Elemental War

warmup.

My eyes shot open! I gasped as I awoke back in Candy's dorm. Somehow, I knew I wasn't in the spirit world anymore.

"You're okay." Candy spoke.

"That was fuckin' awesome!!!" Gigi exclaimed.

"That was freaking intense!" I replied.

"Everyone has their own unique experience." Candy added.

I nodded before looking over my shoulder to see Rio still asleep.

"Is he still in the spirit world?" I asked.

"Yes. I'm not sure what's taking him so long?" Candy spoke.

I ran my finger down his arm; he flinched a bit.

"Where's Karmen?" Beth asked.

I looked around noticing everyone was still in Candy's dorm besides Karmen.

"She was gone before I regained consciousness. I'm not sure what happened to her." Candy said worriedly.

"I hope she isn't running her mouth!" Niko added.

"Right! She'll get us killed! You can't just invite any and everyone to the spirit world Candy!" Beth shouted.

"I don't think she'll put all of our lives in danger like that." I added.

"I know what happened to her, and I know why Rio is taking so long!" Gigi exclaimed.

"What do you mean you know what happened?" Candy asked.

"When I blew away into the clouds, I met with an air spirit. The spirit put me in tune with my gift of sight. I was able to see where each and everyone of you were in the spirit world, and what you guys were experiencing! It wasn't totally clear, but I could see in bits and pieces..."

Gigi paused before continuing.

Candy gasped in disbelief. Beth's eyes widened. Niko squinted his eyes as he waited in anticipation. What was she about to say?

"Rio is going on an intense spiritual journey. The fire spirits brought him back to his dark past, to his present, and his possible futures. Before we left he was being taught powerful bending strategies by the ancient dragon spirits! Karmen's journey by the earth spirits were very harsh! She was petrified the entire time! They showed her the truth she'd been blinded by this entire time, grounding her into reality. I don't think she'll ever be the same after this, or any of us to be honest." Gigi ranted.

"Well what was the truth?" Beth asked.

"Her parents never truly loved her for her. They brainwashed her to plan to become a warrior after she graduates so they could reap the benefits without having to go fight in the war themselves!" Gigi spoke; you could hear the sorrow in her voice.

"Why would do they do that?" I asked.

"I'm not sure. I could only see and hear bits and pieces." Gigi responded with a sad look in her honey brown eyes.

"First period starts in an hour! We need to find her now! Niko stay here with Rio until he wakes up!" Candy exclaimed.

Niko nodded.

"Oh my goodness! I hope Karmen is okay!" I gave Rio a peck on the lips before heading out the door behind Candy, Beth, and Gigi.

"Was that a kiss on the lips? I thought you hated his guts right now?" Gigi asked as we sprinted down the dorm corridor.

"I thought you could see and hear? The water spirit told me that he loves me!" I said with a giggle.

"Oh my gosh really??! Your spirit gave you love advice, I wish mine would! And I told you I could only see in bits and pieces." Gigi joked.