The Elemental Warriors: Chapters 1-5

1

Sky

I Attempt (and Fail) to Set the Scene

I’m gonna try and explain everything in one chapter, though I’m totally going to fail. I’m using a typewriter, and I’ll have to end this chapter way too early. I can’t stop it; I just have to let the story flow and keep typing. The story will explain itself, but I feel like I should explain what the heck will happen.

My name is Sky Viento. When I started middle school nearly three years ago, I became something I never imagined I would become and found a different part of me I never saw, one that could fight and help the world (and not just pick up trash along the road, this isn’t your typical memoir).

I also found something new in my friends, who now shared my title of Elemental Warrior. I started using magic every day, though now that I realize it, Luna never called it that. My life changed forever, starting with the moment I opened my schedule.

See, I’ve always wondered why people write nonfiction books. Sure, I liked some of them, but why in the name of heck would someone write an 800-page biography of Alexander Hamilton, or a narrative of the life of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team, or (wait for it) a depiction of scientist’s work on an island made of volcanic ash next to Iceland? I’d like a nice fantasy story instead, thank you very much. (In fact, the best book series in the world is fantasy.  I don’t want to tell what it is yet, but it probably will come out at some point.  Apologies in advance to Rowling, McMann, Riordan, Tolkien.)  Then, when our huge adventure came to an end, I realized someone, someday, would find out about us, whether on accident or at the hands of a dying fellow Warrior. And they would want answers.

So I’m writing this book. It’ll turn out 50% hilarious, 50% dead serious, and 100% nonfiction.

Also, some words about the formatting:  This is going to be a 3-book chronicle of our (guess) 3 years as Warriors. I’m also including several interviews between my friends and stringing them together so we alternate between chapters. (All 3 of the Sky siblings either refused to comment or didn’t understand the concept of ‘interviewing’.)

''''

Three years may not seem like a lot, but it’s long enough to get through middle school, and it’s long enough to change your life. I’ve only been an Elemental Warrior for that much, but I’ve already had enough adventure for a lifetime.

My name is Sky Viento. Before I started sixth grade, I never knew the power I had held within me since I was born, or the strings of fate that had been pulling me and my friends together since kindergarten. The only stories I told were ones of talking animals or magical powers or underwater exploration. And in a way, I’ll tell another one today. But this time, it’s real.

My name is Sky Viento. I’m only fourteen, sitting at a typewriter home alone. Most people don’t think of that as very powerful, but wait and see. I write faster than I think, and you’re about to see the power of truth.

2

Coral

A Body of Water Gives Me a Headache

I’m starting this from the beginning. Don’t know ‘bout y’all, but I’m starting with the text string.

I could just feel something brewing in my town, just north of Kansas City. It was getting bigger, and it was going to burst soon.

I need to stop being cryptical. The Missouri River was flooding. It had been flooding for a while, in fact, but as I opened my mailbox, sifting through today’s mail and grinning at the sight of my schedule, a headache sprouted in the back of my head. Somehow, I knew it was connected to the river flooding.

As I went back inside and started opening the letter, my headache grew much bigger, but I decided to ignore it. But it felt like my mind

was a metal detector, and that schedule was an anvil. So as soon as I was about to read the letter, I…

Had to make a beeline for the Advil.

Even though I knew the headache was connected to the river-and, obviously, the letter-, I told myself: ''ignore that. Your mind’s playing tricks on you.''

When I got back from the Advil break, I picked up my phone, glanced at my schedule, and texted my friends my teachers:

Coral: Classes in order: Rowan, Hudson, Dawn, Van Ness, Hamilton, Pendleton

Sky: zact same, except for last period

Ember: excuse me?!

Sky: I mean fifth period. And it’s seventh grade math.

I rolled my eyes. Sky had to tell us she was too smart for grade-level math. I mean, at first glance she’s only a writer, but it didn’t stop her from bragging about excelling in every other subject whenever possible.

''''

I’m just telling the truth. This is a ''nonfiction ''book.

 

Ignoring that comment, I will continue the string…

Ember: Hey, me too!

