The Elementiels

Ch. 29: GHOST OF THE WIND

Jason and Annabelle strolled up a hill, the cool breeze carrying the scent of wildflowers. From the top, the landscape unfolded before them-endless trees, birds soaring across a fiery sunset sky.

She turned to him, curiosity lighting up her features. "So, have you ever tried flying before?"

Jason rubbed the back of his neck, a slight blush creeping across his cheeks. "I've tried... but it always ends horribly. These days, I just stick to jumping really high."

Annabelle chuckled and conjured a gentle gust as she lifted herself gracefully off the ground. "The yellow elementiel doesn't have natural flight like the others. So, I just manipulate the wind around me to keep me in the air."

Jason smiled at her ingenuity. "That has always amazed me. Although... it's kind of weird the gods didn't just grant you flight outright."

Annabelle shrugged midair, a mischievous smile tugging at her lips. "Who knows? Maybe they wanted to test our creativity."

She floated closer and pointed a finger at him. "From now on, you'll address me as... Teacher!"

Jason raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, that's not happening."

Laughing, Annabelle ascended higher. "Suit yourself, my stubborn student. Now, try to keep up!"

With that, she darted into the sky, a blur against the fading light. Jason clenched his fists, determination igniting in his chest.

He leapt after her, bounding through the air with impressive force, but Annabelle's laughter echoed above him.

"Come on, delivery boy! Is that all you've got?!"

Jason muttered under his breath, "This is humiliating."

On his next jump, Annabelle swooped down and grabbed his arm, pulling him higher into the air.

"Hey! What the hell are you doing?!" Jason shouted, panic creeping into his voice.

Ignoring his protests, she carried him above the clouds, where the golden light of the evening sun bathed them in warmth. Jason froze, looking down at the world far below. "I can't do this! I'm terrified!"

Annabelle smiled, her eyes kind but firm. "That's good."

"What do you mean, that's good?! What are you..."

She placed a hand on his chest. "Jason, be free."

Before he could speak, she let go, and he began to plummet.

"Hey!!!"

As the wind roared around him, Jason flailed, desperately trying to steady himself. Then he spotted an eagle, soaring effortlessly nearby, its wings stretched wide, catching the currents.

"Be free..." he whispered, closing his eyes.

He stopped fighting. His body relaxed, his heartbeat slowed, and he felt the air shift around him. Jason opened his eyes, and for the first time, he wasn't falling-he was gliding.

A grin spread across his face. "I'm... I'm doing it! I'm actually flying!"

He surged forward, only to crash into a grove of trees. He emerged, swatting at bees now angrily buzzing around his face. From above, Annabelle laughed uncontrollably.

Jason shook off the mishap, wiping his face clean, and shot back into the sky. He joined her above the clouds, where the light painted their surroundings in hues of gold and pink.

The two began circling each other, their laughter mingling with the wind. Their smile softened as they looked at each other, admiration flickering in their eyes. Without a word, she stretched her arms wide and let herself fall backward through the air.