Perfect no more

Ocea was an optimistic 17 year old girl who always thought she had the most perfect life and that nothing could ever stop that. She had won countless awards in her swimming and having her best friends and loving family by her every day always put a smile on her face and if that wasn't enough she lived right on the beach next to the ocean. Ocea had been swimming since she was 2 years old. Ever since she was born she was driven by the water like it was always calling out to her. She met her best friends Soleis and her twin Nox when she was just 1. They were neighbours at the time and new to the town of Callista right before the twins birthday and they had no friends so their mother invited Ocea to help them celebrate and they have been inseparable ever since. Soleis and Nox never missed a single one of Ocea's competitions and always cheered her on. Although the twins were identical in appearance they were very different in everything else. Soleis loved to sing and be surrounded by the light of the suns rays however Nox preferred the darkness of shadow and reading books.

 

Tomorrow Ocea would be turning 18 and celebrating the start of another perfect year of her life. As usual she would start the day with a few laps in the community pool then a quick dip in the ocean. She could never spend a day out of the ocean. Her mother told her when she was only 5 years old Ocea missed a day of going to the ocean and fell sick from it. Her skin started to crack and dry up instantly and she couldn't breathe. It mysteriously got better the minute Ocea went back in the water. She has little memory of the incident but her mother told her that it was a rare illness and Ocea should always make sure to find time in the day to go in the ocean. While Ocea went for her afternoon swim in the ocean Soleis and Nox went to help her mum set up her for her birthday.

 

'Hi Mrs Aquiris!' Soleis said smiling. 'We're here to set up for Ocea's birthday.'

'Thanks for the help girls you know how grateful I am for it.' She replied.

'She's turning 18 its about time you tell her before she finds out isn't it?' Nox said

'You know I can't girls. Ocea must never find out there are too many people who want her.' Mrs Aquiris said.

'She deserves to know! If you don't tell her we will.' Nox said. 'You have until her birthday but she will find out one way or another.'

'My sisters right. Our mum told us when we turned 18 last month. We were supposed to leave already but mum let us wait until Ocea was at the age of transformation too.' Soleis said.

'You too have strong powers and you know what Ocea's element is. There's no telling what form that element will be for her but considering how many people were after her that day I wouldn't be surprised if my theories are right.' Mrs Aquiris replied.

'She's on her way back. It's time for us to get home we have a lot of packing to do. Most of the party is set up. We'll pick up the cake on the way home.' Nox said. 'Make sure you tell her before its too late.'

 

Ocea came walking through the door hair wet and bag in hand she could feel the suspense in the air and wondered what her best friends and her mum could have been talking about so seriously. The twins picked up their things and left Ocea's present on the table before giving her a hug and waving goodbye. Ocea looked inquisitively at her mum hoping to get answers as to what made her mum have such a serious look on her face.

 

'You ok mum. It's my birthday tomorrow you should be happy right.' Ocea said.

'Yes of course sorry dear my head is up in the clouds again I think.' Her mum said. 'Why don't you go have a bath while I finish up dinner.'

'Ok mum sure sounds like a plan.' Ocea smiled and walked upstairs.

 

Ocea went into her room to drop her bags down and take out her swimsuit to dry when she noticed a letter on her desk left on top of her laptop. She knew instantly by the insignia of the sun and the moon on the stationary that it was left by Nox and Soleis but she doesn't remember seeing them go in her room. The letter said that Ocea may not have a perfect life after 18th birthday and they wanted to apologise beforehand but they promised to never leave her side and that their friendship was real. Ocea sat on her bed and pondered what the letter meant. She had often thought to herself that no-one has a perfect life and that maybe someone set her life up to be as perfect as it is. She knew something was going to change tomorrow though but her friends promised to be with her no matter what and that was all she had ever really needed. She went to bed early that night dinner was silent like her mum had a lot on her mind. Ocea thought it was stress and chose not to press for information. Her life was supposed to change tomorrow according to the twins after all.

 

Ocea woke bright and early like every morning and happy to be 18 but as usual she was up before her mum so she quietly ate her usual pancakes with strawberry maple syrup and then went for a jog to the pool. Her usual 30 minutes of swimming laps before another jog back home. She knew her mum would be awake by now and wondered if she should skip her ocean swim until later but she did promise her mum to go every morning so she went to the ocean like usual. Her mum however was waiting for her there and so was Soleis and Nox.

 

'Happy birthday!' Soleis shouted with her usual cheery smile.

'Happy Birthday dear.' her mum said.

'What are you all doing here?' Ocea said.

'There's something I should tell you Ocea.' her mum said. 'Something I should have said a long time ago.'

'What's going on?' Ocea said.

'Like we told you Ocea we won't leave no matter what.' Nox said.

'I know so I'm not scared its ok you can tell me anything.' Ocea said.

'Well your not human.' Her mum said.

'I wasn't expecting that I'll admit.' Ocea said. 'Be serious what are you talking about?'

'The reason you need to be in the ocean every day is because well your a water elemental and a really strong one.' her mum said.

