Elements

Adventure, Supernatural, Romance, Comedy,

                                             Elements

 

Pamela.L.C.   2-17-09

 

 

            Summary

             Malkai and Angelina are twins who are both 14. They lost their parents in a fire when they were 9. Malkai thinks that it’s his fault. Why does he think that? Because both of them are different. They’re different from everyone else. They have special abilities that could change everyone and everything around them. The problems they’ll face will make or break them.

 

 

“AHHH! GET OUT! MALKAI! ANGELINA! GET OUT!”

 

Flames. Burning hot flames. All I can see is red and orange. I feel it. The burning. I feel the heat. We have to get out. Angelina we have to get out.

 

Malkai grabbed his sister’s wrist and dashed out the door, not looking back. He could hear the screams of his father. He could hear his mother’s cries.

 

“I can’t go back. They told us to leave. We can’t go back.” Malkai didn’t believe it. He didn’t want to. He just knew that he had to save his sister.

 

“Malkai! Malkai! Get up!!! We’re going to be late if you don’t get your lazy a*s out of bed. Jeez!”

 

“Wha-?” Malkai rubbed his eyes as he sat up.

 

“Get up I said!” Angelina flicked her brother in the face and slammed the door to his room.

 

“Gosh, she’s like Godzilla in the morning.” Malkai got up and started dressing. He sighed and then whipped his forehead. “I had that dream again. I wonder when it will ever stop.” He finished dressing and opened the door.

 

“Malkai! How many damn times do I have to tell you not to leave your crap lying around? I almost tripped and broke my neck because you left your bike chains out!” Angelina threw the bike chains into her brother’s room.

 

“Damn, I’m sorry. Can you get off my back for one minute? I need water.” Malkai went into the kitchen and sat down at the table with an empty glass in his hand.

 

“Alright here.” Angelina walked over and put her hand over the top of the glass. Water suddenly filled the cup.

 

“Thanks sis.” Malkai drank the water in one gulp. He burped and then chuckled to himself.

 

“Yeah whatever. Come on we have to get to school.” Angelina grabbed her backpack and threw Malkai’s to him. They both left the house and Malkai locked the door.

 

24 minutes later and the twins arrived at their school.

 

“Yo Norrel, what’s up?” Malkai separated from Angelina when they arrived at the school yard. Norrel was Malkai’s best friend ever since they were four. He knew about Malkai and Angelina. He was also like them.

 

“Nothing much man. I think we’re having a storm today.” Norrel smiled at Malkai.

 

“Are you going to be the cause of the storm?” Malkai laughed.

 

“Of course! It’s going to be a real nice windstorm. The kind that makes girls skirts fly up”. Norrel laughed and Malkai punched him in the shoulder.

 

“You’re such a pervert Norrel.” Angelina walked over to her brother and put a note in his hands. “You should watch yourself. The rain might intervene with your little windstorm. It might hit you the hardest.” Angelina laughed and walked away.

 

“Bye Lina I love you too!” Norrel smiled and watched Angelina walk away.

“Dude, stop hitting on my little sister, you freak.” Malkai opened the note in his hand.

 

“Ooo love letter for me from your little sister right?” Norrel snatched the paper away and read it.

 

“Hm, interesting. It really is a love letter for me!” Norrel snickered as Malkai’s face scrunched up in disgust and he snatched the paper away from Norrel.

 

“Oh. Alright then, looks like after school we have some business to take care of. I think you were right, a storm really is coming. Just not the kind you wanted.” Malkai ripped up the note and held it in his palms. The pieces of paper instantly turned into a pile of ash. Malkai blew it off and the guys went inside the school.

 

When everyone got out of school, Angelina, Malkai, and Norrel met up in their usual spot.

 

“Bye Lina!” A girl called to Angelina as they exited the school. Angelina waved goodbye and saw her brother and Norrel waiting at the fence in front of the school.

 

Angelina walked towards them and then waved for them to follow.

 

“So where are we going to discuss this little matter?” Malkai asked as he walked alongside Angelina.

 

“We’re going to Norrel’s house obviously.” Angelina said as she turned a corner.

 

“My house? Why my house?” Norrel asked. But really, he was happy that Lina would get to be in his room.

 

“Because I don’t want you in our house Norrel. Your mom makes good food anyways.” Angelina said as she walked up the steps to Norrel’s house.

 

“Yeah Lina, Lord knows you can’t cook for crap.” Malkai muttered.

“Excuse you big brother? Would you let to get drowned? I thought so.” Angelina opened the door and went to the living room.

 

“Lina how the hell did you open the door to my house. I thought it was locked.” Norrel laughed and then went into the kitchen.

 

“Oh, the powers of water never stop amazing you huh?” Angelina went into the kitchen and opened the refrigerator.

 

“Hey who said you could raid my fridge?” Norrel asked as he stepped behind Angelina.

 

“I don’t need your permission.” Angelina grabbed a soda and went to sit down in the living room with Malkai.

 

“Hurry up and get on with the news.” Malkai wasn’t in the mood for hanging around with his sister.

