Equilibrium

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

"The answer is actually seventy-three to the negative fifth power, Mrs. Porter." I say with a smirk, "Don't feel bad though, it's a common error.".

I contemplate adding "a common error for novice mathematicians", but that might come off as discourteous rather than intelligent.

"Thank you Kendall, although next time please raise your hand" Mrs. Porter says.

"Do you mean to tell me that you, as a math teacher, plan on getting another math equation wrong?" I say, before I add "Or are you just so sure of your lack of mathematical skills that you are certain it will happen again?".

Before she has a chance to retort with some mediocre comeback, the bell rings.

That may have made me seem rude and disrespectful, but Mrs. Porter has always disliked me. Adding passive-aggressive comments as she gives me a test that I deserved a perfect score on, yet somehow got an eighty-five. Its not unusual though, alchemists are envied by many others.

My next class is history. With the Ascension Ceremony tomorrow, there is only one topic we go over today.

Our teacher starts explaining the history of Alchemists and how they have helped us thrive.

I'm an Alchemist, meaning I can use one of the four elements: water, earth, fire, or air.

Our teacher explains how long ago, before they were called alchemists, people with control over one of the four elements used their powers to conquer one another. It was chaos all over. But once people started using their powers to make civilization better together, aka the Alchemy Revolution, nations were formed, and we've been advancing technologically, economically, and politically ever since.

Once stable governments were formed there were several approaches as to what to do with these abilities. One of the first things people agreed on was that kids with these abilities should not have access to the ability. This was due to the many uncontrollable temper tantrums that came from toddler alchemists.

By adding the four elements in a lab with some other ingredients, a serum was made that dulls the powers of an alchemist until the Ascension Ceremony, which just happens to be tomorrow.

After history class ends, I skateboard home faster than usual; I'm eager to find out which of the four elements I have. I've secretly studied all four at the local library. Books on this subject might be hard to find, but they're there.

We aren't suppose to learn about techniques and how to control our element until the Ascension Ceremony; but I obviously don't abide by all the rules.

They say it's because they want to guide us and take us under their wing; but I'd rather fly solo. That's why I've been studying the four elements this year. So no matter what element I turn out to be able to control, I will be ready.

"Is that you, Kendall?" my mom shouts out as I come through the front door.

"Yes" I really just want to get my homework, go the library, and go to sleep.

"Oh, good. I need help with the car."

I walk into the garage to find her arms tangled in the mess of an engine.

"I need you to lift up that box looking thing." she says as she points.

My mom is great with cars. She's great with machines in general. She could tell you the name to every piece of the car; but she calls everything "box looking thing" or "that black spiral wire" because she doesn't want to showoff her knowledge or confuse anyone.