'You need to go in the ocean to find out what type of water elemental you are though.' Soleis said,

'Your all crazy and I'll prove it to you.' Ocea said. 'I knew you were keeping secrets from me but i forgave it you didn't need to lie to me to cover it up.'

 

Ocea walked up to the rock edge she would always jump off at to dive into the vast ocean below. She looked angrily at her mum and her friends as she made sure they watched her as she dove in. Ocea stepped back and ran towards the cliff edge before diving off but the minute she hit the oceans water she saw her legs fade into the oceans deep water as they were replaced with a bright silver and red tail. Ocea screamed in shock and fear as she found out what her friends had said was true. She was no longer human.

 

 

2: 2.Welcome to Oclotia
2.Welcome to Oclotia

'Mum what happened to my legs why do I have a tail. I guess you weren't lying after all.' Ocea said.

'The clouds are turning dark it can only mean they're close. I love you Ocea and I should have told you sooner but now its too late.' her mum said. 'Do you still have the pearl I gave you when you were a baby. I lied you were actually born with that pearl. I never bought it for you. Now is the time to use it. At the end of the beach is a cave its the closest place to activate a portal out of here. You can only get there on land though. Hold up your pearl and say you wish to go to Oclotia. Soleis, Nox your going too they'll be here any minute so get moving now and look after her for me.'

 

Soleis and Nox helped Ocea out of the water and her tail turned back into legs then they started running as fast as they could. Ocea looked back knowing deep in her heart she would never see her mum again but as she looked back she saw her mum conjure up a trident out of the water and standing prepared as if she knew what or who was coming. Soleis grabbed Ocea and stopped her looking back knowing it would only be too painful for her to watch. As they approached the cave they heard an explosion from the other side of the beach where Ocea's mum was standing. Nox pulled out her binoculars from her bag and checked the situation. There were 6 figures around her all wearing hooded black cloaks with a raven insignia. 

 

'Its time to go.' Nox said. 'Ocea activate the portal.'

'Yeah of course.' Ocea said as she help up her pearl.  'We wish to go to Oclotia.'

 

A bright light emanated from the pearl and struck the walls of the cave making them glow before the wall at the back of the cave started to crumble and fall apart. The back of the cave collapsed to reveal a hidden portal. It must have been the one Ocea's mum was talking about. Ocea took her pearl and put it safely in her bag. Together the 3 girls stepped through the portal and what they saw on the other side was breathtaking. A giant castle with towers made of jewels and crystals and surrounding it so many different elemental zones. As the girls were stood shocked with awe by the new world they were standing in they didn't hear the footsteps of a strange old man approaching them.

 

'Hello girls I am Headmaster Tempus. Welcome to Oclotia Institute for the Elements. Here we train the next generation in their elements as well as history and management of your powers. No-one ever gets told before coming here why they're here or have any idea what I'm talking about gets a bit annoying at times i must admit. Its not a hard thing for parents to tell your kids really. Sorry girls I was talking to myself again. Lets go see Voxis she's the cooking teacher here and she does registration which probably isn't what your used to.' he said.

 

The headmaster led the way with the three girls following shortly behind as they made sure to take pictures as they went.  They never would have thought the castle itself was the school but it was so big and there were so many rooms. On the way they looked through the windows of as many rooms as they could seeing an enormous library, a kitchen and even an armory.

 

'We're here girls. I would like you all to meet Miss Voxis. She is an air elemental.' Tempus said. 'She will do your registration then we can proceed with the tour.'

'Hello girls. I'm Miss Voxis and like the headmaster said I am an air elemental. Your registration won't take too long but it is very important we get it done.' she said. 'Now you see this orb in front of me and this screen behind me. All you have to do is simply put your hand on the orb it will take a drop of blood and all the information I need for your registration will come up on the screen for me to write down. Then registration done and you get your ID. The headmaster will take over from there. It won't hurt at all. The screen will show you current hidden abilities but these are not your limits they are purely powers hidden within you. Other powers can be acquired in many ways. Those powers depend on the actions used to activate them.'

 

'Who wants to go first?' Tempus said.

'I guess I'll do it.' Nox said. 'Could be fun.'

 

Nox placed her hand on the orb and felt a small prick as it took a drop of her blood. The orb glowed black and her registration came up on the screen. Voxis began to write down everything:

'Name Nox Umbris Solanox

​Element: Darkness

Hidden Abilities: Shadow Mimicry, Shadow Camouflage, Night Vision, Light Absorption'

 

'All done Nox here is your registration card and ID number and badge you will need this  key card to get anywhere in the school that isn't off limits and your required to wear your badge at all times for identification and so people know which element you possess. No need to worry about what your powers are they will be explained in your classes.' Miss Voxis said. 'Your turn Soleis.' 

 

Soleis placed her hand on the orb just like her sister but after taking a drop of her blood the orb turned white this time. Soleis had power over light unlike her twin sister who possessed powers over darkness. Her registration came up on the screen just the same and she looked at the screen as Voxis wrote down all the information.

