Elements

Chapter 24

Ira Thomson's POV

The barrier broke with a piercing scream, shattering, unveiling the faces of evil's army. Scarlet eyes, hungry, snarls etched onto their faces. Thousands of fairies, griffins, even dragons, some that have chosen the path of corrupt, some trapped inside the wicked soul.

They charged. Slowly, but swiftly, bounding across marble pedestals, climbing up limestone statues, and darting upwards to the sky. I couldn't handle them all at once, but I knew one thing; none of them could reach the palace.

For the kingdom. For my family.

For Jackson.

I yelled defiantly and rushed upwards to the roof, aiming at the flying griffins. Their beaks glowed an aureate gold, snapping open, swiping at my hair, my arms, anything they could find. I fired ice crystals at them, but they kept advancing, drawing closer, nipping at my skin. One beak grazed my elbow, stinging my skin. My feet slipped on the edge of the rooftop. I almost fell to my grave.

I reacquired my balance on the stony roof, cold sweat pouring down my back. My head was lightheaded from the shock, from fear. The battle had just begun, but I felt more fear than ever before in my life. The sudden realization that I could die in this fight struck me. It dawned to me that I might never see my family again, my foster family. I might never see Jackson again, or Alyssa, or anyone I loved.

Was this kingdom worth my life?

In the split second I had, I recalled all my memories from the past months. Samantha and Blake bringing be to the kingdom. Meeting my real family for the first time. Training with Mother. Laughing and getting closer to my siblings.

In the past months, I had gone from being an average middle schooler to a goddess. Not any goddess, either. The goddess of the prophecy. I was Goddess Crystal. I had to protect the kingdom. I had to protect my family, my friends, our subjects. Even at the cost of my life.

Because a real hero, goddess or not, would never abandon the people they love.

I rested my hand on my scrape, using my powers, numbing the pain for now. I glared at the griffins. They squawked at me, mocking me.

Foolish child, They seemed to be saying, No wonder the royals took care of you. You're weak.

I dug my fingernails into my palms, clenching my fists.

"I am not weak!" I roared at them. The griffin closest to me screeched, veering farther away from me. "I am A GODDESS!"

Before I could realize what was happening, I leaped onto the nearest griffin, grabbing its feathers in fistfuls, trying to climb onto its back. It shrieked in protest, attempting to shake me off.

I wrapped my legs around its sides, grabbing the scruff of the griffin's neck. I had a faint memory of doing something similar before. No, not with a griffin! I used to take horse riding lessons when I was five. This skill saved my life.

I kicked my heels into the griffin's side, and it roared. I was in control.

I swooped down, riding the griffin into the fight. Some of the armies saw me and fled, rushing to get out. Others looked at me and howled, charging once more. With one hand, I fired shards of ice at them. Faries woke up with blank faces. Monsters turned to dust.

Short pause. So, the idea of this is that when the fairies get hit, the power controlling them and brainwashing them goes away. They stay alive. But, the other monsters turn to white dust when defeated.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the Enchantress in the window of the guest room, watching the battle with concern. My eyes widened. She needed to be safe.

I yelled "Hiya!" and rode towards her, swooping past pillars, ducking under griffins that snatched at me. I landed on the ledge, dismounting the griffin. I froze the lock on the window, turning it to ice. Then, I shattered it, the chunks falling to the ground sixty feet below.

Sixty. Feet.

With a shaking hand, I pulled open the window quickly, leaped into her room, then shut it behind me. I froze the window over, frosting it so no one could see I was here, making sure it couldn't be opened.

I turned to face the Enchantress. Her sad blue eyes locked with mine, and she whispered, "Goddess Crystal."

"A-are you all right?" I hurried over to her and took her hand. "Did someone hurt you?"

She shook her head, and put her right hand to her heart, "I have a prophecy. For you."

My stomach flipped. "Okay, go ahead."

She took a deep breath, then recited this one line:

Only love can conquer hate.

I stared at my feet, trying to understand. What did that mean? And...why did she seem so sad?

The Enchantress sighed, then said, "Go, young one. The kingdom needs you."

I nodded, then rushed out of her room, heading for the emergency exit. All the doors for buildings had been locked up. I hadn't realized it, but even the Enchantress's room was protected with magic.

A cold feeling clawed at my heart. I pushed it aside, knowing it would do me no good. I hadn't realized how important it would be until it was too late.

Next update coming soon! Adios readers!

Keep in mind I will revise chapters from time to time. Don't be surprised if I change a few things later on!