Copyright © [Year of first publication] by Keerha Shard
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No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher or author, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law.
Air Elementals
Known for the cheerful spirit, caring mindset. Some have the power to fly, others have been known to control the clouds. A couple have a variety of the two. As the generations shift the powers have been shifting and changing.
Known powers: Flying, Cloud Control, Wind, and more that shift and change, like the air.
Royal lineage: Queen Sora. King Zephyr. Prince Nimbus. Princess Iris.
Earth Elementals
Recognized for their care for plants and animals. There are two diverse Earth Elements, Flora Elements, and Critter Elements. Flora Elements can speed up plant growth, or make the plant move however they want. Critter Elements have the ability to control animals, speak to them, and some unknown abilities. It's rare for Earth Elements to have both, usually gained from parents of Critter and Flora Elements.
Known powers: Animal control, plant control, Plant and or animal tongues, able to form a tree from just a seed. Camouflage, knows the area.
Royal lineage:
Flora: Queen Firma. King Terra. Prince Maple ( King and Queen's Nephew). Princess Marigold. Princess Daisy. Princess Ivy.
Critter: Queen Doe. King Bear. Princess Squirrel.
Electricity Elementals
Electric Elements are known for when being born they cause a huge storm. Controlling lighting, and sending power. Even causing outages for Unpowers when angry. Mostly known for their energetic spirit, optimism. Electric parents usually have high standards, but have great rewards. Electric elements have their own code thunder equals - and lightning is ・ using Morse code.
Known powers: Electricfiy, lightning, thunder, Storm, and tornadoes.
Royal lineage: Queen Spark. King Hurricane. Prince Bolt. Prince Thor. Princess Tesla.
Fire Elementals
Often recognized for their bitter tone and aggressiveness, these elementals have two different elements, known as Flame Elements and Volcanic Elements. These elements are taught young of weapons and fighting skills but once you get to know them then can be caring but every now and then you’ll still hear an insult. Firish is also taught young with symbols such as
🔥 and 🌋 showing that these elements aren’t the only ones with secret code.
Known powers: Flames, volcanic explosions, fire storm, and meteors
Royal lineage:
Fire: Queen Seraphina. King Blaze. Princess Fiammetta.
Lava: Queen Volcanic. King Metamorphic. Prince Igneous.
Ice Elementals
Some Ice Elements are cool and chill, others can be icy. Usually known for their sense of temperature, to mention their variety of snow cones. Most ice elements are immune to the freezing cold temperatures which they can disguise themselves in the snow making it easy to fool those who try to attack. On hot sunny days they are known for creating popsicles and snowcones! Almost all
Known powers: Frost blast, Ice crystals, Glacier form, Snowstorm
Royal lineage: Queen Icicle, King Hailstorm, Prince Snowstorm, Princess Crystal
Magic Elementals
These elements can be deceiving and mischievous around other people. These elementals are known for magic and sorcery, Shardlight, or known as dark magic. Dark magic users can often be controlled by Dark Shard. In the past, a great war broke out. Starlight and Shardlight, the Shardlights banished the Starlight magic, any sorcerers or sorceresses seen performing it will immediately be punished. Any Hooman to see an Elemental using their powers, the Magic Elements will erase that memory or change it.
Known powers: Unknown all over the place.
Royal lineage: Not up to date. The only known king is the Dark Shard.
Water Elementals
Water Elementals are recognized for their love of sea creatures. Very little Water Elementals can speak to sea creatures, but all Water Elements can speak and breathe underwater. They are also known for the seafood that may taste weird to other elements. Water elements have an above water palace and underwater palace. Rumor has it that an elemental had a legendary power to magic one thing sea related. She magicked the underwater palace so that if the royalty or anyone wanted to bring some other element, they could breathe underwater for the entire visit. Now it's lost to history.
Known Powers: Water breathing, Water control, Water blast, Sea animal speak.
Royal Lineage: Queen Current. King Dorsal.
Five hundred years ago, in the quiet village of Eldermere, an 89-year-old named Earl Zane collapsed while visiting his grandson, John Zane. The boy, only twelve at the time, watched in horror as his grandfather clutched his chest, his body trembling before going eerily still. Panic-stricken, John called out for his father, and within moments, his son rushed Earl to the village medic, a stern but wise healer named Mason Murrun.
After a brief examination, Mason sighed, shaking his head. “I’m sorry,” he murmured. “He’s gone.”
John gasped, his small hands covering his mouth as his father’s shoulders slumped in grief. The medic, believing there was nothing more to be done, had Earl’s body moved into a dimly lit back room of his cottage, where the dead were traditionally kept until burial.
But Earl was not dead.
As his body lay still, his mind drifted far beyond the physical world. He found himself in a realm unlike any other—a vast, endless expanse where the sky shimmered with silver light, and the ground pulsed with energy. Before him, stood a towering figure cloaked in the shadows, its glowing eyes piercing through the void.
A voice, deep and ancient, echoed through Earl’s mind.
“In five hundred years, seven children shall be born. Each will carry a gift, and each will be bound to a spirit of the wild. Together, they shall rise in a time of great peril, for darkness will seek to consume the world. But when the time arrives, one has been engulfed in the darkness, the other deep in.”
Earl tried to speak, but the force of the prophecy held him in place, filling his mind with images—seven figures standing against a storm, their bodies shifting into powerful beasts. Fire, wind, water, and earth surged around them as they fought an unseen foe cloaked in the shadows.
Then, as suddenly as it had begun, the vision ended.
Earl awoke with a violent gasp, his breath ragged, his limbs trembling. He was alive.
The next morning, when Mason and John entered the room to prepare the body for burial, they found Earl sitting upright, his eyes wide with urgency. The medic nearly fell back in shock, while John yelped, gripping the door frame for support.
Without hesitation, Earl pulled John close, speaking in a hushed voice only his grandson could hear. “Listen to me, boy,” he whispered, his frail hands clutching John’s shoulders. “A prophecy has been given to me. In five centuries, seven children will be born—each with a power, each with the ability to take the form of their spirit animal. The fate of the world will rest in their hands. Pass this message down.”
John, though shaken, nodded solemnly, sensing the gravity of his grandfather’s words.
With his message delivered, Earl exhaled one final breath. His body stiffened, his grip loosened, and this time, he truly passed away.
John knelt beside his grandfather, tears streaming down his face. But in his heart, he knew—this was not just a farewell. It was the beginning of something far greater than he could ever understand.
And so, the prophecy was set in motion, waiting for the day when seven children would rise to meet their destiny.
—
Fifteen years ago, Liam Walker, a middle-aged man, sat alone at his dinner table, the quiet hum of his home filling the air as he chewed on a cold meal. He wasn’t expecting company—no one ever came by on nights like this. But then, the doorbell rang, slicing through the silence with an unexpected urgency.
He furrowed his brow, unsure of who could be at his door. It wasn’t like he had visitors, not lately. Slowly, he stood and walked toward the entrance, his mind swirling with possibilities. The last thing he expected was to open the door and find… nothing.
He stepped outside, scanning the street for any sign of movement. But the night was still, not a soul in sight. Puzzled, he took another step forward, looking side to side. No one.
Then his eyes dropped. There, sitting at the foot of the doorstep, was a small wicker basket.
A chill ran down Liam’s spine as he cautiously approached the basket. His first instinct was to reach down and check for whatever had been left there. He bent over, his hand nearing the bundle, when—whoosh—a blast of cold, rushing water hit him full force, knocking him back.
Gasping, Liam stumbled, drenched and stunned. He stood there, dripping wet, his mind reeling. Was this… some kind of joke? He glanced at the basket, his heart racing as he saw a tiny baby inside, swaddled in soft blankets, completely oblivious to the chaos around it. But the water, the blast—it wasn’t just a trickle. It had power.
Liam staggered back, his head spinning. The old stories. His grandfather’s strange tales of elemental forces—was this one of them? Was this an elemental child? Had Gramps been right all along?
His mind raced, thoughts flashing through memories of long-forgotten warnings. Could it be? He swallowed hard, trying to make sense of the impossible scene before him.
With shaking hands, he took a tentative step forward. Something was about to change—he just didn’t know yet if it would be for better or worse.
Liam Walker, now known as Sensei, had spent the last of his youth in pursuit of something greater. Years of relentless searching had led him to discover six others—each with the power of a different element: Electricity, Air, Ice, Water, Earth, Magic, and Fire. Together, they formed an unspoken bond, their abilities intertwined by fate.
But as the group grew stronger, a thought gnawed at Sensei's mind—who, or what, was the dark elemental? Darkness was out there waiting…
A New Understanding
After years of searching, Lumos—the magic elemental born of flame and starlight—finally found what he had longed for most: his true parents. His biological mother and father.
For so long, he had wandered, aching to belong, to know where he came from. Now, with his mother’s gentle hands and his father's steady voice, he finally felt whole. Safe. Loved.
But what Lumos didn’t know was that the warmth he felt was a lie. Subtle. Poisonous.
His mother’s lullabies carried hidden whispers. His father's stories rewrote the past. Slowly, carefully, they were turning him—reshaping his mind, clouding his heart—until the line between love and loyalty blurred.
And all the while, the ones he had once called his family—the rebels, the guardians, the lightbearers—faded from his memory, their names buried under the spell of blood and betrayal.
Lumos' friends Coral, Cedar, Electra, Ember, Frost, and Audra all find who and how they want to be. Little did they know Lumos had been visiting his parents every night while they were asleep. Even Sensei had no clue he was the dark elemental. Lumos had learned a lot from Sensei and his parents, But he had to choose between them
💧A wet struggle 💧
Liam carefully carried the strange water child inside, his arms still damp from where the baby had sprayed him earlier. He placed the small, glistening child on the wooden dining room table, watching in fascination as droplets of water trickled down the baby’s translucent, slightly blue skin.
No sooner had he let go than the baby shot out another stream of water—this time, straight at Liam’s chest. He stumbled back, gasping as the cold liquid soaked into his shirt. The baby let out a high-pitched giggle, its large, round eyes sparkling with amusement.
Liam shook his head, half amused and half bewildered. "What am I going to do with you?" he muttered, wiping at his shirt.
Before he could contemplate further, a loud crash shattered the moment. Liam whipped around just in time to see the glass back door explode into a shower of shards. His heart leapt in his chest as he took in the small creature that had just tumbled through.
It was unlike anything he had ever seen—a tiny, blue, owl-like animal, its feathers gleaming as if perpetually wet. It waddled forward awkwardly on two stubby legs, and to Liam’s utter disbelief, water trailed after it, hovering in the air before dropping to the floor in rippling puddles.
Liam barely had time to process the bizarre intruder when he noticed something even more alarming—the baby was gone.
His stomach twisted with panic. He spun around frantically, scanning the room. Nothing. No sign of the baby. His breath came faster now. How could she have vanished so fast?
Then, movement near the shattered door caught his eye.
Liam’s pulse pounded as he turned toward the back entrance. There, crawling across the glass-littered floor without a care in the world, was the baby—right alongside the owl. The two moved in unison, as if they had always known each other.
Liam lunged forward, reaching for the baby before she could get any farther. His fingers brushed against soft, cool skin—
—and then everything changed.
A strange sensation, like ice-cold electricity, surged through his hand and up his arm. The moment his fingertips made contact with the owl’s feathery body, his vision blurred, his ears rang, and for a split second, it felt as if his entire body was made of rushing water.
Then, just as suddenly, it was over.
Liam stumbled back, gasping. His body felt...different. He looked down at his hands—except they weren’t hands anymore. His skin had shifted, darkened, hardened into rough, shimmering feathers. His fingers had shrunk, melding together into tiny, clawed talons. He lifted his arms, but they weren’t arms anymore. They were short, stubby wings—just like the owl’s.
Panic set in. He had become one of them.
A shriek of laughter filled the air. Liam looked up and saw the baby—his baby—giggling uncontrollably as he crawled in circles around the living room. The owl, now indistinguishable from Liam, darted after him, splashing water in its wake.
Liam tried to move, but his new body responded differently than he expected. He stumbled forward, clumsy at first but quickly gaining control.
He had to catch the baby. He had to figure out how to fix this.
The baby and the owl—one of which was the real creature and one of which was now him—continued their playful chase, splashing water across the floor and knocking over furniture. Liam scrambled after them, slipping and sliding, desperate to figure out which one was the baby and how to stop this madness before it got any worse.
Liam struggled as he put one foot in front of the other. Or talon as he’d say, the owl fluttered in the air. Zipping around the house, Liam lifted one wing and then the other and flapped like his life depended on it. He slowly got the hang of it, his arms felt as if they were holding duffle bags that weighed 100 pounds. Liam’s eyes darted to the two owls chirping and flapping their wings all excitedly. He almost missed it,
The first owl slowed their wing beats. Liam immediately knew it was the baby, but the problem is how to wrangle it. The only downside is that there's two owls, he kept his eye on the baby.
The only perk is that the baby didn’t know that he knew, Liam slipped and fell on a puddle of water.
Liam cursed under his breath, the baby giggled then immediately regretted it as Liam flung himself forward
As he flung himself forward, he felt the rush of the wind but then THWACK! Liam rushed into the baby as they both fell the sensation of the transformation came back to Liam and he returned back to normal. The baby lay in the wicker basket cooing as she fell asleep.
🔥Flames Arise🔥
Over time Liam got the hang of taking care of the little wet baby. He didn’t know what to call her though. When he went scuba diving he would collect items. The curious baby always looked through the collection, finding the coral fascinating. With this he named the baby Coral.
“Coral! Coral!” The baby repeated. As the baby grew she learned how to control her powers more. Liam taught her what appeared on Liam's doorstep one day, he was not prepared for it.
As young Coral was sleeping, the doorbell rang but with an urgency of something that Liam felt. He opened the door to something rather different from Coral. Could it be another element? Or was it something different from the elements? The young child lay there undisturbed, giving off a red glow.
He grabbed the basket only to be attacked by a burst of flame. Luckily, Coral woke up and blasted water to block the flame from hitting Liam.
Liam gasped, barely choking out the words, “Thank you Coral.”
“No problem!” Coral chimed back. In her normal cheery voice that Liam recognizes always.
He realized that this was another one of the elements but this one was going to be a challenge. He would have to keep Coral and the new child separated or one could do something to the other. He would have to protect himself from the flames and make sure his own house doesn’t burn down.
He looked around his house for anything he could use as a shield when he found a trapdoor. He opened it and felt a cold rush of air as he climbed down the dim ladder. Down at the bottom he found a dim room with books.
He pulled one out listed “Fire”. He read something that didn’t make sense but whatever he read spirits whooshed around him and disappeared in a blink of an eye. He tried using some fire on the walls to see if it did anything and when he tried it the wall stayed fine.
He checked on Coral and she seemed fire proof too. Finally relieved he went to bed. He felt a surge of urgency as he laid down. He nodded it off but when he woke up next morning the new child was gone. Liam ran frantically searching left and right. He caught the tip of the new child when he felt the transformation again.
This time he was in a phoenix body. Liam figured out how to control himself after what happened last time. He followed the trail of fire feathers to see the new child knocking multiple items off the shelf. Liam chased after the child rapidly. Liam cut her off at the corner but she managed to break through. This time he pulled a trick forcing the new child to get caught.
As she lay in the wicker basket, accepting defeat, Liam changed back to normal and put the sleepy baby in her new crib.
A little visit
Liam had no idea what to do with 2 elementals, he couldn’t possibly manage 2 alone. He recited the prophecy, “In five hundred years, seven children shall be born. Each will carry a gift, and each will be bound to a spirit of the wild. Together, they shall rise in a time of great peril, for darkness will seek to consume the world.” Liam decided he must fulfill the prophecy.
He glanced at the fire elemental, cooing in its little basket. Liam stood up and walked over from where he sat on the couch.
He muttered under his breath, “I swear that wasn’t there before…” Coral looked up, eyes wide. Liam searched her eyes, a mix of curiosity and something Liam couldn’t quite understand.
He approached the basket, with some slight regret. His breaths slowed by each step closer to the basket where the baby lay. Liam's steps grew heavier and heavier till… He reached the basket. Liam bent over and looked at the tag, Ember, Sorry to whoever Ember is given to. I couldn’t take care of my wife and myself neither could I take care of a child. - Ember’s Father Liam breathed. Glancing at the note, Liam didn’t know how to react.
“Ember…” He whispered. Coral stood from the couch, tilting her head. Liam looked where she was looking, the tag.
“What is that?” Coral said. Not in her normal cheery voice. She tilted her head to the other side. Trying to figure out what it is. She got closer as she bent over too. She immediately jumped back.
“Ow! That's hot! Ow..” Coral was holding her hand as if it were injured. “I don’t like that.” Liam glanced at her, Weird. He thought, I mean I guess I do feel a bit of heat.
“She’s not a that Coral.” Liam scolded. “Her name is Ember, it says so here.” Liam ripped off the tag, handing it to Coral. Even though she can’t read. “It says ‘Ember, Sorry to whoever Ember is given to. I couldn’t take care of my wife and myself neither could I take care of a child.’” Coral looked at the tag, staring as if it was a priceless paper.
“Huh.” She said, “It looks like someone was in a hurry, that they forgot Ember was a fire elemental. Look.” Coral pointed to the tag. The paper had a chunk missing on the bottom right corner. On the edges of where the chunk was missing there were burn marks. Liam reached for her outstretched hand with the tag, he grabbed the piece of paper and flipped it over.
To have all 7 Elements you must find the others in orphanages and adoption centers… Liam stared in disbelief. How am I going to do this? All alone? He thought.
The next morning, the sun arose, birds chirping, rays shining, but something was off. Liam sniffed the air. Smoke! Liam rushed to Coral and Ember’s room, shaking Coral awake. Coral’s eyes fluttered open, smelling the smoke. She got up and blasted water at the wicker basket where Ember lays.
“Coral! No!” Liam rushed over to where Ember was sleeping in the basket. He stopped dead in his tracks as Ember was laying in the basket. It looked like Ember rolled over and accidentally caught the side of the basket on fire. Liam lifted the basket as the water dripped, quenching the fire.
Coral looked up, “Would you like me to blast it so then…” Coral gagged, “Ember, won’t set it on fire again?” Liam nodded in agreement, but he didn’t catch the gag.
By the afternoon, Liam called the girls to get ready for some errands. He followed the sounds of two bickering voices echoing from the halls. Left, no right, no actually left, Liam pressed his ear to the wall. He heard crying and screaming from the other room, a huge shriek filled the air. Coral’s, Liam thought immediately. Liam dashed where the shriek was echoing from.
Liam walked into the girl’s room. He saw that Ember had partially evaporated Coral.
“Coral!” Liam yelled, “Come with me,” Liam rushed out quickly as he pulled Coral along.
Liam went by the sink with Coral nearby. The water flowed straight towards Coral repairing the evaporated area. Coral saw the water flow gracefully towards her and she let it get near her. Coral closed her eyes and concentrated. Water circled around her, creating hearts, triangles, even a smiley face.
“Are you ok?” Liam asked worriedly. Liam gasped, he forgot to breathe. His breaths steadied.
“Yes, I’m ok now,” Coral replied, as the water flowed around her hands.
As they all got into the car, Liam made a separator to protect both elementals from harming each other. (A pillow). And so the long journey began.
Liam went miles and miles checking every orphanage and adoption center hoping to find a new element to stop the two from fighting all the time. He was coming up onto the freeway when he noticed an old building on the side of the road.
He drove towards the strange flickering sign. An abandoned building I’ve never seen before? Well maybe it has a chance to hold one. Liam thought to himself as approached the old, almost torn down building.
They hopped out of the car, Coral stuck close to Liam. They walked into the building to see an old woman typing on the computer.
“Um excuse me, do you work here?” Liam asked confused, he glanced around, his eyes darting at the run down look.
“Why yes I do. Do you need something?” She asked calmly, staring at Coral and Ember.
“We’re looking to adopt another child,” Liam quietly peeped out staring at the sealed doors.
“Oh! of course follow me,” The lady said, rushing to the sealed doors. She paused for a minute “Are you sure you want to do this?” She looked into his eyes.
“Yes,” Liam replied firmly.
She opened the doors to only one child. She lay there with her hair flowing. It seemed like the bedding was made of clouds of how soft it looked.
“Hey, hey, her hair looks like mine,” Coral chimed as she came through the doors. Liam set Ember down with her basket, as soon as Ember saw the air child. Her eyes narrowed in envy.
The lady walked in, glancing at Liam, Coral, and Ember, “Her name is Audra,” Liam jumped in surprise. She continued, “Are you 100% sure you want her?”
“Ye-” Liam was cut off by Coral, she walked up to Audra. Coral stuck her hand into the crib. Audra giggled, as Coral covered her face with her hands and then said,
”Peekaboo!” Audra erupted in laughter.
“Hmmm..” Liam glanced at Coral and Audra continuing playing, Coral looked up, “We’ll take her.” Coral smiled, and started stacking blocks with her. Liam lifted up Ember out of the basket and set her near Audra. Ember crawled near Coral, Audra glared at Ember as she got closer to Coral. Audra blasted Ember with a burst of air. Ember flew from the floor. Coral jumped up and caught Ember mid-air. Her hands swiftly lowered Ember down.
Liam was in the middle of talking about adoption when a gust of air knocked off his hat and he heard the little baby laugh. He picked up his hat giving Coral a sharp look, knowing that she made the little elemental use her powers.
“Alright, now if you sign here you’re good to go” The old lady calmly asked Liam.
“Ok, now do this and be done!” Liam mumbled to himself. Liam picked up the pen and swiftly signed his name.
“Alright just wait out here while I get here ready.” The lady said, hurrying to the doors.
As the lady hurried off Liam held Ember close just in case a fight was going to happen. Coral lay on the couch singing the most random song she could. Ember lay motionless as she had fallen asleep during the adoption process.
The lady came back with Audra all dressed with extra baby supplies that came with her. Liam took the little elemental and called Coral over and told hold her. Liam waved goodbye to the lady as he walked out of the door.
As Liam drove away the old building disappeared as if it had never existed.
The Search for the Elementals
Liam woke up to the sound of the two elementals bickering. He got up and changed into actual clothes. Liam followed to where the sound was coming from:
“No, it's my turn to practice!!” Coral whined. Sending glares that could pierce through anything.
“It's my turn to train!” Ember screamed back. Sending equal amounts of glares. Ember was curling her hands into fists when she was about to lunge.
“Girls, Girls!” Liam yelled, he continued “ Stop fighting! We have errands to run,” Liam kindly told them.
“Now go get ready,” Liam said with a generous smile. As the two little elementals ran to their rooms Liam checked the list of adoption centers and orphanages that he hadn’t been to. 3 left, but what happens if the elemental isn’t there? Liam wondered.
The little elementals popped into the car, (Which was now water and fire proof) separated from each other. Liam drove for hours as the girls fought every 30 minutes.
“GIRLS!!” Liam screamed “PLEASE QUITE DOWN!!” Liam gave the girls a look you better be quiet or else. After displeasing Liam the girls sat in silence the whole way.
Finally they made it to the first adoption center. They walked in checking for signs of electricity of short circuited power. They didn’t see anything even in the naughty kids section .
They checked every single adoption center for the same signs but saw nothing. Weird I’d thought an element would be in one of these. Liam wondered where the other elements could be.
