbeat seemed deafening that I thought the entire stadium could here it pounding within my chest. Get set!" The starter gave the next command.
I raised my butt up until it was level with my back as my left knee left the ground, but was still bent. My right knee had also slightly unbent, but not all so much. I slowly inched forward, but not so noticeable. The heartbeat in my chest continued thrumming as loud as someone playing drums next to my ear. I waited for what seemed hours, but literally, seconds had gone by as the starter clapped his hands, the clap was amplified by magic, making it louder than normal, marking the start of the race. Though, the moment he clapped his hands, we all shot out of the start and made our way down the straight. The crowds cheered all the names of the people running, even my name. The crowd was loud, but I blocked them out to keep myself focused. I was pulling ahead of everyone in the heat. My breathing kept in rhythm with my running as I continued to run and before I knew it, I was passing the finish line, taking the ribbon held up, along with me. People cheered and clapped as the others finished behind me. The loud heartbeat within me was still loud, but gave off a better vibe instead of a deafening roar to the ears as the nervousness within my stomach had gone away. We were all breathing hard, but showed our good sportsmanship by telling each other good job before moving off the dirt track to allow the next heat to go. I stopped in the shade to catch my breath and cool off as the sun had been beating down on me for awhile. I got myself back up and went inside the stands where beverages and food could be bought, collect the earnings you won from the race and get your magic blocking bracelet taken off of you, and the bathrooms. Downstairs, there were locker rooms for thousands of contestants to store their items and change their clothes before and after the race. I immediately go to collect my earnings and get the magic blocking bracelet taken off of me. I stopped at the window and held out the arm that held the bracelet out. The woman looked at it. "Aello Siphron, first place in the 100 meter dash. You earned a total of 656.50 tokens. I'll be right back with your winnings," The woman left me standing there as I waited for her to return.
After a few moments, she had a bag in hand and handed it over, drawing a circle on the bracelet and it disappeared. I gave my nod of thanks and went downstairs into the girls' locker room. I took off the magic lock that I placed on and changed out of the skin tight, light blue tank top and short black shorts into a white crop top with a see-through shirt that had waves on it and a pair of tight white shorts around her legs that were super short. I pulled out the hairband out of my hair and put it in my mouth to hold it while I pulled back my blonde hair into a high ponytail and tied it off. I took my black duffel bag out of the locker and rummaged through it, searching for my black flip flops. After I found them, I took off my torn up shoes and white ankle socks and stuffed them into the shoes, placing them at the bottom of my duffel bag and slipped on the flip flops. I folded up the sweaty track clothes and placed it in a side pocket of the duffel bag and then placed the bag of tokens into my duffel bag before zipping it up and slinging it over my shoulder and walked out of the girls locker room.

I walked down the path right next to the busy river. People and carts ran through it. On the docks were people: sailors, merchants, and pirates; all unloading or reloading their ships with supplies and goods. I was on my way to the cobbler's shop to go and get a new pair of shoes as mine were just too worn out. It was the best to walk next to the river due to all the pirate flags you could see. Lots of them were funny-looking.
I reached the cobbler's shop and opened the door, most of the shoes were dress shoes, but the cobbler that worked here also made running shoes, but dress shoes were more popular to wear in the city, despite the season. There was also a section for sandals and flip flops as that shelf always changed up. “Welcome back to my shop, Aello! It's been awhile since you were last in town,” A man came out from the back.
“It's great to be back in Westrock, Kippar. How's business?” I asked with a smile on my face.
“Business has been fine here, Aello,” Kippar responded and added, “Are you here for another pair of shoes?”
“That's right! My old ones are all wore out,” I confirmed his question.
Kippar grabbed out two stools, A measuring stick, and a clipboard. I sat down on one of the stools and took off both of my flip flops, resting my bare feet on the hardwood floor. Kippar began to measure my feet. “There's been rumors going around town, you know, Aello,” Kippar began a conversation.
“What kind of rumors?” I asked out of curiosity.
“Some man has been asking around if they've seen you around,” Kippar answered.