Sky: yay, maybe I won’t die alone

Ember: but I have facs (family and consumer science) for third period

Sky: you never cease to disappoint me

Although it would be a huge coincidence if all our classes are together

Ember: yeah

Sage: sup, just logged on

Hey wheres bella

Bella was a newer member of our friendship circle. I’d forgotten to add her to our text group.

Coral: she just texted me

Same except 1st period is chorus

Ember: suspicious

Coral: really

I had, in fact, just received a text with that information, but Ember was suspicious a lot.

Sage:  wow, this friendship circle is coincidence town

As for myself, same as coral except science and math switch

Coral: wow you’re right sage

I wonder why pretty much all our classes are together

Ember: YOU GUYS

I think the schedule coordinators are conspiring against us

I mean, just think about it

Coral: dream on

Ember: seriously

Coral: AAAUUGGHH

Sky: ¿Qué?

Coral: sorry, just a huge headache

Just got when I was opening the letter

Sage: have you tried the latest improvement in headache medicine…

Coral: yes, I’ve tried advil

Just now in fact, hasn’t settled in yet

Ember: same thing going on here, but milder probably

Sky: weird

That thing with the headaches, as we would find out, was only the first-I mean second, there’s the schedules too- of many weird things to come.

Hey! Good news: you only have to turn the page to see another one!

3

Sage

The Ground Gives Me a Useless Weapon

Okay… should I start with the text group?



Well… I have to talk about at least something. You’re already typing.

(awkward silence while we try to think of something to talk about)

''''

Oh yes, that. That was confusing for like a month. Okay then, let’s go.

My mom and I were back-to-school shopping at Target the weekend before school started, after the schedule fiasco. My mom pushed the red cart and I followed. As we turned a corner, my mom shouted, “Nikki! Long time no see!”  I mentally groaned. One of my mom’s teacher friends had appeared, but that wasn’t what bothered me.

The thing that really bothered me was her son that she pulled along with her. Paul was my age, and we had known each other since we were toddlers.

Now, whenever we met, the air felt way too awkward. I did what I had to do then, and said, “I’ll go get the tape.” I had no idea what we were going to do with tape in middle school, but it was on the supply list. Middle school was going to be weird.

Screw Paul, he followed me. “I’ve been wanting to tell you something,” he said as he walked. Wait, what?! I mean, we were close (or had been five years ago at least), but not that close. I squeezed my eyes shut and braced for impact. Here’s what he said:

“It’s weird that I’m telling you this, but I feel like I should. I’m in pretty much the exact same classes as four of my friends, and I have no idea why.”

At first I thought: ''Odin? This is Heimdall. Yeah, I’m blowing this horn because FRICKIN’ RAGNAROK IS HERE. (And yeah, I’ve read Norse myths.  Call me a nerd.)  And then I thought: Oh wait, hold on. HE DIDN’T SAY ANYTHING ABOUT HIS STUPID FEELINGS! HALLELUJIAH! ''

So I said, “That’s pretty much the same with me.”  Paul replied, “And then there are the conspiracy theories that don’t help…”

I said “Ember” as soon as Paul said “Allen”, and then for some reason I couldn’t stop giggling. Once I settled down (it took a while), we stood awkwardly for a couple minutes, and then Paul’s eyes grew wide. He spit out a word I hoped his mom was not around to hear, and then he ran to one end of the aisle, stuck his head out, and looked around.

“What’s going on?”  I asked. Paul tried to explain. “Don’t ask how I know-because even I don’t know how I know- but there’s a guy in the store and he’s looking for us.”

“Looking for us?!” I yelped. “Is it my mom?”

“Well, I can sort of hear him, and his voice is definitely male,” Paul explained. That couldn’t be good. “Do you know where he is?” I asked. He pressed his hands to his temples, like he was trying to get fresh-squeezed brain juice out of it. “I’m trying to- wait. Aisle nine.”