“Can we go somewhere other than adoption centers?” Ember finally spoke after the long silence.
“Where else would-” Liam stopped mid sentence. Ember and Coral exchanged glances, then looking at Liam. It wasn’t a normal cloud; it rolled in faster than you could blink. “We have to look there. It's our only lead.”
Then they found something out in the forest. A large cloud swirled around them as lighting began to form in the cloud. BAM! Lightning came down and struck the ground ripping up the plants and rocks from the ground.
“Coral!! Watch out!” Ember shrieked a warning blasting fiery heat, knocking the huge boulder away.
“I-I thought you said you didn’t like me,” Coral whimpered, shocked. She stared at where she could have been crushed by the bigger rock
“That was because I was angry. Of course I like you,” Ember sweetly chirped.
Liam witnessed the girl's kindness after escaping the lightning. He saw something different after that happened. The girls' powers acted as if they were enhanced by each other after their true kindness. As Liam stood there in shock, Ember and Coral began to walk towards the cloud knowing something or someone was in there. They worked together powering through until they finally reached the center of the storm.
Laying there was another elemental indeed. The girls picked up the little elemental and took her to Liam.
“What’s her name?” Coral asked. She still couldn’t read, neither could Ember.
“It’s… Electra,” Liam replied confused if he said it right.
On the tag was a message. Whoever is reading please be careful taking care of her. I had to go out in battle and my wife has a current problem that may not be solved for a while. From Electra’s father.
Liam took the child and brought her home knowing that this was the start of a new beginning.
A Blast into the Future
“Good morning everyone!” Sensei greeted us, I wasn’t paying attention. I looked where Ember was. She had a look where she was going to do something, not good, bad.
“Good morning Sensei,” The other elements called. I mumbled instead.
“Today we will be training instead of studying. I think this would be a good time to practice since many people are out of town,” Sensei told us. “People won't be around to see what you guys are doing.”
We went to get dressed but then I saw Ember in the hall giving me the ‘You’re next’ look. I shrugged it off since I wasn’t scared that she would evaporate me. Even if she did I could just condense back together.
Of course right as I walked in I witnessed Electra training with Snakey (Its a cute name, but most of you disagree). I love the name, but it's too close to Snake.
“Hey Electra,” I calmly said. I glanced around, making sure Ember wasn’t following us.
“What's up?” Electra replied holding Snakey. He slid up her sleeve, Electra giggled. Snakey continued to slide up and around her neck.
“Sensei said it's time to train,” I replied, since she didn’t hear anything over Snakey's rattle thunder skill.
“Ok tell the others I’ll be out in a minute,” She replied putting Snakey in his terrarium.
I walked out to see Cedar and Lumos already in an intense battle. Ember, however, was by herself with a training sword. Of course she tried rushing at me as a test of my skills, quickly my arm flashed to the bin, I pulled out a sword. It wasn’t my favorite type of weapon, but whatever. I blocked the attempt.
“Nice block,” Ember shot at me. She started to walk away, I huffed. “Next time you won’t be so lucky” She mumbled, turning around. I didn’t catch it.
I knew that she was trying to harm me purposefully but I let that go by and I was fine. I went to go practice my skills in the underwater temple since the main one was being used. I snuck in because I didn’t want Electra to follow using an air bubble.
I sat alone in the temple listening to the waterfall. Light bounced off of the pouring water, it felt like home. I stuck my hands into the water, it flowed around and embraced my hands. I love that feeling.
“May we have a mission soon?” I asked the stone statue of those before me. “Please?”
I just practiced my water power all day because I knew Ember was gonna try something on me. No matter what I did, something, something felt off. I don’t know if it was the water pressure but something was weird.
I came out of the water to see chaos everywhere. It looked like Lumos was fighting the others. I rushed over to help and I realized he teleported over towards Ember who was fighting one of his phantom clones.
“Ember!” I shouted, launching water towards the magic dust.
Ember ducked as the water hit Lumos’s magic which saved her from possible mind control.
“Thanks, I guess,” Ember muttered
I know Ember could have handled it but I thought that she needed a bit of help.
She tries to carry the weight of the world but she can’t. I summoned a wave to knock down Lumos paired with some of Electra's lighting. We were able to stun him which gave us enough time to tell Sensei.
Sensei came out and sprinkled dust which returned Lumos to his original state.
“Alright, that's enough for today,” Sensei told us, escorting us inside.
“Weird how Lumos went rogue like that,” Electra said.
“Yeah, almost like he was protecting something,” I replied. I stopped, thinking for a moment. Piecing things together.
“Hey what's that over there?” Electra gestured to a door, it wasn’t there before. Electra tilted her head, as if that would make her see through walls.
“Stay here I’ll check it out,” I said heading to the small room.
As I walked in I saw two girls who looked like Audra and Frost. I went in closer and there they were, trapped almost as if Lumos put them there. I couldn’t free them as if the cages were meant for one element type.
“Fire,” Frost weakly mumbled.
I ran to Ember and told her the situation, “Pfft this is obviously a prank” Ember snorted.
“IT'S NOT!” I screamed in horror. Her reply made me think she was insane.
Ember looked at me for a moment and ran towards the door. She charged her powers forming two beams that blasted the something Idk what to call them. The two elements fell to the floor as they regained power.
“How long were you guys in there?” Ember asked as they stood up.
“I don’t actually know,” Audra replied. Frost quivered, but was able to stand up.
“Lets get you to Sensei,” Ember muttered softly as they walked away.
I guess Ember isn’t all that bad. I thought to myself. She just needs some help sometimes.
Chapter 6
Burning Trust
The sword made a weird shining sound as I pulled it out of the bin. I looked at the sword, it reflected me. Ember, I thought to myself, what have you done? Coral’s trust is literally burning to the ground. I let out a huge sigh, the straw dummy was beat up, yet I still hit it with the broadside of my sword. I was careful not to set it on fire. I really need to fix our friendship. If I don’t things could go very wrong. I swung at the straw dummy angrily knowing that this problem was probably my fault.
I paused, thinking about how Coral was so experienced with the spear, I pulled the sword closer to me. She needs to have a wider range of weapons, if in battle. My luck might have just favored me.
Coral entered the room to train. She brushed past me, I lunged at her. Her face lit up in surprise, anger, and annoyance. I’m tired of being hated by those I am close to. She ducked, my heart skipped a beat. If I hit her, she would never forgive me. Her arm darted into the sword bin. She yanked out a sword for herself, she swung and blocked my attacks.
“Nice block,” I muttered trying to be nice. “ Next time you won't be so lucky..” I winced, that didn't sound nice.
Coral scoffed and walked away towards the water temple. I knew I messed up and now we were growing farther apart. I sighed, I glanced at the sword. I looked at my reflection and as I did a voice whispered “You can change” “I-I can’t” I whispered back. “Just believe” and then the voice disappeared.
As I walked to put my sword away a whoosh of magic went past me and there was Lumos fighting Cedar but not in his usual way. Cedar ran away frightened and Lumos was locked on me. He blasted magic at me as I ran. Electra caught on and saved me from two shots. Coral came from the water temple and started fighting off Lumos' phantom clones. Soon I was surrounded by phantom clones and then Lumos teleported to me.
“Join us and you can develop your power no one will stop you,” Lumos whispered as I fought clones.
“...No!” I screamed.
I didn’t realize his magic was coming at me and Coral yelled at me to duck which knocked the magic away from me. I could’ve handled it but it was nice to have the help. As I fought off the rest of the clones, Electra and Coral charged up an electric wave which stunned Lumos. Cedar summoned roots from the ground, which wrapped around Lumos’ legs, Lumos could do magic or move. I rushed with Coral to get Lumos and he cured him. (We think)
Coral and Electra walked away, I went to the Arena of Flames where I sat pleading to the fire statue that Coral’s trust with me would be fixed. If this didn’t work I would need to take matters into my own hands. I walked back into the house only to see Coral running up to me.
“We found Audra and Frost trapped and fire is their way out.” Coral frantically panted.
“Pfft this is a prank right?” I asked, quizzically.
“IT'S NOT!” Coral screamed.
The urgency in her voice told me she wasn’t lying. I followed her to the small room where I saw Audra and Frost trapped. I began forming heat beams to blast the cages open. (Saying cages just feels wrong) As the beams landed on the cages time slowed and I heard the voice.
“Channel your powers and just focus,” it said “ What is broken can be fixed,” and then it faded within the blast and time returned to normal.
As Frost and Audra fell to the floor, I couldn’t stop thinking about what the voice said. What’s broken can be fixed, but how? I tried to figure out what it meant but I couldn’t so instead I would take Audra and Frost to Sensei, and when Sensei is done with that I’ll ask him about the voice and what it meant.
“Sensei,” I asked quietly “I’ve been hearing a voice in my head and what it said to me was what is broken can be fixed,”
“It's trying to tell you that Coral just needs some time before you try to dive in to fix the issue,” Sensei said, meditating, I don't sometimes get how he can seem so wise. Yet he still is. I decided that there's no need to rush, just let time and the issue itself repair.
I walked out smelling the fresh scent of newly planted trees and picked up my sword to train. I saw Coral pass by and I think she even complimented me on my sword skills. Well it was better than nothing.
The Quest
I arose from my bed, yawning. I felt so tired, the fight with Lumos really took a toll on me. I sent a shock through my body hoping to wake me up more. I pulled off my pajamas and picked out my signature look from my closet. Beige kinda yellow pants, and a shirt with shades of yellow. I stuck my arm inside Snakey’s terrarium, he’s a yellow electric snake that has some dark lines across his scales, and pulled him out.
“Good morning Snakey!” I chirped.
I took him outside for fresh air and for some training. I decided we would work his Coil Thunder trick since he couldn’t quite land it yet.
“Alright Snakey now that you’re awake we’re gonna try Coil Thunder ok?” I asked confidently.
Snakey hissed in agreement as he readied for the trick. He swirled into a spiral creating electricity and… BAM! Snakey tossed himself in the air and shot the straw dummy and landed with pure excellence.
I congratulated him and told him he can take a break since that skill requires a lot of energy. I walked over to the fields and saw Coral training. As I walked over I picked up the training daggers and asked if I could train with her.
“Hey, can you train with me?” I asked.
“Sure just don’t over zap me!” She teased. Polishing her spear.
“No promises!” I called back, running towards the fields. I put my daggers in the holders on the side of my pants.
I waited for Coral to come to help me, she started to walk. This is going to take forever, then before I knew it she was charging at me with her spear. I quickly pulled out my daggers, she's skilled at the spear. The upside is that I'm also skilled with my weapon.
I charged my daggers with electricity and threw them to see if she could block them. Of course she hit them back but I grabbed them as they ricocheted back. She sent a huge wave towards me, I braced for the water to hit me. It never did, I opened one eye. Water just covered the ground, not me.
“Did you think I was actually going to hurt you?” Coral asked, “I wouldn’t make you face water,” I let out a sigh of relief, a flashback hit me. When I was little I went with mother on a trip to the water world captured by sirens for torture. Witnessed siren torture of 6 other family members then it was my turn, siren mark was left on hand but was later removed.
“I just- well you know” I stammered. I continued to train but couldn’t get what happened to me off my mind.
I took Snakey in my hands and curled him in my arms. Why can’t I just be normal? WHY?! I thought to myself. I really just wanted to be a normal person, well almost normal. Snakey hissed at me and I realized I was holding his tail too tight.
I loosened while laying there in my bed. I closed my eyes and drifted off to sleep.
“Lumos what are you doing?!” “No STOP” “ STOP IT! STOP”
I woke violently from my sleep as my dream had shocked me awake. I sat on my bed and tried to remember what was going on. Lumos was doing something, and I think I was in the world of water and I think I saw a siren. I thought to myself.
I just need to relax. I repeated in my head as I fell back asleep.
I woke up the next morning to Coral shaking me awake.
“Electra wake up, Sensei said there’s an emergency” She yelled softly.
“5.. More minutes” I mumbled.
“NO! It's an emergency meeting,” She screamed. I finally came to my senses and shocked myself awake.
“Alright I’ll be there,” I shouted back.
“Be quick,” she called from the hall.
I put on my usual yellow striped shirt and beige pants and went down the trapdoor to the meeting room to see everyone waiting for me.
“I'm glad you’re awake Electra,” Sensei began. “Now I called this meeting for a reason. I spotted a mission,” Sensei continued.
“What type of mission?” Ember asked.
“I’m glad you asked,” Sensei started. “There is a force of Dark Shards that's in the Fire realm. I’m not sure what or who it is but I need you guys to get geared up, find a way there, and stop this dark force.”
“On it,” Ember spoke.
“This meeting is dismissed.” Sensei clapped, showing that the meeting was over. I couldn’t stop thinking about my dream. What does it mean?
I shook my head, I shouldn’t think too much about it, and I continued on following the group, forgetting about the dream. We walked into a dark room, but it wasn’t like the meeting room, it was more of this high tech kinda area hidden within the closet doors.
Sensei clicked a button which turned on the lights.
“Welcome elementals to your new gear station!” Sensei exclaimed. We all looked at each other and then explored the room.
“Where is all the gear?” Frost asked.
“It’s right in front of you,” Sensei replied, gesturing to the buttons. I went towards the button and saw a bright yellow button labeled Electra Gear. I clicked it confused on what it would do.
“Now activating pod 5 Electra Gear,” A computer announced. WHIRRR, WHOSH, DING. A pod had risen from the ground and lit up a bright neon yellow. Inside displayed what Sensei called a “Power Suit” with my own daggers sitting within the case.
“I added some gear for Snakey too,” Sensei whispered to me.
One by one all the pods rose shining a color to match each element,
“Now activating pod 1 Coral Gear,” the computer announced. Coral’s rose with a dark blue neon with her suit and spear. Coral smirked.
“Now activating pod 2 Ember Gear,” the computer boomed across the room.
Hers revealed a red pod with her sword. Ember examined her sword, then she gave an approving look at Coral and Sensei.
“Now activating pods 3, 4, 6,and 7 Audra, Frost, Cedar, and Lumos Gear” Each one of their pods rose with a white color, light blue color, green color, and a purple color revealing their suits and weapons. Audra picked up her bow and arrow, she tested it on a straw dummy. Thwang, right in the heart.
“Now these suits aren’t finished and neither are the weapons but I thought you guys would like to add the final details before I finish them!” Sensei yelled from the other side of the room.
We went to the pods and started adding our own upgrades and abilities to the suits and weapons. I designed my daggers to pull back when a little button was tapped on my suit. I also added them to multiply into four in case they can’t be pulled back. Coral added a longer stick end and point when battles got too intense. Ember added a pull back thing where she could throw her sword and it comes right back into her good sword hand. Audra added a long shot where her bow could get charged by her air for extra power shots and Cedar added the axe could change into a double or a single blade axe. Lumos added extra spikes to his mace, he can also control if it has spikes or not. Frost added a boost where her machete can become throwing flakes (Instead of stars) in case she's far away.
As we all finished up with our suit designs, Ember was already putting on her dark red suit. Soon Coral and Frost had put on their blue suits. I had put on my last since I was finishing up with my suit.
“Ok now the issue is how we get there,” Cedar stated.
“I think I know,” I peeped out.
“Show us how then,” Ember scoffed.
The elements had followed me out towards the training grounds, skeptical of what I was doing. We reached the old wall covered in vines untouched and overgrown.
“I don’t see anything,” Ember snorted.
“That's cause I need the chalk,” I shot back. Snakey slithered over carrying an old box.
“Thanks Snakey,” I whispered. I drew on the wall, careful not to mess up. As I drew on the wall, shiny neon portals appeared revealing each world of elements.
“See, I told you I knew,” I rubbed in, it felt weird though.
“But how did you know?” Ember implied.
“Um-I-I found a book on Sensei’s meeting desk labeling ways to get to element worlds” I stammered out.
“...Ok,” Ember mumbled.
We all went into the portal glowing red and were quickly transported to the realm of fire.
“Quickly hide,” Coral said hushed.
We crept around slowly looking left and right for anything suspicious. Soon we ended up finding a dark alleyway. We thought it would be an area someone or something would walk into to look less suspicious.
We soon saw a tall man walking towards the alleyway. He glanced left and right. Super suspicious. He was holding a brief case. Another sussy action. We followed him towards this small door that led to a small arena.
“I’d knew you would follow me” the man chuckled “You fell right in my trap” he cackled slamming the door and revealing his face. On his cheek a huge scar ran down.
“Who are you and what do you want,” I demanded.
“I’m Phoenix and I want you and your powers,” Phoenix calmly started “But if you don’t do that we are gonna have to do it the hard way,” he glanced at Ember who was ready to lunge.
“Charge!” Ember yelled.
I quickly went past his flames and got a quick boost of speed using my powers. Frost had transformed her machete into throwing flakes, launching an army at Phoenix who easily melted them away.
“By all the Elements!” she mumbled “He’s fire I can’t do anything but attack up close” she continued.
Ember lunged at him from the behind barely making a dent as he had dodged. Coral came up with two waves taking out all the flames that were heading her way. Cedar crafted two trees which had burst into flames when they got too near to Phoenix. Cedar gasped, holding the ashes in his hands. Lumos brought in a magic surprise which knocked Phoenix down. Audra crafted a tornado which had kept him down.
“Looks like we won,” Ember brushed in his face.
As Phoenix slowly regained balance the elements were ready to knock him back down. What they weren’t ready for was Lumos’ powerful blast which knocked every element back except Electra.
As Lumos realized what he did Phoenix shot him to the wall.
“It’s just you and me,” Phoenix smirked.
I fought with my daggers to take multiple attacks at once while generating sparks that shocked Phoenix. He launched back using his flames knocking me down.
“Haven’t you realized?" He smirked.
“Realized what?” I asked.
“You have fire in your electricity." Phoenix began “You’re related to me.”
“No, NO I'M NOT RELATED TO YOU!” I screamed in anger. I gripped my daggers harder.
“Then shoot at me,” Phoenix gave me a look that showed that he knows I’m going to shoot him.
I shot with full power and as I did I saw the streaks of red and orange formed in my electricity.
“See you’re related to me,” he began to chuckle “and there’s nothing you can do about it,” I wanted to smash his face into a million pieces
I ran at full speed with a huge spark of electricity ready to shoot. Phoenix ran past me and whispered “I’ll be back, Half-Hybrid”,
He grabbed one of my electrified daggers and launched it at my hand marking that I can’t escape my fate.
“Zapps army!” I screamed.
Coral and Ember rushed over looking at my hand. Frost came up and froze the wound shut, mixed with Cedar’s leaves so it won't get infected.
“What happened?” Coral asked.
“So I was fighting him and he told me I was related to him. I have fire in my electricity. And then he cut my hand with one of my daggers while whispering I’ll be back probably meaning he’s marking my fate that I can’t escape,” I explained everything.
“Lets get you back to Sensei” Ember rushed.
Oh he’s coming back for sure. And whatever may happen I’m ready. Even if it means facing the water world.
Only the Wind Knows
I awoke with a start, it's just a dream. I can't stop thinking about Lumos. Why would he trapped me and Frost? Why make the bars only penetrable for Ember? Should I question her loyalty? No, I shouldn't. I know she's loyal and she helped. I can't stop getting the nightmare about Lumos. I took a deep breath and relaxed, it was about maybe 4 in the morning. The clouds were covering the sun, my type of weather.
I pulled on my gray long sleeve shirt, and my baggy light blue pants. I started to walk towards my favorite tree, that of course Cedar nurtures. He doesn't like me climbing up to the canopy, I still do it anyways. I mean it's not like I'm hurting the tree. I touched the bark, rough but soft, just like me!
A voice whispered, “... Intruder?" I asked the wind to have the sound carry across the air currents. Sure thing luft. I hid behind the tree. “Huh, guess it's nothing.” I recognized the voice, it's Lumos’. I put my hand over my heart as if he could hear my racing heart.
I slumped down the trunk, I let out a sigh of relief. I waited a couple more minutes just to make sure he was gone. My thumbs naturally twittled. I started to climb.
My foot slipped, I let out a surprise yelp. I regained my balance as I went from branch to branch. Cedar would kill me if I broke such a thing as a twig.
I thought to myself, Lumos would never let himself do anything like this. By the time I finished this thought I was on top of the canopy. I spent thirty minutes wondering what and why Lumos would act like this? Then it hit me literally, an apple fell from the tree and hit my head. There's only one reason, he's mind controlled or corrupted. I can’t automatically assume that, I’d need solid evidence. Not accusations.
Maybe in Lumos’ bedroom? He might have some clues. I started to descend down the tree, branch by branch. I tiptoed across the field that is used to train. I asked the wind, I really need a name for it but whatever. I asked it to check for anyone awake. As you say luft. I thought I heard a foot step, I darted into the shadows.
I bumped into an old dusty vase, I let out an internal scream. Quickly, I used my Wind Control power to lift it back up without it breaking. I let out a gasp of relief. I lighted my weight on the floor, I slowly opened Lumos’ door to his room. Hoping it wouldn’t squeak, I crept into the small opening.
The room was covered in a purple glow with stars projected all around. I began to search the room looking for anything that could prove or at least help explain that Lumos is being controlled. I first checked near his bed and closet even though I knew if he was hiding something it wouldn’t be there. I carefully moved over towards the desk when I heard footsteps heading towards me.
I ducked under Lumos’ bed realizing it was only Sensei coming back from Ember’s early morning session. After he left I continued my search for something to help prove my point.
When I finished rummaging through his desk drawers I found a little diary hidden in the bottom of his crayon drawer which was labeled Memories. Of course because no one would look through someone's precious memory drawer. I thought to myself.
I began going through each page which was neatly written in a dark purple ink. Dear diary, today I fought the Elementals and almost gained Ember on my team. Dear diary, I trapped Frost and Audra. Hi again, I have been training with my parents. It's me again, my magic has been increased by Dark Shard. Dear diary, I helped Phoenix. The final one spelled out, dear diary today I strike. I gasped, this is solid evidence.
I heard multiple footsteps so I quickly used the backdoor in Lumos’s room I found while searching for the diary. I closed the book and put it back into the drawer trying to make it seem like it was never touched. I pretended that I just came out of my room when I saw Lumos walk into his room separating from Cedar.
I let out a sigh of relief, what should I do about this? Should I tell? He was planning to do this today!? Do I tell Coral, Ember, Cedar, Sensei, Electra, or not? Ugh, why did he have to make this so hard? It could have been easier if he just told everyone, but no he wouldn’t do that. It be a dead give away. I decided to ask the wind what he thinks, I think you should tell, you know what, I told him, I'm going to take matters into my own hands. I giggled, I sounded so villainous or herous? Yeah, I’m just going with herous because that's what I am! A hero!
Wait, I have solid evidence, buuuuut how do I stop him? Confront him, or persuasion, or PAIN. Nope, not pain. He’d probably mind control me or something like that. Ooo! I should set up a trap he’d definitely fall for. He loves bears so what if… I make it seem like a little itty baby bear is in trouble then BAM! He’s trapped, hmmm how would I trap him just in air?
“Hey,” A voice, I froze. “Are you going to keep standing there? Or are you going to train?” It was Frost, perfect. A huge smile crossed my face. I couldn't help it.