 

'Name: Soleis Lumus Solanox

​Element: Light

Hidden Abilities: Invisibility, Light generation, Photoportation, Force-Field Generation'

 

'Heres your registration card and ID badge Soleis. Only you left now Ocea then the headmaster will give you all a tour.' Miss Voxis said.

 

As nervous as Ocea was she knew it would be what her mum would have wanted for her to be here wherever here was so without further hesitation she placed her hand on the orb but when the orb glowed blue the headmaster had a sly smile creep up on his face.

 

'Name Ocea Flo Aquiris

​Element: Water

Hidden Abilites: Hydrokinesis, Water Mimicry, Aquatic Respiration, Aquatic Adaption'

 

'Ok girls you are all done with registration. I'll let the headmaster take over and show you around. He will show you to your dorms as well. We have elemental dorms here so you won't get to stay together but most classes are for all elementals so you should be together in class. Have a good day if you have any questions the headmaster will show you where to find me.' Miss Voxis smiled.

 

'The cafeteria is right at the end of this hall girls why don't you go on ahead and feel free to take pictures on the way I will be right behind you.' Tempus said.

 

The girls agreed and walked on ahead taking pictures of every library, class and armory they saw on the way. What they didn't notice however was the headmasters slight change in attitude after finding out Ocea's element.

 

'The princess has returned. She will not escape us this time. All hail the Raven Frost. Our day is now.'

 

3: 3.A Fresh Start and New Friends
3.A Fresh Start and New Friends

Headmaster Tempus had just finished showing the girls around the school and they had just arrived at their dorms and were saying goodbye for the night. Nox would be staying in the 'Perpetual Void' dorms for people with the element of darkness. Her sister Soleis would be staying in the 'Heavenly Divine' dorms for those of the light element and Ocea was staying in the 'Trident Pearl' dorms for those with the water element. Most elements had a full dorm but for some strange reason Ocea was the only one in Oclotia who had the element of water for her dorm was empty for all but her.

 

There were dorms in Oclotia for every element from the life element to the element of death. Headmaster Tempus made it his mission from a young age to gather anyone who had or showed signs of becoming an element bearer as he called them. Not much was known about Tempus whether his childhood or his past he kept anything he didn't want people to know a secret. It was one of his powers as a high level time elemental. All staff and students in this school knew to never talk about Tempus he always found a way of finding out and dealt with it. Since the incident with his younger brother Mentos it became forbidden to ever talk about the headmasters past although some believe what happened with Mentos was a fairytale but others claim they were there when it happened. 

 

The next morning Soleis and Nox got up early like every morning and went to find Ocea. They were to get class schedules today and wanted to stay together. Ocea was waiting by the statue in front of the school. It appeared to be a statue of the headmaster when he founded the school when he was just 25. He also had a tattoo of a raven on his left hand something you would not see anymore now that he's always wearing a glove on that very hand. Ocea turned around to see Soleis and Nox walking towards her but Soleis was looking to the ground as if she was upset by something.

 

'You ok Soleis you look upset?' Ocea asked.

'No I'm great the dorms here are so comfy i was just being depressed by another one of Nox's awful jokes.' Soleis said.

'My jokes are awesome!' Nox said.

'It can't be that bad.' Ocea said. 'Wanna tell me Nox?'

'Don't make me listen to this again.' Soleis said.

'Yes you will cause my jokes are the best.' Nox said. ' So Ocea, What lightens the light and darkens the dark?'

'I don't know Nox.' Ocea said.

'Sunglasses!' Nox said before bursting with laughter.

'Its kinda funny quite smart too.' Ocea said.

'Great I'm gonna have to put up with this forever now right.' Soleis said. 

 

They started walking towards the hall where they would get their schedules for the next 2 months but just as she started walking Ocea dropped her bag with her pearl in it. That pearl was everything to her. It was the only clue to finding out who she was and the only thing left connecting her to her mum but just as she went to pick it up a baby triceratops cam running into her and stole her bag.

 

'You all saw that right.' Ocea said. 'A dinosaur just stole my bag.'

'Yep we all saw that.' Soleis said.

'Lets go after it!' Nox said.

 

The girls went chasing after the triceratops when it led them to a girl around their age. She had dark brown skin and black hair covered in leaves. She was a wearing a green jungle print jumpsuit and white trainers. The triceratops let go of the bag at her feet. The girls just stood in shock at the dinosaur before remembering about Ocea's bag.

 

'Rex! did you steal from people again. I keep telling you stealing is wrong.' the girl said. 'I'm terribly sorry about that. He's always doing it when i turn my back. My names Spirus Vitalis and this is Rex. He's a triceratops yeah. Long story short i love archeology its a strong hobby of mine. One day on a trip i uncovered a fossilised dinosaur egg and I was really hoping it was a T-Rex so i took it home and named it Rex. A few years later I turned 18 and on my birthday when i went to go clean the egg like i did every morning well this time I brought the fossil back to life by touching it and I found out it was actually a triceratops egg. Me and Rex have been together ever since.'

