Academy of Elements: Earth

Chapter 4: Feud of Thorns

My alarm goes off at five thirty in the morning. I slug out of bed, my head a rock on a twig. I grab a towel from the washroom, I miss the luxury of having a shower in my dorm, back at home I had everything just beside my room, along with a walk in closet. But here the showers were communal.

Pulling on the clothes I would change into after my shower I walk from my room. A few people are up already. I walk into the male washroom. Its a narrow room, vanities on either side at first then urinals, then toilets, and then finally, shower stalls. Walking down the aisle, the sound of only a few showers going a step in to the private stall closing the glass door. It is an L shaped shower so that when you bath it is private. I put my toilet an strip, putting my clothes for the day on a rack. I twist on the shower the cold water running into me. I had started showering in cold water, it made me stronger for the day it seamed and made me more alert. I wake slowly lowering the temperature of the water with my powers as I go. I get out a few minutes later and pull on my clothes.

I walk back to my room and pack my things for the day in my backpack. Two binders, a sweater, water bottle. Walking out of my room the lights go dead, and I lock the door behind me. Beams of sun stream through the opening, leaves creating dancing shadows in the golden pools. Someone pushes past me. I stare to the person. John, freaking, Scott.

"John," I call. He ignores me, wasn't he past this cocky faze?

"John," I say this time louder. I push past someone up to him tapping him on the shoulder.

"Yes Mr. Save the World?" He says with the raise of an eyebrow.

"You didn't even bother to say "hi" to Ella, let alone us." I explain, agitated by his tone.

"Actually I did say "hi" to my girlfriend," He was trying to hurt me with words, "And get your ugly ass face out of mine, you stupid-"

"Gods what's happened to you." I interrupt. "You know for a while, we actually got along, you saved my life-"

"I did not save your life, I saved Ella's, remember that Hill, You and your stupid reality can go back to your petty Academy, here you are no hero."

It must be that time of time month again... He pushes past me and walks down the stair well. Last night had gone alright. I had convinced Nora to train me, basic things that I already knew but she was making them stronger. I honestly had no idea why she had decided to help me. The previous day she was rude, cold, and hateful towards me, but some of her astringency had subdued yesterday.

On cue a "Jaxon," rings out. I turn to see Nora walking towards me.

"Meet here at 11:00." She tells me monotonously, and walks away. I stand there for a second and then trail her down to the cafeteria. I watch Nora join a group of Water people as well as a few Air people. They get along with each other like friends, though as I watch, or stalk... I notice Nora as an outsider, not unnoticed just, well, quiet.

I continue walking, leaving Nora in the back of my mind. I sit at our table. Brennen and Haley sit there eating my worst enemy. Oatmeal. I stare down at the putrid gray bowl. Heaving a sigh I push it away and grab the smoothie, hopefully they'd have a better lunch. John walks in the room, bringing a group of five behind him. They make their way over to us.

"Jaxon," John greets with a fake smile. "Long time no see."

"I saw you five minutes ago." I reply blatantly.

"Listen Hill, remember this place is mine, and anyone here, even the weakest of us are stronger than you. So run back to your petty Academy and remember not everyone needs you." He says with a smirk.

"Week and Petty?" I question. "Do you remember that time when I kicked your ass and you passed out, oh and those to other times? Also how long were you passed out, three days? Oh my mistake, it was four." I say.