I grabbed Frost’s shoulder and hurried her over into my room. I filled her in on the plan. She smiled, She’s in. Perfect perfect perfect, now she can freeze Lumos.
Later, I started to gather the supplies to begin my set up. I ventured into the woods, hoping I wouldn’t be gone for long. I again asked the air for help, Again? Okay. I waited for a response, the birds started chirping. Up to your left 50 steps. Thanks, I said. I started counting as I took steps. Trees danced as the wind howled. Then I heard a weird rumble growl, a baby bear! I used my wind powers to bring him towards the trap Frost is setting up.
When I arrived at the cliff, Frost had a tree trunk that we could put the baby bear on. Of course I’d be using air to keep it uplifted. Just in case. I pulled out my phone from my pocket and started playing distressed bear sounds. Frost nodded, now we wait.
Nothing, nothing at all. Frost just got up and left, after an hour or two. She said it wouldn’t be worth it to wait 2 hours just to catch Lumos when you could be training. Whatever, I'll still get all the fame for trapping him.
Quiet except the birds tweeting. Then I heard branches snapping, it could be Lumos. I peeked through the bush. It was definitely Lumos. I tried not to bounce in excitement, then I heard.
“It’s gonna be okay.” Lumos said in the most comforting tone I’ve ever heard from him. WAIT HOW AM I GOING TO TRAP HIM JUST WITH MY AIR POWER??!!!
“You…” Lumos dryly said. “You know, don’t you?” Uh oh, he’s talking to me! I froze, hoping praying to the Elements that he wouldn’t know. It was too late.
“Steambreath,” I sighed. The last thing I know is looking at Lumos, then falling to the ground.
I awoke, in a dark room, barely any light. The only thing I could remember was Lumos, odd? I looked around, I tried to move my hands to get up, but I couldn't because it was bound with Puissant Titanium.
I can't use my powers. The next thing I could resort to is help, I couldn’t scream with my gag. I couldn’t escape, how am I going to get out? Will anyone notice I’m gone?
Several hours have gone by, my stomach gnawed at me. Stuck in a stupid chair, can’t even use my powers. Hungry, is Lumos just going to leave me here to die? That would raise suspicions, but I wouldn’t want to be the person in the story to die before anything good happens! I can’t believe I’m going to be defeated by a chair. A CHAIR, there’s better ways to go out than this. Cedar’s probably watering his plants or protecting them from the hot sun, Electra’s probably training to catch up since she’s younger. SIGHHHHHHHHHH.
Crack! Wait, did I hear that, or am I imagining things. That’d make sense for me to be imagining things, I’ve BEEN ALONE FOR HOURS!!!
“How’s my hostage doing?” Lumos called as it was a normal thing to say as he slipped through the doorway.
Ohh, I was going to smash his face in! I started to curse, it didn't come out though. It was more like, ‘hgjfcbrefkvcdgjbcdfjjv ddfhbgxsvnnhdcbnhraaw ryiomnvsazcmrfff!’
“Ohhhh, right. You need the gag off to talk.” Lumos acted dumbly. I glowered, I didn’t want his help. I was so hungry though, he started to untie the gag.
“You are a disgrace to your family line. Why are you doing this?” I demanded.
“Hey, hey now, I’m the one without chains, do you think you should be the one asking the questions?” Lumos smirked, tossing me some pieces of bread. I snarfed it up, really hungry.
He walked around the chair I’m stuck in, pausing dramatically, “To answer your question, the Dark Shard wants to stop this ‘little prophecy’ to make sure he never gets ‘over thrown’. That’ll never happen, but he wants all control.
“Why are you here? Well, you will be killed if they don’t surrender to me. If they don’t you die… Win, win for me, but lose lose for you.” I gasped, I would have never thought he’d go this far, let alone practically murder.
I have to get out soon, I can’t be the doom to all my friends. I have to escape, I will escape but how? I sighed, how? I waited for Lumos to leave, it didn’t take long with his little patience.
“Audra!” I heard a voice, was I imagining things again? “Audra!” Nope! It was Frost!
“Frost! I can hear you!” I would’ve emerged in her arms but I was stuck in the chair, and she was blocked by the heavy metal door. “I can’t move at all! I’m chained up!”
“I’ll quietly freeze the door down,” Frost whispered, trying not to be noticed. I heard a hissing sound, I cranked my head to the door. It was freezing off.
She hurried in to get the chains off of me. She started to use freezing cold air to freeze it off like she did with the metal door. They started to grow icy crystals, turning a pale white. It immediately snapped off even though it was harder than the metal.
“Oh hello,” A voice cut through the silence like a knife. “Aren’t you missing something, Aurda?” It was Lumos, I’m cooked!
I arose turning around, Frost froze. “No?” I said, trying to act calm.
“Yes, yes you are.” Lumos paused again for a moment, adding more suspense, “You. Are. My. Hostage. Oh, you brought me another one to bargain, thanks. No escapes!” One move of his hand and Frost flew across the room slamming against the wall. Yikes, that didn’t sound good.
I waved my hands, sending air to set Lumos flying. Instead it bounced off of him sending it towards me. I ducked in time before it could do real damage to me. I used my air powers to fly up above Lumos and zip around him before he could attack.
Frost was trying to get up, her leg was probably broken. Her legs buckled underneath the weight of her body, she winced in pain, I nodded. She started to run to get help. I knew she couldn’t handle Lumos with wounds.
I bottled up my powers, trying to distract Lumos from going after Frost. That's the last thing I want him to do. I used the air to create illusions of me flying around and zipping.
“Clever trick,” Lumos smirked, “Not enough.” He waved his hands again and muttered something intelligible. Immediately my clones turned into clones of Lumos! I gasped, how am I going to know which ones which?
“You know,” Lumos looked happy, almost too happy. “I’m done with you being such. A. Nuisance.”
“Wha-?” I looked at him in utter disbelief, he moved his hands in a way I couldn't remember, and muttered some sort of spell. My body felt like it wasn’t mine anymore, I felt pain I had never felt before.
“Oh yeah, that’s the side effect of the spell.” Lumos’ smug face was as smug as I’d ever seen it before. My blood boiled, it felt as if a million spiders bit me at the same exact time. I couldn’t help but scream, then they turned into bloody screams.
“You are terrible, you mon-” I started to scream, mid sentence I stopped. “You're the best Lumos.” wait what? I thought to myself. I didn’t say that, I’d never!
“Aww. Thanks!” He grinned. I couldn’t bear the pain anymore, I started to feel lightheaded. I collapsed to the floor, I tried to get up but immediately fell again. Before I knew it I passed out.
I woke up later in my bed? Am I dreaming?
I tried to lift my arm but couldn’t, then a second later it did. Something whispered in my mind, you are mine now. I opened my mouth to scream but nothing came out.
“Audra?” Frost peeked inside my room, “How’d you get out?”
LUMOS IS CONTROLLING ME! Instead I said, “I gave him a real struggle, you know with my big guns.” I lifted up my arms and flexed them. LEAVE ME ALONE!
“Great! My leg was healed by Sensei, so I’m fine now.” She turned away and left. I got up off of my bed, even though I didn’t want to. I just want to be free.. I let out an internal scream.
Later after being controlled for hours, the voice. That's what I’m gonna call it now. The voice brought me and ‘my body’ to the garden that Cedar tends. He glanced up from planting a new flower. He stood up and walked over.
“A-Audra?” Cedar looked embarrassed. “I-I have something to tell you,”
“What is it?” The voice said with complete empathy.
“I-I…” Cedar struggled to get his words out, “Love you.” It was barely a breath but it struck like wildfire. I felt a surge of happiness, it felt so warm.
I love you too. I tried to force the words out, my throat tingled, itchy like a sore throat. “Well, I don’t” The voice said coldly. I didn’t know how to react, I looked at Cedar’s devastated look. LISTEN UP VOICE, OR LUMOS, WHOEVER YOU ARE! I DON’T LIKE YOU! YOU ARE A MONSTER. I struggled to lift up my hands, I did it! I lifted up my hands.
I touched Cedar’s arms. “I-I love you too.” Immediately I fell to the ground, feeling as if everything turned to ice. I remember seeing tears of joy and sadness and fear in his eyes.
My eyes fluttered open. I was wrapped up with vines on the floor, Cedar, Coral, Electra, Ember, Frost and Sensei huddled around me. You are mine! the voice declared coldly. The voice made me curse a lot.
Voices flooded and mixed and mingled. “Is she going to be okay?” “Is she cursed?” “Is she controlled?” “Tratior?” I felt as if I was watching my life pass by, nothing in control.
Ember pushed herself to the front, “She’s no traitor, Audra never do something like this. This is obviously Lumos’ doing.” Immediately my body flinched. Does Lumos like Ember? No, she’s too good for him. I’ll keep this secret, teehee. YOU BETTER. The voice outraged. Now you can hear my thoughts? Good good good.. No… DANG IT. I hate Olive OIL! NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO! IT'S THE BEST. Dogs are the best! Terry Pot and the Potting world SUCKS! Urgh! NO DOGS ARE TERRIBLE. NOT AFTER MY ENCOUNTER WITH DOBERMANS. TERRY POT IS A MASTERPIECE.
“She’s been controlled by Lumos. Or is.” Cedar glowered. Everyone looked at me as I started to talk.
“MAGERS SUC- NO! IT'S A WONDERFUL GAME WITH BALLS THAT YOU KICK AND USE MAGIC TO WIN. AT LEAST I DIDN’T HAVE PARENTS WHO FAKED THEIR OWN DEAT- NO THEY DID IT TO PROTECT ME AND THE DARK SHARD. ARGH,” I’m doing it! “YOUR TOO ANNOYING, GOOD BYE.” Lumos is gone!
“Wow…” Coral looked at me with utter disbelief, “You-”
“Remind me never to mess with Audra again.” Frost interrupted, Electra and Ember giggled. Cedar waved his hands and the vines came off.
“Come with me.” He said, his eyes full of concern. Before I opened my mouth to speak, I couldn’t even remember what had happened. Cedar had the same look on his face. I shook my head to clear my thoughts.
“I love you,” He said, kinda pulling back, afraid of what’d I’d say.
“Love you like all elements.” I held my hand out for him to take, shyly he did too. Love in his eyes. I felt a surge of warmth, it felt odd, like my body felt it before.
I looked at him in the moonlight, love felt great. He tilted his head, and kissed me on my cheek. My whole face probably looked like a tomato. I sat with him on the roof, resting on Cedar’s shoulder. The moon was full. Our favorite spot filled. Yet, holes were empty.
Growing strengths
It was a hot sunny day which meant my plants needed extra care today. I walked out with my water can and began with my strawberry plants which were looking dry. The leaves were starting to shrivel. I heard rustling in the tree nearby. I looked up, and saw Audra climbing in the tree. She’s at it again?! I screamed in my mind.
“Audra, get down from there! You’re gonna break a branch and hurt yourself” I yelled. Hoping she wouldn’t get hurt, that’d be terrible.
“Fine, I'm coming.” Audra yelled back. She floated down gracefully acting like a star. The wind just seems to bend to her will.
“You could’ve hurt the tree and even worse hurt yourself” I scolded.
“I was FINE,” She told me. She walked away towards the gate. I frowned, I messed up. Man, being a boyfriend is hard.
“No, Audra I didn’t mean- I don't what I meant,” I sighed walking towards the garden. She can be a lot sometimes, but she just makes me love her more.
I continued tending to the garden, trying to think of ways to let Audra climb the tree without harming it. I trimmed my bonsai tree careful not to hurt it. I added the water to it, careful not to overflow it. Just relax and let your mind go. I repeated in my mind.
“There you are Cedar,” Sensei interrupted my thoughts.
I whipped around, imagining a whole army from the Dark Shard, it was Sensei instead. “Hello Sensei. You scared me there.” I replied.
“Would you come on a walk with me?” He asked. Nodding towards the path around the training field.
“Sure!” I chirped. I always liked walks with Sensei. They’re always so calming with the shade of the trees I planted, the wind in my hair, it reminds me of Audra.
“I have a question for you, Cedar,” Sensei calmly said.
“What is it?” I asked, also trying to sound calm and collected. I really wish it's not going to be an awkward conversation.
“Have you seen any suspicious actions or behavior from Lumos?” He asked quizzically.
“No, no, I haven’t but I don’t think he is up to something,” I replied trying to keep my cool.
“Alright, well thanks for letting me know,” Sensei had calmly walked away.
Well that was weird. I thought to myself. I continued walking on the path which led me to Ember training. Has she been training all day? I processed this thought to realize she had been training all day.
It was then and only at night when I began to stay awake. I wondered how the Earth Elements lived. What life is like among people who are like you.
I bet they do lots of things like gardening. My voice drifted through my mind.
Suddenly, a fragment of memory or something flashed in my mind. Two figures standing creating something beautiful almost as if it was a perfect balance. And as quick as it came it faded away leaving me with nothing but the darkness of the light.
I fell asleep enlightened by the memory drifting to another world. As my dream formed something didn’t feel right about it. The colors of this village I was in were deflated almost. And the people were not at peace. Then I saw him. Dark Shard! I yelled out in my dream and as I fought with the villagers it came to an end, jolting me awake.
I sat on my bed wondering what and why this was happening. Could it mean something? Is it warning me about something? Whatever it was, it meant something. I slowly fell back asleep to the comforts of Electra’s light she created to keep Snakey warm.
I woke up the next morning to the ruckus of chaos roaming through the house. In all the chaos, Audra came and brought me berries from the garden. I took them and she glanced before quickly hurrying out the door.
“Hey Coral,” I called as she passed by.
“What up?” She greeted me, taking a couple steps closer.
“What’s going on?” I asked. Glancing around.
“Sensei wants us down in the meeting room in about a minute,” She answered, tossing on a nearby sweatshirt.
“So you better hurry up,” Coral called from the hall. I tossed on my gray sweatshirt with beige pants, brushing my teeth hurriedly. I veered left in the halls just barely sliding into the trapdoor before the computer closed it.
“You made it just in time, Cedar,” Sensei whispered in my ear.
“Um, Sensei?” I started to lower my voice, “I had a dream last night about the-”
“I know. Audra heard you last night and thought to inform me,” Sensei cut me off.
“I’ll handle it. It was caused by the lord himself I think. Trying to get you to join his side by threatening something close to you,” He finished. Sensei began explaining the return of the lord, careful not to say his real name. Rumor has it that if you think or say his name, he will personally come for you.
“He has returned. But we’re getting stronger. Now be careful as the lord will try to influence you.” Sensei began, “I have designed something new for quick travel, if you’ll follow me,” He finished glancing at us all.
He led us back into the high tech gear room which lighted up at the sound of our footsteps.
“Now who is willing to be my subject?” He asked. Everyone knew his experiments usually go wrong but I volunteered anyway.
“Perfect. Now as you see Cedar there are 7 circles in front of you. Please find the green one” He began instructing. “Please use your powers to activate my little surprise…” He finished.
I created a vine that shot at record high speeds landing in the circle. “Now activating Cedar design sequence,” a computer voice announced. In front of me stood a big green screen with customizations for Sensei’s surprise. I began customizing creating a campy green Razor which dispensed in full detail.
“Epic!” Ember popped out.
Soon the computer voice overlapped with the voices of the others joining to create their vehicles. Coral had created a deep blue, jet ski that can change to wheels.
Ember had created a heated red motorcycle. Lumos was in the corner admiring his sparkly purple Atv.
I was standing, watching Audra make her cloudy white, helicopter. Frost had made her vehicle an ice clear light blue snow mobile and Electra made hers a skinny, yellow hovercycle which starts off in a motorcycle first.
“With these you will be able to travel anywhere anytime,” Sensei called to us. Anywhere anytime? I thought to myself. That means I could go to the Earth realm and stop Dark Shard. I finished in my head.
“Now do be careful as staying in one place for too long with these new vehicles can keep you from this world. I’m still sorting out the kinks.” Sensei warned.
While everyone was testing out their vehicles, I snuck back into my room to form a plan to sneak out my Razor and head to the Earth realm. It would be hard but I decided to park in the trees hidden from view and sneak out at 11 pm when everyone is asleep. Perfect, now just to train and wait. I smirked after that thought.
I trained with Lumos who was extra hard on me today for some reason. Maybe he just wants to get me leveled up and good to go? I asked in my head. Whatever, it's fine. I thought to myself. After a lot of practice with Lumos I began to tend to the garden since it was getting hot.
After calming myself down with the plants it was time to set my plan in motion. As the clock ticked on the wall, one by one each element fell asleep. I pretended to go to bed and waited for Sensei to walk into his room and close the door. Creaaak. Perfect. Now that he was asleep I could sneak out.
I crept out into the dimly lit hallway careful not to make a sound. I went through the backdoor knowing I could close it without any loud noises echoing through the hall.
I went towards the tree grove where I hid my razor when I heard footsteps in the distance.
I ducked into bushes nearby to see Electra wheeling out her hovercycle. What is she doing? I thought to myself. She got on and bolted off towards the wall which had a portal holding her world open. Maybe she’s just looking around? I tried to come up with a solution for what she was doing.
I hopped in and clicked the portal button to see a path leading to a village of some sort. I rushed through the portal hoping no one could see me. After being transported, multiple people greeted me calling me “My king” or “My prince”. I shrugged it off and looked around for anyone wielding dark magic.
“Hey, have you seen a girl named Electra anywhere?” a random villager asked.
“Actually yes. She just went to the Electric world.” I responded back.
“Thanks for letting me know,” He called as he ran off. Strange, but I’m here to fight someone not investigate Electra. I thought to myself.
“I guess you found me, or I found you?” a shadowy figure appeared. “Oh, well it doesn’t matter any more?
“Who are you and what do you want?” I asked, loosing up, ready to attack. Ready to pull my axe from my back. “Are you Phoenix?!”
“What? No, I want this village and ultimate control,” He started to laugh maniacally.
“How….. No?” I lunged, fighting in full power.
The shadowed figure attacked violently, tearing down anything in his path.
I don’t know if I can handle this…
Note from the Void
Something just feels off about things lately. With everything going on, the memories I have it just feels like someone altered them. It feels like a hole in my memories. Each one is just missing a part.
I think I may have a short term memory. Whatever it is I have been having some weird things get replaced instead of what is meant to be there. I got up out of bed to go train with Ember to try and see if I could make my ice fire proof in case that scum, Phoenix, comes back. As I was walking down to the field, I accidentally bumped into Coral.
“Oh, uh, hi Coral,” I muttered, “Sorry.” That was weird, I totally forgot my name for a second. I pressed my hand to my heart, it was thumping hard. She nodded, and waved to me. I wonder why I felt like that. It was weird because my heart was thumping and my stomach churned but now I feel fine.
“Oh, yeah, have you seen Cedar?” Coral asked, a worried look crossed her face. That’s our Coral, our protector and loud mouth.
I glanced around, trying to jog my memory if I saw Cedar or not.
“I don’t think I’ve seen him today, the last time I saw him was being all lovey with Audra last night on the roof.“ I started to rant.
Why am I doing this? I feel off.
Me and Coral spent the whole afternoon asking around, we even asked Sensei. It literally seems like Cedar doesn’t want to be found, we also asked Audra. Who didn’t have a clue what was going on. The only person left to ask was Electra… Please, Elements, let us have a lead. We looked around in her favorite places, the only place left was the Electric temple. I lead Coral into the hatch down near the basement, I’ve seen Electra pop in and out.
I climbed down the rusty ladder that made a sound every time I put weight onto it. The creaking echoed down the small passageway. Coral followed behind, the stone walls glowed yellow. We’re getting closer, I can feel it. I pressed my hands against the walls, cold stone. I glanced back at Coral, I’m fine. I can’t stop now, not when Cedar is missing. My mind buzzing, a cold breeze slithered in like a snake. I fell back in shock, then it hit me. Not again. I don’t want to relive this again.
I never felt pain this bad before, my toes had felt terrible pain. Ice elements aren’t supposed to get frostbite. I was carried as I saw torches burning down my village, all because my parents wouldn’t surrender. The harsh icy cold tundra took a toll on me, after days of traveling. My body gave up. I just remember I couldn't feel my toes, then when we camped out for the night, I took off my layers. Then disaster struck, I saw the (CENSOREDDDDDDDDDDD). I screamed, immediately my parents came rushing. They started a healing spell. Mid-way my brother, Polar, ran in, out of breath. ‘Wolves are circling in’ he managed to get out within puffs. I shuddered, those are nasty, murderous beasts. My father grabbed me and slung me as if I was a potato sack. ‘Lets go, we can’t waste any time.’ My mother yanked Polar's arm and we were dragged out of the tent. My father started to run, then my mother. Polar looked distant, I screamed his name a thousand times. He snapped back to reality, Polar ran as fast as he could. The wolves gained on him, immediately the wolves attacked him.
He was dragged away as he yelled his final words, ‘Don’t stop, Go. You got this Fros-’ His words echoed through the tundra. Tears welled up in my eyes, I looked away. About a second later, the air felt too quiet. Until, I heard bloody screams echo. I flinched. I whined and pouted, it was my parents' last straw. My father hit me on my head..
The world around me seemed to shift and change. I saw yellow strikes, and stars, it was all a blur. Frost? Frost? My head spinned, my stomach a rollercoaster. I felt light headed. Frost! Frost?! Polar? Are you coming for me? OH MY ELEMENTS! I felt dazed, I’m so sorry Frost!
I was shooken violently back to reality, “Polar?” I whispered, pain surged through my head. The headache splintered. I saw two figures huddled around me, with concerned looks.
“Frost?!” A voice exclaimed.
I tried to heave myself upright, I sank back down. My body couldn’t handle the weight. My eyes fluttered open, a gasp of relief came from a person to my right. I struggled to try and sit up, I slowly elevated. As I sat up right, pain surged through my body. I winced, I saw burn marks all over my arm.
“Oh, thank the Elements!” Someone to my left softly muttered. Black dots sprinkled and danced across my vision.
I pressed my hand against my forehead, “What happened?” I groaned, the pain started to ease.
“You walked into my force field, which zapped you. I was off guard, so I put it up not knowing you two were coming.” Electra started a healing spell, my pain faltered. Coral wrapped seaweed around my arm, protecting the burns.
Blood rushed to my head, I could hear my heart thumping in my ears.
“Oh yeah, have you seen Cedar? That’s what me and Frost came to ask you, the others didn’t know. Even Audra had no clue.” Coral stood up. Her arm extended downwards towards me. I pulled my weight up, with the help of Coral. My body gave up, I slunk to the floor. Coral pulled me back up.
“Put more weight on me.” Coral whispered. She looked at Electra, “Have you?” Coral muttered something and crutches appeared in her hands. Coral gave them to me, they felt bumpy and rough. Oh! They're made of coral!
Electra stared at Coral for a brief moment, thinking. “..Hmm… Wait! I think I did, I saw Cedar enter the Earth realm earlier.” I looked at her. How and why would Cedar go in there alone?! He might’ve gotten hurt!
“We. have. To. get. The. others.” I puffed out. Hopefully he’s safe.
…
All 6 of us stood at the portals that Electra discovered. Vines wrapped around the cracked stone walls.
“Now is the time.” Audra said impatiently. Everyone’s attention went to her.