 

'That's so cool Spirus!' Soleis said. 'I love all kinds of animals especially the rare and extinct kind and Rex is so cute.'

'Don't you think you should give her back that bag now?' came a voice from behind them.

'Hey Coale. I was just about to do that.' Spirus said.

'Sorry again for Rex taking your bag. I hope nothing was damaged.' Spirus said.

'Everything looks good and in order thank you.' Ocea said. 'Your Coale its nice to meet you my names Ocea.'

'Your looking a little red Ocea you ok.' Soleis said.

 

Nox nudged her sister to be quiet and then Soleis understood why. Coale had pale skin with dragon scales on his arms and face and black hair. He wore black jeans and a white t shirt with flame print.

'Its nice to meet you too. My name's Coale Lavis Kindra and I'm a fire elemental. How about we all go get our schedules together since we're all together i mean.'

'Sounds like a plan.' Ocea smiled.

 

Inside the hall was a number of booths all in a row. Staff occupying each one ready to hand out students packs and schedules. All the booths were laid out in alphabetical order from first name. Ocea and Nox found Miss Voxis at the 'M-P' booth and got their schedules and uniforms. After all regrouping outside by the statue everyone compared schedules. 'History of the Elemental Bearers' they all had together as well as 'Cooking 101' and 'Elemental Cooking.' They each had their elemental classes separate but at least they were together in most classes and some only a few were together. Soleis, Spirus and Nox had 'Weakness and Strength' classes together and Ocea and Coale had 'Baking Chemistry' together. 

 

'This is the start of a new life or an old life.' Ocea said. 'Either way I'm going to make my mum proud of me and find out what is really going on.'

'We stand with you Ocea.' Nox said.

'Coale, Spirus we will fill you in on everything we know so far and I hope you will stand with us on this.' Soleis said.

'Sounds like an adventure.' Spirus said.

'Only cause i have nothing better to do.' Coale said trying to hide a smile.

 

 

4: 4.The Forbidden Word
4.The Forbidden Word

The three girls filled in Coale and Spirus on everything that happened leading up to them entering the boarding school. Coale was failing at acting like he wasn't worried about Ocea or how she must be feeling only just finding out parts of the truth on who she is before losing her only family and having to run away. Spirus however was appearing more focused on the details of the story.

 

'That weather you mentioned sounds a lot like a weather elementals to me.' Spirus said.

'I don't think I've heard of them,' Soleis said. 

'They're ancient elementals not supposed to exist anymore.' Nox said

'So they're back and they're after you now Ocea.' Coale said.

'Why do they want me? What's so great about me?' Ocea said.

'We'll figure that out together Ocea besides our little secret team just got bigger.''

'Your right. Thanks everyone. We'll do this together.' Ocea said.

'Right now though me, Nox and Spirus have a class to go to. You and Coale are free for the day right. Why don't you go exploring and take your mind off this for now.' Soleis said.

 

Soleis was right. Ocea had been stressing herself out thinking of any possible way to bring back her mum. A break would have been good for her. As she waved goodbye to the girls Coale started to notice markings on her hand. Her skin had started to crack once again but without access to an ocean how would Ocea survive.

 

'Your hand Ocea your skin is cracking again.' Coale said. 'How do we fix it?'

'Mum said I needed to swim in the ocean at least once a day. I haven't done that since i got here yesterday. My skin's cracking but theres nothing i can do theres no ocean around here.' Ocea said. 'What about your dorms is there anything there?'

'My dorm is the 'Everburning Pyros' its nothing but erupting volcanoes and lava everywhere I'm afraid. You being a water elemental will die if you even step foot in there.' Coale said. 'What type of water elemental are you though. A water nymph or the forbidden one?

'What's the difference?' Ocea said.

'Water nymphs in our world keep their legs when they touch water. The other kind gets a tail in water.' Coale said.

'Well I have a tail in water so i guess that makes me a mermaid right not a nymph.' Ocea said.

'STOP!!' Coale shouted. 'Don't ever let anyone hear you say that word. Its forbidden around here. People that say that word out loud get taken away and never seen again. Its how i lost my best friend.'

'I'm sorry Coale I had no idea but why is saying that word forbidden around here and where can I find an ocean around here?' Ocea said. 

'I'm sorry Ocea I really don't know it honestly makes no sense to me but the library has all sorts of books on legends around here. I know of a legend about your dorm if we can find the book we'll find the way to get you where you need to be.' Coale said.

 

Coale and Ocea headed for the library as fast as they could while Ocea could still breathe but when they got there they got more than they bargained for. The library was enormous with books on just about everything in this world. Every element had its own section in the library and the whole thing was like a maze. There were books on the history of every element in this world yet strangely no books on the history of the world itself. Ocea had found where to find the books on prophecy or fairy tales as they were labelled on the signpost. It was at the very back of the library on the fifth floor. It was dimly lit and so the books weren't easy to read until Coale created a fireball with his hand and made it hover over them so they could see the books properly. All the books on every prophecy in this world all here in this part of the library and all marked as fairy tales but why and who would do this.

