The Elementiels

The late afternoon sun hung heavy in the sky, casting a golden heat over the land. Jason stood beside Grandpa Mark, the weight of the moment settling over them like the warmth in the air. Mark's gaze settled on Jason and spoke, his voice calm but carrying a sharp edge.

"Before we begin your training Jason, you must understand the power you possess." Mark's voice was calm but firm, his weathered face lined with both wisdom and concern.

"As you know, there were originally nine elementiels: Fire, Water, Earth, Ice, Green, Yellow, Orange, Pink, and Purple. Each elementiel has unique powers and different ways they interact with the world."

Jason listened intently, eyes fixed on his grandfather. He had heard legends of the elementiels as a young boy, but realizing he possessed the power himself made his heart race.

Mark continued, "I will explain the different states of an elementiel. First is your base state, as you are now, you can only access half of the other state's power. It's a mere taste of what you're truly capable of."

Jason clenched his fists, eager to push beyond that limitation.

"Next is the elementiel base state. Once you learn how to transform, you'll have double the power of your base state. But the transformation is no easy feat. It requires intense concentration and mastery of energy control."

Jason nodded, imagining the power coursing through him.

"Then there's the partial state," Mark said, his tone growing more serious. "This is when unique lines of energy form across your body. Your speed, strength and durability will also increase. It's considered to be an incomplete version of your final form."

Mark paused, his eyes narrowing as he looked deep into Jason's. "And finally, the ultimate state. The full realization of your abilities. But Jason…" He hesitated, the weight of what he was about to say hanging in the air.

"This state is incredibly dangerous. If you lose control while in that form, you could unintentionally, destroy the entire world itself!"

Jason's eyes widened, his heart skipping a beat. "Destroy… the world?!" he echoed, his voice filled with shock.

"Yes." Mark said gravely. "Many before you have been consumed by the very powers they sought to control. This is why discipline and restraint are just as important as raw strength."

Jason exhaled, a mix of fear and determination flooding through him. "I understand, Grandpa. I'll do whatever it takes."

Mark's serious expression melted into a gentle smile. "Good. Now, let's start with the basics. You are the Fire elementiel. You possess the ability to control all forms of heat and flame. But remember Jason, fire can be as destructive as it is useful. Control is everything."

Jason looked at his hands, a flicker of excitement in his eyes. "Alright, Grandpa. Let's do this."

The afternoon passed in a blur of rigorous training. Jason focused on summoning small sparks from his fingertips, feeling the heat rise and fall as he tried to balance the power within him. Mark watched closely, offering advice when needed but mostly allowing Jason to discover his abilities on his own.

As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow across the training ground, Jason wiped the sweat from his brow. His body ached, but his spirit burned even brighter. "I can't wait to become a god!" he said with a grin, his exhaustion momentarily forgotten.

Mark's smile faded. "Remember, Jason. Just because you wield the power of the gods, doesn't make you a god yourself."

Jason frowned, confusion clouding his face. "But Grandpa, if someone possesses godlike powers, wouldn't that just make them a god?"

Mark bent down and picked up a piece of wood. He snapped two stones together and the wood burst into flames. "Look at this wood, Jason. It holds the fire, but it is not fire itself. The wood is merely a vessel."

Jason's eyes widened as understanding dawned on him.

"We are the wood." Mark continued. "The elementiel power is the fire. We can control it, but we are not the source of it. Always remember that we are mere containers for the divine power, nothing more."

Jason was silent for a moment, then smiled. "I think I get it now. So… when do you think I'll be able to transform?"

Mark chuckled and patted him on the shoulder. "At your current level? It might be a while."

Jason groaned, but there was a hint of playfulness in his eyes. "Fine. I'll just keep practicing until I'm ready."

Mark nodded, his eyes filled with pride. "That's the spirit. Now, let's head home."  They packed their things and rode back the walls of the kingdom.

The sun bathed the Knights Academy in a warm glow the next morning. Young warriors clanged their swords against training dummies, while others polished their armor. Amid the scene, Adam Spencer, strode through the campgrounds. His presence alone turned heads, especially among the female knights.

