Elemental

Chapter 5

Sitting in the Tactical Attack and Defence classroom, a chill ran up my spine. It wasn't because of the beady eyes of the centuries old teacher, or the spidery cracks that ran down every wall of the dilapidated classroom; it felt like someone was watching me.
I zoned out of Mr Tulk's boring drone and looked out the window. There was nothing but a hedge and a field. Nothing was out of the ordinary. I mentally shrugged and refocused on the lesson.

" -and that's why Hunters are best attacked in the daytime, because they can morph into shadowy beings that blend in with the night."

***
I rejoined Blade, Heather, and Dylan after class. We had a two hour break before our next lessons. I was secretly disappointed that Aiden was a no-show. Where was that boy?
I excused myself to take a walk in the gardens of the school. My mum had said that they held many secrets, but only revealed themselves to those worthy of keeping them.
***
The lush green grass was incredibly inviting, as I strolled between the trees and into the hedge maze.
An unknown force within me led the way and upon instinct, I followed it. I had heard something in Tactical about instinct - we elementals were 'at one' with ourselves and in tune with nature, so instinct is our best friend. Miraculously, I had found my way into the centre of the maze. The force pulled me towards a partially hidden stone slab which had definitely seen better days.

My fingertips tingled and strangely, so did the stone slab. It shimmered and shook slightly before resuming its stoic state. I rubbed my eyes. Was I seeing things? My curiousity got the better of me and skin met stone. The ground rumbled and the slab shook more violently -

"Josie!" a voice called from behind me, "what are you doing out here?!"

I whipped around, mind whirring as I tried to formulate an escape route...
"I was just walking in the maze and I was just on the way out. I have no idea what's going on honestly-"

"Relax, it's only me," said Aiden as he approached me.

"And thank god for that," I laughed. "What are you doing out here?"

"I asked first," he joked, "but seriously, you don't want another near death encounter do you?"

I laughed. "Nope, just wanted some fresh air."

"You should have just called me," he winked. I punched his arm lightly and he swatted away my fist, chuckling.

"So why did you come out here?"

"I don't know. I guess it was just instinct."