 

“Alright, well I had a feeling this morning.  I think one of us is close. Very close. It’s making me feel uneasy. I had… a dream last night. Someone named Alexandria called to me. She said that we have to, get the others. There are six of us. So we have three more to find. I am the possessor of the water element. Malkai you’re the possessor of the fire element, and Norrel you’re obviously wind. We need to find earth, light, and dark. The nice thing is, we have no idea where in the world they are. I mean, they can’t all be in the same place right?” Angelina looked at the other’s faces. None of them were surprised.

 

“Well we’ve had these elements since we were born so it’s not surprising that there are others. Did Alexandria say anything else to you in the dream?” Malkai looked at his sister’s face and examined it for any signs.

 

“Yeah, she said that when we find all of the Elements, our power will be stronger and we can restore everything to how it’s supposed to be. I have no idea what that means though.” Angelina rubbed her head and laid back on the couch.

 

“So this means we’re like a team of super heroes right!?! Whoowee that’s cool!” Norrel smiled and plopped on the couch next to Angelina.

 

“Not exactly Norrel. I mean, I know that the others are probably aware of their Elements but really, how are we supposed to “team” up with them? I don’t think we should do anything. We need to just get on with our normal lives. We’re already so damn different from everyone else; I don’t think I want to be anymore different.” Malkai rubbed his forehead and left his hands over his eyes.

 

“But she said she needed our help. She said that she will be able to contact us through me. That’s extremely weird but yeah. I want to find the others. I think we’re part of something bigger. And I think it’s possible that if we don’t do this, something horrible will happen. I don’t want that kind of thing on my shoulders.” Angelina got up and started towards the door.

 

“So we’re leaving?” Malkai got up and said bye to Norrel.

 

“Yes we’re leaving. Norrel, tomorrow, forget about school. You need to tell your mother about what’s going on. I’m sure she’ll understand. She knows about you. Besides, we’re going on a little road trip soon. Take what you need and nothing you don’t.” Angelina didn’t turn around to look at Norrel as she walked out of the house.

 

“You heard the lady. See you tomorrow.” Malkai said as he closed the door and left.

 

“Aw man, how am I going to break this to Ma?” Norrel lay on the couch and turned on the TV.

 

“Lina! Wait for me damn. Where do expect to start looking for the others?” Malkai put his hand on his sister’s shoulder as they walked home.

 

“Well, we’re going to start here. I know that when one of us is close, I get a strange feeling like I did at school.” Angelina said.

 

“So that means one of us could be attending our school? And we didn’t even know it. Wow.” Malkai looked up at the sky and then back at Angelina.

“It’s either that or it was somebody passing by. I don’t know if the feeling comes from someone that’s close or could it be that it only reaches a certain point. Who knows, I might be able to sense someone 3,000 miles away.” Angelina walked up the stairs to their house and opened the door.

 

“Uh! This is so freaking complicated. I don’t understand why we have to do this! Why can’t that Alexandria woman find the others by herself?!? What the hell is she anyway?” Malkai was frustrated and completely exhausted. He went into his room and flopped on his bed.

 

“Well, I don’t have answers to those questions except, I know that Alexandria is The Spirit. She’s the guardian of The Elements. We’re The Elements so she is the one who help us. Got it?” Angelina walked into Malkai’s room and sat on the edge of his bed.

 

“So I guess we’re leaving here huh?” Malkai looked at the plain white ceiling above him.

 

“Yeah. We’re leaving our home. You think… do you think Mom and Dad would be mad if we left?” Angelina stared at her brother’s face.

 

Malkai sighed and said: “I don’t think they’d be mad. I think they’re proud of us. We’re doing something good like you said.” Malkai said it all in a rush. He actually didn’t believe that they were doing something good. He didn’t think they were doing something bad either. He really had no idea what they were doing at all. He didn’t know what they were getting into.

 

“Tomorrow we’re leaving then. Take what we need-“

 

“And nothing we don’t. Yes I heard your lecture with Norrel. I get it. Now go, I have to pack.” Malkai smiled and Angelina did too. She left his room and he got up and went to his closet.

 

Malkai packed all his cloths into his backpack. He had a big saving so he put it all in his wallet and strapped it to his leg. It’s a weird place to keep your money put it protects it. He put a picture of his parents and him and Angelina in his wallet. He also put on his lucky charm. It was a necklace giving to him by his father. It was a stone, the color of a raging fire,

“Bye mom, bye dad, we’re leaving. I’m sorry.” Malkai said as he left his room and locked the door. He set his stuff down near the couch and went to Angelina’s room.

 

“Hm, am I going to bring this or this? Or maybe I’ll just bring them both… I don’t know!!!” Angelina was getting frustrated over just packing cloths.

 

“Lina, are you okay?” Malkai raised an eyebrow at her when he stepped into her room and saw the mess of cloths everywhere.

 

“Hehe, I’m just having trouble with what to bring.” Angelina smiled and finally put a shirt into her backpack.

