Elementals: A New Era: Book One

Chapter One

As Luke stood in front of the large glass doors that led into the building, he felt a rush of fear and anxiety. The fight yesterday was tough but it would not compare to what he was about to undergo. No amount of training or practice could help him now, and the rest of his team were nowhere in sight, granted he wasn't allowed to have them there with him, he still felt an ache whenever they weren't around. He took a breath in and adjusted the backpack that was slung over one shoulder, before pushing the doors open and being bombarded by the sound of disgusting teenagers talking and gossiping in the halls. He pushed his way past dozens of kids his age, all congregating in groups of similar minds. The jocks threw about a basketball, laughing and smiling at the pretty girls that walked past them. One the larger boys threw the ball into a group of glass wearing nerds, their books spilling across the ground as the laughter and hounding from the jocks increased. 
“Jerks,” Luke heard the boy say as he adjusted his glasses. 
Luke didn't fit in with any of these usual groups, he had a secret that kept him from having friends. But he didn't really care, he was only here because The Agency required it and he planned on dropping out as soon as he had the necessary credits. 
He found his locker further down the hall and input his code before pulling the handle up and swinging it outwards. As he put his books away, a loud thump came from the locker beside him and a shadow covered his face. 
“What up, loser?” A gruff and older voice asked. 
“Leave me alone, Marcus,” Luke replied, closing his locker and turning to find a small group of white and red jacket wearing jocks standing around him.
“Nah, you fucked up my physics test, now I'm gonna fuck up your face,” the larger boy cracked his knuckles. 
“No one would believe you would get anything higher than a ten on a test like that, I didn't fuck anything up, I just-” a sharp pain entered his left cheek as he took a knee. 
Luke clenched his fists, he wanted to fight back, use his Powers to send these knuckleheads flying. But he couldn't. He had to lay there and take a beating as the boys began kicking him while he was down. 
The bell rang after what felt like a decade, the larger boy spat on him before the crowd dispersed, leaving him bleeding and swollen on the floor. After a moment he stood and fixed himself up, his face was bruised and swollen, he felt like his ribs had cracked but he shrugged it off and walked towards his first class. 
With the hallways empty, he heard an announcement over the school bulletin televisions that littered the halls.
“With the fifteenth anniversary of Asher's and Sky's sacrifice coming up, we'd like to remind all students that there will be a dawn service at the Statue of Remembrance to thank them for everything they did for us,” the announcement concluded. 
“Yeah, thanks for all this,” Luke said under his breath as he stepped into his first class. He opened the door and everyone's eyes fell on him, the teacher, a middle aged woman with long curly brown hair stared in shock. 
“Mister Montgomery, I think you should go to the nurses office at once,” she said.
“Nah, I'll be fine,” he replied, attempting to enter the room. He found a hand placed on his shoulder and he turned to see a tall and skinny man standing there with a disappointed look on his face.
“Come with me, Luke,” the man spoke.
“Oh fuck.” 
Luke followed the man into a small office beside the faculty lounge, a single desk sat in front of a large bookcase filled with books that looked like they gathered dust. The wooden desk was littered with small ornaments and objects that someone could fidget with. Luke picked up a small rubix cube and began fiddling with it in his hands as he sat in the fabric seat opposite the man.
A plaque on the desk read Mr. Anderson Guidance Counselor.
The man, Mr Anderson, waved his hand in a gesture for Luke to speak first, Luke responded by shrugging his shoulders and continuing to fidget without looking, expertly solving the cube before mixing it up and redoing it. 
“So you're not gonna talk to me about the bruises you've got?” Anderson asked, looking at him through his glasses and brown eyes.
“I tripped,” Luke shot back.
Anderson sighed. “Why do you do this Luke?”
“Do what?” Luke smiled.
“Lie to me. What's going on with you, really? You're a good kid, Luke, you get A's in Physics and Phys-Ed and Math, the B's in Social Studies and History are fine, but an F in Spanish and English, what's going on?” 
Luke shrugged. “Por que no los dos?”
“That's… how's home life?” 