“Me?” I blinked surprised.
Kippar gave a nod. “That's strange. No one ever looks for me. How long ago did this start?” I questioned.
“A few weeks ago,” Kippar answered.
“I only just got into town this morning, though. And you're saying this started weeks ago?” I asked, very confused.
“Yeah. It's pretty strange. By the way, when your next race?” Kippar asked.
“My next race? Tomorrow morning,” I answered.
“Come by before tomorrow morning and I'll have your shoes ready. You can use them for the race,” Kippar promised.
“Seriously?” I asked, slightly excited.
“Of course. You have any colors in mind for your shoes?” Kippar asked, writing down all the rest of the measurements.
“I think I should trust you on the colors,” I smiled as I slipped my flip flops back on.
Picking up my bag, I slid the stool over to Kippar with the use of my foot to help him out a bit. “Thanks a lot, Kippar. I knew I could count on you to make my shoes,” I thanked the man, smiling.
“No problem. We were friends back then,” Kippar gave a nod and smiled back.
I headed outside and gave a sigh. It's time to head for the house I felt like I should have gone to go and stay in a hotel, but when the results would come out in the newspaper, I would've been immediately caught.
+~-==--==-~+
I stood outside of a house. It was three stories tall and looked really heart-warming and welcoming. I took a deep breath as I was only here 2 years ago. The last time I had been here, three of my grandparents, my mother, 3 brothers, 2 sisters, 5 cousins, 2 uncles, and 3 aunts lived all in the same home. The house was enough to fit them all. When my dad was still living at the house, it was a mystery of how we could all fit in the same house. I drew out the keys from my duffel bag, seeing the note on it and gave a smile. I pushed one of the keys into the keyhole and I twisted it, twisting the doorknob, it opening for me. I pulled out the keys and placed them back, entering my home and taking off my flip flops. “Mom! I'm back!” I called out, waiting for a swarm of my family to come.
“Cousin Aello!” My 3 youngest cousins ran up to me.
“Xymenes! Urban! Estrellita!” I smiled, excited to see them.
“Are you back from your races?” Urban asked.
Urban was the youngest of my cousins. He was only 8 years old, an architectural genius, and loved to watch my races when I was still around. He had light brown hair that was short and flat, blue eyes, wore a pair of round glasses, and had pale skin. He wore a green polo shirt with short sleeves and had on a pair of cream-colored shorts with various pockets.
“Not all of them. I'm only back in town for more of them and to visit you guys again. You've all grown too fast, especially you, Xymenes,” I answered.
Xymenes was only 13 years old and aspired to become a reporter for a famous magazine as he has a knack for writing. He also had made a promise with me that he would write about my adventures for a book before I left 3 years ago. He had spiky black hair, blue eyes, and pale skin. He wore a white t-shirt and black basketball shorts. He was the older brother of Urban.
“No, I think you grew bigger than me. I bet you're still one of the fastest out there,” Xymenes teased.
I gave a small laugh. “How are you doing, Estrellita?” I asked her personally.
“I'm doing well. I'm doing well in my astronomy class and Star Magic classes,” Estrellita answered.
Estrellita was also very smart as she always had an interest for the sky as she was only 12 years old. Her hair was a dirty blonde, her eyes were a green, and she had slightly tanned skin as there was a scar on her right cheek after her father took a knife and sliced it, leaving a deep cut. She always wore a dress with different combinations of accessories, socks, shoes, leggings, and tights. She was wearing a light blue dress that went to her knees as she was wearing blue bracelets on her right arm.
“It's great to see you're all doing well,” I gave a large smile and we hugged after not seeing each other for so long.
“You need to stay here for a while so I can write down your stories and experiences,” Xymenes told me.
“I'll be here for the next week and I'll be in charge of bedtime stories too,” I promised.
“Can I come to your races then?” Urban questioned.
“Of course you can. As long as you can get yourself up early,” I gave my answer.
He gave a loud cheer. “It's great to see you again, Cousin Aello. I was thinking I wouldn't be able to see you again,” Estrellita admitted with a small smile.