 

'I think this is it Ocea.' Coale says. 'This book says its the 'hidden ocean for the water elementals.'

'It appears to be in my dorm but I've never seen it before?' Ocea said

'Do you recognise any of this Ocea?' Coale replied.

'Yes I mean the sea green floors and ocean blue walls are exactly the same not to mention all the stone pillars and fountains and statues of all kinds of sea creatures. I do love the clam shells everywhere with all the pearls in them. Although would be nice if i wasn't the only one there.' Ocea said.

'According to this book theres a secret passageway leading to a hidden underground ocean that was placed there for the you know what's that were once here back when they were still accepted.' Coale said.

'So the water nymphs never needed to be in the ocean once a day like i do?' Ocea asked.

'No you see because the water nymphs kept their legs in water the need for it wasn't as great so their skin wouldn't crack if they weren't in water for a long time. So it was only the you know what's that desperately needed to access to ocean water.' Coale said. 'Think about your dorm was there anything there that stood out to you like something that appeared suspicious to you.'

'Now that you mention it i did wonder why my room had the biggest cam shell statue or why it was the only one in the whole dorm that didn't have a pearl in it but the hole did look the right size for my pearl.' Ocea said.

'We have to go check it out Ocea look your arm is cracking now its getting worse we have to hurry and find it before theres no time.' Coale said.

 

Coale put the book in his backpack and they hurried back to Ocea's dorm. It was just as lovely and awe inspiring as Ocea described but this was no time to admire the decoration. Coale hurried to Ocea's room noticing her getting slower as her legs started to crack too. She was breathing heavier they were running out of time. Ocea pointed to the clam shell in her room and took out the pearl from her bag and gave it to Coale. Just as the book mentioned putting the pearl in the clam shell made it slam shut and the whole wall opened up to reveal a hidden passageway. Coale starting to panic picked up Ocea and ran through the passageway and down a flight of stairs. He started to feel hope as he could start to hear waves and water dripping. Then he saw a light at the bottom of the stairs and ran faster. Ocea was running out of time her skin cracking all over now she could barely keep her eyes open. Then in front of them they found it a large pool of water leading from the ocean. The problem was Ocea was too weak to get herself in there and Coale was a fire elemental his skin would burn if he touched water.

 

'Its ok Coale you can put me down I can do it you'll hurt yourself if you step foot in there.' Ocea said. 'Thanks for getting me this far.'

'Don't be ridiculous!!' Coale shouted. 'You can barely move worry about me when you get better.'

'Coale no please don't.' Ocea said.

 

Ocea couldn't muster another word before she blacked out after her face started to crack. Coale wasted no time and ran into the pool with Ocea and instantly her skin started to heal but also her legs turned back into a tail. When Ocea opened her eyes and regained her strength she saw Coale passed out in the pool and skin starting to smoke. He was a fire elemental he should never be in water he knew that btu to save Ocea's life he risked his own. Ocea felt a stabbing pain in her heart thinking she lost Coale and couldn't't help but cry over the guilt and pain she felt but little did she know in this form her tears held power. Her tear crystalised as it ran down her cheek and turned into a ruby as if her tear of water protected itself with fire before being absorbed into Coale. It was within minutes that he woke but not only was he alive and well like Ocea he was also now immune to waters effects on him.

 

'I knew it had to be you.' Coale smiled.

'I'm so sorry.' Ocea cried. 'I didn't mean to hurt you. i thought you were gone.'

'At least we now know why those weather elementals were after you.' Coale said.

'What do you mean Coale?' Ocea said.

'Only a royal of your kind can have healing magic to your level.' Coale said.

'I'm a princess?' Ocea asked.

 

5: A Hidden Anger and a Queens Arrival
A Hidden Anger and a Queens Arrival

'Maybe we should keep this a secret between ourselves for now Ocea?' Coale asked.

'But why? We should at least tell Nox and Soleis they're my best friends.' Ocea replied.

'You’re not supposed to exist Ocea. When I saw your tail I kind of understood why people who bear the ancient elements are so intent on getting theirs hands on you. The less people that know the better and besides we don't know the effect on using ancient magic like yours to save my life. We'll tell them in time I promise but for now please trust me.' Coale said.

'Ok Coale I trust you.' Ocea said. 'I won't keep this from them forever though they can help us and Spirus too.' 

‘Of course Ocea I would never ask you to keep a secret like this from those two I know how much they mean to you.’ Coale said. ‘It’s almost time to meet up with everyone in the cafeteria for lunch we should get going but keep that pearl with you at all times.’

‘Of course it’s the last thing I have to remind me of my mum I would never lose it.’ Ocea said.

 

Coale and Ocea locked up the secret passageway and put the pearl back in Ocea’s bag before leaving the dorm and heading over to the main building to meet up with everyone and discuss what to do next.  Soleis, Nox and Spirus were already waiting at the cafeteria and started eating when Ocea and Coale arrived.