 

“Just bring seven pairs of pants and shirts and a sweat. You need five pairs of socks and take all your under cloths. Bring all your shoes too. And all your money. Keep the money in a safe place on your body. Water bottles and what ever food we have will be put in a separate pack. And maybe I can find our old cooler.” Malkai said to himself.

 

“Wow, you’re even more organized than me. That’s scary.”  Angelina laughed and started packing her stuff.

 

“If you’re going to bring some girl stuff then keep it in your bag. Oh, we’re going to have to stop by a store before we leave. We need walkie talkies.” Malkai said as he walked out of Angelina’s room and closed the door. He started rummaging threw a closet when it suddenly struck him.

 

“What the hell?” Malkai said as he got up and slammed the door open to Angelina’s room.

 

Malkai had a strange feeling suddenly submerge threw his entire body. It was like a shockwave but there was no pain. It was like an alert.

 

When Malkai slammed the door open, he saw that Angelina was frozen in place.

 

“Lina! Are you okay? What’s happening? Is this a reaction to an Element?” Malkai kneeled down near his sister and put his hands on her shoulders to steady him self and her.

 

“Alexandria, she’s calling me. She’s saying…” Angelina paused for a moment. She looked like she was listening intently to someone.

 

“Come on, tell me Angelina.” Malkai urged.

 

“Uh, someone’s near, I can feel that but… Alexandria says… that the Element is moving fast. It’s, Dark. We need to catch him.” Angelina instantly got up and Malkai jolted towards the front door.

 

“Can you sense which way the Dark is?” Malkai asked as they both ran out of the house.

 

“Yeah, it’s this way!” Angelina ran towards a wire fence that she instinctively jumped.

 

Malkai just decided to run around it.

 

“You’re really good at jumping fences! That worries me!” Malkai laughed and they both kept on running.

 

“Yeah well, Dark seems to be good at this kind of stuff too. This guy can really run fast! I think he’s getting chased or something.” Angelina said between pants.

 

“Yeah smart one, we’re chasing him.” Malkai snorted to prove his point.

 

“No, you idiot, I meant someone was chasing him before we started chasing him. Alexandria said he was moving fast. So maybe something’s wrong.” Angelina was always the type to think about different scenarios and different points of view. Even though she’s headstrong, she’s good at thinking when it comes down to it.

 

“Wow, okay that’s weird. I think we’re going to have to take a shortcut Lina. Think you could give us a lift?” Malkai looked at his sister while they kept on running.

 

“Don’t you think it would be bad if someone saw us riding a huge title wave on land in broad daylight?” Angelina shook her head.

 

“Oh, right…” Malkai was trying to think of some other way they could catch up to dark,

 

“Hey guys. Looks like we’re on a wild goose chase huh? Wanna lift?” Norrel came out of no where, floating right beside the running twins.

 

“Hell yeah we could use a lift!” Malkai exclaimed as he was suddenly lifted in the air and moving faster.

 

“Hey, me too if you don’t mind!” Angelina said as she staggered to keep up with the two boys.

 

“Of course my lady. Here we go!” Angelina was soon in the air with the other boys.

 

Norrel waved his hand forward and they all went faster.

 

“This is pretty fun man.” Malkai said.

 

“I hope no one sees us!” Angelina said.

 

“Yeah well I think that who ever we’re chasing after has someone else on his tail. Oh look, police is chasing our friend.” Norrel gestured towards the people in front of them. They were well above the ground so that they were over roof tops. They wouldn’t be seen but they could see everything below them.

 

There was a dark blue haired boy. His hair was such a dark blue that it looked almost black. There was an officer in uniform chasing after him threw fences and bushes.

 

“I think our new friend had done something bad.” Norrel said as he started lowering everyone down.

 

“Really you don’t say? Thanks for stating the obvious Norrel.” Angelina said as she walked towards the two men.

 

The police officer had Dark pinned down on the floor. Dark was struggling on the floor.

 

“Excuse me officer, that boy is my cousin. Can you tell me what he did?” Angelina said as she approached the two.

 

“Yes of course, he stole a bottle of liquor from the near by corner store. He dropped it on the ground and broke it while I was chasing him. I tell you, he’s a fast one.” The police officer responded.

 

“How much did the liquor cost officer?” Angelina asked him politely. She was pretty good at role playing.

 

“About $23.” The officer said.

 

“Alright well if I pay for it and promise that he won’t do this again will you let him off?” Angelina turned around quickly and reached into her shirt and pulled out her wallet that was wrapped in cloth.

 

She pulled out a twenty dollar bill and a five.

 

“Here you go. Please release him now.” Angelina said as she handed the police man the money.

 

“Alright miss. Thank you very much. Keep him out of trouble.” The officer said as he walked away to his patrol car.

 

“Well do sir.” Angelina responded and as put the wallet in her shirt again.

 

Dark got up from the ground and dusted himself off.

 

“Thanks girl but I didn’t need your help. But since you’re pretty hot, let me repay you with a little something.” Dark said as he walked over to Angelina with a smile on his face.

 

“Thanks but no thanks boy. You’re coming with us.” Malkai suddenly appeared behind Angelina and pushed her behind him. Norrel appeared by Malkai’s side.

