Rudimentary Fall

Chapter I

"You got designer shades
Just to hide your face
And you wear them around like you're cooler than me
And you never say hey
or remember my name
It's probably cause you think you are cooler than me" - Cooler than me by Mike Posner

Aurem had been called by Herosh, the Head of the Ventos. As he made his way down the corridor, he noticed the old paintings of previous tournaments. At the end, there was a painting of a middle aged man with greying hair. His name was Stoichea, a magician. History preached that a magician from another world got exiled to earth. He lived peacefully in the shadows for a decade just observing the human activities. Then just like that, two-year old children started disappearing from different parts of the world. He took them to a far off island in the middle of the Pacific ocean, which was now named after him. He took care of the children and as they grew, taught them control over the elements.

Now, centuries later, tournaments are conducted between the groups- Advas, Ventos and Austers, in which the winner is offered to be taught another element of their choice. The Fias simply refuse to participate because they think anyone with the knowledge to control more than one element is dangerous.

Aurem, the 21 year old Vento, sighed and continued towards Herosh's room.  Today was the big day. He knew that if Herosh had called right before the tournaments began, it must be really important.

He knocked at the door. "Come in!" a voice called out. Aurem entered the now familiar room. For the past few weeks, he and a few others were called in for advice regarding the tournament.

Herosh was standing near his bookcase which rested in the right corner of the room. There was a messy desk placed in the center. The room was further decorated only by potted plants. He picked up a huge book, placed it on his table and turned to look at Aurem. He clasped his hands together and smiled broadly, "I'm glad that you are here. Are you ready, my boy?"

"Yes Head," He replied.

"Good! I called you here to wish you the best for your fight against the others in your team and the other teams."

Aurem looked up surprised. This is what was so important? "To wish me luck? I... Thank you, Wise."

"I know it's a very unusual time to call you for such a petty thing. But I need to warn you. I have a feeling that something is going to happen today. It's neither for the good nor the bad. Just be prepared for surprises."

"Of course. I will take care."

"Well, you can get back to your duties. May the good magician's eyes be on you!"
Aurem bowed and then exited. Okay... kind of weird.  I wonder what he meant by surprises though.

He walked till the exit and turned right, all the while nodding at people he knew in acknowledgement. As he walked back towards the area where the tournaments were conducted, which they all called the DGrounds, he took a deep breath and let go of all the tension. Now, he just needed to find his sister...

"Hey Aurem!" He heard a shriek behind him before he felt a body being thrown on him. He was hugged tight, as people stopped to give him stares. It was Anais, his bestfriend. He turned towards her and hugged her back.

"Hi Anais! Looking good aren't we now?" He winked at her.

"Of course! And look at you! You seem to have grown a teeny tiny bit hotter than the last time I saw you," She replied, grinning.

"Which was yesterday," He rolled his eyes.

"Oh please! It feels like forever! You did promise you will wish me luck before we went against each other!"