“I'll always come back. Don't worry about it,” I assured her.

We only got part way down the entrance before I was confronted by my other two older cousins: Cyril and Cyrilla. “It looks like you're finally back, Aello,” Cyrilla gave a heartwarming smile.
“It's great to be back, Cyrilla, Cyril,” I gave a smile.
They were both twins part of the Department of Magic Security Police or DMSP. They're an amazing pair of fire wizards who were both 17 years old. They both had blonde hair, green eyes, and tan skin. They both wore white shorts, except one was short shorts and the other basketball shorts, and had on matching blue t-shirts.
“Come on, I'm sure your brothers would like to see you,” Cyril took the duffel bag off of me and dropped it next to the staircase.
We all grabbed our shoes and raced to the the end of the hallway before putting them on and going through the glass sliding door, all of us tripping over ourselves. We made a big enough scene to draw my three brother's attention. “What's with all the hurry?” My oldest brother, Timothy came over.
“Aello's back!” They announced, making the announcement sounding weird as it was said over one another.
“Hey, big brother,” I gave a smile and a small wave.
Timothy, a bookworm who has a large library in the basement and worked at the local library over the weekends, was 17 years old. He had short black hair with green eyes, and wore a pair of glasses. He wore a black t-shirt and white basketball shorts.
He pulled me into a tight hug. “I was worried about you! You went two years without saying a single word to tell us you were okay,” Timothy lectured.
“Sorry, if I do go out again, then I'll try to send letters,” I reassured him.
“Big Bwozer, who is she?” I looked over to see my next oldest brother and third oldest sibling, Izak, holding the youngest sibling of my family, Tris.
Izak was adopted by my parents at a young age as he was abandoned on the street. He was a 16 year old man who was really good with kids. His hair was a dark brown color with slight curls and brown eyes. He was wearing a dark brown polo shirt and light brown shorts with pockets.
“Tris, you might not remember her, but she's your older sister, Aello,” Izak informed him.
Tris kind of shrunk into Izak, as if he didn't me. “See, you were gone for long enough that Tris doesn't trust you much, Aello,” Izak teased me.
“I'm sorry,” I gave an embarrassed grin.
Tris was only 3 years old and loved to play all kinds of games: indoors and outdoors. His hair was more brown, but you could see some blonde in it and his eyes were also blue. He wore a dark blue t-shirt and a pair of black shorts.
Tris seemed like he was hooked on to Izak. “I'm sorry, Tris. I've been gone for two years, but I'll promise to make it up to you,” I gave a promise to Tris as I knew I owed him two years of not being there for him.
Tris gave me a stare, still unable to trust me. “Come on, your sisters are currently studying for another year of school downstairs,” Timothy brought us in.
We took off our shoes, placed them on the racks next to the front door and made for down the stairs, single-file. We entered the library and we overlooked the library from the top. “Will you guys be quiet? We're trying to study!” There was a girl that came over and looked up at them, only for her eyes to land on me.
“Little sis!” She gave a wide smile.
“Cecily!” I raced down the last bit of stairs and we embraced.
“Geez, as beautiful as ever,” Cecily smiled.
Cecily was 16 years old and continued to go to schools. She was going to different universities around town that specialized in the medical field. She had light brown hair that went down to her butt, green eyes, and a pair of glasses. She always wore a skirt that brushed the floor and currently wearing a white tank top.
“I wouldn't agree with that,” I gave an embarrassed smile.
“Sister Aello is back?” I looked to my left to see my younger sister, Kara, was walking over.
“Kara!” I gave a wide grin.
Kara was 13 years old and was determined to follow her sister's footsteps of becoming a doctor in the medical field. She had long black hair, green eyes, and glasses. She wore a pair of white capris and a blue blouse.
“Geez, you still seem like an exact copy of dad,” Kara commented with a small smile.
I was only 15 years old, had long blonde hair, a pair of green eyes, freckles across my face, and pale skin. Out of all my siblings, I was the only one that looked the most like my father.
I gave a small smile at the comment. “Geez, not a word from you in two years and you're actually still alive,” Cecily commented.
