The six elements

Chapter 22 -The beginning of the end-

  I think about it everyday. His pale face, his cry of pain and Davids smile. Its like this now I cant think of Jake without having this terrible image of the child of the spirit prowling in my head. Five weeks have past since the video. I cant think correctly and sometimes I have the impression that my mind is playing tricks on me. My tears arent flowing anymore I dont have the strength to cry. I need a distraction, but I cant find something that I like. Thomas and Leila bring me food, but I dont feel hungry. I started having private training sessions with the children of the fire to keep us in shape in case there was an attack. Things are almost normal for the people in my dormitory. They ignore me now theyre leaving the daughter of the metal letting herself die in her corner. Die in her sorrow. Sometimes I wake up screaming at night and then I wonder why Jake isnt taking me in his arms. Its only after that I realise hes no longer of this world and a pain always more suffering pierces me every night. My eyes closed, I concentrate on the hubbub in the dormitory. The council doesnt bother me anymore. They explained to me that when itll be the right moment, Ill be an element of show, nothing more. A little trembling hand lays suddenly on my leg, which makes me open my eyes with a jump. A pretty little girl with honeyed hair, dressed in a white dress stands in front of me with her eyes shining. She must be six years old at most.

Have you seen my mom?

I shake my head and get up to go lean in front of her. Something in her eyes reminds me of Sophies courage Maybe I couldnt help the daughter of the earth, but I can help this poor little girl.

No but Ill help you look for her okay? I take her by the hand and ask her the comforting tone that Thomas used with me: Whats your name?

Marie.

Im Tessa. Come on, lets go.

For an hour, we search in the three dormitories for her mother. I even asked Thomas and Leila to help us, but we arrived at nothing.

We wont find her? Marie cries, playing with the ribbons of her dress.

I take her in my arms, surprised by her lightness. No, dont worry Well go search elsewhere.

I get out of the dormitory heading for the bathroom to avoid some doubt among security guards. I take the opportunity to turn in a corridor leading towards the council room to see if her mother could be there. Suddenly, a jolt makes the entire building tremble. I lose my footing, but I hold on to the wall, making sure not to hurt the child. Another jolt happens, and the lights go out instantly. We hear screams coming from the dormitory. I hold Marie in my arms and whisper:

Dont be scared okay? Ill protect you.

She rolls her arms around my neck as I her life depended on it. I feel her bury her face in my hair when red emergency lights come on everywhere. I squint under this new form of colour. The lights are flashing at a steady speed, almost scary. I feel my heart starting to panic in my chest. Whats happening? Madam Smallorts voice rings in all the establishment: Code green, code green. All Calzumien must stay in their dormitory. It is important not to give into panic. I dont need to hear it twice to understand, were under attack! The physical war has finally arrived! I start to run towards the reunion room, but I trip under another much stronger jolt that shakes the entire building. I let escape a scream when my body smashes the ground, my arms protecting Marie. When I realise that shes trembling and crying, I whisper to her in a less convincing tone:

Marie! Look at me, sweetheart! Ill find help, okay? She timidly nods her head and I add: Close your eyes for now Ill take care of you. Try to think about nice things and whatever happens, remember that I wont let them hurt you. I promise you well go back to the dormitory with the other.