Luke dropped the cube and folded his arms, looking away for a moment. “It's fine.”
“Clearly that hit a nerve, let's talk about that.”
“Why am I here, David?” Luke asked, fed up with the questions. 
“Are you happy?” 
“Not in this hell hole I'm not. Only time I feel happy is when I'm with the team,” Luke replied. 
“The Elementals?”
“Yeah them,” Luke resigned to answer the man's questions. He was angry but David was the only person at the school to know about his Powers and his after school work. 
“Why is that?”
“Because I can finally be me, I'm not hiding anything, I don't feel like I'm responsible for everything that goes wrong. They treat me right, like a Human being, like someone with feelings.” 
“Your family doesn't?” 
“Dad left when I was born, he didn't want a freak for a son. He had dreams of me being some sort of sports champion, but when I was born and they found my Source, he left and never came back. It tore mum apart to see the man she married and spent her life with just… up and leave. She… started drinking and became violent. My Powers made it easy to subdue her but even if she couldn't hurt me physically, she hurt me with words, blamed me for everything. And she does, every day, blames me for the lack of money, even though she doesn't have a job and my work with The Agency pays for everything. I try to be there for her… but…” Luke clenched his fists, crushing the cube, his eyes stung as tears began to fall. “And then I come here and get abused for not fitting in, but I have to lie to everyone I meet, I can't tell anyone about my Powers until I'm officially an Agent, except for you because you're Stacey's husband or whatever bullshit reason they put you here .”
“Luke, listen to me, having Powers like yours are just extraordinary, only about one out of every two hundred people have them. And yours are even more… I know I used extraordinary before but… you're truly a marvel.”
“Heh, thanks teach,” Luke broke a smile for a moment. 
“So why are you failing?” 
“It's just those two subjects, everything else gets me enough credits to pass.”
“That's not a good enough answer,” David sat back and moved his glasses up. “I want you to promise to try to do better.”
“Or what?” 
“I have just as much power over Stacey as Zero does, if you don't pull your head in, I'll make sure you don't join The Agency.” 
Luke's mouth dropped, he couldn't imagine a life without his friends. “But I have Powers,” he said looking down at his hands and the remnants of the cube.
“Powers don't mean shit if you don't know how to use them,” David leant forward. “And do you want to learn how to use them?”
“Of course I do, but the assholes out there don't care about that, I'm just a punching bag for them.”
“I'll handle the bullies, for now, I think you should go home and rest up. I've already called your ride.”
“You're giving me the rest of the day off?”
“I want you to think long and hard about your future, and what you want to do about it. Now get going, sounds like your ride just pulled up.”
Luke listened for a moment and groaned as a low rumbling sound came to an end just outside, he grabbed his backpack and walked out into the hallway before exiting the building and being blinded by the midday sun.
“Hey kiddo,” a voice called. 
His eyes adjusted to the light and he saw the 6’3 large man standing with arms crossed, being dwarfed as he leant against the monstrous black jeep he drove around.
“What are you doing here, Andrew?” 
“Just wanted to see how you're doing?” The fat man responded as he opened the door to his truck. “What happened?”
“Just tripped is all,” Luke replied as he hauled himself up into the truck before slamming the door shut. 
Andrew climbed in the other side and started the jeep with a roar. “Someone like you doesn't trip, bud. Did someone do this to you?”
“Just drive, take me home so I can be abused by my mother too,” Luke sighed.  
“Alright then,” Andrew grumbled as he pulled out of the driveway and began down the main road. 
Luke leaned against the window and watched as the city flew by, he had been told that years before he was born, there had been walls surrounding the cities that kept out the dangers of the wastes. But he has grown up with the freedom of knowing there was a peaceful and wondrous land out there. No bullies, no jocks, no school, no homework. He could tell they were approaching his house, or his trailer as he and his mother lived in a runned down trailer park near the edge town. He watched on as all the familiar houses flew by, his concern raising for a moment as they passed the turn off road. Luke looked up at Andrew, the man smiled and winked at him through his glasses. 