 

“I’m coming with you guys? I don’t think so.” Dark said as he suddenly walked over to the side of a nearby house.

 

“No! Malkai don’t let him step into the shadows!” Angelina yelled, but it was too late.

 

Dark was suddenly out of site. He merged with the shadows and could now manipulate them to his liking.

 

“Why didn’t you warm us earlier Lina!?!” Malkai said as he stood in front of her while Norrel stood behind her.

 

“Well between chasing him down and having to listen to Alexandria in my head THERE WAS NO DAMN TIME!” Angelina screamed. “You really don’t need to get so close to me. I can protect myself perfectly fine. Worry about yourselves. Don’t get caught by a shadow. You won’t be able to move.” Angelina said quickly.

 

“Good. Then we’ll just have to see what happens.” Norrel said. “Or I can just lift us out of here.” He suggested.

 

“No, we have to get him. If we don’t we won’t have any idea where he’ll end up.” Malkai said as his eyes scanned all around him.

 

“Oh right, good point.” Norrel said.

 

“You know what; I’ll just flood this place a little. He won’t be able to stand it long.” Angelina suddenly said.

 

Malkai waited for a moment and scanned the streets and houses.

“It doesn’t look like anyone’s around right now. Don’t flood it too high. Go Angelina.” Malkai whispered to her.

 

“Alright then, Norrel lift us two feet off the ground.” Angelina ordered.

 

“Will do miss.” Norrel replied.

 

Soon, the three were floating again.

 

*Swoosh, Splash*

 

The ground felt cold under them as the green grassed turned into blue ocean waters. The air was suddenly filled with the scent on salt water.

 

The waters flooded the area all around the three Elements. Malkai’s eyes searched the waters for any bubbling and any signs of movement.

 

“Let me down Norrel.” Angelina told him. Norrel did as he was told and let Angelina down.

 

As soon as she stepped on the water, she didn’t sink. Her feet stayed above the waters and she was walking them like she was on a regular marble floor. The waters were still but when she stepped, there would be ripples under her feet.

 

“He’ll come out soon. Something’s moving in the water.” Angelina said. Norrel followed Angelina from above with Malkai. “I think I’m going to go in. He seems persistent. I’ll just drag him out.” Angelina said. She didn’t wait for a reply from the other two; she just jumped right into the water.

 

“One minute she’s floating on the water, the next minute she’s swimming under it. You’re sister is like a mermaid or something.” Norrel said to Malkai.

 

“She’s definitely not a mermaid. She’s more like a fish.” Malkai joked.

 

Meanwhile, Angelina was underwater, searching for Dark.

 

Then, she saw him.

Dark was near one of the fences and trying to slip through it. Angelina swam with ease over to him. When Angelina was underwater, she could see clearly and breathe with no problems. Another thing is, she can read the minds of whoever is underwater with her.

 

“F**K! I’m stuck. I’m going to get caught by that girl and her dorks. Damn it!” Those were the words going threw Dark’s mind.

 

“Dark Element, I’ll help you if you promise to come with us and listen to what we have to say.” Angelina could also talk regularly underwater.

 

Dark tried to open his mouth to speak but then he closed to shut quickly.

 

“Don’t try to talk. I can hear what you’re saying in your mind. If you want to get out then come with me.” Angelina extended her hand to Dark.

 

“What are you guys going to do with me? I…” Dark hesitated to take Angelina’s hand. But he did.

 

*Swoosh, Splash*

 

The water disappeared instantly when Dark’s hand touched Angelina’s.

 

“Can you please get me out of the fence now?” Dark asked Angelina.

 

“Of course.” She replied.

 

Dark’s pant leg was caught in a loose nail in the fence. Angelina ripped that part of his pants and then Dark was loose.

 

“Thanks.” He said as Angelina helped him up. “I thought you were going to let me die drowning.” Dark said as he inhaled a big helping of air and exhaled thankfully.

 

“Yeah, sorry about that. I thought you were going to run a way on the Shadow Express.” Angelina smiled and walked to where Malkai and Norrel were now standing.

 

“He’s coming with us.” Angelina said proudly.

 

“That’s great. Now let go of his hand Angelina.” Malkai said with an irritated smile on his face.

 

Angelina and Dark both looked down at their linked hands. Angelina quickly released her hand and put it behind her back and Dark put his in his pocket.

 

“Sorry about that.” Angelina whispered to Dark as they walked in front of Malkai and Norrel.

 

“No problem.” Dark whispered back.

 

“We’re going to Norrel’s house first. He’s going to stay at our place tonight. He already packed his things and told him mom.” Malkai said,

 

“Yeah and she wasn’t too happy about it. She cried a little but she understands what we have to do.” Norrel whispered.

 

“Sorry about this Norrel.” Malkai said to him.

 

“It’s alright. I just feel bad for my mom. She’ll be all alone.”

 

When they all got to Norrel’s house, Norrel got his things and said his goodbyes to his mom. She wished them all luck and they went on to Malkai and Angelina’s house.