“What?” Audra looked at us. “Cedar may be in trouble! We have to save him, now or never.” I mean I guess she's right.
“Fair, fair.” Coral muttered, possibly thinking a couple steps ahead. She’s the oldest, she mostly would feel guilty if one of us got hurt. “I-”
“Come on! We have to save Cedar, and he's one of us. We can’t just up and leave him.” I interrupted. Audra and I exchanged glances, I know she’s thankful.
I put one foot in front of the other, my heart thumping. I don’t know what lies in the Earth realm, I mean it's the opposite of cold, so it should be fine. Right? I looked back at the others. I’ll be fine. I stared at the Earth realm portal for a brief second. Strange feelings came when I got too close. It felt… Distorted. I closed my eyes and just walked, I peeked open one of my eyes.
…I heard something, screams, chaos. “You shall be betrayed by one who calls you a friend.” It echoed in my mind. What?! My stomach churned at the thought of one of my friends betraying me. I pulled away.
“Come on lets go,” Coral said, walking closer, “All of us, at the same time. So if there is danger we can all protect each other.” Coral looked back at the others, Electra nodded in agreement.
I felt the presence of 4 figures getting closer. “Ready?” I asked as the others made their way over.
“I think so,” Ember said. I stepped once, then almost immediately me and several others flew back. Wind rushed through my black hair. A huge gust of wind struck us, I hit the grass hard, I groaned as I got up. Electra landed safely, with her storm power. Ember was nowhere to be seen. Coral summoned a wave to break her fall, although her clothes got wet.
“Ember?” Electra asked. “Ember?!” She raised her voice higher. Electra wandered around.
“Wait, where’s Audra?” I noticed her absence. Could’ve she sent the winds? I asked myself.
I paused. She definitely did it.
“Audra went inside.” Coral said, pointing to the Earth realm. I sighed, she’d hurt us just for Cedar? Coral squeezed out water from her clothes.
“As much as I don’t want to say this, we need to find Ember before Cedar. Possibly Audra also.” I admitted. Looking Coral straight in the eyes. She nodded briefly.
I feel Ember would be farther because she’s a fire elemental, they are stronger with wind. So maybe the wind knocked her farther? I started down the hill, looking around for any signs of her. Smoke circled from a nearby bush, could it be Ember? I got closer with each step, breathing shakily. Leaves were on fire, but no sign of Ember.
“Coral!” I yelled, “The bush is on fire but no sign of Ember!” Coral rushed over and blasted water at the on coming fire. The leaves sizzled before finally going out. I split away from Coral, hoping to cover more land.
“Frost! Coral!” Electra screamed, “She’s over here!” Me and Coral’s attention went over to Electra, who was on the other side of the hill.
We ran over quickly, “Is she okay?” I panted, catching my breath. “Where is she?” I asked.
“She’s unconscious,” Electra said, pulling Ember out of the stream. “She’s extremely wounded, I don’t think a healing spell would work. Natural healing would work best.” Ember looked terrible, I don’t think I’ve ever seen her this bad.
“We have to bring her to the Infirmary. Hopefully Sensei can help her.” Coral announced. “First we have to get her there without hurting her.”
I paused for a moment, thinking about what would work. “Vines.” Coral interrupted my thought process.
“What?” I stared at her, Electra looked up.
“We can weave vines into a stretcher, I can also use seaweed to fill in missing spots and make it so then Ember won’t catch it on fire.” Coral concluded her idea. I thought about the possibilities of how it’d work. I headed off into the woods with Electra to gather vines. I spread out into the wilderness.
I glanced up because that's the logical place where vines would hang. On the treetops. I spotted a thick overhang of vines, I used my powers to summon an ice pillar to reach it. I outstretched my hands and yanked it downwards.
Later I met up with Electra and Coral with our vines. Electra trot over with her clump of vines and 2 long sticks. Coral was crouched on the floor weaving the seaweed with the vines. Her hands quickly and swiftly made complex knots that my mind couldn’t even process. Her hand bumped into mine.
“...Oh sorry.” Coral apologized, continuing her work.
“No, I’m sorry, I was in your way.” I insisted, “Electra brought some sticks for the sides so then it’d be easier to carry her.” My hand buzzed, I barely could form words around Coral.
About 15 minutes later, we hoisted Ember onto the stretcher. Or mostly Electra because she's the only one who can touch Ember without getting hurt. Coral grabbed one side while I took the back. Electra mostly lingered behind, watching just in case Ember fell off.
Grass was tramped over, the forest swirling, gushed with winds howling. The forest held its breath.
“Sensei!” I shouted urgently as we reared the infirmary. Electra ran ahead to inform Sensei about Ember. Sensei and Electra had prepared a somewhat makeshift cot. The infirmary seemed like it wasn’t advanced for our time, straw for the roof, and the walls made out of bricks.
Inside it actually has air conditioning, plus all the advanced tech. I started to sprint with Coral at my heels. I made sure to steady Ember, without her falling out. A vine started to undo itself, we better hurry.
The infirmary came into view as we made the summit of the hill, my heart leaped with every step. Trees stopped to watch, grass cheered. A worried look crossed Sensei’s face. The wind tried desperately to stall us, it howled in agony. Was Cedar okay? Are those winds Audra’s? In case if you desperately needed to be healed the 4th wall would remove itself.
My body almost threw itself inside as we made it down the hill, I forced myself to stop. Coral skidded, some parts of the grass ripping up, I winced. Cedar wouldn’t be happy. Oh, well.
Ember was still unconscious, the stretcher would’ve snapped if we didn’t make it sooner. I set down the stretcher the same time as Coral did. The concrete floor felt extra cold today, or maybe it was just me.
Sensei and Electra both pulled Ember onto the cot. “I think she’ll be fully healed in a couple of days,” Sensei rasped. I looked at him for a brief moment, I never thought about how old he was. I mean I guess Elementals live longer than humans.
I hesitated, “If she doesn’t train you mean,” Electra’s hand shot up near her mouth, muffled giggles came from her. I restrained myself to not burst out laughing
“Don’t let Ember hear that,” Coral laughed. Sensei smiled, he turned away tending to Ember’s wounds.
I glanced at the Elemental Realms, has Audra found Cedar by now? Are they safe? Questions came and left. A hand touched my shoulder, my body jerked.
“Sorry, are you okay?” Coral cooed. It was nice to check on me, but I didn’t know how to form it into words.
“I-I don’t know if Audra and Cedar are okay.” My voice wavered. Coral's smile faltered. Electra looked up from helping Sensei.
“I know, not knowing is scary.” Electra understood. “Im sure they’re okay. I mean no one would want to stand in the way of Audra to get to Cedar.” She glanced at Sensei, who was still working on Ember’s injuries.
A couple days later, I had gotten word from Electra that Ember had finally awoken. I was in the middle of playing Evidence! with Coral, I was playing as Mrs. Tundra, Coral as Ms. Wave. Sensei once told us about a human game like it. It wasn’t as fun, believe me. I think it was called Clueless? I don’t remember, but you didn’t know you were the killer. With two people you would have other characters who could be the killer. I was the killer and I killed Mr. Corpse. Hehe.
Coral shot upwards almost immediately, knocking some pieces off of the coffee table. I tried to get up, it almost seemed the couch wanted me there forever. My legs wobbled as I stood upwards.
“How is she?” I probed, I sure hope she’s alright.
Electra motioned follow me with her hands. “You have to see for yourself.” She grinned before turning away, her curly blond hair seemed to flow in the air.
It was pretty weird walking to the infirmary, it's a long way from the lounge. It was awkward, we walked in utter silence. Even for me being an introvert, that was too much. The air conditioning was off to help Ember heal, Sensei said something about heat helping her recover faster.
When we arrived, Ember was sitting up on the cot. Burns and bruises all over her body. She looked at me for a brief moment, she sighed.
“Does this mean that I can’t train for a while?” Ember’s voice quivered. I haven’t heard that in a long time. I exchanged glances with Sensei. Electra looked up for a moment.
“Yes, you need to recover. The damage will be worse.” Sensei coaxed. His voice steady but stern. Ember frowned, her gaze sharp. Slowly her gaze turned to Coral.
“I don’t burn, the only thing that burns me is water. I don’t remember anything, but I’m pretty sure. It. Was. You.” Her tone was cold and sharp. Suddenly, the air felt heavy. Harder to breathe.
“Hey!” I retorted, all attention went to me, “It wasn’t Coral’s fault, all you know is that you're hurt. She actually saved your life. You can blame Audra, she sent winds and you fell into a big stream.” I placated. Coral sighed, looking away. Ember scoffed, turning away.
“If you want to heal, you better not train. Be grateful we saved you, you could’ve been maimed.” Electra snarled. I’ve never seen her temper take the best of her. I shuttered, even though it wasn’t towards me.
“I’m out,” Coral snapped. She whipped away, her brown wavy hair tossing around. She glared once more till storming away.
“Now are you happy?” I fumed, turning to Ember. She seemed hesitant. I exhaled, my heart sunk.
“Will you guys ever stop fighting?” Sensei barked, “I’m leaving, you can find me later.” Sensei parted away from us. Shame crawled down my back, my heart dropped to my stomach. Butterflies tumbled in my stomach.
I strode away, I looked back at Ember, “How many Elements do I have to name to tell you to stop fighting with others?” I growled. When I exited the infirmary, I decided to look for Coral. For a moment I felt sorry for Electra, I left her alone with Ember.
I looked around for about five minutes, until I realized Coral was at her favorite spot. The river nearby. She’d taken off her shoes and was dipping her feet inside the river. Her dark blue cargo pants were rolled up. Fish circled around her. Frogs and toads sung. I saw something in the water, spikey light blue sparks. Ice? Could that be me? But I’m super far away? I snapped a stick with my foot.
Coral whipped around shooting a blast of water, ice appeared in the water again. It froze before it was able to hit me. It hit the floor with a humongous thud. Her expression formed a small smile.
“Oh, hi Frost,” Coral muttered, “I don’t get why Ember gets so annoyed at me? What did I do?”
I sighed, “It seems like she's gotten mad at me also.” I replied, “After you left Sensei was fed up with us and left.”
“It’s all my fault,” Coral mumbled, burying her head in her hands. I got closer putting my hand on her shoulder.
“Hey, it's going to be okay,” I breathed softly, “As long as you know it's okay.” My tone was soft and steady, usually I’m terrible at this. I laughed.
“...What?” Coral looked at me with concern.
“I’m terrible at…. reassuring ?” I said giggling. Coral smiled, standing up. She threw on her shoes.
“Alright. Alrighty.” She laughed. “Lets go find Audra and Ce-” She stopped mid sentence.
“WHO EVER THAT IS SPYING ON US BETTER COME OUT NOW OR ELSE I WILL PERSONALLY MAKE YOU REGRET IT.” Coral shouted into the wilderness. “I WILL MAKE YOU WEAR A PINEAPPLE OF REGRET COSTUME.” I couldn’t help but laugh.
“YOU HOLLOW BRAIN.” Someone yelled.
“YOU'RE THE HOLLOW BRAIN HERE!” Coral barked. “Steam breath.” Coral cursed under her breath.
“I HEARD THAT.” Someone else taunted. “Steam breath.. IlLlL SHOoOoWwW YOoOooUuuU.”
I sighed. “Audra… Come out already.” I called. At this point you might already be on your hands and knees begging for her.
Audra came floating down from a nearby tree. “Ughhh.. FINEEEEE.” She gave in, sticking her tongue out at me.
“Well, we have news,” Cedar said, revealing himself from a bush. Silence filled the air, except the rushing river.
“Shoot,” Coral blurted almost immediately.
“So, I went into the Earth Realm, it was in total chaos. Dark shaders invading, warriors and archers. Then I found Cedar’s axe and a note. It said, Cedar is gone… Save this realm and save him. I saw footsteps leading into the forest, they looked like Cedars. So I followed it, I found Cedar with his axe. I asked him about the note and he said,” Audra said, wheezing afterwards.
“I wasn’t in trouble, I was fine, with my axe also.” Cedar interrupted looking at Audra before continuing, “Almost immediately we used our powers together to make a huge impact on the battle. Our final forms emerged, mine an earth fox,”
“AND MINE A WIND WOLF!” Audra announced to literally everyone in a 5 mile radius.
“-They worked together as if knowing each other. Here we are now.” Cedar said. Cedar looked at Audra nodding.
“I'M GOING IN THE WOODDSSSS, I SHALL HURT MYSELF IN A RANDOM WAYYY..” Audra's voice trailed off as she disappeared.
“Wait up!” Cedar called, “I’m coming with you!” He ran off, leaping across the river using the stepping stones.
“Get a room, you two.” I shouted.
“SEeeAAaaWeeeEEEedddDDD BrrRRAaaAIIIiiNNN!!” Audra bellowed from the woods somewhere.
I giggled as I sat down near the bank, staying a little bit farther away so I wouldn't freeze it. The koi seemed happy, the frogs and toads continued singing.
A different view point
Can I rest now? I pleaded to the controller. Yes you can. He grunted. I don’t really want to get on his bad side. Terrible things will happen if I don't. Wait, why aren’t you realising me? I asked humbly. Hoping he wouldn’t take it the wrong way. I said you can, but you didn’t say MAY. He growled, yikezers. He woke up on the wrong side of the bed. I groaned, May I? I tried to make it seem I was well mannered. Yes you may. He spoke, releasing control of me. It was a stressful day. He never lets me do anything. I just wish I could stop but I can’t.
I sat there on my bed checking time. 12 am! This guy made me stay up till 12 am!? I screamed in my mind. I lay there drifting asleep to the sounds of whales. I don’t know why whales but I got into them. Coral likes to teach me about them since she knows I enjoy learning about things I like.
As I drifted asleep I began dreaming something good finally started to happen in my dreams. I sat there under the water. It was majestic. Until he ruined it. I began dreaming about the sirens and what I could do if I agreed to be a full time control positioner. Which meant no breaks just constantly hearing him control me with no complaints.
I want to stop. I need to stop. But how can I stop with out him doing something to my parents he will take their powers and torture them. I can’t let that happen to my only family. Maybe I’ll ask them late at night when everyone is asleep. I woke up the next morning to the smell of the world's fluffiest pancakes. Sensei’s elemental whipped pancakes. A certain flavor for all elements.
“Thank you so much Sensei,” I commented sweetly, trying not to lose control.
“You’re welcome, Lumos,” He muttered but loud enough for me to hear, eying a glass. It’s probably something to make me spit out the truth. I should head to training. Go train. Great he’s back I wrote down on a sticky note.
I walked out and Cedar asked me to train with him. I was training gently but then he spoke. I’ll take it from here. He began taking control of me and all I could hear was the whooshing of his movements. I felt trapped in my own mind. It was like he put me in there to suffer with my own thoughts.
Cedar left and began tending to his garden allowing me to break free from control for a bit. I got on my ATV and began to drive out into the trees where no one could see me. I opened a portal and drove in the driveway in front of my parents house.
“Lumos! Nice to see you again,” My father greeted me, wrapping his arms around me.
“What brings you here?” My mother asked, putting down her tea.
“Well, I-I… I want to stop being controlled,” I managed to get out.
“Come on, it’ll only be until he receives power again,” My mom replies, shocked. I felt something run down putting me to sleep. As I fell asleep, something floated above me sending me home.
I woke up laying on the hammock outside trying to remember what happened. I couldn’t seem to remember but I went down towards the path as I had a faint memory of me asking someone something.
“Hey, wanna train?” Ember asked. My heart started pumping but not from her coming up behind me because of something else.
“S-sure,” I weakly replied. She brought me over to the fire temple which opened at the light of Ember’s flame. I felt the whooshing of the mind control sequence again. No no no not right now! I screamed in my mind hoping he didn’t hear that.
I'm back! Did you miss me? He spoke. He made me rush down the stairs of the temple. Ember followed fighting strong. Ember no what are you doing?! I took back control hoping she wouldn’t get controlled as I had dusted the rooms when I was being controlled. She lunged at me and I dodged trying to keep my distance.
I finally gained control as I was fighting him while fighting Ember. She got tired fighting so I told her to just rest. I walked out after an hour of practice, it was dark, the only light being the moon.
I saw someone in the distance. I enhanced my vision using my magic to see it was Electra. Finally I got back in! What’s this? One of the elements on her own? Follow her! He began to control me this time with stronger magic enhanced by some force I could not stop. I blitzed into the portal right before it closed, keeping my distance. I heard her talking to someone I didn’t know.
“Hi Bolt,” She sweetly greeted him.
“Welcome back, Electra,” Someone, probably Bolt, said leaning in.
“I brought you some of Sensei’s famous whipped pancakes.” Electra revealed a package of pancakes, “I know it's your favorite.” She finished, bringing the pancakes. She began pulling in closer.
EW don’t make me watch that! He yelled at me. Sorry! I yelled back. I looked away wondering what he would make me do next. Okay they’re moving. Keep your distance but follow them. He began moving me towards a small house where Bolt and Electra sat.
Wanna get some snacks while waiting? Of course you do. Snacks fell into my arms as I stood in the bushes careful not to move. Eat up. It’s gonna be awhile. I mean I can’t waste this opportunity since he's never given me snacks, let alone magic muffins.
Bolt got up carrying Electra towards the living room before going to bed. Is he gone finally? Yes. Good go now. I moved towards the window, careful not to scare anyone awake. I slid the window open with one hand, and used the other to craft a magic raft that lifted Electra out the window.
After lifting her out the window, I opened a portal towards the extraction zone we called it, locking her up in the small room. Don’t forget the Puissant Titanium. I grabbed the jeweled cuff strapping it on to Electra’s ankle. Stay and guard. I’ll send you the tools.
I stood there watching Electra. If she tried anything the Titanium would cancel out her powers. The tools are waiting by the door. Be quick. I walked towards the door grabbing the supplies.
“Where am I?” Electra groaned, looking around.
“That’s classified,” I grumbled as I walked towards the test room.
“Lumos? What are you doing?!” She asked, trying to make a spark. “And why can’t…” She looked at her ankle seeing the jeweled titanium cuff strapped to her.
“Lumos! This isn’t you! Just let me go and I-I’ll help you,” She pleaded. Her voice quivered.
“I-I can't,” I shouted. “Goodbye Electra,” I walked towards the control panel, clicking a nearby button. Bright yellow energy began moving through the clear tubes to a small gem. It sourced into the lightning bolt shaped gem powering it. Yes! YES!! I FEEL THE ENERGY!
Electra began to collapse on the floor as her power drained from herself, her blood disappearing, draining her face to a pale white. Come on Lumos break free! I began to feel my body again but it wasn’t there. Just a little more! I was forced down trying to break free. A bright purple flash covered the room.
“I’m coming Electra!” I ran back to the containment room to see her collapsed on the floor. I rushed to see the gem already attached to his staff and a dark cloud swirling above. I tried to pull the gem off but I couldn’t. I left Electra to go get help, but was anyone going to be awake right now? I portaled back to the house to see Ember out with Audra who was climbing the tree.
“Ember,” I panted. “Electra she- she’s in trouble,” I finished staring at her flaming red eyes.
“I’ll go get the others,” She called while running inside. The others came out and I knew and needed to tell them the whole story.
“I was being mind controlled and accidentally drained her power,” I started “Now she’s knocked out and I think… Dark Shard has returned,” I barely got out his name.
“I knew it from the beginning of time and you guys wouldn’t believe me,” Audra commented. We all drove towards the opened portal, ready for a full on fight.
“Look who finally showed up,” Dark Shard said, appearing from the shadows.
“Give back her powers and we won’t need to do this the hard way” I asked, pulling shadows from behind.
“How about…No?” He lunged, thrusting shadow shards towards us. I pulled the shadows and hid behind a box. I created shadow clones that fought for me while I stayed. As the rest of the group was fighting I snuck past Dark Shard towards the containment room.
There, lay Electra motionless as if she had been frozen. She tried to get up, calling me closer.
“Lumos y-you came back for me” She weakly whispered.
“Of course I came back. I couldn’t leave you” I whispered back.
“There you are!!” a voice yelled behind me.
“Don’t come any closer,” I demanded, getting up.
“I won’t” Dark Shard stepped backwards. With one flick of his hand, his magic held Electra in the air. I pulled my shadow clones about to blast.
“You dare attack me? If you do that, bye bye to your little friend.” He grasped tighter on her now, choking her.
“I-Is this how Sensei feels like? P-P-Pooweer.. Less?” She smiled. Her hands darted to the magical hand, clasping off any air. Electra tried to yank the hand away. I stood still looking for the others. I saw Ember crawling behind a box hoping not to be seen. Ok It’s up to me. I began forming a plan when something caught my eye.
Electra shocked the hand blasting Dark Shard back. She fell to the floor and lay motionless.
“It’s just you now isn’t it,” Dark Shard shifted towards the shadows.
“I’m not scared of you!!!” I yelled.
“Well you should be,” His voice rushed. I heard his voice echo through my mind and I began seeing things. A vision began to form revealing dark purple clouds at first. Then I saw myself alongside Dark Shard. Gaining power and taking over the land of the Elements. Then I saw my parents who looked proud.
“This could be you. We can do this together.” Dark Shard spoke. “All of this could happen if you just join me,” He looked so smug. I stood there in my vision looking strong and powerful. And my parents, they looked happy. But on the other side stood my friends, Sensei, and Ember.
“I-I,” I stuttered.
“Go on.” He said.
“I’m not going to join you!” I screamed. I broke free launching a powerful energy blast sending Dark Shard far back against the wall. He struggled to stand. As I got closer he began fumbling for power and balance. Right as I shot another powerful beam he disappeared.
Ember came out behind the boxes to me standing, with purple light shining all around me. I dropped to the ground as the power faded away. Ember rushed to my side pulling me to my feet.
“How did you do that?” She asked dusting herself.
“I don’t know.” I began. “Something snapped in me and well-,” I shrugged
“Summoned full power,” Ember finished my sentence.
“Where are the others?” I asked.
“They went and hid somewhere else to regain strength but I think they were hiding from you,” She answered.
“That’s fair,” I calmly said. “You guys can come out now.” I called. They began walking towards me and asking the same question Ember asked me. I explained to each of them what happened. I walked away towards Electra trying to find the gem.
“Where’s Electra?” Audra asked.
“I think Lumos is with her right now. We should probably go help,” Coral answered. They rushed over holding Electra upright. I kept looking until something shiny passed me. I grabbed it from under a box trap meant for mice. I walked swiftly towards the group.
“What’s that?” Cedar asked.
“The power I stole from Electra when I was being controlled,” I quickly said.
“Well better get it back to her. It’s basically her life source,” Ember shot at me. I cracked the gem open and poured it into her necklace which would quickly distribute the power around. I looked at her necklace to notice that some was still missing. I heard small rustling in the bushes and it happened to be my parents holding the fragment of power.
I pulled it back, inserting the rest into the necklace. I didn’t say anything. Instead, I let them think they got away with the energy by replacing it with potato soup.
“Wha-What happened,” Electra awoke.
“You lost your power… fully,” I gently said. She stumbled to get up. In seconds the power from the gem had restored her energy and power.
“Lets go back and tell Sensei about this,” Coral said walking out. I walked out beside Ember double checking we didn’t leave anything behind. She smiled carrying supplies out that she brought just in case. I walked out knowing that he would return but we’ll be ready for when he strikes.
