The Seventh Element

Chapter Five

For the second time that day, I climbed the tower stairs to the second floor this time. We entered a circular room with a pool of water at the center. A dozen students along with the man I had guessed to be the Aqua High Mage were already in the room.

The Aqua High Mage nodded to the Aqua student and then beckoned me over with a wave of his hand.

I walked over to stand beside him at the edge of the pool.

"Students, this is Tor Larsen. He is an ice elemental and since he is the only one of his element, it has been decided to have him stay in our dorm and train with us," the High Mage addressed the class.

They exchanged curious looks with each other but with no hostility or questions.

The High Mage looked at me. "Is there anything you'd like to say?"

"No."

"Then, please, join the other nova so that we can continue."

I stood in between the two Aqua novas, both girls. In fact, besides me, there were only three other boys in the class, not counting the High Mage.

"For those of you returning, welcome back. For those of you joining us for the very first time, welcome. I am the Aqua High Mage. My title is High Tide but my students may call me Rip. Regardless of where you've come from, what you've experienced during the school break or how long you've had your powers, you are all welcome here."

As he spoke, Rip allowed his gaze to travel over every student in the room.

"As the Aqua High Mage, I am here to help each of you learn how to manage your powers, to grow with them and adapt to what life has to offer for Aqua mages. As a High Mage, I am here for all Academy students, regardless of their element."

It was here that Rip fixed his eyes on me and gave me a small nod.

For the very first time, the anxiety that had presented itself since I'd gotten my powers stilled. The atmosphere in the room was completely calm, reflected by the High Mage and by all of his students. Despite how isolated I felt, for the first time, I had someone willing and able to help me.

Rip continued. "Elemental powers are not based in emotion but they can be influenced by them. The very first thing every nova must learn is now how to control their element but how to control their emotions."

He looked around the rest of the class. "Let's hear some examples of what controlling our emotions can look like."

"An important step is recognizing your emotions, what causes them and what works to manage them," an older boy said.

"And don't be afraid to feel your feelings, just be mindful of how you express them," an older girl said.

"One thing that's worked for me is listening to music or even playing an instrument myself," another girl said. "I'm able to let the feelings flow through me and then let them go."

"For me, its working on a puzzle or playing a game. Keeping my mind busy helps engage my feelings in a positive outlet," the older boy that had started the conversation said.

The girl standing next to him nodded her head. "I'm similar but instead of my mind I need to keep my body moving and I go for a walk or swim to keep my mind clear."

"Good," Rip said with a small smile and a nod. "And what do each of these methods have in common?"

"They each allow you to be removed from the situation?" one of the nova girls offered.

"Yes!" Rip exclaimed. "But there will be times when we cannot remove ourselves from a situation or a person that causes us to feel strong emotion. What do we do then?"

Once more, one of the older boys had an answer. "We breathe."

Rip nodded. "Every elemental must learn how to breathe. Yes, its natural for everyone to do and we do it without thinking. But, when the alternative is potentially allowing our emotions to get the best of us, focusing on our breathing can help."

"Now, for Aqua, this is easier than most. For seafarers who learned how to swim before they could walk, you know how to breathe better than the average person, mage or not. The way I describe it is that it is like the breathing one does when taking a deep dive. One big, deep breath that completely fills your lungs. The difference, of course, is that you don't hold it nearly as long. You release it after a few seconds. Repeat the process as needed. Imagine it like waves lapping the shore. They ebb and flow in a continuous rhythm. Let's try it now."

Rip demonstrated briefly, the whole class following his example. We continued and Rip moved from where he had been standing in front of the class over to me.

"I understand you come from a landlocked region so allow me to teach you this technique step by step," Rip said.

I nodded, more than a little lost and confused by something the rest of the class, including my fellow nova, already understood.

There are multiple ways one can breathe. Beginners are recommended to sit or lie down but its not necessary if that's not something you're comfortable with. It also helps to focus with your eyes closed but again, only if you're comfortable. Now, place one hand on your belly and one on your chest. They will help to guide you if you're performing the technique properly. Once you've learned, the hand placement will no longer be necessary. Now, we breathe, through your nose," Rip said, tapping his own, "hold for two seconds, you should feel your belly rise and then breathe out slowly through your mouth. Then repeat."

The Aqua Mage watched me for a moment as I followed his instructions.

He smiled. "You appear to have it, Tor. If you need anything else, feel free to stop me at any time."

He moved on and I continued breathing, willing to give anything a try if it would help me control the powers that had ruined my life.