 

“When we get there, you’re going to tell us what the hell you were doing stealing liquor.” Malkai said to Dark.

 

“Whatever.” Dark didn’t look at anyone the whole way there. He didn’t speak either.

 

Angelina walked up the stairs to their house and opened the door and let everyone inside.

 

“Everyone go to the living room please.” Angelina said as she closed the door and locked it.

“Now spill it Dark. Who are you and why were you stealing liquor?” Malkai said as everyone sat down in the living room.

 

“Calm down Malkai. We just got here. We can talk later. I’m sure everyone’s hungry.” Angelina said as she went into the kitchen.

 

“You’re so nice Lina!” Norrel called to her.

 

“No one ever said you were getting anything to eat. Calm your nerves man.” Angelina said as she laughed.

 

It was silent for a moment and then Dark started speaking.

 

“I don’t like you guys calling me Dark. I’m fifteen and my real name is Akira. I’ve never met my real parents. I ran away from my foster home when I was twelve. I’ve been by myself ever since. I think I was abandoned by my real parents because of my ability. My foster parents never knew about it. I was stealing liquor because… well I’ll just tell you the truth, I like alcohol. I just wanted a drink to get my mind off things but I’m flat out broke. I’m trying to find a job but no one will take a fifteen year old.” Akira paused and looked at everyone’s faces.

 

“Akira… I’m so sorry. I…” Angelina walked out of the kitchen and sat next to Akira on the couch. She put her hand on his.

 

“Alright Angelina we get your sympathy but stop touching the boy. Jeez.” Malkai muttered as he got up and went to the kitchen.

 

“Man, you’ve been through some real s**t.” Norrel said as he followed Malkai into the kitchen.

 

“I don’t need your sympathy. But, what are you guys? I didn’t know there were others like me.” Akira looked at Angelina.

 

“Well, as you obviously know, you’re the Element of Darkness. And you know by experience that I’m the Water Element. Malkai is Fire and Norrel is Wind. We have to find two more people. Thing is, we have no idea where in the world they are. But, when one of the Elements is around, I can sense it. We have to find the Earth and Light Elements. We need your help to find them. In my dreams, there is a woman named Alexandria. She is The Spirit. She’s the guardian of the elements. She helps us when she can. She’s the one who told me you were near us.” Angelina got up and led Akira to the kitchen.

 

*Glug, glug*

 

“Malkai! What the hell?!?” Angelina snatched up the bottle of beer from her brother’s hands and immediately poured it down the sink.

 

“I was just taking a sip. This is just too much. Damn, just because we’re fourteen doesn’t mean I can’t have a sip every once in a while.” Malkai rolled his eyes and then went back into the fridge.

 

“You’re so obnoxious lately.” Angelina went over to her brother and stared at his face. “You… again?” Angelina grabbed her brother’s arm and pulled him out from the fridge. She grabbed both of his shoulders and made him face her.

 

“Yeah… again” Malkai muttered without looking at her.

 

“I’m so sorry Malkai. I didn’t know. Are you alright?” Angelina hugged her brother and then rubbed his cheek.

 

“Hey, enough with the incest, you’re creeping me out.” Norrel said as he went passed them and into the fridge. He pulled out a juice box and started sipping on it.

 

“It’s nor incest you weirdo. It’s a sister trying to comfort her older brother.” Angelina flicked Norrel on the back of his head.

 

“So you guys are all fourteen? Cool, I’m the oldest.” Akira suddenly said.

 

“Don’t get too full of yourself.” Malkai muttered as he went to his room. “I’m sleeping first.” He said as he closed his door and locked it.

 

“Sorry about that, he’s… not feeling well. Anyway, I’ve got to tell you about what’s going to be happening tomorrow.” Angelina gestured Akira to follow her into the living room. Norrel followed along too. “To make sure you guys aren’t going to do anything inappropriate” he said.

 

“Wow, so we’re off on a trip tomorrow. Great.” Akira said. He laid on one of the couches while Angelina sat beside him on the floor. Norrel was lying on the floor in front of the TV.

 

“Yeah, sorry you only get to rest up for tonight. But Akira, where would you sleep at night when you ran away?” Angelina looked at Akira and examined his face.

 

“Well, I slept in the shadows.” Akira replied. He had a lonely look on his face but he quickly changed it into a grin. He didn’t want anyone to realize his pain. “Since this will be my first night resting up, you wanna stay here and sleep with me tonight?” Akira’s grin grew larger when Angelina got up and sat next to him on the couch.

 

“Sorry but I don’t roll that way honey.” Angelina laughed softly and then yawned.

 

“Looks like its past your bedtime Lina.” Norrel said to her.

 

“Whatever Norrel. You get to sleep too. I told your mom I would watch you.” Angelina smirked at Norrel.

 

“That’s not funny. I’m the older one!” Norrel grabbed a small pillow and threw it at Angelina.

 

She quickly avoided it but it ended up hitting Akira in the face.

 

“Nice move you blockhead!” Akira grabbed the pillow in his hand and threw it back to Norrel with a lot of force.