Whirlpool of Emotions
Today was a pretty hot day to be honest. I don’t think anyone went to go train outside except me, Ember, and Cedar who was just out there to protect his plants. Sweat beaded on my face, trying to cool me down. Since it was so hot, I went down towards the water temple. Plus Ember wouldn’t shoot flames at me every 5 seconds even though she said she was working out some ‘new spell’.
I slid down the tunnel opening using my water powers to make it faster. The moss drooped down as if feeling the heat. I came to the bottom where the crystal clear lake stood shining as if greeting me with a smile. I sat down, taking my shoes off before dipping my toes in, feeling the cool water.
I dove in swimming farther than my last record which was super close to the deep blue. I needed to figure out how to be able to breathe in deeper areas such as the deep blue. Just in case we ever need to go that deep, I doubt we will but it’s still good to have the skill. The algae on the wall was no longer visible as I swam farther. I pulled out a sticker meant for under the water. The water pulled me down making it hard to breathe.
No longer able to breathe I stamped the sticker on a piece of coral, thrusting upwards towards areas I could breathe. After messing around underwater I came back up onto the stone floors, blasting all the water that was on me back into the pond.
While I was down in the water, one thought wouldn’t stop bugging me. Why did Dark Shard attack us early on without regaining more energy first? He knew that he was powerless so why did he do it? Maybe it was a trap to unlock something he couldn’t? I began thinking. For whatever reason he did it, it was for something.
I’ve decided to try and get a skill to pull back my spear but without magnets. Like in the Terry Pot series. I should practice it with water first then just try to pull it back forcefully. I set the spear far on the wall getting ready to pull. I channeled a blast launching it at my spear. The spear floated towards me, getting into my hands.
I channeled another blast practicing and using movements that seemed to make it work. Now it was time for me to try it without any water boost. I leaned the spear on the wall. Concentrate just concentrate. The spear flew over into my right hand pointing at the dummy on the wall. What if I could do this with far away water sources? In case there was no water nearby.
Even though I could just create water, combining my powers with other water sources makes it stronger. If I learned this, I could pull a lot more power and take out enemies faster. As I was thinking of how to practice this a bright red blast surrounded the area. I ran out of the temple to see Ember walking around in a long bright flame dress with a phoenix following. Another bright blast happened showing the symbol of fire, a phoenix, and Ember returned to normal.
“Ember what happened?!” I asked, shocked. Processing what happened.
“I was training and then I felt this transformation and it felt like I reached-”
“Final form?” Lumos interrupted, turning away blushing.
“Lumos? How do you know about that?” I asked.
“While you were fighting shadow clones and hiding for an attack, Lumos unlocked full potential and took out Dark Shard.” Ember explained.
“I went to Sensei to why it happened and he explained that Elementals who see someone in danger or something or someone is close to them is damaged or hurt it can charge up full potential meaning powers are unrestricted but it can damage whoever unlocked it if held for too long,” Ember continued to explain.
“So you were seeing if you could activate it without having something happen to someone?” I said.
“Yes. Also Sensei said if more of us can unlock our true form, he can start training us to not get hurt or damaged during that form and learn to control it.” She answered. Full form huh? Well if they can do it I can do it. I began walking towards the water temple, focused on how to summon full power. I felt something off and I launched a beam of water only to realize it was Electra.
She dodged, still walking behind me. I picked up the pace thinking it was one of her pranks again.
“Ok Electra, what is it?” I finally asked, irritated.
“MMM HMMPH MMPH!” She hummed.
“Lumos, let Electra talk,” I rolled my eyes. Lumos flicked his hand releasing the magic.
“Finally. Sensei has been looking for you. He’s with Ember but he needs you too.” She blurted.
“Ok, tell him I’ll be there in a couple minutes.” I told Electra.
“Already on it!” She called from the back door. Probably wants me to get errands from the Earth Realm again. I started walking towards the door. Frost came out holding freezies for Audra and Cedar. She tripped over a step, and I caught her holding the freezies in my left hand.
“You okay?” I asked. My heart began to quicken its pace; it felt like my mind was going insane.
“Yeah, I’m good,” Frost blushed, turning away. Weird and it’s only around Frost. It’s probably natural instincts since we’re both close Elementals. I thought in my head. I walked in the house down the small trapdoor where Ember and Sensei sat, waiting for me.
“There you are!” Sensei exclaimed. “Just on time too!” He reassured me.
“Why are only us here?” Ember asked.
“You two are my most trustworthy and strongest out of the rest.” Sensei answered. “Now I called you both here because recently the Earth realm has had a lot of problems. I think what’s happening is that an ancient world, called The Rift, has been disturbed by Dark Shards' return causing issues with certain realms.” He explained.
“So how do we reach this rift thingy?” I asked.
“Its current location since it moves is at the Earth Realm forest but it’ll only be there until the Floral Moon rises there tonight,” Sensei pointed to the map. “If you could leave some time today and fix this issue we won’t need to fix the other realms as bad as this one needs to be,” He walked away to the bookshelf.
“Here,” Sensei handed me a book. I opened the book to see no pages at all.
“Uh Sensei?” I looked at him with utter confusion.
“Yes?” He responded.
“There’s no pages in this book” I said, thinking he mixed up the books.
“I know. You’re meant to go get the pages from the rift. Then it’ll allow me to test something.” He answered, calmly. What pages could we get from an endless void that Sensei could’ve made up? I ran in my mind. I stepped out deciding that I’m going to get the prank over with now. Ember caught up throwing a disk at the ground, revealing her motorcycle.
I tossed mine down too, hopping on. We opened a portal zipping through feeling the warp of the portal I’ve never felt before. I thought it was just the portal warping a little off today so I ignored it. We came out to the forest and got off looking around for anything. We split up hoping to find something if we went in different directions.
I followed a small stream, hoping it would lead me somewhere. After walking for a while I began to see dark vines and drooping trees. I'm close. Better get ready for the prank. I reminded myself. I took many steps carefully hoping I could avoid the prank. Suddenly the ground rumbled and the ground split open but the vines tangled me and tossed me into the endless drop.
I crashed onto a gloom shroom, something Cedar had taught me about, bouncing off onto my feet. Minutes later Ember came down, furious with me randomly disappearing.
“Sooo,” I began. “I guess this is the Rift Sensei was talking about.” I awkwardly said, turning to Ember.
“Start looking for those pages he was talking about,” Ember started. “I’m beginning to think this is real.” She plainly stated. We began looking around the dimly lit realm looking for pages to the book.
“Welcome to the Rift,” A voice boomed. We turned to see a tall figure staring. “Tell me your nam- cough cough- I’m so sorry I haven’t done this in years,” The voice changed from a dark loud one to a calm, light one within seconds. I stared at Ember deeply confused.
“Allow me to introduce myself.” The figure began shrinking to our size. “I am Starlena Moonshade, creator of the Rift.” She beamed.
“Hi I’m Coral and this is-” I began to introduce myself and Ember. OKAYYYYYY.
“I don’t need you to do my introduction for me. I’m Ember,” She protested, glaring at me.
“I haven’t seen people here in 5 centuries! You guys must be part of the prophecy!” Starlena gushed. “Hmm, I’m sensing you two don’t really like each other. Wow,” Starlena rambled on and on, I nodded as if I heard everything, “Oh! Elements, I’m rattling on again!” She exclaimed.
“Anyways, what brings you down here?” She asked.
“Well we’re trying to find these pages for this book,” I held up the book, explaining.
“OH MY ELEMENTS! That’s why these pages keep coming down here!” Starlene shouted. She began rummaging through the large library that stood before us. I stared at Ember waiting for something to happen.
“Here they are!” She tossed the pages into our arms.
“Quick question,” I began, “Why’d you make this place and what’s so important about it?” I questioned.
“Well long ago, the Elements' power was discovered. And over time they learned to increase their power which led to unbalanced areas. If it stayed like this, it would begin to tear everything apart leading to destruction of power and the Earth. To stop this, Starlight magic users and Shardlight magic users created The Rift which traveled balancing power. One user of Starlight would stay here balancing out lands using their power.” She explained.
“Ohh that makes sense”, I realized.
“My next stop is probably the Water Realm but I have to wait until the Floral moon rises. If you ever need anything, just come find me.” Starlena coaxed handing a map to Ember.
“Fire Proof,” Ember acknowledged. We held the pages and gently patched them into the book with Starlena. She reopened the crack allowing us to head upwards into the forest. I jumped after Ember who was waiting for me.
“Goodbye for now!!!” She cheerfully called. As I landed, the forest closed the crack repairing its low hanging branches and vines. I followed Ember back to our vehicles messing around with the book. Once at the vehicles I hopped on to my jet ski double checking it was using the wheel mode. We went through the portal but this time I didn’t feel anything. Maybe having us go to Starlena supplied her with energy and power allowing her to fix the issue. I thought to myself.
We entered the garage making sure no one saw us since Sensei was still working on something called ‘The Big One’. I carefully walked in hoping I wouldn’t bring dirt in the house. Carrying the pages, I walked towards the trap door opening it carefully. Climbing down the rusty ladder, Sensei looked down the trap door following me down.
“Here Sensei. I got the pages you needed,” I handed the pages to him.
“Thank you, Coral,” He took the pages.
“What are you going to do with the pages?” I questioned.
“These pages contain information of the past Elements which can help us train and unlock unknown abilities to us including something called Half-Hybrids,” He answered. I looked at him confused. He caught my look and sighed.
“Half-Hybrids are Elementals that have two elements mixed into one, forming a much more complex but powerful Elemental.” Sensei clarified. I nodded, still trying to process what he clarified.
“Oh tell the rest I have a little surprise for them after dinner,” He called while reading the book. Half-Hybrids? Would that mean Electra? Maybe I should process this later in case we get more information about this. I concluded my thoughts. I walked out to see Frost sitting alone in the swing chair. I walked over and sat next to her.
As I sat there, all she did was reach for my hand to hold it. I let her, as my feelings took over. My heart began to race as she held my hand. She leaned over, laying her head on my shoulder. We sat there for a minute before Ember showed up.
“You guys coming to eat or is Lumos getting extra food today?” She turned away to tell Lumos about the extra food he was gonna get if we didn’t come.
“Okay, okay we’re coming but not because you came outside and reminded us about dinner,” I joked, getting up. Frost hurried to the dinner table, worried that Lumos began snacking on her food. I walked in and began eating in silence. No one’s gonna say anything? Oh wait! Sensei told me to tell them about a surprise he has!
“Sensei has a surprise for us waiting in the gear room,” I cut through the silence. I’m pretty sure it’s in the gear room because it normally is but he didn’t specify. I ran through my mind. They all looked up staring at me in silence. After staring they began eating again with the silence that surrounded us like a void.
After finishing dinner we all started walking on the slick tile, heading towards the darkened gear room. As we walked in the computer lit up the room as if Ember had created a forest fire. The computer dimmed the lights again, this time setting it to a calm starry night mode.
“Welcome everyone!” Sensei exclaimed. “I have brought you here because,” He pulled out his little trumpet, struggling to make the notes sound good. “I revised your suits!” He gushed. We walked towards the button panel, knowing Sensei wanted us to do so. Each of us clicked our button to reveal the same suits.
“Put them on!” Sensei cheered. We tossed them on, looking for something different.
“Now Ember, shoot a flame at Coral,” He politely asked Ember.
“Gladly,” She smirked, blasting the flame. I stood still, scared what would happen. As the flame hit me it disappeared as if my water powers had extinguished the flame. I opened my eyes and felt myself. Nope. No harm or damage done.
“As you can see, I added protection by using the book that you brought to me today Coral. It protects you from Ember and the others that way when you’re training no harm is done. It can kinda protect you from enemies but the enchantment wasn’t able to be fully finished.” Sensei elaborated. After trying the suit out I noticed Frost had left so I went to go find her.
I walked through the back door looking at the pink clouds swirled with orange. She sat watching the yellow sun set behind the trees. I walked over quietly sitting down next to her. She grabbed my hand, turning to me shyly. She looked as if she was going to say something but quickly turned away letting go. I wonder what she was going to say. Whatever it was, it was probably something like her wanting more dinner or just to train tomorrow.
Flames ignite
Another day, another time for training. Today I decided to go on the field instead of being in the caged ring with the new trainer bot 3000. Don’t ask what happened to the others I may or may not have destroyed the other 2999 cause I’ve gotten stronger. I did not wanna upset Sensei again with taking out another one equaling 3000 bots destroyed by me. I walked on to the field in front of the sunburnt straw dummy which had been often upgraded, but no one used it as often.
Sword training or power training? I probed in my mind. I decided to go with power training because lately I’ve only been using my sword and got better without so maybe I should practice with my flames. It’ll probably be easier too since Audra’s winds took me out for days. I threw flames while working hard. Everything rushed around me, sounds went silent, the cooing of the dove was blocked.
A bright flaming blast formed around me. I rose, allowing my full form to come into play. Glowing, feathered wings formed shining even brighter than the blast. A phoenix came and surrounded me. Yes! Come on! Come on! I cheered. But just as I thought as I reached the full form the wings began crumpling, as if they hit a branch. The feathers fell to the ground, fizzing away. The phoenix flew away, dissipating in the trees. I fell to the ground but this time more controlled. I landed dizzy from the transformation.
I threw a flamed rock at the dummy. What happened? I was so close! The phoenix was there in front of me ready to give me strength and power! I screamed in my mind. Receive the true meaning of the Phoenix to succeed. A voice whispered. I walked in frustration to the Sensei book library where I ‘checked out’ the rift book me and Coral had brought back. I flipped through the pages, looking for anything that could help me out. I finally found a page called Phoenix quality.
I read through and finally found the quality I was looking for. It was loyal. But I thought I was already loyal. Maybe I need to show the quality more often than just occasionally. I walked out returning the book and paid the fine for checking out the book before opening day. I honestly think Sensei is trying to teach us more about the regular world, in case we need to do an undercover mission out there.
I step outside to the cool breeze and the soft grass to Electra who was using the straw dummy for once. I approached her, careful not to scare her.
“Hey Electra,” I greeted her.
“What up?” She probed hoping to get a quick answer.
“Do you wanna try the final form?” I asked.
“Sure. I mean I have nothing better to do,” Electra beamed.
“Alright, think of something that makes you deeply angry. Then channel that energy and concentrate,” I instructed. She began fighting the straw dummy, flinging shots faster than ever. She rose with a yellow blast. Not as strong but strong enough. I thought. The snake came towards her but slithered away speaking the same message the phoenix told me.
“Try again. I’m sure you can get it” I encouraged. She began this time concentrating on the dummy only. She arose into the sky with another bright flash. Much stronger! I was shocked to see her up there keeping concentration. I focused on the snake this time and as I saw it slither I saw streaks of red down its tail. Just as it approached she fell quickly as if she had lost control.
I caught her and she snapped awake after feeling the sensation of the fall. I tried to coax her to do it again but she refused and walked away towards the garden to ask Cedar for her Zap fruits to regain energy. Audra was walking towards me so I just stood there, waiting for her.
“Hey, I wanna try that full form thing too” She exclaimed. Perfect, no convincing needed. I instructed the same as I told Electra, confident she could master this. She began to follow my instructions hoping she could please me after what happened with the wind. She flew upwards towards the sky with her bright white light flashing after her. I saw the wind wolf approach and screamed at her to keep going. Cedar ended up getting afraid and he accidentally activated his, causing both to fly backwards due to the mix of powers.
Coral caught both of them with a huge wave, giving me a stern look.
“Ember what were you doing?!” She shouted at me.
“I was helping them reach full form, well Audra until Cedar accidentally summoned his,” I explained.
“You endangered their lives. Next time, go to the crash pad area if you’re trying this. Even better,maybe don’t try this, we're not ready,” Coral snarled, checking for wounds. I walked away knowing nobody would try this anymore. I walked slumped towards the old swing chair hoping to calm down and not cause anymore problems.
“Hey, what's wrong?” Lumos probed smirking.
“I was trying to get people to unlock full form like you but I just caused even more problems.” I explained, sighing.
“Maybe I could help,” he offered.
“Really?” I looked up at him.
“Yeah just give me about an hour and I guarantee I can have them training with no magic used.” Lumos placated.
“Okay, but I guarantee it’s going to be a struggle.” I chuckled under my breath. He left, striding confidently towards the rest of the gang. I went inside to look for the qualities for the snake and the wolf. Going back to check in the book, Sensei handed me the book and nodded as if he knew I needed it.
I opened the book towards the snake and saw that the trait of calm was needed where the wolf was caring. I can see Audra being caring but the rift book rewrote itself to devotion to family. She has that she just needs to stay in control. The book must change itself when information is not correct. That's interesting. I thought in my head. I wandered around the halls looking for something but I think I just needed to clear my head.
I walked into my bedroom, turning on the red LED’s for light. I sat there, watching the slide show Sensei made me think of what the fire realm looked like. I marvelled at the beauties of the realm and when the last slide played, I stopped it. I stepped closer to the projector looking closely at the only tree that can survive in the realm. The Family Tree.
It shows your family what they have been through and more about your lineage and power. One day I would love to go see it, but I shouldn’t disobey Sensei’s rule about going to your personal realm without letting anyone know because of Cedar’s disappearance one day. He laid down that rule to keep us safe since there are no replacements for chosen ones. I grab a small book, called Wings of Battle, or something I forgot and flipped through the pages.
In the beginning a chosen one was killed and replaced yet the prophecy still worked. I wonder what would’ve happened if Electra had died that one night, battling Dark Shard. Would she get replaced? Would we move on? Would Dark Shard take over? I was deep in thought when I was spooked by Lumos.
“Hey, come outside. I think you’ll like what you're about to see” He murmured walking away. I turned off the strips of lights and took one final glance at the slideshow before walking swiftly towards the door.
“Alright. Alright what’s this surprise?” I asked jokingly.
“Are you ready? Ok I present to you… Audra and Cedar!” He announced. I was confused as to why he was so excited.
“Okay Audra, Cedar just like we practiced,” Lumos whispered. Audra began attacking the straw dummy and focused hard on it.
What is she doing? I thought. I soon realized that she was channeling energy for full form. She rose with a white flash, keeping it together and focused on the form. The wolf returned circling around her as if it was checking for any danger. It sat in front of her giving a nod of approval. She did not reach for it; she let it come towards her. The wolf gave its energy to her, powering her towards the final step. Another flash brighter than the last one, brought her down towards the ground.
When she finally came down she stood there, in a long flowy white dress with air currents visible around her. Her hair flowed with the air as if it was weightless. A wolf followed her carefully. She looked for the straw dummy which stood slightly damaged in front of her. She blasted a huge current of air, knocking the dummy back into the crash pad walls destroying it. Soon, she showed off another ability, transformation. Audra channeled energy now becoming a white wolf, giving her abilities of an animal.
The transformation ended, returning Audra to her normal form. The spirit of the wolf left her, wandering into the woods before disappearing in the wind. Cedar began his attack this time attacking a different straw dummy that stood on the other side. He rose with a green flash following the steps of Audra. Lumos stood next to me muttering the quality of the fox, cautious.
The fox came towards him, also nodding in approval. He came down slowly after another flash hoping he did it right. He stood there in a comfortable woodsman jacket, under it was a green suit that stood out bright. A fox followed him the same as Audra’s wolf. He showed his transformation, an orange fox with green eyes. Again the transformation ended, and the spirit of the fox had dived into a small hole fading with nature.
“That… was… Amazing!” I exclaimed.
“Lumos how?!” I was shocked.
“I trained them since they were the closest to earning the spirits since they matched the qualities of the fox and the wolf,” He shrugged.
“My quality is loyal, and I am but the phoenix refused me.” I explained.
“Are you loyal to everyone?” Lumos probed, glancing at Coral.
“Oh… I should probably help her out.” I winced. I walked over there and Coral started to quicken her pace.
“Coral wait!” I shouted. “Are you ok?” I asked.
“No, I-I needed to reach final form but I was denied because I didn’t fully represent my quality.” She sat down.
“Me neither,” I told her sitting next to her.
“It’s because I needed to be resilient and I am but it said I need to be resilient with others and I am with everyone but-” Coral began.
“Me,” I interrupted. “I realized I need to be loyal to you not just everyone else but you too,” I finished.
“So friends?” Coral drawled.
“Friends,” I smiled. I thought about what happened to me and Coral. I realized that I need to be loyal and ready to take her side. But now to finish one more thing. I moved stealthily towards the Element Portals, checking if anyone was nearby. I opened the portals heading into the fire realm one, glancing behind me. No tomorrow. I told myself.
“I’ve done it! I figured it out! I’ve enhanced my life!” I heard Sensei exclaim. I walked over swiftly knowing Sensei was going to introduce something.
“As you know I’m getting older and having trouble to train you all and other important things. With this book I’ve enhanced my life for longer. That way I can continue to help you succeed. But at times I will not be able to train with you. Everyone, I would like you to meet my son in law, Hunter,” Sensei explained.
“Hello everyone! I’m Hunter and eventually I’ll be your Sensei.” Hunter began. “You’re Electra, the electricity elemental and the youngest, you’re Cedar, Earth Elemental and very interested in plants, Coral and Frost, Water and Ice Elementals both very protective and resilient, Lumos, Magic Elemental you are very sly and cheeky, and finally Ember, Fire Elemental who is very protective and strong. Looks like I remember all your guys names,” He cheered.
“I’ll be mentoring him so he can train with all of you but it’s late and we should get to bed,” Sensei clapped. I went to my room dimming the LED’s to the lowest possible setting before reading Wings of Battle and finally getting rest.
Beep! Beep! Beep! I awoke at 6 am, shutting off the loud alarm clock. I crept out, careful not to make a sound. I opened the backdoor rushing to the portals. Opening the bright red, flame portal, I jumped through closing the portal behind me. As I got through the portal, I began my mission, to find my family.
I began asking the locals starting with a trader in his shop.
“Excuse me, I’m looking for the parents of Ember,” I asked politely.
“Pssh whoosh aash aah,” The trader responded. Unfortunately, I didn’t know Firish yet. I left feeling defeated. Then I remembered the slide show of the elements. The Family Tree! I followed the roadsides that everyone went down and soon I saw it. The Family Tree. I waited in line for my turn and finally after waiting in line for an hour I got my turn.
I gently paced my hand on the rough wood waiting for anything, something to happen. Your father died in a strong battle. He captured back your realm. Your mother was killed by your aunt, she took you in, drugged you and took the memories away from you.
A vision began to dance in my mind taking me away from the real world. I began to remember this. The pain I saw my mother feel. She began to fight my aunt holding a sword in her hand. My aunt thrusted at my mother taking control of the hill. She pushed her down as I was trapped in a cage or something. My mother threw flames and meteors bigger than any I’ve seen before. My aunt, struggling to stand, powered up. Her phoenix looked distorted whereas my mothers looked bright like a warrior. My aunt launched a beam but missed. My mother destroyed her form by choosing the broken light which knocked my aunt down. My mother lay there in immense pain. The last I ever heard was “Take good care of her, never block the light that shines within her” My aunt she-she finished with one final blow leaving her with control of the hill and me.
I woke up gasping. I left the tree and began to run. My new mission had begun. I was going to find my aunt.
