Lakeview Academy

Chapter 42: Emily

I found a table in the back of the library to start diving into the books. Booker brought another stack of books and sat them on the table. "Don't you think this is a bit much? You're not going to get through all these," He said as he sat down.

"That's why you're going to help me pick out the most useful stuff. Glad you found me," I say, seeing the annoyed look on his face. "Hey, this is your fault." Booker began to argue but chose not to. Instead, he placed his head on the table. "Are you okay?"

He lifted his head up and grinned. "Yeah, just tired. I've been running on a power surge for days, and I think I'm finally crashing."

He tried to put on a straight face, but I could tell he was faking it. I couldn't help but feel bad. He's pushing himself for my sake. "Just don't work too hard. I know telling you to relax is like telling a fire not to spread. Just take it easy. I'm getting stronger."

Booker covered my hand with his. "I know, Em. I get that from my dad. Trust me, I'd love a vacation, but at the same time, I can't help but worry about you. Maybe it's the guardian part of me."

"All I'm saying is just take a break once in and a while. Listen, when I was in class, I made a whole water basin evaporate in less than five seconds. I'm getting stronger."

"That's great, Em. Seriously," Booker said, resting his head on his arms.

"I wonder if I sneak away would he notice?" I think.

"I would," Booker said in a muffled tone.

"You need a nap. Go, rest," I say, flipping through some books.

Booker lifted his head. "I can't do that. What if something happens and I'm not there? I'd feel like I failed you."

"And looking like a zombie is helping me? Listen, would it be better if I go find Blake while you sleep? I'm sure he wouldn't mind. Isn't he helping with the festival planning? Maybe I could help too. I could pick his brain more about Aero magic at the same time. Yep, that's what I'll do." Before he could protest, I stood up and went to put most of the books back. Keeping two of them with tips on controlling Aero magic. 

"Don't I get a say in this?" Booker asked, rubbing his eyes.

"Nope," I say, grabbing his hand and leading him towards The Rejuvenation Center. I find a hammock under a large bioluminescent tree. "Sit."

"I'm not a dog," He groaned as I set him down. "Fine, only five minutes."

I laugh as he instantly falls asleep. He looked so tired but peaceful at the same time. It reminds me of when we were kids, and he slept over. He slept with his arms crossed over his chest and facing me like he was ready to spring up if needed. I tiptoe out of the center and start walking towards where the festival was being set up. 

Terramages were carving different booths out of the ground and making most of the structures themselves. I find a spot and watch them work. It was like art. Shaky dirty art. As soon as the Terramages were done, some Aeromages came in and blew the excess dust away. Once they were done, some Pyromages came in and heated up the earth as the Terramages hit them into shape. Finally, the Hydromages came in and cooled the structures off. It was amazing seeing everyone work off each other so seamlessly. 

"Em!" Blake shouted as he approached. "What are you doing here? I thought you and Booker would be busy making out or something."

I roll my eyes. "Haha, you're so funny. I made him take a nap. Thought I might come by and see the festival get set up. I didn't imagine it'd be like this."

Blake sat down beside me and laughed. "And this is only the setup. If this amazes you, then you haven't seen anything yet. I still have to help set up the dance and rides. Sometimes I curse my generosity."

"I've got time. Need help?" I ask, trying my hair into a ponytail.

"Sure, plus it'll give you some practice. The Aeromages need help getting the lanterns in the air. Two mages bailed at the last minute."

"Sounds good," I say, slightly hesitant.

Blake noticed my hesitation and smirked. "You're going to be fine. I promise everyone here is cool. They'll help you if you need it. So will I. I think Booker would kill me if I didn't. He really likes dodge lighting."

"I don't think I'd like that game," I laugh. I follow him to an open field where two Terramages and a Hydromage stood. 

Blake waved. "Hey, guys, this is Emily. She volunteered to help. Em, this is everyone."

"We have names, Blake. I'm Josuha. Call me Josh. I'm just about the best Terramage that ever existed. I know, I'm amazing," Josh said, laughing.

"I'm Carmine; I apologize for my brother's ego. I tried locking him underground, but it did work for long."

"'Cause that's a good idea. Trap a Terramage underground. Real smart, Car," Josh said.

The Hydromage behind them was quiet, almost like he didn't want to be noticed. Josh sighed and wrapped his arm around the Hydromages neck. "Come on, buddy, we talked about this. You can't make friends if you act like a statue. Go on, say hi."

The Hydromage looked like he wanted to hide as he approached. "Luke," He said. A wave of relief washed over him as he got his name out. 

"Hey, Luke, how's it hangin'?" I ask. He tilted his head in confusion. "It's something we say back where I'm from. It means how are you?"

"Good," Luke said quietly.

"So, basically, we need you guys to make a lake right here. A big one," Blake said.

Josh cracked his knuckles. "That all?" He looked at his sister. "Ready?"

"Yep," She smiled back. Both of them slammed their hands onto the ground, and a crack stretched out in a straight line until they met in the center across the field. Making a large circle. An orange aura surrounded the siblings as they lifted the earth into the air and off to the side. Carmine then shaped the chuck into a stand. Satisfied, Carmine smiled. "Done, your guys turn."

Luke looked at me, and we both headed to the large crater. I watched Luke raise his hand as a storm cloud stretched across the sky. Thunder started crackling across the sky as the rain began to pour onto the crater. As he did, Josh used his power to separate the dirt from the water. The more Luke filled the crater, the dirtier it got. 

"This is going to take too long," I mumble to myself. Then I get an idea. I move to the other side of the lake and place my hand in the water. A stream of ice shoots down towards the bottom and starts to coat the base of the lake, creating a hardened shell of ice. Everyone is stunned as the crystalized base shined under the water. Soon the water turned crystal clear and stayed that way.

I jogged back to them with a big smile on my face. "So, how did I do?"