The Elementalists: Dawn of Shady Schemes

Chapter 35

  The next morning, it was time for Fage's departure. I woke up almost into immediate tears at the thought of her leaving. I never wanted Fage to leave, if anything, I'd rather spend the rest of my life teaching her about the elements than let her go away for even a month to catch up on training.

I sighed, and I made some waffles, which she seemed to enjoy. After a happy chat, there was silence. It wasn't a bad or angry silence, it was a tearful silence. We both knew what was coming, and what was going to happen, and that we really had no choice. After our showers, I started to help her pack.

As I helped her, I looked at her new room that we had finished decorating yesterday. It had light lime green walls with earthy decorations: vines wrapped around the legs and the headboard of her bed, as well as other furniture which mimicked tree bark and raw wood with moss and other earthy details, detailed trees were carved onto her closet doors, some plants were hanging from hooks on the ceilings, potted in round, glass pots or were potted on the ground, a dark oak bookshelf held ancient elementalism volumes, and other books donated from the library.

As we started to pack, I began to start a conversation. "Those designers really spoiled you didn't they?" I asked as I folded up a white fur vest.

She smiled, awkwardly laughing. "Haha... yeah. They put every amount of fabric they could on my clothes.. admittedly, they are pretty cute, though."

I smiled, and I dug into my pocket and felt the small, silver ring that was in it. This was the one I bought while she was getting fitted and everything else, and I had the same one. Why? You'll see...

"So Fage.." I said as I began to pull the ring out of my pocket. "I've been meaning to give you something..."

Her eyes lit up. "Really?"

I nodded, and introduced her the ring. It was medal, and had all five tiny elemental stones on it. In fancy calligraphy on the inside, it inscripted, "Sisters by heart, not by blood".

She stared at it, and I saw her overwhelmed with emotion. Fage seemed to pounce forward and pull me into a bear hug. "It's... it's perfect." she said with a smile. "I knew that the word 'Mother' didn't fit you. But sister... sister is the right term."

I laughed and then let it slip onto her finger, and showed her my ring as well. "Whenever there's a time that you miss me," I said. "Just remember, we have a special bond like no other, and you can look at this ring, and remember me."

Fage smiled tearfully, and then closed the suit case and said, "Well, I guess we better head down there before the Masters leave."

One more thing... Atlas' voice suddenly said. I turned and saw her in the doorway. She softly padded forward. There.. there was something I was meaning to tell you.

What is it? I asked, kind of worried.

Atlas sighed very deeply, and then answered remorsefully, I'm... I'm going with Fage.

You're...you're leaving, too?! I asked, shocked. But why?

I watched her as she gave me a sad, wolfish smile with a sorrowful twinkle in her eyes. She needs guidance... the same guidance I provided you. You know what you're doing now...

But I thought there is more to learn! I exclaimed.

Oh, there is. She said. But you'll have guidance. She needs MY guidance.

I ran over to her instead of continuing to argue, and pulled her into a hug. There was a moment of silence, and then I broke it by saying, Just know that you're my one and only favorite professor to ever teach me elementalism.

There was a slight mood of happiness that bursted from the back of my mind, as she replied, Well, I know I won't forget about you. I'll make sure that Fage is safe and stays focused.

You better! I laughed. I finally picked up Fage's suitcase, and with a nod, we all walked down to camp.

I sighed as Fage took her suitcase and was guided by the Master of Fire with an old, withered hand on her back.

"I love you, Fage!" I shouted tearfully as she walked off with the groups of Purities and the Masters.

"I love you too!" Was all I managed to hear from her voice before the conversations between the Purities were far too loud for me to hear Fage's voice anymore.

I sighed sadly, and Kate walked up to me.

"Hey," She said quietly.

"Hi there," I said after the sigh, and then said, "I'm sorry, Kate. I didn't mean to blow up back in the hangout. I was just so stressed with what was going on..."

Kate held up a single hand, that pushed the mute button on my vocal cords. "I'm sorry too," she said. "I didn't realize how much stress you were going through. I should be the one apologizing."

I sighed. "I think I'm the bad guy here, Kate." I smiled as we did our unique handshake and giggled like usual afterwards. "I'm glad that things seem back to normal." I said with a smile.

"Yeah," she said. "Me too."

Suddenly, I was approached by the Grand Master. He greeted me with a smile, and silently beckoned me over a little ways away out of anyone's range of hearing. I followed him to one of the turquoise pillars of the Grand Empire, and then he said, "I'd like for you to know that you didn't kill Avery."

I frowned. "I didn't?!"

He chuckled. "No, but he fled. Like I said, Shades are cowardly. I'm sure he won't cause any trouble."

I nodded. He suddenly changed the conversation, beginning with, "You know, you have a lot of strength and stamina with elementalism.. I wanted to offer you an... apprenticeship."

My eyes widened. "You don't mean...!"

"Yes, I mean that." he said. "From noon to dusk, I want you can become my apprentice to become the next generation Grand Master."

I bowed automatically. "Sir, I would be honored!"

He smiled. "After the festivities has ended, we shall begin your training."

I smiled excitedly, and said, "Yes sir!"

I walked off, and saw Trent, who greeted me with a wide grin. "Hey Scarlet!"

I beamed back. "What's up?!"

"Nothin'," he replied. He put his arm around me and I smiled, putting my head on his shoulder.

"I was wondering if you would uh... like to... perhaps...?" Trent stuttered.

I kissed him on the cheek, and said, "Yes, Trent. I would be delighted to go out on a date with you."

He whooped with joy, lifting me off of my feet and swinging me around.

At that moment, I knew my life was about to change. I knew it ever since the Trinity showed up. But what I wouldn't know, it how I my story would end like a fairy tale.

But is this story over?

No no... it's FAR from over.

So, if you want to see me next time, you'll see me in Camp Elemental, training, helping out, and practicing, 'cause do you know who I am?

I am an Elementalist, and NOTHING will change that.