Something changed in Luke, something that made Andrew chuckle. “There's my star Agent,” he said, watching as Luke caught on to where they were going. A smile formed in his face, his shoulders dropping and relief washing over him. Luke looked down at the broken cube still in his hand, he felt free and liberated knowing where they were heading, he focused on the cube and watched as his Powers enveloped the pieces and began putting them back together, slotting them into each other like a puzzle. 
“What's that?” Andrew asked.
“Just something David gave me,” Luke replied as he shoved it into his pocket as they pulled into a large underground garage. 
Luke followed Andrew into the lobby of the large building they called home, a smile beaming in his still sore and swollen face. 
“What happened to you?” One of the guards standing at the entrance way asked.
“You should see the other guy,” Andrew responded in his place, flashing his badge and walking past them. The two of them walked to the elevators and waited for one to arrive, Andrew looked Luke up and down with a concerned look.
“Do you have civi clothes? Or are you just gonna wear your uniform today?” 
“Wha-? No I don't have normal clothes in my bag, I usually go home after school before coming here,” Luke replied as they stepped into the lift. 
“It's fine, I'm sure the others dont mind. Have you ever been to the infirmary?”
“We have an infirmary?”  
“You've been here, like, three months and you've never been there?” 
“We have those bottles of Water that heal injuries.”
“And where do you think that Water comes from? 
“I… oh.” 
The door opened and Andrew waved for Luke to follow him, the boy excitedly followed along and walked down a hallway that was well illuminated by the floor to ceiling windows along the right wall, looking out on the city and wilds beyond. Luke gasped as he looked out over the city from the height he was at, something about the height gave him a rush and he just wanted to leap out and fly free. Andrew disappeared around a corner and through a doorway, Luke hurried to follow and was greeted by a clean and pristine white room with a large tank of strange blue Water in its center. Dozens of beds sat around the tank and lined the walls, some in their own cubicles with walls and doors while others were more out in the open. Several Agents were laying in the beds with various injuries, each one having a tube that ran from the tank to their bed and into their body. A blue and purple splotchy Spaniel with vibrant orange hair bustled about between the beds while a white and blue Wolf/Tiger hybrid lay at the far end of the room. 
“Braxxy!” Andrew called, holding his arms out for a hug. 
“Flatsy! What are you doing down here?” The Spaniel jeered back and ran over to him, rubbing his head on the man's belly. 
Andrew knelt down and pet the Dog. “Wanted you to meet Luke, he's been our latest little prodigy.”
“Oh you're the one I've heard so much about?” Braxton walked around Luke and examined him. “Doesn't seem too special. How old are you?”
“Thirteen, sir,” Luke replied. 
“A little young to be an Agent, don't you think?” the Dog asked, looking up at Andrew. 
Andrew shrugged and folded his arms. “How old were you when you joined the team?” 
“That's different, Brax replied. “And you know it.”
“Wait, you worked with…?” 
“Asher and Sky, the heros, yes. There were a bunch of us that day.”
Luke noticed the symbol on the Dog's shoulder and it all suddenly clicked. “You're a Totem.” 
“Smart kid, I can see why he fits in with Zero and King.”
“We didn't come here to chit chat unfortunately, can you fix him up?” Andrew asked. 
“You mean he's not meant to look like that?” Braxton asked back, sarcastically, as he walked over to Luke and held out his paw. 
Luke placed his hand on the large paws of the Dog and watched as a blue Water began seeping out of his pads and snaking its way up Luke's arm. He felt it wash over his skin, stopping where he was bruised before heating up slightly and then fading. The Water coated his face for a moment, avoiding his nose and mouth to let him breathe as it increased in temperature for a moment. As the Water drew back to Braxton, Luke sighed with relief as his body felt brand new. He lifted his hand up and examined his body, running his hands over his chest where the boys had kicked him, no pain came, nothing but the sensation of his fingers grazing over his skin. 
Braxton shook his head as he looked back at Andrew. “Sometimes I hate my Powers,” he chuckled.
“Wha-?” Luke asked, also looking at the man.
“Brax can sometimes see what caused the injuries he's healing,” Andrew explained.
“Oh… so you saw…?” 
