The Earth

Chapter One: School's Out!

We packed our bags at Vortex High as the school year came to a close. Vicky and Seven were getting ready to go back home to their family while Starla and I were getting ready to gear up and go see our aunt, which really meant a lot to Starla. To catch you up, after Lydia was defeated, the school year resumed as normal. We all passed our classes and came out of it all stronger.

I kissed Vicky as we said goodbye. I was going to miss her more than anything but I knew I was going to see her at some point over summer break. I mean hell, if it was a hot enough day and no one would notice, I would have just flown over there with the dragon ability I unlocked. I know what you're thinking. It's unlocked when angry. And you're completely right. It's unlocked that way. After that, you're welcome to use it whenever the fuck you want.

Starla and I then walked out the same way Emeroson and I first walked in. I wore my backpack as I tossed a ball of fire around in my hands. I stopped and looked back to see Vicky and Seven hopping on the bus to go back home. I wonder what their home is like, I thought as I put the fire out. I know they still have their folks so I bet they're going to have a very nice summer.

Before I could think any further, I heard a voice calling to me. "Hey kiddo!"

I looked over to see my aunt, Brenda, standing outside of her SUV, with a smile on her face. Starla looked as well and smiled back. We both made our way over to our aunt and the car. As we got there, my aunt rushed and gave me a hug.

"It's good to see you, dude!" She exclaimed. "How's my favorite nephew?"

I chuckled as I smiled at her. "I'm your favorite nephew, auntie? And I'm doing good. Also, there's someone I'd like you to meet. Or potentially meet again for that matter."

Brenda nodded as I gestured over at Starla. "Auntie, this is Starla. Do you-"

My aunt ran over and hugged Starla without hesitation. "Holy shit kid! You're all grown up!"

Starla smiled as she hugged our aunt back. "You know me?" Starla asked.

"Of course I do!" Brenda replied. "Your father used to bring you and your brothers over all the time before things got dark. Speaking of, where's my other nephew?!"

Starla and I grew quiet. "He... he's gone auntie."

Brenda looked at me as the color drained from her face. "What do you mean?"

"We were on our way to fight Xorale," I started, my voice calm as a tear flowed down my cheek. "We were fighting Xorale. We were outmatched. Everyone had just lent me their powers and I was battling Xorale. I pissed the fucker off and he shot a blast of dark energy right through Emerson's chest. He died a hero, auntie."

Brenda looked down as she started to cry. "I'm so proud of him... rest in peace, sweet boy... What element did he have by the way?"

"He was an earth elemental," I replied, smiling as I remembered him using his powers. "And a damn good one at that."

"What about you two?" She asked us. "I haven't heard from you or seen you since I dropped you off Rick. And I haven't seem Starla since you guys were very little."

"I control fire, auntie," I said, smiling as my hand caught fire. "Starla is an exceptionally rare case. She has lightning abilities."

Starla created and electrical current that flowed through her hand. Brenda's jaw dropped as she smiled at us. She waved her hand over the grass next to us and vines began coming out of the ground.

"I'm a rare on too," Brenda said, smiling as the vines went over to her. "I am a rare earth elemental that can control plants and such."

"That's fuckin sick!" I exclaimed.

"Rick!" Blaine called, flying over to us with a book in his claws. "Don't forget this."

"Professor?" I asked as he landed next to us.

"I found this a couple day ago," Blaine explained. "It's a special book for you. Now that you've unlocked your dragon abilities, I want you to study this over the summer. We're going to run you through some enhanced training when school resumes."

I took the book from him and smiled. "Thank you, sir. I greatly appreciate it! I can't wait to learn how to master my new abilities!"

Blaine smiled and flew back to the school. I put the book in my backpack and put it in the back of the SUV. I put Starla's bag in as well before getting back to the conversation.

"A dragon?" Brenda asked. "So not only did my niece and nephew defeat Xorale and save the world... but they have rare abilities?! This is so exciting!"

We all smiled before getting in the car and heading out. As we drove, all I could think about was Vicky. Brenda and Starla were chatting up a storm as I created a dancing figurine of Vicky with fire. I miss you already, my love, I thought to myself as I waved the flame away and looked out the window.

Before I knew it, we were back at Brenda's house. I walked inside and it was just as I remembered. Inside, the kitchen sat right next to the living room. Next to the dining table, two cats laid on the ground. My uncle, Jack, sat on the couch playing video games. Jack was always a great uncle. He was always nice to us growing up and always gave Emerson and I video games, even when dad had grounded us for a month.

"Hey, uncle," I said, setting my backpack down at the dining table. "How's it goin?"

Jack paused his video game and gave me a big hug. "It's good to see you, dude! I'm doing good! How are you?"

"Not too bad," I said as Brenda and Starla walked into the living room, chuckling. "Not bad at all."