A New Awakening
I blasted the straw dummy a couple more times to see if it would work. Nope, I sighed. Weak again. My powers haven’t felt the same since Lumos was mind controlled by the Dictator. (We found out his name through Lumos). Frost came up to me telling me it was time for lunch. I really hope it's Sparky’s Zapped Up Chicken, we rarely had it. Partially because I was the only one who would eat it.
When I arrived I smelt something extravagant in the air. Elemental Extravaganta. I groaned, I mean I like Elemental Extravaganta. Buut it was literally every other day. My taste buds aren’t going to like this. I sat at the round table outside, Lumos and Ember sat with me. I had a feeling Audra and Cedar were on a picnic. My appetite wasn’t that big at the thought of what they were doing. I had no idea where Coral and Frost went.
At the end of lunch, I had barely touched most of my food. I scraped it off into the trash can. I winced, I didn’t like wasting food. I decided to try out my final form again, hopefully it still works.
I traveled throughout the house till finally making it to the training area. I headed out to the field, it was windy today. Probably something Audra caused. It was typically like this when she was happy on that day. It took a couple of minutes till finally reaching a big enough space to try out my final form once more.
I paused, focusing on just a patch of grass below. Legs, arms, torso, head. I channeled my energy all throughout my body. I felt energized as it spread throughout, I feel ready. I am ready. I let go of all of my energy. Lightning swarmed and gathered around me, thunder echoed in my mind. Clouds gathered above, a snake appeared from nowhere. He looked a bit like Snakey. It hissed, I looked around for a moment.
Almost immediately everything stopped. I grunted, again? Did the Dictator’s spell permanently affect me? I shivered, even the very thought disgusted me. I’ll try again, it better work this time.
This time I focused on a tree. Maybe a larger object would work this time. I divided my energy equally this time, hoping it’d have an effect. I remember Ember saying to also focus on something that makes you really angry. I hesitated, what makes me angry? Having Bolt away from me? No. Oh! I know! The Dark Shard and the Dictator. I thought about punching their faces in. I tried not to burst out laughing, I clenched my teeth to prevent me from laughing. A ball of lightning bounced around me, storm clouds circled. I kept my focus as much as I could. The snake appeared in the blink of an eye. This time he was bigger and had some fire scales. Fire encased us. Everything went black.
I awoke seeing some sort of water park. I watched as I saw a younger version of me, maybe about 3 or so. My mother took past-me’s hand. Past-me and my mother were wearing swimsuits. I heard Past-me softly crying.
“Mommy, I donna wanna gooes.” Past-me whimpered. My mother looked down at Past-me, pausing to think.
“I know, but you’ll have fun,” Mother coaxed, her voice soothing and sweet. She crouched down to past-me height.
“We can do this together, if you want,” Mother said, taking Past-me’s hands.
2 figures passed through me, it was weird having two people in me for a brief moment. Oh, no. We’re in my memories. They had armour and spears, striding quickly. I looked down at my hands, they seemed ghost-like. Am I dead? No, no.
“Hold your hands behind your back,” The first soldier demanded, “Or if you don’t will do this the hard way, or the HARDER way.”
Past-me looked up at mother, Past-me had tears welled up in her eyes. She sniffled before holding Mother’s hand. Mother slowly stood up.
“What happens if I don’t want to go?” Mother asked, tilting her head for a second.
“Well… Will torture you with the Sirens,” The second one muttered.
“THAT DOESN'T MATTER RIGHT NOW, YOU ARE UNDER ARREST FOR A HYBRID,” The first one declared, he shook part of the water park with his voice. Humans ducked down, finding cover. An announcer repeated, Earthquake earthquake, find cover, find cover.
“Mommy? What's a Hi-breed?” Past-me asked. Tugging mother closer.
“Shh, mommy’s got this,” Mother cooed, she shooed Past-me in the cabana. Closing the curtains.
I walked through the curtains, or phased? Past-me sat on the lawn chair sniffling and mumbling to herself. I sat down next to her, she didn’t acknowledge me at all if she did see me. Quietly I held her hand, she looked up right at me. Can she see me? I stood up, grabbing a nearby pencil and paper.
Hey little one, it's going to be okay. You have to be strong. You are loved, you’ll be alright if you know it's okay. You are Electra Sparksfire Thunderash.
I wiped her tears with my sleeve. I slipped the piece of paper into her pocket. I hugged her before leaving, I looked back at her one more time before leaving. I came out to see my mother fighting the two soldiers. I clenched my teeth, seaweed brains. I focused on my energy and blasted. It had no effect, it fizzled before it hit the soldiers.
By all the Elements! It seems as if only Past-me can see me. Argghh, I want to help. I could only watch as two more backup soldiers outmatched my mother. I felt her anger from 6 feet away! She already had one dead, blood pooled on the ground from a wound on her arm. She zapped one of the soldiers, her aim was a bit off zapping his leg. He collapsed to the ground, one sent a huge wave. Knocking out my mother. My fear of water triggered, I ran out of the way. I could only watch as the wave drowned the cabana that Past-me was in.
As it flooded Past-me out, my mother was taken by the soldiers being dragged over to the small opening in the park. Past-me ran towards the exit in an attempt to get help but seaweed climbed up, tangling up her steps. I reached my hand out to grab her but the soldiers had already pulled her to the hole, taking her to the place I feared most. The Water Realm.
I followed Past-me into the hole to try and save her from the fate I experienced. Wait, I can’t really change anything. This is the past, what happened is what happened.
Past-me whimpered as she looked around, the only thing she could hear was the screams of Mother. I quietly took her hand, and I pulled out the slip of paper from earlier. I put it in her hand, as she read it. Usually kids can’t read till later, but electric elementals are taught their own code. At birth they immediately know it, Past-me read quickly. Tears rolled down her face, she mumbled something inaudible.
“It’ll be okay,” I pulled her towards me, “It’ll be okay,” My arms shook in fear, even though this already happened. She winced as another huge scream filled the air. I don’t like that I can’t talk or do anything with anyone else. I want to help.
“You next,” a soldier grunted, shoving Past-me inside the hallway. I followed, of course, behind us the soldier sealed the door shut.
The room had sirens all inside, in the middle there was a chair that had straps on its armrests. Where they torture people. I shuttered, I didn’t want to be in this memory again. I cursed under my breath, I kinda hoped Past-me didn’t hear that. She shouldn’t know those, just yet…
I glanced around once more, I saw Bolt. No, a younger version of him. He looks scared. Also about Past-me’s age. I silently padded over, I held his hand. He didn’t feel anything though. I didn’t know he was here? I thought to myself.
He watched horrified as Past-me was strapped in. His breath stopped every so often. I grabbed his hand, he looked up at me. I glanced downwards, I looked normal? I patted myself down. I could feel myself.
“Stop this right now,” My voice thundered throughout the room. Was that scary enough? My thoughts raced, I could zap the one guard right there. Then maybe I could attack that one right there with my daggers.
“And what?” A guard said. His face was hidden by his helmet, I couldn’t tell if he was afraid or not.
I glared at him, I quietly pulled out my daggers. My heart pounded, I created a storm surrounding me. Silently I prayed to the Elements that the storm would be enough. I heard a voice ordering other guards to attack me. I surged my power and blasted in that direction, this time it was much more powerful! I almost bounced in joy, I did it! Wait, I should summon my Final Form.
I harnessed my power, focusing on the swirling clouds. I thought about Past-me how scared she is, almost immediately I felt more power. I felt angered, like I must save Past-me. I exhaled before white filled the whole room, I looked around. No one here? I glanced behind me, nothing. Hot air went down my neck. I saw the salamander and the snake. Sally or Snakey, who do I pick?
I know, “I’m not choosing, you two choose.” I said. Sally and Snakey looked at each other. (Also for no confusion, snakey is my pet, and this snakey is a different snakey).
They both nodded before I returned to the real world. Snakey appeared, but this time he glowed red. He also had legs, oh! They both combined into one! The clouds disappeared as Snakey started to attack. When I blinked, Sally and Snakey separated, attacking the guards. They went poof! I stared into nothing, bewildered. Oh no! The remaining guards all ganged up on me. I mean I was the only one. The water element sent a huge wave, knocking me out.
…..
I awoke chained to the wall. I tried blasting it, but it didn’t work. It was bound with Pussiant Titanium. My hands were chained, hanging from the wall. I kept my breath steady, I looked around. Analyzing the room. Stairs were in front of me. It seemed as if there was a basement to the Sirens torture room.
“Click clip chip click clik,” A siren slithered in, talking in siren.
“Pardon me?” I said, glaring at her.
She coughed once before some guards surrounded her. “Time for your torture,” She repeated. My heart fell to my stomach.
“Don’t you dare,” I said icily. My heart almost stopped beating.
“Or… Do you want your precious sister tortured?” She walked closer, touching my cheek.
“First, she's not my sister-” I started.
“Oh! So you want her tortured!” She clapped her hands, “Gladly! I’ll enjoy her screams!” I don’t think I’ve ever met someone this maniacal.
“I swear on all the Elements, if you harm her.” I grunted, I was able to send a huge flame/electricity. What? Impossible! I'm bound with Puissant Titanium.
“Guards!” The siren’s voice sounded urgent, she snapped her fingers a couple times.
The guards got closer with each step. Two of them started to unchain me, I blasted one of them to the floor. Her pants caught on fire, she started to scream as she did the stop drop roll. Two other sirens slithered in, the one siren probably called for backup.
“Aren’t I the one in charge here?” The first siren growled. Clicking in siren, talking to the others.
“Oh Shipwreck,” The other siren said, sing-songy, “Don’t forget, me and Shockwave are stronger than you?” The first siren, Shipwreck, blushed. Growling. The second siren, Shockwave, blasted a gigantic water ball at me. Nearly knocking me out again, black dots sprinkled and danced around my vision.
I sent a fireball at Shockwave who leaped out of the way. I slumped to the ground, my eyes fluttered. My vision growing worse. The whole world tilted, or maybe I did. I fought to keep my eyes open. Don’t let me sleep! I desperately tried to shock myself from closing my eyes.
“Oh, no you don’t, little elemental.” The third Siren said, cackling. She was the last thing I saw before closing my eyes.
…
I peaked one eye open as I regained my consciousness. I tried lifting up my arm, but I couldn’t. I was sprawled across the floor, as if someone tried moving me after I was knocked out. Shockwave was sitting on a nearby chair, she didn’t see me awake. She was humming a tune of some sort.
“Oh! You're awake,” Shockwave exclaimed, a huge smile crossed her face. “We have big plans for you,”
“What?” I blurted, “You will not do anything to me. I repeat, any-” Suddenly my mouth snapped closed. What? You will do what I want. The voice scraped my brain with every syllable. It echoed through my skull.
“Stand up.” Shockwave ordered abruptly. My legs shot upwards. “Since Pussaint Titanium won’t work, we found something that will.” I opened my mouth to speak, but nothing came out.
“Walk with me,” Shockwave said, a ripple ran throughout my body. My feet went one foot in front of the other. I tried to stop moving but nothing worked.
“Halt.” My muscles went frozen, as if ice anchored me from moving. Shockwave hurried to inform Sharktooth and Shipwreck.
Once again my joints worked, back and forth. Walking, but the strange thing was that they didn’t feel mine. I started to go up the steps, until I entered the torture room. I could feel everyone's eyes on me. Sharktooth, Shipwreck, and Shockwave were deep in conversation, as soon as I entered the room the voices hushed.
“Oh! Welcome. Electra,” Sharktooth greeted me, but it wasn’t really a welcome. More like Your doom is coming and I’ll enjoy it. A shutter ran down my back. My stomach growled at me.
“You may talk,” Shockwave said, smirking. Also giving the same message.
“Why are you doing this? What is this!? And by Swirl STORMS BEAR-” Sharktooth waved her hand and immediately I stopped talking.
“Never mind, I hate that voice,” Sharktooth said, turning around. “You’ve been out for several days,”
Almost right after she said that, I blacked out.
I arose again, seeing Shipwreck this time watching me. She was nervously twirling her thumbs. Her eyes darted back and forth, she was studying me. My stomach gnawed at itself, feeling like it was eating me.
“You don’t have to do this, you could help me and I could help you over throw them!” I cried, her gaze was fixated on me. It seemed she didn’t see me awake before.
“I DON’T WANT TO HEAR THAT VOICE!!” Sharktooth called from the torture room. I could hear another huge shriek fill the air. That was normal here, hearing the torture of the elementals.
I lowered my voice to a whisper, “Please?” I begged, searching her eyes for any pity, or empathy. I was about to get on my knees when I quickly shot up. Ooh! I’m going to have fun! My neck craned around, then my body. I entered the torture room, I let out a weak gasp.
“Yes, master?” Sharktooth made me speak. Hehehe. My back bent into a bow. I analyzed the room, and I saw more people in line to be tortured. Although, I couldn’t see my mom or Past-me.
“I am stupid,” I said. I guessed Shockwave did that, she was on the floor laughing to bits. HAGHGHAAHGH.
“Electra?” Someone said across the room, “Bu-but you are l-like 16?” MOM!!! Aww what a pretty reunion.
“Lets get out of h-” Her voice cut off, she was gasping for air on the floor.
“STOP!” I pleaded, “I’ll do anything you want, I’ll even be your servant for as long as you want!” Tears welled up in my eyes. Ahh, so she is your mother. You do care about her.. This changes things.
“All right, we will still keep you under our eye.” Sharktooth said, she released her grasp on mother. She was laying on the floor, trying to catch her breath again. Phew. My legs started walking again.
It went in a different direction than usual into the… Prison you could say. Mother followed right behind me, she had that same.. Mind controlled aspect of the walk. I’m guessing that the Sirens are going to play mind games. The trio of Sirens walked behind us, laughing and giggling like normal middle schoolers with gossip. The metal doors creaked open, the shine of it hit me. Puissant Titanium. This wasn’t any normal room.
“OoOoooOOHhhhH!” A voice called. When we entered the strange hollow space, it lit up with lights. The voice bounced off the walls. A small figure appeared, it seemed like a teenage boy. He emerged from the darkness revealing what he is. Bird wings? What?
He had messy dark brown curls, some feathers on his arms. His wings folded neatly on his back. He was wearing a black tank top with some sweat pants. It felt weird that he looked like the average summer teenage boy, just with extra features. His grey eyes shone in the light. The boy’s smile was warm and sweet.
“Hi! I’m Charlie!” He bounced from wall to wall, still keeping a warm smile. He flew down elegantly, stopping right before almost crashing into me. I tried to jolt backwards, but I stayed in place.
My mind felt foggy and moist, Is this how Audra felt? By all the Elements! It feels as if it went into autopilot, but something I couldn’t control. My body didn’t feel mine. Charlie examined me and Mother. His eyes widened when looking at me.
“A hybrid! I’ve never had a hybrid toy!” Charlie shouted. He turned towards me, looking closer. His eyes widened even more, I had no idea he could. Weird. What is he?
“A Birdgie!” He replied, can he hear my thoughts? He nodded, I thought about food. Because why not, he’d only hear the lists of favorite food. Which probably is boring. Sparky’s Zapped Up Chicken, Mushroom, mongoose, uhhh. Charlie giggled.
“Yes, now don’t delay us,” Sharktooth said, she lowered her voice “Kill the mother,” Charlie looked at Mother, he frowned. Then he nodded.
Mother gasped before being able to move, she sprinted down the huge empty room. My limbs creaked as I took a step forward, which I didn’t want to take. My legs sprinted down the empty room with Charlie and Mother. I could only hear Mothers tips and pats of her feet, Charlie was way ahead of me. Instantly I remembered a creatures and species lesson from Sensei, “Very few birdgies exist. Powerful bird-like creatures that serve the ‘Master’ till the master frees them. Birdgies have not only one physical appearance, could be a bird, a little girl, a grown man, a Lumi, a normal Elemental, and or a literal object.” CHARLIE!! What? You have to obey them right? Yeah, So what? I could help you be free and you could help me. No, no. I can't. I have to do what they command. My heart dropped.
Suddenly, Charlie disappeared. I tried to move my head, but the only thing I could do was move my eyes. I could see nothing, Where did he go? Mothers footsteps stopped randomly, did she make it to the end already? Oh no. I made it to the end of the room to see a cage around Mother. I heard it apologize, Charlie? Sadly yes. My brain fog eased, which usually meant I could move on my own. To my disbelief I saw Past-me in the cage also.
“Older Electra! You should run while you have the chan-” Mother yelled before being cruelly interrupted by the Sirens.
She coughed before talking, “Electra, you have two objectives. 1) Survive. 2) Kill Mother and the little girl.” I blinked, Is this real? Yes! Now run! I spun around and propelled myself forward.
That's when I noticed that the Sirens were watching from a balcony above us that went all the way around the room. Or you could say duel to the death. I could hear footsteps echoing behind me, Charlie must’ve changed forms again. Which let them free. My breaths were ragged and sharp, I could barely take a full breath. My heart thumped in my chest, the footsteps weren’t far behind me. They don’t have the physical restrictions as I do, the Sirens can make both of them push past their limits. Either way, they'll out run me.
My legs buckled under my weight, I pushed myself too far. I could feel my temperature rising, I vomited on the black floor. It was polished, probably after the blood drawn from the past battles. Abruptly, I shot up into the air. Well, we will try a different ‘tactic’. My mind raced of the possibilities. I heard a voice holler out to clean up the floor. Poor person, ELECTRA! Do not feel bad for your kidnappers.
A little bit later when I was able to catch my breath, I entered a new room. Against my will of course. Mother was locked into a guillotine, her arms were stuck in the two holds, her head was in the middle. I could barely breath, my blood drained from my face. Whip your mother. Then perhaps your precious toddler.
My arms reached for a whip on the table nearby, the sirens were watching. Laughing and giggling as if they were some kids laughing at a mere joke, that infuriated me. I balled my fists, sweat poured down my face. The whip was in my right hand. Too bad it wasn’t my left hand, then it probably wouldn't hurt as bad as my right. I disguised my true feelings by changing my expression to a calm and collected expression.
I laughed, “Ha! You think I care about her, she’s not even my mother,” I lied, her face dropped, I stared at her trying to send an apology without giving away I was lying. I chuckled once more before turning to the sirens sitting at the table watching. The line for torture is short, too bad. I wanted to have fun.
“Huh, sadly we weren't going to have you do ‘that’. We’re discussing that you would be better at tending those who have already been tortured. If you do it wrong they’ll die, most likely from an infection.” Sharktooth said, turning away laughing with the other two.
“Fat chance, I’d want them dead. Either way, I’d rather lick the floors that serve you.” I said, grinning. Shockwave got up out of her seat and started towards me, I restrained myself from moving.
“It’s sad that you torture those prettier than you, they turn ugly just like you.” That earned a punch to my stomach. I flinched, still standing.
Welp, lying won’t work. I thought to myself. Do it now. My arm slowly rose up, no no no no no no! My thoughts felt slimy and cloudy, Audra was able to stop mind control, but she knew Lumos. What can I do? I panicked and decided to just go to my mind, my happy place. At least I won’t see it.
I retreated to my inner mind, normally I’d think it’d be all sunshine and rainbows or stuff like that. It was covered in fog, I walked in a direction where faint laughing sounds were. What? I could see the three sirens in the distance, controlling me. What? I walked closer, the laughing became louder with each step. I blasted a huge storm towards them, electrocuting them, shrieks and yells of panic. I slowly padded over, silently praying that they wouldn’t hear me. The mist around me faded.
“You need to leave,” I demanded, lifting up a huge ball of electricity and fire. “This has all your names on it,” They all slowly turned around, Shipwreck was afraid, the others were plainly just mad.
Suddenly a huge wave came crashing towards me, as I braced for impact, the wave evaporated. It's my mindscape, so I get to control it. I grinned, summoning all types of elemental animals. Boobries! Simurghs! Phoenixes! Pamolas! Zizs! Gamayuns! Uhh. Thunderbirds! All of the birds appeared in my mindscape. Lumi! Weebles! Um, Flim-Flams! The creatures separated, targeting one of the three Sirens. In a blink of an eye all of the mythical birds disappeared, I looked around just seeing the Sirens struggle. No sign of the birds.
I almost burst out laughing at their faces, then I saw a huge giant bird flying. I-I’ve never seen it before. Its eyes seemed like they were made of small suns or stars. Well the sun is a giant star, but whatever!! Its back was covered in ice and water. What is this? Its wings were made of clouds, so lush and soft looking. Its feet were combined with electricity and earth, every time it laid a foot on the ground electricity would spark. Its tail was covered in moons and stars, I glanced at the Sirens. They had no clue what it was either.
“Wait,” I breathed, “The Feunghuang…” It dipped its head in approval, its beady sun eyes locked onto the Sirens, who were attempting to stare and fight at the same time.
I left my mind, sure that the mythical animals and creatures would take care of them. I came back as if I was a teacher who left for a second. My arm was debating whether or whether not to let the whip fly. My mind felt clear for the first time in awhile. I chucked the whip across the room and it hit the wall, falling to the floor. I grinned, moving my limbs. They are mine! I crouched down and shot a small flame at mother’s lock.
“So, you're free?” She said, smiling. I nodded curtly.
“Feels nice,” I replied, Mother’s smile was from ear to ear.
“Mommy?” Past-me whimpered, “What now?” I squatted down at her eye level. I cupped her face, her skin was soft. I could recognize every curve and shape of her face. Past-me still had that one little freckle that I had, okay this is getting weird with past and present. I called it Fred, he was my friend till one day he started to fade.
“It’ll be alright,” Mother said.
Pain seared on my back, I had never felt anything like this before. My lip trembled from the intense pain. The pain spread everywhere, I couldn’t hold it in anymore. My eyes shut tightly, I opened my lips. A scream filled the air, I couldn’t recognize it. It was my scream, it didn’t sound anything like me. I felt like I was on fire while being torn apart by tiger sharks.
The Wind and the Stars
I floated towards the grassy patches, winter was ending shortly. Spring would be here and flying up here would feel so warm and relaxing. But time for focus. I needed to figure out how to keep my final form longer. Keeping my air currents steady, I began attacking the straw dummy, something we use for final forms since it's something used for focus. I focused on the feeling of the form encasing me in light. As I floated down my natural instincts took over, forcing me to try and take control of my body.
I took control, now able to move around in this form, I went to Lumos who was also in his form and began fighting him to see the true power of this form. It began with the easy abilities, magic spheres and wind currents, but eventually our spirit animals rose their symbol leveling us up higher towards harder spells, like gravity well and vacuum winds which is kinda like removing air and generating a blast with the air you removed from that area. I stayed in control, keeping movements steady so I don’t waste energy.
We moved towards the harder spell, allowing our spirit animals to reach full form. I let Lumos attack first before me so I could regain some energy. He began creating something. Something tall and dark with powers I would guess. I giggled silently as Lumos tried out different hairstyles on it. It came to life attacking me violently as Lumos must’ve designed it to. I pulled a lot of the air around me, generating it into something small. I began forming a small tornado that would eventually grow into a powerful windstorm taking everything away from its area. Then I formed a circle around the tornado of compressed air blades that were not visible due to the compression.