“Sorry about that,” I gave an apology.
“That doesn't matter, as long as your still alive,” Kara reassured her.
“Come on, Mom still doesn't know you're home yet,” Izak tells me.
I take a deep breath and climb the stairs, making my way to the kitchen, peeking inside it. I see my mom is looking at a cookbook in the kitchen. “What are you cooking now, mom?” I asked as I take my first few steps.
My mom's name is Orelie. She's an amazing cook who couldn't be replaced. She had light brown hair, blue eyes, and had glasses. She wore a black tank top and light blue jean that went up to her knees.
She stared at me. It seemed a mix of emotions went through before she rushed over to me, pulling me into a tight hug and cried. “Darling, I'm so glad you're back home,” She cried out, a smile on her face, but tears ran down her face.
“Mom, it's okay. I'm home now. I'll be here to help out for a bit,” I reassured her, rubbing her back.
“Geez, Mom, you missed her too much,” My brothers, sisters, and cousins walked into the kitchen.
After my mom finished crying she announced, “Alright, tonight we're going to have a big feast!”
“We'll all pitch into help!” We cheered as work immediately began.

“Come on! Come on! We've gotta tell Grandma Ilysa, Grandma Vania, and Grandpa Gerri that your back!” Kara ushered me up the stairs. I grabbed my bag on the way up and charged after her.
Izak ushered Tris up to go with us as he went to return to help out and Urban followed after Tris, helping him up the stairs. I dropped my bag at the start of the staircase to the third floor and Kara brought me over to our grandparents' room. We entered to see them playing a board game at their table. Their heads turned to see us. “Oh my! Is that you, Aello?” Vania stood up, hobbling over to me.
Vania, my grandma on my father's side. When her husband died just a few years ago, and then my father, I was the only one to remind her of them. Her hair was once a dirty blonde, but now is a gray color as her eyes were a blue.
“It's been awhile, hasn't it, Grandma Vania?” I asked.
She pulled me into a hug. “I'm so glad that your home after so long. I worried that I had lost you forever too,” Vania told me.
“No, it's okay. I'm here for you,” I rubbed her back, reassuring her.
“You made all of us very worried when you went off on your journey,” Gerri told me as I broke from the hug.
Gerri once had black hair and blue eyes that sparkled with magic. Now his hair is gray and his eyes were dull after he lost his faith in magic long ago.
“You use any magic yet?” He questioned.
“No. I'm still a girl who runs races. I don't have time to study magic, Grandpa Gerri,” I reply, it being completely true.
“That's good to hear,” Gerri approved.
“Gerri, if the grandchildren want to study magic, then they can,” Ilyza scolded him and told me, “It's great to have a kind child back in the house.”
“Grandma Ilyza,” I giggled, but smiled nervously.
“Kara, is there going to be a party tonight?” Vania asked.
“Of course! We haven't seen Sister Aello in 2 years!” Kara replied.
“Party!” Tris yelled, a smile on his face.
“Tris, this party is for Cousin Aello, your sister,” Urban informed him.
“Aewo isn't my sisew,” Tris told them.
“Tris!” Vania bent over Tris and said, “Aello is your sister. You should respect her a bit.”
“Aewo isn't my sisew,” Tris said again.
Vania was about to tell him again. “Grandma Vania, it's okay. I just have to show him that he can trust me,” I stopped an old lady from arguing with a 3 year old.
“Aello!” There was a call from downstairs.
“It looks like we should go back to help,” Urban told them.
“I'll see you later,” I each gave a grandparent a quick hug as the other 3 made a run to get downstairs.
I took my bag to the top of the third staircase and made a quick dash down the stairs to help out.

I helped set the table for dinner with the youngest of the family, teaching them about the proper way to set it. “Even with being away for so long, you really know how to set the table,” Estrellita commented.
“Setting the table used to always be my job. That's when you didn't live here though. Urban then took my job over, but Mom insists that I teach the rest of you,” I answered.
I froze and semi-jumped as hands held on to my shoulders. “Haven't seen you set a table for about two years now,” A voice told me.