 

“Calm down you monkies. I’m going to bed. Goodnight Norrel. Goodnight Akira.” Angelina got up and started walking away.

 

“Wait! Do you have to go?” Akira asked her.

 

“I’m not sleeping in the same room as you guys. Please, do you think I’m stupid?” Angelina laughed and then went into her room.

 

“She’s so mean.” Norrel and Akira said at the same time.

 

Two hours later

 

Angelina opened the door to her room and walked over to Malkai’s room. She lightly knocked on the door.

 

The door opened a crack and Angelina slipped inside and locked the door.

 

“Malkai, are you sleeping yet?” Angelina whispered.

 

“No, I’ve just been lying in bed and listening to you guys.” Malkai said.

 

Then, there was a small flame that illuminated the room.

 

“Thanks for the light.” Angelina said as she walked over to Malkai’s bed. “Are you alright now? You dreamed about it again? I’m so sorry you have to remember all of that. I’m so sorry Malkai…” Angelina lay by her brother’s side and stroked his face.

 

“No, it’s alright. I… just don’t want to see it anymore. I don’t want to remember anything. I don’t…”

 

“Malkai, shhh, its okay. You don’t have to remember. It’s okay Malkai. I’m here for you. We’re all we have left. Each other. We’re twins but you suffer it all alone. I’m sorry I can’t remember anything from that day.” Angelina closed her eyes and put her arm around Malkai.

 

“I don’t blame you for not remembering. I know you blocked it out of your memory. It’s better if you don’t remember. I just wish I could have blocked it. I wish.” Malkai whispered to Angelina.

 

“Yes, but wishes are wishes, you have to do something about them to make them come true.” Angelina whispered back.

 

“Sad thing is I don’t know what to do Lina. Lina, my one and only baby twin sister. I’m so glad I still have you by my side.” Malkai rubbed the top of Angelina’s head.

 

Both of them said nothing for a long time.

 

“It wasn’t your fault that mom and dad died Malkai. It really wasn’t, I really believe that.” Angelina barely whispered the words. It sounded so small.

 

“No Lina. You’re wrong. It was my fault. I remember it. You don’t, please don’t feed me lies.” Malkai tried to hide the hurt in his voice so he whispered the words, hoping Angelina couldn’t hear his heart beating as fast as a jack rabbit.

 

“No, you’re the one that’s wrong…”

 

Angelina was soon asleep in Malkai’s arms. He kissed her forehead and closed his eyes.

 

“Goodnight my precious Elements. I will protect you how I can. You must choose your paths wisely and make choices you think are right. Believe in yourselves and you will accomplish what was meant for you.”

 

The Next Morning

 

*Bang, bang, bang*

 

“Malkai! I can’t find Angelina! She’s not in her room!” Norrel’s voice rang threw the house. He was becoming frantic,

 

“Damn it Norrel!” Malkai yelled ad he swung the door open.

 

“Mmff…what’s going on?” Angelina muttered as she sat up and rubbed her eyes.

 

“MALKAI!!! WHY IS ANGELINA IN YOUR BED?!? WHAT KIND OD BROTHER ARE YOU?!? WHAT DIRTY THINGS HAVE YOU GUYS BEEN DOING BEHIND MY BACK?!?” Norrel looked like he might have a heart attack and die.

 

“Norrel… shut the f**k up. Do you know how f*****g early it is? Do you want me to smash your head into a wall?” Akira walked into Malkai’s room while scratching his head and yawning. “They didn’t do bad stuff. Seriously.” Akira walked towards Angelina and grabbed her wrist. He flipped her hand over so he could see her palms. “Yeah, hey didn’t do nothing last night. Stop jumping to conclusions. I should tape you under a car and drive it into a damn river. So loud in the morning!” Akira let go of Angelina’s hand and walked out of the room and into the bathroom.

 

“So you guys really didn’t do anything incesty?” Norrel had a tired look on his face.

 

“You’re such an idiot.” The twins responded together.

 

“Oh…” Norrel laughed nervously and walked out of Malkai’s room.

 

“Malkai… why the hell are you friends with such an idiot?” Angelina asked as she got up and walked out of Malkai’s room.

 

“Because… I really have no idea either.” Malkai laughed and Angelina went into her room and locked the door.

 

“That was a wonderful start to the morning.” Malkai muttered as he closed the door to his own room.

 

Akira was taking a shower and thinking about whether he should stay with Angelina’s group or not.

 

*Shhhh*

 

“If I stay with them then I’ll have to be with them all day everyday. I don’t mind being with Angelina but her brother looks like he could choke me to death at any second. That Norrel guy is okay. He’s a real idiot though…”  Akira rinsed his hair and turned off the shower but still stood there for a moment. “If I don’t stay with them… something might go horribly wrong. I don’t want it to be my fault. I don’t want anything bad to happen to Angelina either… I guess that leaves me at one choice. I’m staying with the hot girl, her killer brother, and the ape idiot. Yay.” Akira got out and dressed himself.