"Hey, Adam!" a group of girls called out, giggling as he passed by.

Adam flashed them a charming smile. "Morning, ladies," he said, his voice smooth.

As he walked toward his tent, Franklin Hills, a close friend and fellow knight, greeted him with a wide grin. "Adam! Finally decided to show up, huh?"

"Franklin, good to see you." Adam replied, clasping his friend's arm. "What's going on?"

"The others are waiting for us. We've got some big news today." Franklin said, guiding him toward the training field.

As they approached the field, they meet Mike, a brash yet gifted swordsman whose confidence bordered on arrogance. Beside him stood Ben, a stout, unassuming knight. Though his broad frame hinted at strength, his soft, round face and the nervous shuffle of his feet betrayed his timid nature.

"You guys are finally here!" Mike called out, grinning.

"Sorry for the wait," Adam replied, joining the group.

"Adam, any chance we could get more of that cake from your friend?" Ben asked shyly, rubbing the back of his neck.

Adam laughed. "Well, things are a little… rough at the moment. But I'll see what I can do."

Just then, Cynthia Bert, a beautiful and skilled knight, walked towards them. Mike and Ben immediately straightened up, blushing furiously.

"Hey, boys," she said with a teasing smile. "What are you all up to?"

"Just talking." Mike said coolly, though even he couldn't help but blush under her gaze.

"Any guesses on what the big news will be?" she asked, her voice tinged with curiosity.

Frank shrugged, putting his finger on his chin. "Hard to say. Maybe another unveiling, like that new equipment they showed off last year."

Ben, looking hopeful but cautious, chimed in quietly. "Maybe they're postponing the final exams?" His tone carried a hint of relief, as though he was already daring to hope.

Mike grinned, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "What if they've discovered a new species of dragon?" he said, the excitement in his voice almost tangible.

Adam finally spoke, his tone easygoing but thoughtful. "Who knows? It could be anything. Guess we'll just have to wait and see."

Suddenly, the sound of a horn echoed across the field. All the students gathered towards the captains and Commander Elijah. The noise seizes and everywhere is quiet.

"Good day, students!" Elijah began, his voice booming. "We have gathered you here for a special announcement!"

The knights whispered among themselves, curious.

"As you know, your final examinations are approaching. But before that, we have arranged an exhibition where you will showcase your skills… in front of the royal family!"

Gasps filled the air. The thought of performing before the royals made some students nervous, while others were filled with excitement.

"Man, I hope the princess shows up, so I can show off my skills and impress her." Mike muttered, his cocky grin making Cynthia roll her eyes.

Captain Will stepped forward, his voice steady and authoritative. "This will be a special occasion. We expect each of you to be fully prepared and at your best, both in discipline and performance."

Captain Sasha nodded in agreement, her voice carrying a sharp, yet encouraging edge. "Think of this as a preliminary assessment before the real exams begin. What you show us here will reflect your readiness!"

Commander Elijah finally concludes. "So prepare yourselves. The exhibition begins in two days. That's all. You are dismissed!"

With those final words, the students quickly scattered, murmurs of excitement and tension buzzing through the air as they returned to their routines.

As the day wore on, the knights continued their training, the clashing of swords and shields ringing through the academy grounds. After a hard morning of sparring, Adam decided to take a break.

He found a quiet spot near the edge of the training field, a large oak tree providing a welcome patch of shade.

As he leaned back against the tree, catching his breath, he heard light footsteps approaching. Turning his head, he saw Cynthia walking towards him. Her short, pale blonde hair caught the sunlight, shimmering as she moved.

Despite her natural confidence in battle, there was something hesitant in the way she approached him, her eyes darting away as she got closer.

"Hey, Adam," she said, her voice softer than usual.

"Cynthia" Adam replied with a smile. "Taking a break too?"

"Yeah, needed a breather after all that archery practice," she said, laughing lightly, though her heart raced a bit faster than normal.

Cynthia stood there for a moment, awkwardly shifting her weight from one foot to the other, as if unsure whether to sit down or not. Adam noticed her hesitation and patted the ground next to him.