“Where are we??” I asked, always asking questions. I peeked out of the aisle, looking at the number. “OMG, we’re in aisle twelve?!”  Paul, just as terrified as me, suggested, “Should we-“

“We’re in a Target. We can’t hide.”

“Point taken.” Paul grabbed a bunch of glass paint containers and started walking out of the aisle. “Wait,” I said. “I need protection, too.”

Just as I said that, a gaping hole of dirt formed in front of me, swallowing way too much things (including all the remaining glass paint containers). It spit up a gigantic earthen shield and closed. Weighing the nonexistent paint containers against the shield, I picked it up. It was surprisingly light, even though it was huge and that it was made of what looked like really packed-together dirt.

Paul looked behind him, saying, “Where did you get that?” when he noticed my shield. “I don’t know,” I admitted. “It just came out of the ground.”  And on we marched.

When we reached aisle nine in a matter of seconds, Paul said, “Okay, so the guy’s still in there. I want us to turn the corner on the count of three. One…

“Two…

“Three.”  We turned the corner. Standing in front of us, frowning at us, was a garden gnome.

Paul, a little overexcited, threw a paint thingie right over the gnome’s head.

The garden gnome started to talk, somehow. He said, “Beware, for in four days you will underestimate your power. Beware, for soon you will learn what is going on. Beware, for as soon as you realize something is different, every secret will

unravel. Beware, for soon the monsters will come for you.”

Then the garden gnome became stationary, rocking side to side on his ceramic feet, until gravity could pull both down, smiling with happy, chubby cheeks. My dirt shield dissolved.

Not knowing what else to say, I shouted, “Someone left a garden gnome in aisle nine!” turned around, and ran.

4

Ember

I Receive a Jetpack for Middle School

Picture it. Your first day of school. If you were going into second grade, it might be a sign of fresh starts, cool new teachers, and maybe even new playground equipment!

If you were going into sixth grade (or whatever grade you start middle school on), it would be a sure sign of impending doom.

As I walked through the doors of Riverscene Middle School, I felt like my stomach was turning upside down. I checked my schedule. Why did those people have to put me in 7th grade math? This was going to be hard already! Oh well, at least I would be with my friends in all my classes except FACS.

I looked down at my schedule again. Where to find room 104…? There were 3 hallways that stretched out from the gigantic, empty lobby. I wished I had gotten a map.

The bell rang. In a panic, I turned right.

Don’t ask me how I got to homeroom. It involved trekking across the entire school and being REALLY late. Soon I would find out what detention was like.

Sky, Coral, and Sage beckoned me over to a four-chair circular table. “We’ve been waiting for you, Ember,” Coral said amidst the chatter from the other tables. Oh yay. “We’re going to do a meditation circle.”

“It was her idea,” Sky said, pointing at Sage. “She insisted on it.”

“Okay guys, I want us all to close our eyes,” Sage said as I sat down. “Hold hands…channel positivity into your brain… think positive thoughts. I WILL succeed. This WILL be an amazing year…”

“The seventh graders WILL beat me up in math,” Sky said, making me snort.

Sage ignored that comment. “Now open your eyes,” she finished. We did. Then we looked down and screamed. “¡Mierda!” Sky yelled.

We were floating at the top of the ceiling with no gravity holding our chairs down. Things escalated quickly. Coral let go of Sky and Sage’s hands, breaking the weird connection we’d had. Then Sky and Sage quickly let go of my hands. I didn’t realize why, until I clasped them together a few seconds later, and felt them burning up. ''Fast. '' My eyes grew wide as I thought up a brilliant idea. Would it work? I prayed that no one got hurt in the pursuit, then I put my arms at my sides, palms to the ground, praying that this would work. Sure enough, a minute later, they were on fire and I was in full jetpack mode. It was super fun, until I blew a hole in the wall with my body. It hurt. A lot.

Meanwhile, things were just as crazy for Sky, Coral, and Sage. Well, I think so. Sky was probably invisible, because I couldn’t see her even from my sky-high (pardon the pun) perch.

