The Element Keepers

Chapter 1 Return

Seth's opponent moved swiftly and wildly. His blonde hair fell over his deep green eyes as he brought his sword up to block another attack. Though his red-haired opponent was strong, he was stronger. He had no trouble blocking or dodging each of the blows thrown at him. He smirked as their swords collided, sending sparks flying around them. He could see anger and frustration cloud his attacker's yellow eyes.

In a desperate attempt to land a hit, the red-haired boy attacked more ferociously. Seth had hoped for this. The attacks sent at him were getting more sloppy and expending more energy. He easily parried each swing. A short temper was always his greatest downfall. Seth saw his opponent start to slow and pant heavily. All he had to do was give a rough push, and his attacker fell backwards. The blonde pointed his sword at the chest of the exhausted red-haired boy, a smirk still on his face.

"You'll never be able to beat me if you can't control your temper, Eric," Seth commented with an amused expression.

"Shut up, Seth! You just know how to get me angry," the other panted as the blonde sheathed his sword and helped Eric up.

"Of course, I do. We've been friends all our lives. But it doesn't change the fact that you're easy to anger," he laughed and patted the back of his sparring partner. It was Eric's idea to spar before they got home, but he didn't seem satisfied with the results.

They were close to their home village now. It had been two years since they started their sword training in the mountains as was the tradition of young men in the village. A skilled sword master lived on the top of the mountains and trained them for two years. Now that they had finished their training, they were finally heading home to their peaceful and prosperous village of Cerna.

"Master agrees that you need to work on controlling your emotions," said Seth as they gathered their belongings and continued their way through the forest. Once they were out of the dense trees, they'd be able to see their village a short distance away.

"I've been trying!" Eric scowled and grumbled. "You just don't make it very easy." He glared at the smug smirk on his friend's face, making him scowl more. After a moment though, his expression softened into a solemn smile. "It's been two years. I really can't believe we're heading home after all this time."

Seth nodded, a soft smile crossing his face. "I wonder how everyone is doing..." He missed them, and had thought many times about returning home through the course of his training, but the thought of coming home and making everyone proud helped him press on.

As they walked, they could see the trees beginning to thin out. The clearing was just ahead. Not being able to contain his excitement, Seth broke out into a sprint. "Hey, wait for me!" Eric chuckled and followed after his friend.

Seth's joy quickly turned to shock as he reached the clearing and saw the village in a distance, stopping him right in his tracks. Eric called out to him with confusion in his voice but instantly stopped next to the blonde as the village came into view.

Their village stood in ruins.