Elemental

Chapter 1

        “Milo! What are you doing?” Jess yells behind me. “Milo, wait!” I can’t stop. Can’t look back. If I do, I won’t be able to save her. “Milo! Please, come back!” She is crying now. I want to run to her and tell her everything is alright, but I can’t. I have to leave. “Milo, I love you!”

                I freeze. She said it. I take a deep breath. I wish I could tell her how I feel, but that is not an option right now. I love you too, Jess. “Keep her safe,” I say into the wind and then I run into the downpour outside to face my death.

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                I jerk as I wake up. It was only a dream. I have had the same dream for months now. As much as I wish it were only a dream, I can feel that it is much more than that. It means something.

                “Looks like someone finally decided to wake up,” Jess says as she enters the train car to sit next to me. “Did you have a nice nap?” I try to hide a laugh. “I’ll take that as a no then. Do you want to talk about it?”

                I glance up at her half smiling. “Do you really want to hear my darkest nightmare?” Jess knows better than anyone that I don’t talk about my dreams.

                “When you are ready to talk, I’m ready to listen. You never know. I might be able to help.”

                “I’m fine. It’s only a dream.”

                Jess rolls her eyes. “If you say so. Well if you aren’t going to talk about your dream, will you at least tell me what element you want to claim you?”

                “Jess I don’t even know if I am going to be claimed. I don’t feel connected to a specific one.”

                “Aw come on. Sorcerer James said he could feel the elements pulling on you. That’s why he nominated you to attend the Academy.”

                “I know, I just don’t feel them.” What if I don’t get claimed? I push those thoughts aside. “What about you? James nominated you as well. What element do you think will claim you?”

                “Water,” she says without hesitation. “I have always felt safe in the water. It is calming. I can feel its power, and see its beauty.”

                I glance out the window. “Don’t worry Milo. I just know that you will be claimed. You are too special not to be.” Jess reaches out to grab my hand.

                “Thanks Jess. I know I can always count on you.”

                “Attention students,” we hear a voice say over the train speakers. “We are nearing our destination. Please stay seated until we reach a complete stop. Good luck to each of you at the Academy.”

                “I can’t believe we are almost there!” Jess exclaims. “Who do you think they will send to greet us?”

                “Where did this energy come from?” I ask surprised at her sudden excitement.

                “One of us has to be excited! Think about it Milo, we were living alone in the woods without any protection from the elements for years. If James hadn’t found us, we would still be there not knowing where our next meal was coming from. Now we don’t have to worry about that.” She pauses. “Milo, look at me.” I turn my head away from the window and see the tear drops in her eyes. “We don’t have to worry about that anymore. We are going to live at the Academy, the elements will be on our side, and the food is provided. We are safe.”