Element

✯ Chapter 6

First class went as expected, Ms. Hersmer explaining to us the “wonders and exciting events” that have happened to Dimicel. Second class, Basic Skills 4, is a bit better, actually, a lot better, with Mr. Gravet, who is a cheery, funny man. The day continues until after third class, which starts our hour of lunch. I sit with Brooke and Kaelie, and see Parisa, Ellis, and Ellis' friend, Westley (a fire element) sitting together. I’m glad she’s found friends to hang out with.

After lunch, turkey sandwiches, I have Flying 4. I walk out to the classroom alone. The door to the cabin is already opened. People are sitting at desks, standing around, and looking at pictures and things on the walls.

A young woman (probably in her mid/early twenties) with long, loose, curly brown hair walks into the classroom. "WHY ARE YOU ALL NOT-" Everyone hurriedly takes their seat."-outside warming up?" She says, looking amused. Everyone sighs with relief, and we make our way outside. We all giggle and I crack a smile. The teacher introduces herself as Ms. Benting. We do a few warm up stretches, and she talks about the topics and lessons we will be covering this year. She's super nice, hilarious, and interesting to listen to. Yeah, definitely an ideal teacher. Then we start flying. It’s uncommon for us to actually fly on the very first day of class, but I can tell Ms. Benting is an unusual teacher. In a good way. Takeoff is first (gotta practice good technique), then altitude control. I do the two very easily, thanks to the fact that I had the foresight to practice over the summer. Ms. Benting notices, and comes over to me after I land.

"You're very good at flying, you know?"

"Thank you!" I reply, a bit too enthusiastically.

She smiles at me and says, "Have you heard of Battle Team?"

I shake my head, frowning. "No, I don't think I have. Wait. Yes I have. Last year, there were posters and ads hanging up."

"Yeah. Sign-ups aren't until much later in the semester, but based on the little bit of flying I've seen you do, I think you might be cut out for the team."

"Oh." I say, blushing. "Thank you. And yes, I'll look for the team sign ups."

"Good. We need fourth year players to replace the eighth years from last year." She says with a small smile, and turns to help someone else.

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I continue with the drills, Up sideways, down. My wrists flick this way and that, controlling the winds. I look to see if Ms. Benting is watching me. She's not, and I mischievously do a front flip. I notice a boy watching me, and he smiles when I turn back right side up. He has short, light brown hair and striking hazel eyes. I smile too, and turn around, hovering in the air. I sneak a peek back at him. He hasn't flown much this class. I wonder if he needs help…

I land and walk over.

"Hi," I say awkwardly, clasping my hands. "Do you, uh... Do you need some help?"

"Well, yeah, I guess. I'm just not good at getting full control over the air. It's like it… Slips away.” He looks me in the eyes.

I stifle a gasp. My stomach is fluttering. He's kinda cute. Scratch that. He’s really cute. "Wellll..." I start, "You have to focus all of your attention on it."

"So, like, close my eyes?" he asks inquisitively.

"Uh, sure," I say.

His eyes close slowly.

"Now, um, breathe deep. Think about grasping the air with your hands, and then push it down."

He lifts his hands, palms up, to waist height, then makes fists. He drops his fists down to his sides and opens them. He shoots up about two feet. He laughs and opens his eyes. I laugh too, and smile at his small success.

"Great job!" I exclaim.

He looks down. "Thank you," he says a bit quieter. "So uh, how do I get down?"

I laugh again and start to explain.

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This chapter has been revised and edited.

Yay! Another chapter. We love you, readers!

Megan and Wien