 

‘Ocea! I missed you. Class is boring I don’t like it.’ Soleis said.

‘I found it quite informative actually.’ Nox said. ‘We learned all about the weakness and strength of each element.’

‘I was trying to control Rex all lesson and couldn’t focus too much.’ Spirus said.

‘That dinosaur of yours is crazy and needs teaching some manners.’ Soleis said.

‘Sounds like it was fun I wish I could have been there. We’ll just go grab some food and be right back.’ Ocea said.

‘Hurry back Ocea.’ Soleis said.

 

Coale was already waiting in line and saved Ocea a space. While Ocea was choosing between having brain boosting mushroom soup or mystery pie Coale had walked past her to go get check out the dessert table only to find out they were out early. Ocea looked over at Coale and was about to tell him he should have some lunch before dessert she saw his face change he didn’t look as happy as a few minutes ago and she could feel the room getting warmer.

 

‘Coale, are you ok?’ Ocea said.

‘Where’s the dessert?’ Coale said.

‘It looks like they’re all out today. I’m not surprised really after all today was caramel pudding which everyone in the school seems to love. If you wanted some we should have left sooner. Ocea said.

‘No, this can’t be happening. I want my pudding now I need it!’ Coale said.

 

As Coale started to get angry he began to unconsciously fire up his aura rapidly heating the temperature in the cafeteria and Soleis and Nox looked over and saw Ocea backing away from Coale while Spirus sighed and picked up the jug of water next to her and walked over to Coale.

 

‘Spirus I wouldn’t get too close.’ Ocea said. ‘He’s not listening to reason right now I’m afraid.’

‘Yeah I know. I’m sorry Ocea I guess I should have explained sooner.’ Spirus said. ‘You see Coale likes to act cool and like he doesn’t have a care in the world at the best of times but well when it comes to pudding he kinda loses it as you can tell and can’t control his power. Fire elementals get their power from their emotions and when Coale doesn’t get his cake or pudding or dessert of any kind he loses it and starts unconsciously setting himself and things around him on fire so best thing to do is get water like so and throw it on him he’s strongly weak against it so it calms him down.’

 

Spirus threw the jug of water on Coale which would usually calm him down and make him weak for a few hours but not this time. The minute the water hit him his bright red flames didn’t disperse instead they only turned blue which is impossible for a fire elemental.

 

‘It can’t be.’ Spirus said. ‘The king of legends is real.’

‘I guess water isn’t working but I have to do something before Coale sets this place on fire.’ Ocea said. ‘Soleis, Nox, anyone give me your pudding. It may be the only way to get through to him.’

‘Sorry Ocea I’m not giving this up.’ Soleis said.

‘Soleis already ate mine.’ Nox said.

‘Rex stole mine.’ Spirus said.

‘Coale I know it’s not the pudding you want but I always keep cake in my bag. All I have are a few strawberry tarts I was saving for later but if you can hear me they’re all yours if you calm down and stop setting the cafeteria on fire.’

 

Just then Coale seemed to be conscious again and aware of what he was doing. He calmed down his aura and put out the small fire he caused in the corner of the cafeteria and pushed a table in place to cover the damage caused by his recklessness.

 

‘Sorry Ocea I never wanted you to see that side of me it’s really bad I know. I’m so sorry.’ Coale said.

‘It’s ok Coale but maybe you can try and control it a little better.’ Ocea said. ‘You’re kinda putting people in danger when you lose control of your powers. You can take these tarts if you like I guess from now on I’ll try to make sure I always have some cake on me to avoid this happening again.’

‘Yeah I’m really sorry again Ocea.’ Coale said.

‘No worries really. I’m glad I could help.’ Ocea said.

 

Just as the cafeteria was being settled again and everyone returned to eating the ground started shaking and the sound of footsteps could be heard outside the cafeteria before the doors were slammed open.

 

‘Now what is it?’ Soleis said.

‘I would like a peaceful lunch just once you know.’ Nox said.

‘It’s her.’ Spirus said.

‘Who?’ Ocea said.

‘The self-proclaimed queen of the school and biggest bully you’ll ever see. This is Afa Tera. The earth elemental who likes to abuse her powers to get what she wants but for whatever reason the headmaster lets her get away with everything.  If I were you avoid her at all costs.’ Spirus said.

6: The Truth behind Power
The Truth behind Power

Afa walked into the cafeteria and looked around her self-proclaimed castle as everyone’s eyes shot down towards the floor too scared to even look at her for fear of what she might do. She stopped the earthquake knowing she had got everyone’s attention but Ocea was less than impressed. She stood up and started walking over to Afa ignoring Spirus’ attempts at trying to stop her while everyone else in the cafeteria headed for the back wall avoiding what they knew was coming.

 

‘Listen I don’t know who you are or why you think you own this place but you should really stop. And don’t you think the earthquakes upon entry are a little excessive.’ Ocea said.

‘She’s really digging herself a hole now isn’t she?’ Nox whispered to Soleis.

