The Chosen

Chapter 13

Amber felt like she was in some strange dream. She'd known exactly when she'd been taken over by the Element Users. She'd been completely terrified when Oliver had shown up, knowing what her captors wanted her to do.

He had reacted pretty well, fighting like a pro even though Ella hadn't taught him that much.

She'd woken up in a strange room, disorientated but free. Now she was getting changed into some new, comfortable clothes.

Karen's village was surprisingly organized. Her family was the head of the place, so she knew everything about it and had rights to everything.

The village had a cozy little public changing room where Mina and Amber were just then. Karen had set out a huge pile of new clothes and both of them were taking their time choosing their outfits.

“Hmm. Do you think Noah would like this?” Mina asked as she held up a white dress with a few daisies to her body. The top of the dress was tight down to her waist and then the skirt flowed out, twirling around her knees.

Mina blushed slightly. “I think it's nice. What about you?”

Amber glanced at the dress, then turned away.

“Whatever you want,” she answered curtly. Behind her, Amber could see Mina frowning in the mirror.

“I think I'll pick a shirt instead,” she decided.

Amber nodded shortly. “Sure,” she mumbled. Amber wasn't in the mood to talk about Noah.

She searched through the pile of clothes, her hands dragging through all kinds of fabrics. She picked up a deep green shirt. It was plain, with no designs, but Amber liked it. She searched through the stack for some jeans, deciding to be ready in case she needed to fight.

Mina laughed as she watched Amber search for something that would go well with her outfit.

“You know Oliver's favourite colour is green, right? Right?” she bugged Amber, sneaking up behind her.

Amber sighed. Mina had a crazy obsession of shipping Amber and Oliver together. She called them 'Olimber'.

“I thought his favourite was blue?” Amber retorted. She knew his favourite colour was green, but she had to do something. Amber pulled out a blue cardigan, not realizing her mistaken until too late.

“Oh, so you choose blue to impress him, huh?”

Amber facepalmed. “Just let me change, alright?” she groaned.

Mina laughed, turning away.

Just as Amber was about to pull her new shirt over her head, a knock sounded at the door.

“Hey girls. I need to talk to you,” Karen's voice sounded.

“Coming!” Mina called. The two of them changed quickly, ignoring the muffled conversation that sounded through the metal door.

Mina threw open the door, slipping outside. Amber followed, coming face to face with the one person she did not want to see.

Oliver stood with Karen, looking bored. He wore a light blue long sleeved shirt that stretched over her muscles and baggy navy jeans. He looked surprisingly good.

Mina grinned at Amber slyly and Amber glared back.

Karen glanced between them uncertainly. She had shed her armour and now wore a purple three-quarter-length sleeved shirt and plain jeans.

“Come on,” she commanded. “We need to go talk to this Ella you guys know.”

Amber looked up, surprised. She's heard talk of an Element User being captured, but she hadn't known it was Ella.

She kept in mind of Karen's request earlier that morning. Don't tell anyone you guys are Element Users. They'll kill you.

Amber didn't know if anyone would ever believe her, but she wasn't taking any chances.

Oliver glanced at Amber slightly. His cheeks reddened slightly and he blushed. Amber looked down self-consciously, finding the shoulder of her shirt to have fallen down, showing her bra strap.

Amber blushed furiously, pulling it back up and hoping desperately that Mina hadn't seen that. She would never have stopped teasing her.

Thankfully, Mina hadn't. She was walking with Karen, who was up ahead. Amber and Oliver scurried behind them, ready to see their captive.

***

Ella was tied tightly to a pole. She didn't look too well after the obvious struggle with Karen's village. Amber noticed that the villagers made a huge sweep of Ella, staying far away from the Element User.

Karen gestured for the group to stay back. She walked up to Ella and bent down. She said something to her and then turned back.

Amber felt unsettled. Though Karen's expression was calm, her eyes were cold and full of hate when she looked at Ella.

Amber looked closely at her former mentor. Ella was bound tightly by pitch black chains and ropes. For some reason, her usual glow that surrounded her was fading rapidly.

“These are magical chains. They were made to hold Element Users tight and suck their magical energy. It's great use for this village,” Karen explained. Amber tried hard to force herself not to run for the hills. It would obviously give her away.

Ella's orange shirt was shredded, scratches and cuts covered her body. A nasty gash tore through her side, basically purple and probably infected. Just beneath her shorts, Ella's knees were torn up and gashed.

Karen didn't seemed bothered by the scene, but Amber could see Mina's face was slightly green.

Ella's long brown hair was messy and ruffled. Part of it had been cut off and now her locks were slightly crooked.

Karen knelt in front of her again and crossed her arms.

“Hello Ella,” she stated coldly. Ella didn't look up. Amber got down on her knees beside Karen. Ella's breathing was shallow, but she was still clearly alive.

“Is she unconscious?” Oliver asked quietly. Karen shook her head. Her red hair flew around her face, giving her a fiery look.

“No, she's wide awake,” Karen sounded completely sure. Amber could sense it as well. Ella stirred slightly, shifting, but not looking up. Oliver and Mina sat down on either side of Karen and Amber.

Karen glanced at her companions, then sighed. “We've been trying to get info out of her, but she won't budge.”

“That's Ella for you,” Oliver chuckled. “Let me try. We got along pretty well.” he suggested.

Karen shot him a withering look. “She nearly cut you in half,” she retorted.

Oliver smiled sheepishly. “That was after she betrayed us.” he replied.

Karen got to her feet. “Well, I'll say okay. Try your best,” she responded. Amber and Mina followed Karen a little ways away, watching from a distance near a little shop, as Oliver tried to converse with Ella.

Amber sneaked a look around the village once more. It was small, but organized. The people there seemed normal, as if they had never been harmed by others.

Amber knew better. She could tell, under their cover, everyone was broken. Everyone had lost something or someone.

She glanced at Karen, who leaned against the wall behind them. She was young, about sixteen, but had accomplished more than Amber could ever have dreamed of.

Amber had the feeling she would be essential to defeat Mina's father.