Element

✭ Chapter 25

    I walk to the news room carrying my now-wrapped candy present for Zaiden. The room has a bunch of people in it, chatting and dropping off presents. I take a name tag and neatly write "To Zaiden" on it, then tie it to his present. I leave it at the drop-off counter. Mine seems to be the biggest one so far. I hope I didn't outdo the gift.

•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•

    The next morning is a cold, overcast day. I think it might snow more. It hasn't in the past week, but there's still plenty of snow on the ground. Just as I'm wondering if I'll get another practice session in with Payson, an announcement comes on over the loud speaker.

"Hello students, I'm General Forge." A gruff voice says. "I'm the head Battle Team organizer and I will be running the team this year. If you wrote your name on the sign-up poster for any of the element teams, you need to report to the main office tomorrow morning at 10:00 sharp. Late comers are not appreciated, and I'm sorry, but if you haven't signed up by tonight at 6:00, you may not join the Battle Team. So remember- 10:00 tomorrow morning. See you then." The speaker beeps then turns off.

    I run to the dining room and search for Karlie and Brooke. They're at our usual table eating breakfast. I grab some food and join them.

"Hey guys," I say, sliding into a chair across from them.

"Hi Ramaya," Brooke says, smiling.

"I think it's going to snow again..." Kaelie says, glancing out the window.

"Yeah," I agree with her. "Soooo... You two signed up for the Battle Team?"

"I did!" Kaelie says excitedly.

"I haven't yet..." Brooke says, biting her lip.

I look at her in shock. “You haven’t?!”

“No…”

“Are you going to?” Kaelie asks.

“I don’t know, guys. It’s kinda… Ugh. I don’t know.” She looks down at her plate.

“I think you’ll like it,” I say with a smile. “Plus, your brother’s been doing it for two years.”

Brooke looks back and forth between us, then shrugs. “Alright. I guess I will.”

We both hug her at the same time. “Yay!” Kaelie squeals.

“We’ll make it worth your time,” I say.

“Ok, ok. After breakfast, let’s go to that sign-up sheet.” she says.

•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•

"Alright students! Next week is Battle Team tryouts. Now, let me tell you how the three days of tryouts will work!” General Forge says (well, practically shouts) as he walks in the office door. His blonde buzz cut and muscular frame make him quite intimidating.

“The first day, we will test your physical strength and your agility. These are key factors because the protective suits you will have on can restrict movement, so only the strongest will win."

    I glance at Payson, who is standing in line with the water elements next to Brooke. He shoots me an encouraging look.

"The second day, we will test your elemental powers. This is also important, because you can not win without using your powers. The last day will be the most critical. Your ability to work with a team. Team is in the name, and without it, you will most definitely lose. Today, however, we are going to let you tour the facility. So follow me."