‘That may be true but this is serious could you quit with the jokes for a minute sis.’ Soleis said.

 

‘You two over there you had better be quiet and you Ocea I know all about you even if you don’t know yourself. I will be keeping a very close eye on you just you watch.’ Afa said.

‘So you came all this way to make some creepy stalker-like speech to me?’ Ocea said. ‘Well, mission accomplished. Now if you don’t mind I would like to eat my lunch in peace with my friends.’

 

Ocea walked back over to her table and sat down beside Coale making sure he had plenty of tarts for dessert to avoid any further ‘‘accidents’’.  Everyone in the cafeteria was shocked at seeing someone stand up to Afa and decided to follow and went back to their seats to ignore her. Afa was less than impressed but being the school bully was not a title she was given by accident and she would make sure everyone knew that. She stole the caramel pudding from the girl next to her and stormed out with a sly smile on her face and headed off down the corridor.

‘So what’s the plan after lunch?’ Nox said.

‘Well we all have elemental basics together in a bit. I just need to go get my bags I left them in my dorm.’ Ocea said.

‘Let’s all go together I really want to see your dorm.’ Spirus said.

‘Yeah sounds like a plan. We can study at the same time before going to class.’ Soleis said.

‘Yeah lets believe that shall we?’ Coale said.

 

After finishing lunch everyone went off to Ocea’s dorm with Rex leading the way as usual with Coale’s bag in his mouth after he stole it in the cafeteria and refused to give it back. Rex stopped in front of the dorm and Coale sneaked up on him to get his bag back but noticed the door open. He was with Ocea when they left so he knew she shut it.

 

‘Everyone stand back!’ Coale shouted.

‘What’s going on?’ Nox said.

‘Someone broke in look the doors open.’ Coale said. ‘Everyone stay behind me.’

 

Just then they felt a brief earthquake and knew who was in there. Afa of all people but how did she get the key. Ocea should have had the only one besides the spare the headmaster keeps. They followed after Coale and went into the dorm. What was once a beautiful and majestic sight of the ocean now nothing left than a pile of rubble and dust?

‘It’s getting stronger towards my room.’ Ocea said. ‘I’m going to find out what’s going on.’

‘We all will.’ Coale said. ‘You’re not alone in this.’

Everyone rushed into Ocea’s room only to find the door to the secret room destroyed. She could only expect the worse but hurried down the steps anyway. The water from the ocean was gone. Her only way to stay alive was gone she didn’t know what she would do and without realising she broke down on the floor and started crying. Soleis and Nox rushed to her aid while Spirus held back Rex and Coale walked straight towards Afa with his aura flaring up glowing both scarlet red and aqua blue.

 

‘How do you like my ‘’Terrakinesis’’ Ocea?’ I am a highly powerful earth elemental. I warned you not to mess with me.’ Afa said. ‘I told you I know all about you and I don’t like people trying to get in my way.’

‘You’re a monster Afa!’ Coale shouted. ‘You are nothing more than a monster with a hole where your heart should be and a window where your soul should be. You always bully everyone in this school is it not enough for you that those who aren’t too afraid of you worship the ground you walk on. This was going way too far if you know Ocea you know how important that water was now bring it back.’

‘Make me you freak.’ Afa said. ‘Do you even know what you are anymore? You’re supposed to be a fire elemental yet know your aura is part water too. Fire elementals must be so ashamed of you.’ Afa laughed.

 

Coale’s aura started burning brighter and Soleis and Nox had to force Ocea out the way with Spirus help. Coale reached out his hands and summoned a tornado of fire next to him. The girls were too focused trying to stop Ocea from watching suddenly saw Coale reach into the tornado and pull out a claymore with its hilt cool and serene from the waves washing over from his wrist down to its hilt and its blade coated in ethereal flames.

 

‘I don’t care what anyone thinks of me. I don’t care what anyone tries to do to me they’ll never win but anyone that hurts Ocea will answer to me I don’t care who that is. If you’re not her then you mean nothing to me. ‘Coale said his gaze still focused on Afa.

Coale raised his sword and just before he could take a swing Ocea grabbed his arm and stopped him. She didn’t want violence and she didn’t want him to regret anything because of her and even though Afa would have deserved it Coale could tell how much Ocea wanted him to stop and released his sword as it then vanished into thin air.

‘Thank you for defending me Coale. I’m ok now I heard your feelings and that was more than enough.’ Ocea said.

 

‘If you know about Ocea being a ‘’you know what’’ then you must know the tale and prophecy of the king too right Afa.’ Spirus said. ‘If Ocea wasn’t here then you wouldn’t be either so remember that. Now put the ocean water back and fix up this mess.’

‘We won’t say a word of this to anyone and since it will hurt your beloved pride I’m sure you won’t either right.’ Soleis said.


Afa reluctantly accepted and fixed everything back with her powers before storming off not happy she lost another fight but Afa’s story was far from over. She had much bigger plans in mind and now she knew the legend was true there was nothing that could stop her next time.

7: The hunt for apples?
The hunt for apples?