 

“We’re leaving today everyone so make sure you have what you nee. WE have to make a couple stops before we go. Come on, we only have an hour.” Angelina said as she walked past Akira and into the bathroom. She locked the door and then the sound of the show running filled the house.

 

“She’s a real slave driver.” Norrel said as he went into the kitchen. He grabbed a glass from the cupboard and filled it with orange juice.

 

“Yeah, she’s always been like that unfortunately. You’ll get used to it.” Malkai smiled and then went into his room to get a comb.

 

“So am I the only one who thinks this s**t is complete bull?” Akira asked as he grabbed a towel and started drying his dark-as-night blue hair.

 

“It doesn’t really matter what you think. But I agree. It is messed up but we have to do this. Even though I have no idea what we’re doing.” Malkai said. He walked to the bathroom and knocked on the door. “Come on Lina hurry up! Just because you’re Water doesn’t mean you need it like a fish does. Don’t use all the hot water.” Malkai knocked on the door.

 

“Shut up Malkai! Damn it leave me alone. I’m a girl I take longer than you smelly boys to beautify myself!” Angelina screamed from inside the bathroom. Norrel snickered and Akira cracked a smile.

 

“Who the hell do you have to get beautified for? If you’re going to make yourself pretty you might take a year in there! I’m going to torch your a*s if you don’t get out right now little girl.” Malkai threatened.

 

Then suddenly the shower stopped running and the bathroom door swung open with so much force that there was a huge gust of wind as Angelina stepped out, fully dressed but her hair still soaking wet.

 

 

 

“You’re going to torch me? Not before I drown you in the sink big brother. I’m going to filly our lungs with water if you make another crack about my Water. Even after what I did for you last night! YOU”RE SO IGNORANT!” Angelina shot a death glare at her brother and marched into her room. She slammed the door so hard that the house shook a little.

 

“Damn… I was kidding…” Malkai muttered to himself.

 

“Wha- What did she do for you last night?!?” Norrel stared wide eyed at Malkai.

 

“NOTHING!!!!!! IT WASN’T WHAT YOU’RE THINKING!” Malkai stomped into the bathroom and slammed the door.

 

“This is a lively morning. Definitely not what I’m used to.” Akira laughed and then went into the living room.

 

Meanwhile, Angelina was in her room, packing up the last of her stuff. She packed three towels, band-aids, all the medicine they had in the bathroom, flashlights and 12 batteries, and finally, blankets.

 

“Wow, that’s a lot of stuff.” Angelina said as she opened the door to her room and dragged out the three backpacks full of supplies.

 

“Jeez, what’ all that stuff?” Malkai asked as he came out of the bathroom.

 

“One backpack is my cloths and other things I need and the other two are supplies and some food.” She replied.

 

“Let me take those for you.” Akira said as he took the three backpacks and brought them to the living room.

 

“Thanks…” Angelina said as she watched Akira walk to the living room.

 

“Stop staring at the boy Angelina!” Malkai huffed. He went into the living room and started going threw the backpacks.

 

“Malkai don’t open the red bag it’s mine. “ Angelina said as she went into the kitchen.

 

“Yeah, sure, whatever” Malkai muttered.

 

“So we’re going to the store before we leave right?” Norrel asked.

 

“Yeah, we’ve got to pick up some supplies. Hey, go get the cooler in the closet.” Malkai gestured towards the closet and Norrel went to go get the cooler.

 

“Why do we need to bring a cooler? Lina is our portable water machine and cooler.” Norrel smiled and then…

 

*WHAM, SPLASH*

 

“AH WHAT THE HELL?!?”

 

“Stop talking about me like I’m not here. You’re so stupid.” Angelina rolled her eyes and threw a dish rag at Norrel’s head.

 

“That wasn’t funny! You got water in my ear!” While Norrel continued winning, Malkai was on the floor laughing and Akira was laughing it up too.

 

Angelina had sent a Water Ball right from the kitchen straight to the side of Norrel’s head. Beautiful shot.

 

“Alright, is everything’s set, let’s get going.” Angelina said. She walked into the living room with jeans on and a sea green tank top on. Her hair was up in a high pony tail and she was wearing her favorite blue and green sneakers. Around her neck was a necklace from her mother. Like Malkai’s, her necklace had a stone on it with the colors of the deep blue sea.

 

“Okay make sure you guys haven’t forgotten anything.” Malkai said as he went to the front door and put on his sneakers.

 

Norrel grabbed his backpack and one of the supply bags. Akira grabbed Angelina’s bag and the other supply bag. Angelina handed her brother’s bag to him and they left the house.

 

“You don’t have to carry my bag Akira. I can carry it.” Angelina said as the started down the street.

 

“Pretty girls shouldn’t be allowed to do heavy lifting.” Akira said with a smile.

 

“Back off man” Malkai suddenly appeared between Angelina and Akira. He stayed between them the whole way to the Everything Market.

 

At the Everything Market

 

“Angelina go and get some food. Norrel you can go get some matches and walkie talkies. Make sure to get six. Akira… go and get sun block and any kind of medication we don’t have yet.” Malkai said as they entered the store.

 

“Alright then” Angelina replied.