"Come on, have a seat." he teased, flashing his usual charming grin.

Her cheeks immediately flushed a soft pink. "Oh… uh, yeah, sure," she stammered, quickly sitting down beside him.

"So…" Adam began, stretching his arms behind his head, "what do you think about the exhibition coming up? Excited to show off your skills in front of the royals?"

Cynthia blinked, trying to focus on the conversation despite the fluttering in her chest. "I guess," she said, trying to sound casual. "It's kind of nerve-wracking though, you know? Everyone's going to be watching."

She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, glancing at him out of the corner of her eye. "But I'm sure you'll do great, Adam. You always do."

Adam chuckled, his confidence shining through. "Well, I appreciate that. I'm sure you'll do amazing too. I've seen you fight, you're one of the best."

Cynthia's blush deepened, and she quickly turned her head away, pretending to look out at the field. Her heart was pounding now.

"Thanks." she managed to say, her voice quieter. She gathered her courage and dared to glance back at him.

"I'm serious, Cynthia. You've got real skill. And you're always so focused. I could learn a thing or two from you."

This time, she couldn't suppress a small smile. "You, learn from me?" She laughed, the tension easing just a little. "I don't know about that."

Adam shrugged. "Why not? We all have something to learn from each other."

Cynthia looked down at her hands, fiddling with the hem of her tunic. "Adam, do you ever…" she hesitated, not sure how to phrase the question without sounding too vulnerable. "Do you ever get nervous? About… all of this?"

Adam's face softened slightly. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "Yeah, of course. I mean, who wouldn't? We've got the royals watching, our futures on the line, and who knows what challenges are waiting out there for us."

"But…" He glanced at her, a warm smile tugging at his lips. "You can't let it get to you. We're here because we want to make a difference. We've trained for this moment our whole lives, now let's see it through till the end."

His words made her chest feel lighter, a mixture of admiration and warmth spreading through her. "Yeah, you're right." she said, her smile growing.

Adam and Cynthia stood facing each other, their gazes locked. A slow smile spread across Adam's face, while Cynthia, captivated by the depth of his blue eyes, felt herself lost in their quiet beauty.

Cynthia wanted to say something else, something more, but the words stuck in her throat. Instead, she just sat there with him in the quiet moment.

Just then, a group of their fellow knights walked by, calling out to Adam. "Hey, Adam! We're heading to get some food. You coming?"

Adam glanced at Cynthia, then back at the group. "Yeah, I'll catch up in a bit!"

As the others disappeared, Cynthia felt a pang of disappointment, but also relief that she had a little more time alone with him.

"Would you like to come with me?" he asked with a warm smile spreading across his face.

"Me? Uh…," she hesitated, glancing away as a faint blush crept up her cheeks. Her voice softened, shy yet polite. "No, that's alright. I'm fine, really." She fidgeted slightly, then rose from the ground, brushing a hand through her hair. "I actually have somewhere I need to be."

Adam stood too, stretching his arms above his head. "Alright then. I'll see you later, Cynthia."

She smiled, her blush still lingering. "Yeah, see you." As she turned to walk away, she couldn't help but glance back over her shoulder. Adam was already heading toward the others, his easy smile still in place. Cynthia sighed, feeling her heart flutter once more.

"Why do you have to be… so perfect?" She thought to herself as she walked back toward the training grounds, her mind still on Adam's smile.

At the cluster of tents where the captains resided, a young knight, striking with her dark blue hair, approached with determined strides. Though still a student at the academy, her poise and beauty belied her youth. She halted at the entrance to the commander's tent, taking a deep breath before stepping inside.

"Good day, Commander." she greeted with a respectful bow, her voice steady, yet tinged with an underlying urgency.

"Beatrix. Any important news I need to be aware of?" he asks.

Beatrix straightened, her gaze unwavering. "Yes, sir. One of the knights from the southern outpost, delivered a report involving an incident with an earth  dragon. The details are interesting and warrants your attention."

The commander's brow furrowed, his curiosity piqued. "An earth dragon? I'm listening."

Stay tuned for the next chapter!