Coral was having a little less fun. Every time she frowned (which was a lot, because there was a bunch of frown-worthy stuff happening), water would shoot out of her hand. Once it hit the teacher square in the face, and even though the said teacher had seen where it came from, she blamed it on one of those squirty Gatorade bottles.

Sage was talking to the class pet. (What a middle school class would do with a hamster, I don’t know.  Maybe the class was for science when it wasn’t a homeroom.)  She kept showing him her lunchbox and saying, “Seriously, do you smell carrot sticks in here? It’s just Oreos and a PB&J.”  The hamster must have inquired what a PB&J exactly was (hey, don’t be hard on it, it’s a hamster, people), because Sage added, “Peanut butter and jelly, okay?!?! Jelly is not another word for carrots!”

All in all, it was a really chaotic five minutes. But the weirdest part was that no one else noticed.

At lunch that day, we all met up. Sage had saved seats for everyone. “That was really weird in homeroom,” Sky commented as she sat down. “I mean, how did you do that jetpack thing, Ember?”  I replied, “Well, flames just started, like, shooting out of my hand, and I just thought, okay, why not try it? “

Sky continued, “And Sage! You were like talking to the hamster! A bunch of stuff about carrots and jelly. All I heard back were a bunch of squeaks, but seeing as how Sage hearing a hamster speak English would probably not be the weirdest thing that has happened this week-“

“Definitely,” Sage interrupted. “On Saturday Paul and I-“

“-she probably did hear the hamster speak English,” Sky finished.

“Hey, I got some good news, Sky…” I said, leaning towards her. “If any of those dumb seventh graders try to hurt us, I can just… MELT THEM TO PIECES!!!”  I pointed a finger at the ceiling. A cone of fire shot out of it (as planned), burning a gigantic hole in the ceiling (not as planned). A bunch of yoga balls dropped out of it, bouncing off people’s heads and into their lunches. I don’t know how someone could not notice a yoga ball sitting on their lunch tray, but all the people under those circumstances did just that.

“That must be the auxiliary gym,” I mumbled, making my friends cry with laughter.

Okay, I’m done now. How did I do?

''''

It’s your turn next, Sky.

 

5

Sky

We Probably Travel to Another Dimension

The rest of that day was a blur. None of the weird stuff happened. The seventh graders didn’t beat me and Ember up. Which was weird, because nothing weird happening for 8 hours was weirder than… well, you get the idea.

All the day had been besides homeroom and lunch was a bunch of waiting, mad dashes to lockers, and detention slips. Tiring, but boring. So naturally, focusing on the tiring part, I went to bed at eight, and was asleep before my head hit the pillow.

Instantly, I was transported into a dream. This was a weird dream, though what else was new? I was floating through space, unable to breathe or talk. But just as I was running out of air, I noticed that I was zooming towards a black hole. I panicked for a second, but then I told myself, ''Relax, it’s just a dream. ''Interesting. Usually I lost the rational part of myself during dreams, but it was there.

I was sucked through the black hole and transported… somewhere. It looked the same as when I was in outer space, except there was a sea of green below me, and now I could breathe… wait. I was falling into a forest. I forced myself into skydiver position, spread-eagle and all. I squeezed my eyes shut and braced for impact, but it never came. I looked down and opened my eyes. I was floating a foot off the ground. I touched a knee to the Earth, or whatever bizarre version of it this was, but the rest of my body was still floating. I touched the other knee to the ground, made my back vertical, and-tada! – I was kneeling. I stood up and brushed myself off.

“Oookay,” I said, surprised that I could talk and that this did not at all feel like a dream. I looked around, and noticed Coral, Sage, and Ember on the ground around me. I also noticed a clearing with four tree stumps, a huge log, and, in the middle, an inviting-looking campfire. Not knowing what else to do, I walked over there, surprised at how not tired I felt.

All my friends followed me after getting up. As we sat down on the four stools, Sage asked, “So, do you think this is a dream?”  I replied, “It feels like it isn’t, but what else could it be?” Coral and Ember nodded their heads in agreement. Sage said, “Well,I don’t really-“

“I see you have found your way here,” a voice boomed from above us. We didn’t even flinch (except for me; I muttered some things that started with tu mama); that was how weird our week had been. (I realize we keep using the word weird; sorry about that)  A figure descended into the clearing onto the log in front of our stump-circle.