I launched it at Lumos who wasn’t focused on me just his tall, excessively tall, excuse me author and reader. It was not small, it was very big and tall. Now please imagine that, I pulled the blast a little longer for more wind generation, Oh sorry again author and reader but the tall, big guy I told you to imagine? Imagine him with shadows and glowing eyes that followed Lumos's every move because that's what it was like. anyways don’t interrupt again Audra, I’m trying to make you look epic and cool but you keep interrupting. Sorry Keerha, I promise after this one I won’t do it again.
After holding the blast, I aimed straight for Lumos and at first Lumos thought my tiny tornado was a joke.
“This is your strongest attack so far?” He laughed.
“You’re going to regret saying that,” I warned him. Lumos continued to laugh, not realizing my tornado had grown taller to the size of his creation. He looked up in terror to see the tall tornado speeding towards him. He tried to launch his creation at it but the blind blades, that's what I’m going to call them now, had sliced his creation in half.
“OK, OK, YOU WIN!” Lumos shouted over the rushing wind. As I heard him yell over the noise my form ended abruptly causing the tornado to die down and the blind blades to decompress.
“At least it was longer than 30 minutes," Lumos smiled.
“Yeah, yeah but I’m going to take a break. I don’t want to have to resort to wind fruits to get my energy up,” I drawled. I felt a quick gust of wind glide past me, probably just cooling me down. Within the wind, I thought I heard something but I shrugged it off since the wind usually brings a lot of leaves that rustle.
I walked over to the dry patches hoping to see something exciting. I don’t know what I was looking for I guess. I sat there, rubbing my hands on the crunchy grass gripping it hard. I pulled at the grass, Why!? I don’t understand why it stopped! I screamed in my mind. I pulled harder, tearing at the ground.
I lay there, still pulling at the threads of grass. I felt a soft rumble, repeatedly until it began intensifying as if the monster, Gorillazilla, had awoken. I jumped to my feet looking left and right for the source of the rumble. Crack!
I felt the earth split open, revealing purple mist. Light shone from within the crack, long twisted vines crawled up the walls. At first it was small but it grew sensing me nearby. I dashed past the crack hoping to escape but I was tripped by the purple vines which pulled me underground.
I fell down the endless void, with no sense of where I was. I landed on an aged shroom bouncing off. Mist surrounded the dark place, almost like a dust storm had roamed over the area. The crack above shut tight, preventing me and anything else from getting in or out. I stumbled through the clouded mist trying to figure out where I was. Blasting wind, I was able to see that I was in The Rift Sensei told us about. Sorry excuse me author and reader I know you said not to interrupt but it's not The Rift it’s THE RIFT. Audra! Last time! No more, Our on Swirl Storm’s beard I will have Keerha hear about this! I thought you were Keerha? Oh right I forgot to tell you she’s on vacation right now, so me, her trustworthy guard, is writing and I quote “ What fits the story”. Sorry sir or ma’am I don’t really know, but please continue.
A large library stood in front of me like a beast taller than a thousand Lumi’s. I gazed at the shelves, loaded with dusty books. I began searching through the tall library, hoping to find a way out. Then I heard it. A small voice, sobbing in the mist which had clouded back up. I floated back down from the shelf I was looking through. If someone got hurt, whoever did it is gonna pay for it. I blasted the mist away to see a tall girl sobbing on the floor.
Her hair flew like millions of stars danced, she wore a bright white dress with a golden crown on top. There’s no way. I thought Starlights were forced out a long time ago by the Shardlights. Well according to Sensei. I inched closer, careful not to startle the Starlight.
“Are-Are you ok?” I whispered beside her.
“N-no she took them. She took them all,” She looked at me, fearful.
“Who’s she? And what did she take?” I begged her to answer.
“The pages are all gone,” She shook, grasping firmly onto my arms.
“Okay, did she leave this place already?” I quired.
“No-no she’s waiting,” She whimpered.
“Waiting for what?” My eyes grew wide as she pointed to the corner. As I turned, I felt a strong burning sensation, taking me down. I fell to the floor, stunned by the burn. I saw the tall girl, standing with a flame rod, laughing in victory. My vision blurred, only streaks of color remained until my vision went darker than a Shardlights blackout.
I awoke to the sticky substance of a Weebers web. My memory flashed playing an instant replay. I snapped my head around looking for the tall girl who may have been a corrupted version someone else. I saw her holding rift pages walking towards the glowshroom. I quietly broke away from the web as its stickiness had dried out.
Floating to the ground, I began making blind blades as an attack. Launching them forth I got ready for her attack.
“Oh, Audra. Blind blades? Really?” She grabbed the blade holding in her hand.
“Who are you and why are you taking those pages?” I declared.
“I am Starluna, twin sister of Starlena,” Starluna smirked. “And my boss needs these so gotta go” she winced.
“Oh no you don’t,” I muttered. I casted a wind charge, knocking the pages out of Starluna’s hands. Starluna stumbled to fight back, but managed to form a shard that stuck the pages on the wall.
“Now we can fight. The winner gets all the pages plus a bit of their power,” She struck a deal. I can’t lose. Breath and focus Audra. I repeated in my head.
“Deal!” I shouted. Starluna began first forming long moon shards that Lumos could barely handle in final form. I dodged over them, scared for what could happen if I lose. Woah woah woah Author. I’m sorry but if we could switch to my POV for 2 paragraphs they could see what happened on my side. FINE! But not because you asked because I wanted to.
After being trapped so long in my sister's grip, I finally broke free! All I have to do is take out this little Elemental. Wind rushed past my ears, I focused on the target. All I have to do is take a little power and run out with the pages. Then my master will finally be happy. I launched a moonbeam allowing me to snag a page while she was distracted. Holding the page in my hand, I tucked behind a stone boulder giving me time to hide the page within my moon sword.
The little Elemental caught me behind the boulder, revealing what I was hiding.
“Whose your master?” She demanded.
“My master is Ga…” I stuttered. Hey what happened. I believe we agreed on two paragraphs. But that’s not fair! I was just trying to MMPH MMMPM MMPGHMG. Sorry Starluna. Rules are rules. I’m sorry for that interruption but we will now continue. Plus I wrote more descriptive about you then any other of the villains.
“Who is it! Tell me!” I roared, holding a blast.
“It is MMPH,” Starluna mumbled. Dang it! A spell has been placed so her master's identity is not revealed. That's alright I don't need to know I just need to stop her! I thought in my head. I blasted Starluna to the ground knocking the pages out.
“Fine. You got me.” She gave in.
“I’ll be taking these. Oh and a little bit of this,” Starluna grabbed the pages glaring at me. I looked at her confused.
“I won, what are you talking about?” I shouted.
“Yeah you did but I guess you forgot one of the rules,” She waved her hand near my face. I fell, dizzily, to the floor. My memory felt fuzzy and renewed. I was flashed into a memory.
“Here are the rules. We fight but not to death. The winner gets a tad bit of the opponent's power and the pages, but if you blast me strongly to the floor I get the pages. Deal?” I heard Starluna explain in my memory.
“Deal!” I agreed, shaking her hand firmly. I woke up to reality to hear Starluna messing with the pages.
“Guess I did forget that rule. Well, go ahead.” I sighed.
“Necklace,” Starluna gestured to my necklace. (These do not store power, they regenerate back up power.) I handed her my necklace in defeat. I failed to keep her from winning. She pulled energy from the necklace, tossing it to me afterwards. I stood defeated. She blasted the ground with the power she had gotten from causing the rift to crack open.
The Rift began to rumble, stones began to tumble. She flew away smirking as she had won the battle. I continued to stand there blankly staring at the purple stones until I snapped back into reality. The Rift began decaying with the shelves of books. In the corner Starlena hung frozen in terror.
“I’m coming, Starlena!” I screamed. I flew towards the edge of the library shelf where she was hung. I detached the Pussaint Titanium, which was keeping her from escaping, and carried her out the rift, as she was recovering from the restraint of power. I flew out right before the crack shut itself only leaving a few books and a purple root.
“Thank you Audra,” Starlena thanked me.
“I know sometimes my sister can be a little bit of a hassle but deep down she’s really nice,” She gushed.
“No problem,” I walked away to inform Sensei about the issue. Testing testing 123? I made it in! Finally! Master, I bring you the pages. Thank you Starluna, now let's go over what you need to do. Yes master. Now that you have brought me the pages along with air and starlight power, you are required to bring me shardlight, ice, water, fire, electricity, and earth. I believe that's all but in case there's an extra, grab it. We must receive these or the………crchhhmshd shhh will not work. Yes master. I just sent the pages since I only gave you photo proof. I will succeed. You can count on all the elements.
Floral Date
I was outside in the garden today. This time tending to special fruits called ‘power fruits’ at least that’s what I’ve been told they're called until recently, when I figured out they're actually called Shifter Berries which can change an Elements power but not for too long for it can cause multiple damages to an Elemental. Unless an Earth Elemental can perfect the harvest, which was today, these damages can result in death caused by the Elementals power choking them. I pulled out my cotton gloves, carefully picking off the shining fruit. Their colors were not revealed until they reached the final area, which was the heating process.
Continuing to pick the fruit, I caught a glance of Sensei and Hunter who seemed to be heading towards the garden.
“Today Hunter, Instead of learning the power of the elements you are going to take a gardening lesson today,” Sensei explained.
“Sensei, would it be okay if I gave Hunter the lesson, since well I am our gardener expert,” I probed.
“Hmm, sure I mean you are an expert!” Sensei cheered, walking away.
“So what are we handling today?” Hunter quired. I looked at him, tossing my other pair of cotton gloves to him.
“Put these on. Today we’re working with Shifter Berries also called power fruits. These can change an Elemental's power for a limited amount of time. It can also change regulars into Elementals for a short period of time.” I explained.
“What are the different types of these fruits?” He probed.
“One for all the Elements. So that means there’s Galeberry, Bhumi berry,Vajra berry, Erebus berry, Helios berry, Mist-Spring berry, Borealberry, and the Cinder-Flare berry. Each of these are somehow connected to the elements. “ I elaborated.
“Interesting. Today’s the harvest.” Hunter popped out.
“How’d you know?” I probed.
“The sun is at the correct position and so will the moon be tonight allowing them to reveal their true color instead of the reflective rainbow silver they currently have covering their actual skin.” He answered. Quick learner especially since this fruit isn’t usually for rookies. I thought in my head.
“Whats the next step then?” I asked, smirking.
“The heating process which will begin to help the fruits shed the reflective skin. The color will look gray at first but eventually will turn into their actual selves which is kind of like the transformation of an Elemental going back to their regular sleeves. This will happen when the moon is shown on them.” Hunter conceded. Perfect material for an earth elemental! Especially ones who work the harvest.
I began working on the first tree while Hunter began on the second, moving with pace. Tree by tree, the basket filled up with the shiny fruits. Hunter finished, carrying the wooden basket to the shed. With a click the rusty old shed transformed into a bright greenhouse with other hidden plants.
Moving through the shining greenhouse, I made my way to the back, where all the heated areas are. Hunter moved ahead placing the basket on a small platform, where a small claw began placing the fruits in a cottoned area. Heaters switched on and the fruits began reacting.
The silver skin began to slither off the fruit, revealing the bright colors of the Elements. In the first batch we gained 2 Bhumi berries, 5 Vajra berries, 3 Erebus berries, 4 Helios berries, 7 Mist-Spring berries, 7 Cinder-Flare berries, 1 Galeberry, and 4 Boreal berries. Hunter moved the next crate over, watching as the fruit shed the skin.
Carrying the previous batch of berries, I left surprised by all his actions. He’s gotta come from the realm of the Elements. I mean, he knew the process of these delicate fruits! I know! I’ll grab his finger prints from the silver skin and put it in the Elemental processor. I planned. I set down the wooden basket in the best area to receive moonlight. Suddenly, I felt a tingle in my stomach, like I was forgetting something.
Oh by all the elements I have a date with Audra! Quickly setting down the fruits, I rushed over to the door, hoping no one saw me as I began taking off my sweater and shirt. Skidding down the halls, I pulled into my room tossing on my nearest suit. I grabbed my comb and spritzed water to begin taming the knots while pushing my shoes on.
After getting everything together, I made my way to the kitchen double checking I didn’t forget anything. I grabbed a Mist-Spring berry, encasing it in a small, shining container. I pulled out a steak that was cooking earlier when I had gone to get the fruits. I started working on a light, airy salad just what Audra likes. Grabbing two fresh lemons I squeezed them onto the steak, hoping to get a good flavor to go with my seasoning made with thyme, rosemary, and garlic.
Moving towards the fridge, I watched the salad fluff up which meant I followed the recipe correctly. I pulled out the dressing, lightly adding it on top of the salad. After swirling the ingredients together, it was time to create the drink which I had called, Earth’s Fruity Punch. I pulled fruits such as lemon, pineapple, apple, and cranberry, mixing the ingredients with some sugar.
After finishing the drink, I stored the food and drink in a cooler in the back of my razor. I opened a portal to the Earth world, expecting Audra to be there waiting for me.
“There you are! I was getting worried,” Audra blushed.
“Ready for our hike to our date spot?” I probed.
“Always,” She gushed.
I pulled out the food, following behind Audra. As we hiked, I saw multiple Flim-Flams fly by as if they were guiding the way. But I know their tricks and I’m not going to fall for them. Audra’s hair drifted in the gusts of wind. She watched the creatures fly slowly mocking her, she just giggled thinking it didn’t mean anything.
We passed through the cave of crystals, where many small crystals grew and glowed to craft advanced weapons. When Audra wasn’t looking, I grabbed some of the small crystals. I grabbed one for each of us, that way we can all craft an advanced weapon and test them out. Continuing to pass through the caves, Audra looked around with wonder before racing me to the exit.
We were at the last part of our hike, The Woods of Foreverfree. As we stumbled through the vines, I grew some flowers to give to Audra since I didn’t have time to get the flowers from something in the human world, a flower shop it was called. Why buy flowers when I can just make fresh ones? I thought to myself.
Finally, we sat on a small wood log at the top of the mountain which was next to the Elemental Pond, where Elementals would come and receive power if they were still in their weak stages. We didn’t have to do this often since well, we’re part of the 7 Elementals prophecy, meaning that our power is often earned easier to help us learn quicker and prepare for the intense training we learn later on.
I opened the bag with all the food, handing it like a waiter in the human world. Placing the drink cups on the ground, I poured the fruit punch in the silver white cups, passing it to Audra. She took a sip from the cup, seeming to like it. After the salad and steak, Audra went off for a walk which gave me time for one more surprise.
I grew a small carrot, steaming it over the pond as it grew warmer. Probably because it’s going to be the Fire Elementals turn. I whistled loudly to see if a bunny or some sort of creature would come so I could tame them. Taming them would allow me to gift the small animal to Audra since she’s always wanted a pet.
Error Error! Transferring over without permission. Transferring in Three, two, One.
I’ll take the hand here. Ok finally! Those caves were troubling to get through. Twilight do you copy? I repeat, Twilight do you copy? Copy, Vortex. What’s up? My beacon shows two Elementals are up ahead. I think it’s the Earth one and the Air one. I’m guessing you want me to disguise into something correct? Yes Starluna, probably a bunny since it’s showing up as a date night or something. Vortex! You just blew my cover! It’s fine. They already know who you are anyways. But I like having a code name! Hurry up and turn into a bunny you hollow brain! OK OK! Sheesh that guy can be a handful sometimes. I heard that! Now how do I-Looks like he finally found the off switch.
I morphed into a bunny, hoping to make the perfect disguise to complete the plan. All we need is one more page out of the book, and the powers of Earth, Water, Fire, Electricity, Shardlight, and Ice. I would do Shardlight myself but I don’t think it will help the plan succeed that well. I hopped towards the carrot in Cedar’s hand, trying to be as bunny-like as possible.
Transferring back. Code was rebooted. Three Two One.
So sorry for that I walked away for one moment and had to suddenly reset everything back up. Anyways back to the story.
A small gray bunny inched closer to the steamed carrot, sniffing the delicious aroma. Soon, the bunny took a nibble, seeming to enjoy the treat. After finishing the snack, I gently held the bunny to give to Audra who was out in the woods. Within a couple of minutes, she came back smiling.
“Audra, I have two more surprises for you,” I gushed.
“Show me! Show me!” she shouted like a kid on Christmas. I turned to her holding the bunny. She gasped in surprise, taking the bunny into her arms.
“I’m gonna name you Fluffle,” She smiled.
“Now, here’s the other one,” I whispered. I handed her the small shining case with the Mist-Spring berry inside. She looked at the fruit, confused by its blue color.
“What is this?” She probed.
“It’s called a Mist-Spring berry. It changes your power to something else for a little while before returning you to your normal state. In this case it’s water,” I clarified.
“Go ahead, Audra. I know how much you wish to be water.” I coaxed. She lifted the fruit up and took a bite. At first it seemed that nothing had changed. Don’t tell me I messed up the harvest! I panicked in my mind. Soon, her dress began to turn blue. It stretched far across her dress covering every bit of white. Her hair stopped flowing with the wind and there was a small pendant that was attached to her necklace. It was shaped like a water droplet.
“Now what do I do?” Audra questioned, looking at her new dress.
“Test out your new powers!” I exclaimed, hoping for a better reaction than that.
“Ok, here goes nothing!” She exclaimed. Audra began concentrating on a small blob of water. She’s doing really well! I cheered in my mind. She blasted the blob at a tree which soaked it. I stared in shock, knowing that having a different Element for the first time would be difficult.
“Have you shared these with the others yet?” Audra probed.
“No, not yet. Why?” I queried.
“You need to. We can train and learn how to use others' powers!” She cheered.
“Well if we want to get them to start training we better get home.” I rattled. She pulled her disk out, throwing it onto the grass. I did the same, knowing she would want to just teleport home instead of walking all the way back home. Returning home, Audra rushed to tell everyone the news. Many began to rush towards the garden where I began handing fruits.
Everyone looked at the fruits confused, staring at the strange color. As I opened my mouth to speak, Audra jumped ahead and began explaining.
“These are Shifter Berries. They grant a different power than what you have. There is one for each of the Elements. As you can see, I used the Water one called a Mist-Spring berry.” She elaborated. Everyone nodded, walking towards the rest of the fruits. I didn’t have a Helios berry in this batch since we don’t know how to work it yet.
Electra stepped up, grabbing a Boreal berry while Ember grabbed a Erebus berry. Lumos grabbed a Vahjra while Coral grabbed Bhumi, leaving me with the Cinder-Flare berry. They all walked towards Coral, who rinsed each fruit with her water powers. Everyone was nervous about it, but Audra encouraged everyone to try it out.
They all drawled, bringing the fruit up to their mouths. We all took a bite, feeling nothing at first. Then I began to see changes in our clothes and hair. Soon we had fully changed elements and began crossfiring at each other, testing out each of our new powers. Sensei saw colors fly by as we fought each other with the new powers.
Sensei continued to watch amazed but as quickly as we fought it ended. We all returned to our normal states…
Error 404 reloading…
I said I’m on it sir! You better be! The quicker you finish, Starluna, the quicker I can finish up. I’m on it!
Darkness Awakened
The carpet beneath me felt soft, and the cardboard layering on my project began to smooth out. Finally, it was complete. For the past few weeks I have been working on a small journal. You may be wondering why you would use cardboard? Well the cardboard helps keep the pages intact that way if it’s lost in a storm it wouldn’t be as damaged as thin paper. I wrote softly with a purple pen, documenting our powers and how they were growing with each battle.
The more I wrote the more knowledge that seemed to be stored into this book. I created a small light with my magic so I could see what I was writing. My light grew brighter by the minute, my thoughts racing to be placed in the journal. It was way late but I wasn’t going to stop until every single thing I knew about us, the elements, and our powers was put into this journal.
The book was filled with knowledge but was protected by my spells to keep others out. Now all I need to do is make it a real book and give it to Sensei for safekeeping. I began chanting the incantation ready for the book to form finally. It rose in the air, turning into a hard cover journal. It fell rapidly into my hands as if a bird rose and forgot how to fly. I began to stand up when something felt wrong. Almost like some had just watched me do all of this. I whipped around and blasted a quick shot at the person behind me.
I realized the shot had hit Electra and I rushed to her side. Her eyes lay wide, her mouth slightly open. Her body felt limp. I called out hoping that would do something. I shuffled in a hurry to go get help when I was jolted awake. I panted in fear from the jolt still recovering from what happened. Weird. Usually I only dream about things like this if it’s a vision. I thought.
I sprinkled some dust on my pillow and began to fall back asleep. This time I stood in a forest, taking care of a wounded bear. I wrapped its paw with a soft cloth, covering the cut. I felt something behind me and again I shot a blast of magic behind me. This time it was someone different. I turned around and instantly recognized the green hair. I ran towards Cedar tending to his wounds which luckily didn’t kill him.
I awoke with a jolt to see Electra holding a spark ready to zap me again.
“Finally! Sensei has been waiting for you for the past 20 minutes” She exclaimed.
“I’m coming! Just go tell him I needed a little jolt,” I stated.
“Okay!” Electra ran out the door. I walked to the bathroom and brushed out my hair. Tossing on my casual outfit, I ran down the hall into the trapdoor which had been left open. After what had happened last night, I chose a seat next to Ember who rolled her eyes as I slipped in through the trapdoor. I glanced around the room, attempting to catch up on what I may have missed.
“Ahh Lumos! There you are! As you all know the prophecy it is your job to protect the Elements. Recently, Hunter has found glass pieces we may think keep the Elemental Realms protected from the view of humans. We don’t know who has been breaking through but it might cause Dark Shard to take these gems we’ve located.” Sensei elaborated.
“We think it might be an act of mind control with Lumos or an insider that has morphed into an animal of some sort.” Coral asserted. I pondered about my dreams, wondering if it was mind control or not. Everyone got up and began searching the house except me. Suddenly, I was pulled back by Sensei, who knocked me out.
“This body is strong. Stronger than any others. I shall transfer from this one to this one,” muttered a voice. Soon, I awoke again and felt normal. Weird nothing feels… controlly. I thought. I walked to the yard where Electra was waiting to train with me. She took my hand and yanked me over to the bouncy ground. It looks like she wanted to try something.
She held me outside and began forming a…cloud or ball something like that. Wings began to form around her. I thought she was a snake not a Phoenix.
Wait, she is Half I forgot. But how does she have phoenix wings? Oh wait when your half you get part one thing part the other so that means she must have gotten the phoenix wings from her being part fire. Cedar came over to help out Electra. I stood there, amazed by the golden orange wings that had formed on her. Cedar helped her up after she flew around and fell not knowing the wings had disappeared.
My head became light and my ears were ringing and soon I was in my mind. It was clouded with mist and was covering patches of my vision. I blasted the mist aside to see myself attacking Cedar and the others. I rapidly looked around for Electra, worried I had brought the dream to life. I scanned the crowd to see that Coral was carrying Electra away.
Oh no no no! I screamed. I heard it echo throughout my mind. I broke through the shards hoping they were the cause of it. I took out the shards which seemed to allow me to control my right arm and hand. I stopped shooting with this hand and began blocking. I destroyed more shards and was able to move my left hand.
I heard two agonizing screams from beyond my mind. Ember had taken a shot from Cedar, who had been fighting my clones. She fell to the ground holding her stomach in pain. The other scream came from inside my mind.
