Burning Darkness [ Under Heavy Construction]

Chapter 5

~Summer~
~June 27, 2015

"All set, then let's get moving," mom said. In the middle of the night, we were walking through a thick purple foggy forest. I couldn't see anything to my left or right. I had to follow my mom's exact steps, so I wouldn't get lost.

"I can't see anything in this fog. Do you mind honey?" Dad looked over at mom who seemed to have a hard time seeing also. She brought out her fans and a strong breeze of air went through the fog. She moved her them in a dance-like motion until most of the fog was gone. Mom was an air elementist, but she wasn't much of a fighter.

She was to only fight whenever she must or if someone harmed us. Tonight she didn't get too, and I could tell that bothered her. What if dad had died? No way, she wouldn't let that happen. She would've most likely jumped in before it got that far.

The walk back to the car wasn't long, it only took us about 20 minutes to reach the forest entrance and another two minutes to reach our car. As we approached our car, I spotted a dozen police squad cars and fire trucks rushing to get to the forest. Why? There wasn't any regular human around. At least none that I saw. I hope dad was right about no one else knowing about our training spot. That would mean a great deal of danger was coming our way, even though it seemed like tonight was just an appetizer.

We all got in the car and raised down our windows for some fresh air. During the drive, it was very quiet. No one wanted to break the ice, let alone comment on what happened. Devonte held his hand out, playing with a water ball changing it to different shapes. It morphed into a mini star, then back to a ball. Mom stared out the window, at nothing in particular, and dad was focused on driving.

I turned back to Devonte and free-forming sculptures. He is so determined and dedicated to getting better, it's really surprising. One day Devonte and I can be an unstoppable force, working together. Who knows he might even become stronger than me. That would be awesome, to be known throughout Sky, the elemental world, as the best elementist duo ever. Right now it's only a pipe dream...

Dad slammed on the breaks hard. My body jerked forward and my forehead crashed into the back of my mom's seat. Devonte did the same but his face landed in his hand and his face got wet. Luckily it wasn't a knife before dad stopped. I pulled my face out of the seat and looked groggily through the windshield.

The road was barricaded off by policemen. Dad let out a shaky breath of frustration and got out of the car. He sparked up a conversation, with one of the cops guarding the crime scene tape. Mom turned around and sighed when she saw Devonte soaked.

"Really, Devonte?" she asked, flustered. Mom quickly dried him off, before getting out of the car and going to see what dad was talking about with the officer.

I slumped down in the backseat. I just wanted to go home now and relax. The past two days have been a doozy. There was something strange happening one after another. I tapped my foot on the floor and looked out the window. Even the large group of officers seemed strange. It didn't seem like a regular crime scene or roadblock.

"I wonder what happened here?" Devonte asked.

"I don't even want to know, at this point," I shrugged, showing no interest.

I got a better view of where we stopped. The cops surrounded the Weldom Apartments entrance. That's weird, considering this is the most peaceful apartment complex to live in. We waited a few more minutes and mom returned to the car.

"They're wrapping up the scene in few more minutes. There was a problem with a runaway girl," mom said. She closed the door and got in. Dad walked back toward the car and sat down, rubbing his face.

"So, what happened?" Devonte asked.

Dad gripped the steering wheel, "a girl panicked when she got her elemental power. Since this is the normal world, they don't know what actually happened and it's taking longer than usual to investigate."

I was amazed when my parents could sense other elementist in the normal world. Devonte and I can hardly tell the difference between us and normal people.

"Panicked as in what?" I asked absentmindedly. I meant to keep it to my thoughts.

"I mean she might've blasted her mother out of their three-story apartment. Then she ran off, leaving her mother in the street," dad finished.

Mom shook her head. "Poor girl, she's probably very afraid. Out there all alone, thinking she's a murderer," mom said.

"Do you know what element was used?" Devonte asked.

"I would say air. Only an air elementist could do such a thing without there being a trace of evidence," mom answered.

I looked at the time, 12:23 am.

Where would she go at this time of night? Criminals and convicts are out around this time in the normal world(anytime actually), I thought to myself. 

"Finally," dad said. The cops we're leaving in pairs as the road cleared up. The rest of the ride home, I kept trying to wrap my head around the girl. I can understand panicking upon getting them. I kind of felt the same way yesterday. I probably would've set the house on fire if it happened while I was watching television.

We arrived on our street and all the neighbors were outside looking up at the sky. Turning into our driveway, we stepped out curiously. I looked up and saw the moon was full. The color was abnormal, it was purple. I heard dad curse under his breath.

"Cade," he whispered. "That's enough sightseeing for one day, everyone inside."

Devonte walked off and I followed behind him. Once we entered the house, mom quickly cut on the tv and changed it to the news. Everything seemed normal...at first. The anchorman was in front of the forest and he was in a heavy rain shower with lighting all around.

"I'm here standing in front of the famous Wolley Forest and it's a nightmare filled with disaster. I have reports from our eyes in the sky, that half of the forest has been burned down. The rivers have been flooded, strong winds are ripping trees out of its roots, and there is a massive thunderstorm. Not to mention the moon, has changed colors. Yes, changed colors it is now purple. The answer as to what caused this is still in question. We advise everyone to stay indoors, back to you, Mike."

Dad turned the tv off and scratched his head.

"What a night huh? Devin and Devonte, I'll explain everything as best as I can tomorrow. Your mom and I need to talk." Dad sad. It almost seems like he didn't fight to the death over an hour ago.

We nodded and headed to our room upstairs. Dad sure is doing a good job of changing the subject. Maybe he will explain who that guy was and what did he want. I kicked off my shoes and the moment I laid under my blankets, I fell into a deep sleep.