Her appearance is hard to describe, but I’ll try my best. Her skin was black- and black black, not brown black, blacker than coal. Her hair was- surprise- also pitch black, but floating in the air like it had been flapping in the wind but had suddenly been turned to stone. Her dress was midnight blue and dotted with diamonds that sparkled like stars in the night sky. Her eyes were kind and dark green, like a gentle forest at twilight.

Then she started to talk.

“I believe you have been asking very many questions since you opened your schedules a week ago. I am here to answer those questions, and to train you so you can protect this world.

“My name is Luna, Queen of the Night.”  Luna faltered for a little bit for some reason but moved on. “You four-Sky Viento, Coral Dormien, Sage Messenger, and Ember Miles“-I just want to add a note that I think it’s hilarious that Sage shares a last name with the author of the best book series in the world (or at least in my opinion), Keeper of the Lost Cities-“are the Elemental Warriors, protectors of nature, and regular humans with special abilities to match the elements that no one else alive has dreamed of. You four were picked to be pulled together by the strings of destiny when your predecessors died in combat, six years ago.”  Luna bowed her head in memory.

“How did they-“ Ember began to interject, but Luna shushed her, and continued talking. “Now, this world is nearly destroyed. Temperatures are rapidly rising. Land is being cut away, and animals are dying because of it. Clean water is scarce to much too many people. And too many greenhouse gases are being emitted by automobiles and factories. Your job is to restore the Earth, and to kill the monsters who are tricking humans into doing these dastardly things.

“You all have several abilities bestowed on you. You can all control your element, but you all also have another ability. Sky, you can become invisible. Coral, you can make solid objects out of water. Sage, you can talk to animals. And finally, Ember can control the temperature of virtually anything.

“Your task today is simply to find out a way to all collaborate on one thing. Your challenges will get harder as you grow in skill, but today it is simply that.”  We looked at each other. Game on!

We all got to work quickly, Sage making (as she liked to call it) a hill-house, which was basically just a lump of dirt that could be covered with moss. It was hollowed out, and a doorway and windows were put in. Hill-houses varied in size, Sage said she imagined, but this one seemed like the perfect size for a family of chipmunks. While Sage was building, Coral was making a freshwater spring in the middle of the first floor, and a nice tiny creek running out of the house from it. Ember was working to make a heating and cooling system.

Meanwhile, I was invisible, playing pranks on everyone else and annoying them because I had nothing else to do. (Pro tip: Don’t try and make a Fire Warrior mad.  They have a short fuse and a built-in flamethrower.)

When the hill-house was finished, Coral shouted, “Hey, I think this is done!” and we all crowded around it. Sage tried to coax in a family of chipmunks (just as I suspected). It looked like they were skeptical at first, but they eventually moved in. Sage crouched down and asked the apparent dad, “So, what do you think?”  As the chipmunks chattered their reply, I thought, Oh man, I will never get used to my best friend talking to animals.

When the chipmunks finished chattering, Sage turned around and said, “Okay, so Ember, the A/C system was a little unneccessary, which I guess makes sense, because… well, they’re chipmunks. Coral, the spring was perfect. They think you should try to connect all the springs through the creek if we make more hill-houses. And they also want a door, which I guess is my department since I’m the only one with a solid element.”

Luna came over to the hill-house and smiled. “Excellent work, Warriors. I see you have learned to help animals with your abilities. Tomorrow you will use them as tools. But we are done today.”

Then her face grew serious. “This is my final word to you: Under no circumstances can you ever tell anyone that you are a Warrior, or about your special abilities at all. Should you, the results would be terrible. The world would unravel.

“Just know that being an Elemental Warrior is not something to brag about to your friends at school. Now good night, Elemental Warriors…”

Luna snapped her fingers, and the world faded away into my bedroom.