“No no this cannot be! Master shall not be failed!” The voice screamed. A shadowy figure came out of the mist and revealed themself.
“Who-” I began.
“ I am Lord Shadow, Son of Dark Shard. He has tasked me to bring him power and parts of the shards that give your powers. But I can’t access it without having your power damaged first. Using you, I was able to collect part of fire and part of electricity.” Lord Shadow held the small shards up.
“I will not let you get away with this! I will restore peace, I will restore power to the Elements! I will-” I screamed.
“But you already have,” Lord Shadow smirked. In his palms he held orange for fire, yellow for electricity, and purple for magic. I lunged at full force but my powers were weaker. Lord Shadow absorbed some of the power causing his cape to change color.
We both fought valiantly attacking with the best abilities we had. Without those shards, we can’t go full form. Soon, he gained a green shard part of Cedar. No no! Not Cedar too! I kept on fighting until I was restrained by Lord Shadow.
“ Next time, little Elemental.” He smirked. Holding the gems in his hands I repeated the colors. Orange, yellow, green, light blue, dark blue, purple, and white. I tried to stand up but I instantly gave up. Lord Shadow whooshed away, releasing control of me.
“Woah, woah guys! It’s ok I’m back but-” I stammered.
“But what?” Audra asked.
“But He has collected small bits of shards from our power.” I spat.
“Who exactly is He?” Cedar probed rubbing his head.
“He is the son of Dark Shard. Lord Shadow was his name. He used my body to extract shards of power to fuel Dark Shard. Luckily, our power takes way longer than the average Elemental’s to break down, giving us about a week for transport, breakdown and extraction.” I elaborated.
Sir, I'm on my way! I got all the materials. Hurry and get out of there Starluna. The quicker this project is finished, the quicker Sensei will trust me again. Yes, yes I know! You and Sensei friends worked together to learn the Elements until you were framed for something you didn’t do. Just get your seaweed brain over here!
“So basically he took out Electra and Ember, weakened Frost, Cedar, Audra, and me plus mind controlling you to do all of that?!” Coral screamed.
“Yes but the important thing is we need to get those back and help the others heal.” I asserted. I walked over to the infirmary where Electra lay as well as Ember. Ember’s suit looked heavily damaged and Electra’s had darkened spots. Their wounds seemed to be healing up quickly. Sensei came in with bandages and wrapped the wounds.
“You. You and the rest have got to train. We can’t have this happen again.” Sensei glared.
“Yes Sensei.” I sighed. Don't worry Sensei! I will find him!
Insert name
Chap 18: (ALMOST DONE :) ) CORAL
Coral is summoned by Sensei, Sensei tells Coral that he has gotten word that the Earth realm is still being attacked. Sensei says that he will tell more once she brings the others. She dashes out, excited but also worried. Once Coral brings everyone they are all buzzing with excitement and worry. Sensei tells them that they will be split into groups, they realize that they are going to have to do this with others they may not know that well. Coral gets paired with Cedar. They go to the Flora elements to find that its in utter chaos, they do their best to fight but a raging wildfire gets the best of it. They return home to Frost and Ember injured greatly.
My hair whipped in the wind, I stood in the field with my spear in my hand. Audra knelt on the ground, clutching her bow with her hands. It was a hard fight, but I had won. If it doesn’t count the nick of the arrow on my shoulder, some blood pooled out of it. Sure we were just training but we’ll heal quickly. Audra put up a tough fight, her wind could just home the arrows right at me.
Without a warning, Audra snatched an arrow and shot it in the air, I almost froze. I held my spear higher, to attempt to deflect the arrow. The arrow curved with the breeze, going right for me. I tucked and rolled on the floor, hoping to throw Audra off course and force the arrow to fall. The arrow plunged downwards, wedging into a thick area of grass. I panted before getting up.
“Coral,” A voice hollered, I looked at Audra. Did she say that? I mean she usually taunts her prey but it wasn’t her. Crack! A twig snapped behind me, I whirled around, spear ready.
Ember stood there with her hands up, “What do you need?” I asked, Ember would normally join the fight, but she didn’t. She stood there.
“Sensei wants to talk to you,” Ember said, gesturing to me. Audra let out a battle cry, I stepped to the right. The arrow whistled as it slowed, piercing the grass. I sighed, hoping it wasn’t another one of his inventions that he wanted me to test.
“Alright,” I said, frowning.
When I had arrived at Sensei’s study, he gestured to the seat in front of his desk. The room was filled with pieces of parchment of Sensei’s ideas, bookshelves filled with various types of genres. Pictures of all of the others were hung on his back wall. It was us from babies to now. I really despised that one 5 year old picture of me with bangs and hair to my shoulder. Bleh, why did I want that? Although 5 year old self is cute. Especially with those teeth missing. I thought. I pulled out the seat for me to sit in.
“... One of the darkest times for the Earth elements is right now, forest fires, sieges, attacks, and many more.” Sensei said exasperated, pointing to 3 spaces on the map. “The six of you will be split up into pairs of two randomly. You’ll both be assigned one point, protect it.” 6? Oh right, Electra. I thought. I nodded, glancing at the points, memorizing them.
“Summon the others, thank you.” I stood up and pushed in my chair, I bounded out the door. A giggle came from below, what? Audra was crouched down her ear pressed against the wall.
“How long have you been listening?” I asked Audra. She giggled once more.
“Long enough to hear Sensei adoring his Bonsai tree.” She replied, I snorted. She probably didn’t hear what Sensei was saying. I mused.
“Sensei wants us in his study. Gather the others please.” I said. She gave me a thumbs up before dashing out, leaving me in the hallway alone. The beige hallways were filled with picture frames and tables with objects, of sorts. In a flash, Audra was gone.
Laughter echoed through the hallway, I followed them in pursuit of finding the others. Two figures were walking with their backs turned. They were deep in conversation. I could make out the sleek brown hair of Ember, I wasn’t too sure who the other was.
“Ember?” I asked, the shadows stopped moving. Ember turned around and looked at me.
“Yes?” She replied, I saw the light blue hair of Frost. My heart rate rose higher, I sweat beaded on my face.
“Sensei wants us all, meet in his study,” Ember nodded, as they both started walking to his study. I followed, I was mostly sure Audra had gotten the rest. She can work quickly when she is focused on it, mostly she gets off course from a little thing. Such as a beetle.
I heard overlapping voices from his study, then the noises died down as we entered. “Ah! Welcome,” Sensei said. The others stood on the outskirts of his study. It felt cramped and hard to breathe.
I felt the blood draining from my face. It was hard to stand up straight. I staggered to the side, before I knew it I collapsed.
My eyes fluttered open, I looked around. It was my bed? Where am I? Where are the others? The door creaked open, I tensed. A young woman with long straight hair came in. Who is this? The woman grabbed me from the bed. Although I’m not too sure how she was able to. Or how I was able to fit.
“Home is the place where I love you, Home is where I protect you from every harm. Home is where your dreams come true.” She sang, Mother. I breathed. Her brown hair surrounded me and her. Our world.
“Home is the place where I love you, Home is where I protect you from every harm~” her scent of daisies filled the air.
I gasped, I wrenched an eye open. All the colors rushed at me at once. The blinding sunlight creeped in from the windows. The bed was elevated slightly, but still comfortable. I sat upwards, my legs dangling off of the bed. I heard footsteps coming from what I could see as a door.
“Uh, hi,” Frost said shyly. She was holding a pot, its aroma of soup filled the air. My stomach gnawed at me, wanting to eat all of it.
“What happened?” I asked, looking around. Frost pulled out the foldable table from the side of the bed. She dished out the soup into a bowl for me.
I took the bowl and waved the steam away from it. I took a gulp before Frost started speaking. “I don’t know what happened, you just fainted,” She muttered.
“Huh, well this is good.” I said, slurping up some more soup. Out of the corner of my eye, something moved. Wait, what is that?
“Coral?” I looked up, blinking a bit to clear my head. It's all in my head.
“Are you okay? You seemed distant,” Frost says, taking my empty bowl. I glance at her.
“Yeah, I’m fine.” I mumbled.
“You don’t seem fine, you look like you’ve just seen a ghost.”
“I’m fine,” I snapped. Frost opened her mouth to speak, but turned away.
“...I’m sorry,” I said, “I thought I saw something,” I definitely saw something. Don’t tell Frost.
Frost sighed, “I’ll tell the others you’re awake.” and she was gone.
I know that it was someone or something. I will find it. I heard the footsteps die away, I crept out silently. I saw something flicker in my vision. That wasn’t my imagination. I held up my hand, water swirled around my palm and the back of my hand. It was dark and gloomy, I didn’t realize how long I was out for.
“Who is it?” I lunged, the face of Frost lit up in the candlelight. She thrust her hand forward, stopping me.
“Coral,” Frost breathed, “I wanted to talk to you about something,”
“Alright, let me ask you a question first,” I said, “Why are you still here?”
“As I said, I wanted to speak with you,” Frost tucked a piece of her hair behind her ear.
—Silence—
“..I,” Frost muttered, “I like you,”
“I like you too,” I said.
“No, I mean I like like you,” She blushed, turning away.
“I do too,” I mumbled, barely a breath, barely sound, barely anything. The impact was greater than it was. I leaned closer, tilting my head. However, Frost tilted her head the same way. I laughed and cocked my head on the opposite side. I pressed my lips together, Frost leaned forward and pecked me on the lips.
“You really got to get better at kissing.” I say, smirking. My heart pounded, That was why I felt that way. You goofball. Coral, why don’t we prank Cedar. Ehh, let's do Lumos. He’s more fun. :D Alright Coral. Oop the story, I forgot.
“Wait,” I drawled, stepping away from Frost. Somewhere down the hallway a creak of a floor board. I put my fingers to my lips, shh. Frost nodded.
I tiptoed closer. Making sure my steps were quiet. A shadow stood in the looming light, unmoving. Who or what is it? Frost discreetly padded up to me. She wrapped an arm around me.
“What is it?” She whispered.
“I’m not sure,” I pause, silently walking forward. The shape of it becomes more clear. A person. I grab their shoulder and yank them to the floor. They yelp in surprise. Frost holds an ice ball over their face. I grasp a nearby lit candle, and hover it close to where we could identify them.
“Ember?” Me and Frost gasp at the same time. I recoil, Why is she out at this time? It's nearly midnight!
“Why are you here?” Frost growled, “Out this late, pretty suspicious if you ask me. Better have an explanation.” She raised the ice ball.
“... this is going to be tricky to explain,” Ember said, “I awoke from a nightmare, a weird noise came from over here so I decided to check it out,”
She never admits to having nightmares. “Liar!”
Ember looked hesitant, “The real reason is because I wanted to check on you,” Ember muttered. I stroked back my hair, Is she lying? I’m not sure.
I sighed, “Alright, I’m fine as you can see.” Frost closed her hand, crushing the ice ball.
A noise comes from somewhere in the kitchen, metal clanging. I scrunch up my face, Who would be awake? I motioned for Ember and Frost to follow. If it's an enemy we could catch them by surprise and defeat them. Wherever the noise was, it was close.
I ducked downwards, hiding behind a quartz counter. I heard Sensei’s voice:
“Long time no see.” He says, What? Oh he’s on call with someone.
“Quit it Liam,” A deep masculine voice scolds. I’ve never heard anyone talk to Sensei like that! “How’s the seven doing?”
“Almost all of them are good,”
“Almost? What do you mean?”
“Coral is in the infirmary right now,” I freeze.
The man sighs, “You might have to not let her train if she keeps on getting hurt,” No, no. Sensei would never let that happen, I wouldn’t stop. Never.
“I know, I’ll keep that in mind,” A beep sounded, the call was over.
I jumped up from my hiding spot and pointed my finger at Sensei, “You wouldn’t dare!” He looked at me surprised.
“Coral, I-” Sensei was cut off by Ember and Frost walking in from the commotion.
“You’re all awake?” Sensei asked.
“No, don’t change the subject,” I spat, glaring at Sensei. Ember and Frost looked at each other, confused. What if he really does make me stop training? Will I fall behind the others? I shook my head to clear my thoughts.
“What is even going on here?” Ember interrupted. Glancing at me and Sensei.
“Sensei wants to suspend my training,” I snort.
Sensei sighs. “How about you all go back to sleep, and I get breakfast ready. I’ll wake you up for breakfast. You’ll need it for your missions tomorrow.” I pause to think for a second.
“Alright,” I say. I’m tired anyways, I didn’t even notice. I took a moment to breathe before walking.
Frost fell in step with me, “You okay?” She asked, lowering her voice.
“Yeah,” I said, “I’m okay.”
As we neared Frost’s room, “Good night, I love you,” She whispered.
“I love you too,”
Once Frost was gone, Ember pulled me aside. “Woah, woah, woah,” She said in awe, “When did this happen?”
Hesitantly, “Today I guess,” I chuckled. Ember grinned.
“Finally!” She exclaimed, I put my finger to my lips. “Oops!”
It was my stop, with a door dappled with seashells. My room. I didn’t know how to move, Ember elbowed me in the stomach. I yelped, and shook my head. Clearing my thoughts.
I opened the door, the ombre blue walls radiated. My bed was in the middle of my room, along with a gigantic bird cage with a hyacinth macaw, Shark, he bobbed his head and said hello! Why didn’t they put him to bed? All they had to do was put a blanket on his cage!
“I luv you Coral!” He sang laced with a toddler type of voice. “Is it time for bed?” Shark asked.
“I love you too,” I sang back at him, “Good night good night! It is time for bedd, the sun will shine again. Good night,” I sang the little tune that I always sing for him at bed time.
Chapter 19
Chappy 19: Ember, who had gotten greatly injured, has been healed again. Out on the field training she discovers a secret hidden. Some sort of book for casting spells. She opens the book to a spell which shows a page of an Elemental hidden within the depths of the magic realm. She supposes it was her aunt attempting to sneak someone into the crew but its actually Starluna who created someone to help out the Elements specifically to help out Ember and the crew
I woke up from the loud clanging of pots. Oh yay more soup! I sarcastically cheered in my mind. It’s not that I don’t like soup, it's more that I’ve had soup EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. I got up and walked to the kitchen in hopes to change Sensei’s mind. When I got there an owl lay on the ground surrounded by pots. I’ve heard about this before. S.O.U.P also known as Special Owl Undercover Practices. It’s like Terry Pot but we don’t go to a magical school. Or do we? Who knows? Basically what happens is you get sent a specialized owl that has practiced deliveries, spy missions, and other things. They drop pots on the ground as if a clumsy person was making “soup”.
To: Ember Fireblade
From: Forgotten Token Office
We here at the Forgotten Token Office report to you, Ember Fireblade, that an artifact of some sort has been left in your training yard. We are unsure why or how it was left there but we would like for you to return it to us if it is not under your guardians ownership. Please do not forget to bring the item back to our office.
I turned the note around, wrote a quick message, and sent the owl away with it. An artifact in the training yard sounds exactly what my aunt would do. I know I said I would find her but it seems she was two steps ahead of me which led me to a dead end. I walked outside looking for anything suspicious. After about an hour or so I gave up and began training instead.
I blasted angrily at the dummy. Why does this have to be so difficult! I mean it's probably a stupid wand or something. You could hear the silence of the wind as everyone else was out riding in the dunes and I was left alone since I was terribly injured. Plus I don’t think Coral’s jetski would handle well either would Audra’s so Coral may have borrowed mine and Audra probably sat in Cedar’s razor with him. I drew a smiley face on the ground with my flames. I’m not always that harsh; it's just sometimes hard not to be.
I saw something shine within the smiley face’s eye. I bent down towards it and saw a sharp corner sticking out. I dug at the dirt attempting to tug it out. I couldn’t get it out and if I used my fire this would have gone up in flames. I realized the book was a metal cover so I took a deep breath and put both my hands on the ground. Rumbling the ground, a burst of lava shot up, lifting the book out of the ground. I reached for the book, forcing the lava down.
Catching the book, I saw the lava thrash around, almost taking me out. I looked at my hands and realized my gloves were off. I barrel rolled past the raging blast of lava and tossed my gloves on. I took control of the lava by throwing it back under the ground. I fell on the ground attempting to catch my breath. That's the last time I forget to put my gloves on. My
attention turned back to the book. I lifted the cover open and inside I saw runes, graphs, spells and lots of other things.
Then I opened the last page of the book. Three figures stood with the symbols of the sun, stars, and moon. A portal stood behind them leading to a different world, a world with fairies, dragons, mermaids, and other creatures. Then strings of energy came from each of the figures transferring to another figure. It was all in a hidden language that I couldn’t quite understand. The only words I could make out were moon, star, sun, and Elemental. Continuing to focus on the shape of what seemed to be an Elemental of, not Shardlight, but Starlight.
I looked at the location of this lab or base or something and located a small segment of the hidden city in the Magic realm. I think it was called Shardsville. I opened the garage to see my bike tools on the ground with a note.
Hi Ember! I moved your bike over into the brand new garage. I forgot to tell you that. Glad I wrote this note. Anyways there's a little switch for the conveyor belt over in the right corner. Flip it that way it turns on and begins to open the door. Sit in the box, fold it up, and wait for it to pause after a small drop. This will ensure that you have made it through the security checkpoint. Then hop out of the box and a control panel will be presented in front of you. A hologram screen will open and will allow you to select a vehicle. Select yours obviously and make sure that the condition of it is okay and if any upgrades are needed contact Mr. Fizz. He’ll transfer your training points to upgrades. Once you hop on to your bike, a tunnel will open allowing you to drive out discreetly that way the humans don’t suspect Sensei about hiding us. From, Electra
A box? That’s a little strange. I walked towards the switch and gave it a flick turning on the conveyor belt. A decorated green box with plants and a fox. A yellow and light blue rolled out followed by a white box. Soon a blue box rolled out with a red box following. None of them were decorated except for Cedars. I grabbed a red marker and drew my name in box letters with flames and a volcano. After designing on the box, I tossed it back on the conveyor belt hopping inside and closing the flaps. For such a small box, there was way more space than I thought. The box began to tip and soon began to gain speed.
I opened the box flaps a little bit and was greeted by many blue lights. Rolling faster down the drop I saw statues of prophecy holders before us. There were many but I couldn’t read them all. My attention was quickly moved over when I saw the conveyor belt split into seven ways, each with a statue of some prophecy holder we could be related to. The box slowed in front of a robot.
“Scanning… Ember Fireblade. Switching…” The tracks moved over to a red tunnel lit with dark red lights and full of accomplishments posted over the wall. I heard sounds coming from the tunnel. It seemed as if Sensei put in videos of some things I’ve done. A statue stood at the beginning of the tunnel. It read Flame Firebeam, Fire Elemental and creator of the Fire Portal. Firebeam? Where do I recognize that name? I was interrupted by a sudden boost of speed sending me down the red tunnel. I looked around in amazement, staring at all my photos of me training. Then I saw it. A Fire Elemental standing in a way I used to. I looked quickly at the caption, Flame Firebeam cousin of Ember Fireblade. I snapped a picture with my flames quickly.
I held the photo and continued reading the caption. Died early in the war of the Shardlights and the Starlights. Was appointed into the prophecy as fire but after his early death. The god of fire, Hephaestus, chose his cousin who was more quick to learn strategies of fighting and her true power. I diminished the flame and folded the flaps again to be alone with my thoughts. I-I wasn’t supposed to be part of this… my cousin was. But he died in battle! How can they just replace them like that!? I’m pretty sure that no Elementals in the prophecy get replaced until a new prophecy begins the cycle again. Unless the Element gods knew that we were coming. That’s why he was replaced early.
I ended my thought process as the box slowed down, finally making it through the tunnel and into the garage. I wonder what happened to the others part of my cousin's prophecy. Did they all get killed too? Did some give up on the prophecy? Did some not meet the requirements? No more questions Ember. Focus on the main goal. I walked towards the control panel where the hologram screen switched on. I scrolled through to my motorcycle, checked the condition, and checked my training points. I called down Mr. Fizz who greeted me with a smile.
“Hello! I am Mr. Fizz! I transfer points to upgrades, fix your vehicle, and keep the garage in shape! I see you have called me down for upgrades!” He smiled.
“Yes I have. My name is Ember and my motorcycle needs some upgrades.” I stated.
“Please scan here!” Mr. Fizz held out his hand. I tapped my disk on his hand.
“You have 16,000 points!” He cheered.
“How many upgrades can I purchase?” I probed.
“53 upgrades!” Mr. Fizz exclaimed.
“I would like to buy 3 upgrades.” I stated. He rolled out three cards.
“You can only pick one from this batch. Choose wisely.” He loomed over the cards. I chose the 3rd one. He rolled another set out this time revealing the cards. I went for card one this time. Mr. Fizz let out one more set keeping the cards shielded. I chose the first one again.
“The upgrades you have received are Fire Boost gives you extra speed, Flame Shot small blasters on the side to attack without slowing down, and Flare Wings allowing you to fly with a hang glider kind of like Crashy Carts.” Mr. Fizz explained.
“Thank you!” I replied. I inserted the cards into the machine and added them to my motorcycle instantly. I selected my vehicle and it rose on a sleek red platform where little mini bots began fixing up my motorcycle. After adding the finishing touches, I hopped on my bike and like Electra said a tunnel popped open allowing me to ride out towards a portal I blasted out. I rushed into it as quickly as possible and made it into Shardbright, a small village hiding the secret Shardsville.
I looked at the walls surrounding this village, looking for something warped or a door out of place. I then began to follow a villager in a coat. He knocked on the door and another villager answered, letting him in. This is just normal stuff. I sighed. I saw a flash and one of the figures disappeared. I turned around tossing on a coat lying around and knocked on the door.
“Hello!” The villager welcomed me.
“Uh, I would like to hang out.” I said in a gruff voice.
“Of course! Come right in!” She led me in. She moved me towards the carpet, turned off the light and pulled the carpet out from under me. I was dropped into a long chute which ended in me landing on some sort of mushroom. I looked around at the village. This is Shardsville. I nodded at my discovery. I walked around the mist-covered village, looking for the lab. I felt around the stone walls for a button or lever or something that would open a door.
Soon, a series of puzzles were laid upon me. The mist moved away being shut out by a door. Lights lit up, revealing the first puzzle. Line the Elementals up in which they were born. Born? I don’t know when we were all born. Wait, this is a trick question. “Born” as in when we all arrived at Sensei's. I moved Coral's standee over to the front, followed by me. Then I took Audra’s and placed her behind mine. Electra was next, then Cedar and Lumos. I remember that I hadn’t even gone looking for Cedar and Lumos. Sensei just left and came back with them on different days. And finally Frost.
The doors opened to the next room. Use the powers of each other to reach the final room. Before me stood 7 Elemental fruits. I started with my powers first since that would be the easiest unlike Water or Air. I hit the target with ease and moved to Shardlight which again was easy. Starlight was a little tricky but I managed to get the hang of it. Electricity and Earth were both the same concept, just different usages for them. The only two left were now Air, Ice, and Water. I blitzed through with ice, admiring my light blue gear. I can see why Frost likes this shade of blue.
I bit into the white fruit of air, ready for a transformation. The shade of blue faded and was replaced with a bright white with small cloud charms on the side of the sleeves. I concentrated on the wind charge, aiming at the target. I released the charge of wind