The Elementiels

Ch. 5: THE PERFECT SOLIDER

The late afternoon sun hung heavy in the sky, casting a golden heat over the land. Jason stood beside Grandpa Mark, the weight of the moment settling over them like the warmth in the air. Mark's gaze settled on Jason and spoke, his voice calm but carrying a sharp edge.

"Before we begin your training Jason, you must understand the power you possess." Mark's voice was calm but firm, his weathered face lined with both wisdom and concern.

"As you know, there were originally nine elementiels: Fire, Water, Earth, Ice, Green, Yellow, Orange, Pink, and Purple. Each elementiel has unique powers and different ways they interact with the world."

Jason listened intently, eyes fixed on his grandfather. He had heard legends of the elementiels as a young boy, but realizing he possessed the power himself made his heart race.

Mark continued, "I will explain the different states of an elementiel. First is your base state, as you are now, you can only access half of the other state's power. It's a mere taste of what you're truly capable of."

Jason clenched his fists, eager to push beyond that limitation.

"Next is the elementiel base state. Once you learn how to transform, you'll have double the power of your base state. But the transformation is no easy feat. It requires intense concentration and mastery of energy control."

Jason nodded, imagining the power coursing through him.

"Then there's the partial state," Mark said, his tone growing more serious. "This is when unique lines of energy form across your body. Your speed, strength and durability will also increase. It's considered to be an incomplete version of your final form."

Mark paused, his eyes narrowing as he looked deep into Jason's. "And finally, the ultimate state. The full realization of your abilities. But Jason..." He hesitated, the weight of what he was about to say hanging in the air.

"This state is incredibly dangerous. If you lose control while in that form, you could unintentionally, destroy the entire world itself!"

Jason's eyes widened, his heart skipping a beat. "Destroy... the world?!" he echoed, his voice filled with shock.

"Yes." Mark said gravely. "Many before you have been consumed by the very powers they sought to control. This is why discipline and restraint are just as important as raw strength."

Jason exhaled, a mix of fear and determination flooding through him. "I understand, Grandpa. I'll do whatever it takes."

Mark's serious expression melted into a gentle smile. "Good. Now, let's start with the basics. You are a Fire elementiel. You possess the ability to control all forms of heat and flame. But remember Jason, fire can be as destructive as it is useful. Control is everything."

Jason looked at his hands, a flicker of excitement in his eyes. "Alright, Grandpa. Let's do this."

Grandpa Mark nodded thoughtfully. “Good. But let me tell you something important, Jason. What makes an elementiel truly unique is its ability to transform its energy into the element it controls—without needing the physical element nearby.” 

Jason tilted his head, confusion clouding his face. “Wait… how does that work?” 

Mark stroked his beard, the corners of his mouth curving into a knowing smile. “Think of it this way. Take the water elementiel, for instance. It doesn’t need to stand near a river to wield water. Instead, it transforms its own energy into water itself, manifesting it from within.” 

Jason’s brow furrowed, his mind working to grasp the concept. “So… the energy becomes the element?” 

“Exactly,” Grandpa Mark said, walking closer and extending his hand. He gestured for Jason to do the same. “Now, let’s try something simple. Focus a small amount of energy on the tip of your finger. Once you feel it, imagine that energy becoming fire.” 

Jason held out his hand, his finger trembling slightly as he concentrated. He closed his eyes, willing his energy to move. 

Several attempts later, Jason let out a frustrated sigh. “I don’t think I can do it, Grandpa.” 

Grandpa Mark’s voice remained patient and encouraging. “Don’t rush it, Jason. Breathe. Feel the energy inside you. Guide it and let it flow naturally.” 

Jason exhaled slowly, calming himself. This time, he visualized the warmth of fire in his mind, the crackle of flames. As he focused, a flicker of heat formed at his fingertip. When he opened his eyes, a small, steady flame danced there. 

His face lit up with excitement. “I did it! Grandpa, I did it!” 

Grandpa Mark’s grin widened. “Well done, kiddo! That’s the first step. You’re starting to understand the power within you.” 

Jason stared at the tiny flame, mesmerized. He clenched his fist gently, extinguishing it, and looked up at his grandfather with determination. 

“Let’s keep going, Grandpa. I’m ready to learn more.” 

Grandpa Mark chuckled, his eyes twinkling. “That’s the spirit. Let’s keep this up for a while.”