After a mix up with class schedules everyone including Afa ended up taking mystical baking together.  Nox and Soleis were upset as this was supposed to be their free class and they weren’t supposed to have any classes with Afa but at least this way they could keep an eye on her.  As they were all talking amongst themselves a strange man came walking in. He wore a long black trench coat that almost completely covered his face. As he took it off and carefully hung it by the door you could see his dark blue skin covered in what appeared to be tattoos of constellations that almost seemed as if they were moving. His eyes were the colour of sunsets and suddenly the whole class couldn’t help but stare and wonder who he was.

 

‘Good afternoon class my name is Eclipe Genos and I will now be your new mystical baking teacher as unforeseen circumstances meant your original teacher had to leave.’ Eclipe said. ‘I feel it is vital for us to get to know each other and since this is mystical baking your all being split into teams for the year anyway so here is a box. It has numbers 1-5 in it three times. Everyone will come up one at a time to pick out a number then that will be the team you stay in for the rest of the year.’

 

Everyone stepped forward one by one picking out numbers and forming teams. Soleis, Nox and Coale all picked out number 1 followed by Spirus. Afa got number 5 and her team was upset as everyone in the school fears her. Ocea was one of the last to choose but she got number 1 which she couldn’t be more relieved at. She got to be in a team with all her best friends and the guy she liked nothing could ruin this moment for her not even the obvious glaring from Afa on the other side of the room who was also not happy at the lack of variation on her team as they were all earth elementals on her team.

 

‘Ok everyone listen up. Inn just a minute I will announce the project that will determine 70% of your pass grade in this class. After that I will go through this week’s ingredients. Your job is to research ways of safely getting those ingredients at camp once you have learned where to find everything. If you think this will be easy then think again. You will need to use every member of your team to get these and it will be dangerous.’ Eclipe said with just a hint of fear in his words. ‘You must also remember some of you will get hurt in this but don’t fear there will be a nurse with us at camp so you’ll be ok.’

 

‘I’m starting to think this is a bad idea.’ Coale whispered to Ocea.

‘Why is making cake so dangerous?’ Ocea replied.

‘Not like we should have to battle monsters or anything right?’ Nox asked.

‘Good question Nox I am glad you asked and well the truth is yes you will have to battle monsters.’ Mr Eclipe said. ‘Also don’t talk in my class that’s minus 5 points for team 1.’

 

‘Since I doubt any of you are used to mystical baking yet I will go easy on you for your first term. Your end of term project will be scream pie. A classic horror filled apple and berry pie. There could be nothing simpler.’ Mr Eclipe said proudly.

‘What makes it scream?’ Ocea asked.

‘That would be the sweet and scream berries my dear but all in good time.’ Mr Eclipe said. ‘Each class you will learn where to find an ingredient and you will have to use your free time to research the most successful way to get it and then retrieve it but you must remember these ingredients will not be used until end of term so always remember that when you get your ingredients.’

‘Thanks for the ominous warning.’ Spirus said.

‘You are most welcome my dear. I will add 5 points to your team for your politeness.’ Mr Eclipe said. ‘Now your first ingredient will be the shriek apples. Now pay attention to the board please. Shriek apples can be found in a small orchard in the signa quadrant.’

‘Not to be rude sir but isn’t that siren territory?’ Spirus interrupted.

‘Why yes it is. You’re a smart one aren’t you? Shriek apples are light blue in colour and a have a shimmer to them not a sparkle or a glitter but a shimmer. They are on an orchard owned by the siren mafia. This counts to 10% of your grade. As for how to get there and how to acquire them I leave to you.’ Mr Eclipe said. ‘Now that’s the end of class any questions?’

‘What element are you?’ Nox asked.

‘I get asked that all the time. Well it’s not your usual every day element. I am a cosmic elemental one of the rarest and more ancient as it were. Not every day you see one like me around anymore it’s kind of sad really but anyway class is over for now enjoy your research.’ Mr Eclipe said with tears welling up in his eyes.’

As everyone was about to leave the overhead intercom system switched on. It was a message for Afa from the principal he needed to see her right away. Afa glared at Ocea like she told what she did but Afa was not sorry for it not in the slightest. When she got there the headmasters room was dark.

‘I’m sorry I failed you master I am.’ Afa said her legs starting to shake.

‘Do stand firm child if you ever want to be one of us.’ The headmaster said.

‘Sorry sir of course.’ Afa said standing firmer in her resolve. ‘I confirmed the legend for you. He is the king you feared.’

‘It’s just as I thought.’ The headmaster said. ‘I need you to keep an eye on them for me.’

‘Yes of course master. I would do anything for the Raven Frost.’ Afa said bowing towards the headmaster.

‘There is just one more thing child.’ Headmaster Tempus said. ‘If you ever lay a finger on the princess again don’t expect to be around much longer. I’ll have you join my brother. Now get out of my sight.’

‘Yes master. It won’t happen again.’ Afa said before walking out the headmaster’s office and putting on her usual front of being a bully.