I turned my head to see Uncle Ferrel standing behind me, his goofy grin on his face.
Ferrel was a man with black hair, blue eyes, glasses, and made sure to keep a goofy grin on his face to light up the place. His only job in the house was to lighten the mood around, no matter what emotion you were in.
“Uncle Ferrel!” I grinned as I turned to give him a huge hug.
“It's been too long, Aello!” Ferrel hugged me back.
“It has been too long! I'm so glad to see you again!” I told him.
“We're all glad to see you back at home, especially when we need to teach some kids the art of table setting,” Mabel came around and gave me a kiss on the cheek.
“Thanks, Aunt Mabel,” I thanked her.
Mabel was a woman that moved into our house 3 years ago when she and her husband went through a bad break up and her parents and my parents welcomed her back to our home with her daughter, Estrellita. Her hair was a dirty blonde, her eyes a green color, and pale face. Her story is amazing, yet saddening.
They made their way up the stairs to dress into more comfortable clothing before coming back to help out in the kitchen. Different dishes made their way towards the table as the time for dinner closed in. “Aello! I'm so glad to see you!” There was a loud crash and when I turned I was embraced in a tight hug by my aunt, Emilia.
Emilia was a doctor who had seen some horrible things in her childhood, making her want to save people's lives as her village had been ravaged by disease. She was a red head with brown eyes.
“It's great to see you again, too,” I tell her brightly.
“Don't forget that I've missed you, too!” Someone hugged my back as I could tell it was my other aunt, Ursola.
Ursola was also a doctor and has been great friends with Emilia for a long time. She, too, was a doctor as she had light brown hair, blue eyes, and glasses.
“Wow, it's been awhile since I've seen you. Almost 3 years,” I commented.
“I missed you by a week, 2 years ago. I'm glad I get to see you again,” Ursola told me.
They broke from the hug and went upstairs to also change their clothes. Just then, there was a creepy laugh behind me and I shivered, my hair standing on end. The creepy laugh turned into a loud, cheerful laugh. “Still a scaredy cat,” I turned to see Gerardo.
Gerardo was the one to scare everyone. His hair was spiky and black while his eyes were blue.
“I'm not a scaredy cat! I just didn't expect you to scare me!” I defended myself.
He laughed even harder, but soon calmed down, giving me a pat on the back, saying, “It's great to have you back.”
I gave him a smile and nodded in agreement. He went off upstairs while my two aunts came down. Soon enough, all the dishes made it on the table and my family began to gather. Vania sat down at one of two places at the head of the table while Gerri and Ilyza sat at the other side and everyone intermixed on the benches on either side of the table. “I'd like to propose a toast,” Ferrel told them and the conversations disappeared.
We took up our glasses as Ferrel stood. “A toast to having Aello coming back home! Cheers!” Ferrel gave his toast.
“Cheers!” We all followed after.
After the feast we all sat in the living room and watched movies. People began falling asleep and so we called it a night. I piggybacked Urban up the stairs, following Izak, who was carrying Tris while Timothy was behind me with Estrellita. Kara had already been put in her bed by Cecily as Xymenes was also carried to bed by Cyril and Cyrilla. I passed by my bag and carefully picked it up, hanging it on the shoulder that didn't hold Urban's head before continuing to the third floor. We reached the boy's and girl's room and I opened the door to both rooms as I entered the boy's room, seeing Cyril asleep in his bed. My head filled with familiarity of the room and I placed Urban down on his bed. I put my duffel bag on the floor as I removed Urban's glasses down on the bedside table and pulled the covers over him. I looked at my two brothers, Timothy who got back from putting Estrellita into bed, and they gave a nod to me and I nodded back, grabbing my bag and leaving their room quietly, shutting the door. I moved across the hall and went through the opened door, sneaking into the dark room and closed the door softly. I looked around the room to see Cyrilla, Cecily, and Kara were asleep on their beds. I gave a small smile and went to my bed, pushing my bag right under the bed and got under the covers of my bed, falling fast asleep.