Who Am I? (Book 1)

Chapter 25

"Like ... you're the element Air and not air air ... right?" Deep down I knew the answer, I could also vaguely recall Julia warning me not to provoke the elements. But, what's done is done and she would hopefully ignore my ... comments. If not my future would probably be that of a sculpture made of ice. "Hmmm", I could feel the spirit judging me and I probably looked like a child getting scolded. "I do admit, I thought Julia taught you some manners ... but I guess I can't expect more from someone raised by humans", she didn't seem ashamed or bothered at all by what she just said and I kinda lost my temper. "Excuse me!" Her attention snapped back to me and she gave me a challenging look, it was intimidating and I knew that she didn't like me, so I held my tongue. Unfortunately, she shut up too, so we were standing in awkward silence. "Soooooo ... what exactly are you doing here, Air?" I tried to strike up some conversation, but she looked rather unimpressed, and to be honest ... I think we both despised each other. "Hmph, I came to see if you were worthy of ... receiving a stronger affinity to your air powers". All that went into my mind was ... whoops? I hadn't given off a good first impression, but I wouldn't really say I regretted how I greeted her ... I think. "And ... what have you decided?" I had a feeling that she would not hesitate to tell me how much she disliked me, and I was kinda right. "Well, had it been up to me I would refuse due to your bad manners and immature behavior, but considering the situation, I have decided that you are indeed worthy". 

Air raised her hand and at that moment I was surrounded by blinding lights, then everything went white ... and then nothing, everything around me went quiet. I was in this nothingness for what seemed like hours, but when the light faded I felt ... different. I felt stronger, both physically and mentally. The spirit was gone, but she left a message for me in the air: "Use your powers wisely". I rolled my eyes before walking back through the cold passage, I needed to find Tash. 

After stumbling around a little I felt ... drawn towards one of the smaller tunnels. I decided to trust my gut and let it guide me, and after walking in the dark I could make out the silhouette of someone. I approached cautiously, even though I didn't feel threatened. They were leaning against the wall, and judging by their posture, they were quite relaxed. As I approached even closer I recognized her, and I let out a sigh of relief. Tash seemed to be asleep, which was strange. I hadn't been gone for that long, right? "Oy ..." I poked her a little, trying to wake her up gently. She opened her eyes slowly before smiling. "I see you succeeded your appraisal". I nodded and then I felt a bit ... surprised. "Wait ... you knew I would meet her?" I probably had big shocked eyes. "I hoped you would meet her, and I was right. Your magical essence has grown stronger since last time". I couldn't sense any magical essence, but I guess it was because I lacked training. "So, you gonna tell me how it went?" I blinked, suddenly aware that I had been staring into nothingness. "Err, well ... she said I was really rude and that she didn't like me, but hey, I got the upgrade". Tash looked at me with an expression that was torn between impressed, amused, and ... shocked? I couldn't tell, but she shook her head before smiling a little. "You never cease to impress me Julie, let's get back to the village". 

When we found our way out of the cave we faced a big, solid wall of rocks. "So ... um ... we can't go through this wall of ... rocks, can we?" It was a dumb question but it really seemed like that was Tash's plan. "We could with my powers, but we're going to do this instead", she pulled me closer and I could make out a faint handprint. Tash gently touched the handprint, and in the beginning, nothing happened ... then the wall began to rumble. In front of my eyes the wall started to sink into the ground, and behind it was a glass-like barrier. It was impossible to glimpse what was on the other side. I looked at Tash again, and this time I could see a diagram that had been hidden earlier, she was tinkering with it as if adjusting it to our destination. "Right, we should arrive at the village now", she smiled and for a moment I just stared because she was breathtakingly stunning in the sunlight. Then I shook my head a little and smiled while taking her hand. "Let's go together", I met her gaze and we walked through the barrier together. It felt as if walking through water, and when we made it through I was a bit disoriented. But I quickly realized we were in Julia's house, in the living room ... interrupting dinner ... They were quiet, but I thought I caught a glimpse of a smile on Julian's lips. It was still awkward though, and my dumbass self decided to just break the silence by saying: "So ... I'm back!"