Brax nodded. 
“Shit.”
“I won't tell Stace, if you don't want me to.”
“I think that's best. Thanks Brax, we've got one more person to meet before lunch time so we're gonna run. Have fun,” Andrew pushed Luke out of the infirmary and towards the elevators.
“Why are we meeting these guys?” Luke asked the doors shut again and they began to rise.
“Because it's good to know the past, what and who came before you. Your generation is the first to grow up with Elemental Energy inside you, you should meet the ones that gave you those Powers,” Andrew explained. 
“Do you wish you had Powers?” 
“Me? Nah, I'm too fat. I'm much more of a guy in the chair sort of guy, I'll help you guys out from here, where I'm safe,” Andrew answered as he leant against the wall of the lift.
“That didn't answer my question,” Luke folded his arms and smirked at the older man. 
It took a moment for Andrew to answer, he seemed unsure of himself. “Well yeah, of course I'd like Powers, who wouldn't wanna be a superhero and thanked by everyone for just doing your job.”
Luke was unsure how to reply, clearly he had struck a chord with the man.
“Sorry,” Andrew rubbed his brow. “I promise I'm okay being an Operator, I just gotta accept the cards I've been dealt, you know?” 
Luke nodded, his heart was racing, his fists were clenched, his anxiety racing as someone had just raised their voice around him. He closed his eyes and began to create a small field of Energy around his fists, focusing on the field and raising it up and lowering it around his fist, feeling it move up and down with his breath. His heart rate slowed and he took a deep breath before opening his eyes and looking up at Andrew, who wore a look of concern. 
“I just triggered something,” Andrew realized. He sighed. “I'm really sorry. I wasn't thinking about-”
“It's okay,” Luke interrupted. “I have my coping methods, I'm getting better at pulling myself out.”
“But you shouldn't have to, not with me, not with your team. We should be there to support you and help you, not cause the issue.”
“Let's just move on,” Luke said as the doors opened once more and they stepped out onto the floor with the Command Centre. “Why are we back here?” 
Andrew exited the lift and began walking towards the Centre, before turning down a small hallway and coming to one of the few rooms that lined it. He knocked on the door and was greeted by it whooshing open. Luke followed and gasped as he looked upon the black and red Wolf that lay on a cushion on the floor. The Wolf looked up at them and smiled through half shut eyes, he struggled to stand and hobbled over to them.
“Good to see you, Andrew,” the Wolf spoke in a raspy tone. 
“Hey old man,” Andrew replied as he knelt down to pet the Wolf. “I bought you Luke, like you asked.”
“Hello young one,” the Wolf said as he made his way over the boy. Luke ran his hands through the Wolf's graying fur, he was clearly far older than them. “It's nice to meet the first Human Elemental to join my team.”
“Your?” Luke looked up at Andrew, confused.
“Luke, this is Tsubaki, he's the head of D.A.R.E.”
“Holy shit. I am so sorry, Sir,” Luke stood and saluted the old Wolf. “I didn't realize I was in the presence of greatness.”
“Oh calm down, boy,” Tsubaki replied. “King talks a lot about you, he's my cousin you know. Probably about the same age as Andrew there, and just as much trouble.” Andrew chuckled as he sat on a nearby couch. 
“He said you wanted to see me, sir?” Luke asked.
“Yes, I'd like to know more about you. First things first, what kind of Elemental are you?”
“Oh… uhhh… I'm a Gravity Elemental, Sir.”
“A what?” Tsubaki took a step back. “There hasn't been one of those since… This is extraordinary. Gravity was thought to be as rare as Fire, but knowing we have one of our very own… this can only be a good sign.”
“Wait, there hasn't been any Fire Elementals?” Once more Luke turned his attention to Andrew, who simply shrugged. 
“Not since Asher passed,” Tsubaki replied, looking at the symbol on his shoulder. “For some reason, Fire is an extremely rare Element, no one that we have found has had it. Crazy right?” 
“Yeah that's-” Andrew was cut off as an explosion shook the building from deep below them. “Luke, let's go! We'll continue this later, Tsubaki.”