 

“Sure” Norrel replied.

 

Akira just walked off without a word.

 

Fifteen minutes later, Angelina and Norrel returned with their supplies.

 

“Good job. Where’s Akira?” Malkai asked.

 

“I don’t know…” Angelina said.

 

“Uh, maybe he went to go bleed the lizard.” Norrel suggested.

 

“I doubt it.” Malkai said.

 

“Should I send a gust of wind around the store to see if he’s still here?” Norrel asked excitedly.

 

“Yeah go ahead.” Malkai huffed. He sighed and then Norrel sent a huge gust of wind around the whole store.

 

“Damn it. He’s not here anymore.” Norrel said with a pissed expression on his face.

 

“What the hell’s wrong with they boy? I thought he was going with us.” Angelina said. She just kept staring at the ground.

 

“I’m going to wring his neck out. That punk S.O.B.” Malkai’s face turned solid as he went to go get the medical supplies and paid for everything.

 

Once they were finished purchasing all of their necessities, Malkai led all of them out of the store.

 

“Can you sense him anywhere Lina?” Malkai asked.

 

“No, I think I can only sense an Element when I haven’t met them yet. I’m not of any use right now.” Angelina was still staring at the ground.

 

“Crap!” Malkai cursed under hid breath.

 

“I think he’ll find us… later…” Angelina whispered.

 

“Angelina… you know something don’t you. Tell me now!” Malkai walked to his little sister and stared at her face.

 

Angelina could feel her brother’s stare burning a hole in her skin. She finally looked up at his face.

 

“Akira is helping us. He went to get some stuff that we’ll need. He said to go on before him; he already has something for us. He said he’d catch up.” Angelina pointed towards a black mini van.

 

“What the fuhk?” Malkai asked with a questioning tone.

 

“This is awesome! He got us a car! Too bad it isn’t a sports car but YAY!” Norrel ran to it and tried to open the door.

“I have the keys doofus.” Angelina said as she reached into her pocket and turned on the car with the automatic starter.

 

“I want to wring that guy’s neck but this will help us so much. Tell him I said thanks you. I’m not saying it to him myself.” Malkai muttered to Angelina.

 

“So, do any of us know how to drive?” Angelina asked with hopefulness in her voice.

 

“Hell nah I don’t even know how to ride a bike. No, I’m kidding.” Norrel said as he jumped into the driver’s seat.

 

“Hell no I’m not letting you drive. You might kill us all!” Malkai yelled as he pushed Norrel out of the driver’s seat.

 

“Malkai, you don’t know how to drive either.” Angelina reminded him.

 

“Yeah but would you rather me or the idiot monkey driving?” Malkai asked her with a cocky tone.

 

“Alright, point taken.” She said as she got into the back seat.

 

“So how many hoes this thing seat?” Norrel asked.

 

“Looks like eight.” Angelina replied.

 

Norrel took all of their bags and put them in the trunk.

 

“Oh yeah, here’s something from Akira. I think he’s smarter than we give him credit for.” Angelina said as she reached into her shirt and pulled out two cards.

 

“Damn, when the hell did he do this? And Angelina, I forgot to mention this to you before, seriously, between your breasts?” Malkai’s faced scrunched up as he shuddered.

 

“It’s a safe place for all my stuff. Calm down would you.” Angelina rolled her eyes.

“Whoa, fake licenses. Akira is so amazing.” Norrel said while gawking at Malkai’s and Akira’s licenses. “How come it’s just Malkai and Akira? How come I don’t get one!?!” Norrel wined.

 

“Because even in the short time that Akira has known you, he probably already knows that you’re extremely retarded and incapable of doing anything right.” Angelina said with a mocking smile on her face.

 

“That’s mean Lina.” Norrel made a puppy dog pout and then got into the passenger’s seat.

 

“So I guess we’re going now.” Malkai said.

 

“Here we go, put on your seat belts boys.” Angelina warned.

 

*Vroom, Vroom*

 

The car started and Malkai stepped on the pedal slowly.

 

“Whoo, we’re moving. This isn’t so bad.” Malkai whispered.

 

“Why are you whispering?” Angelina asked.

 

“Because I feel like if a make a loud noise or any sudden move that I could send us all into a fire pit of “Oh no the car exploded!” Malkai whispered, again.

 

“Just get on it Malkai. It’s alright. You can do it.” Angelina urged.

 

“Alright I can do this.” Malkai said in a regular voice.

 

Soon they were moving at a regular sped and driving down the road.

 

“Where do you think we should go first?” Malkai asked.

 

“Let’s go to the next town.” Angelina suggested.

 

“So to, Brenten we go.” Norrel said. He opened the radio and unfortunately, one of his favorite songs was on.

 

“OH! I believe in a thing call love!

Just listen to the rhythm of my heart!

There’s a chance we can make it now!” Norrel started screeching or, singing he called it, at the top of his damn lungs.

 

“SHUT UP! SHUT UP, SHUT UP, SHUT THE FUHK UP NORREL!” Angelina sent a small bubble right into Norrel’s mouth.

 

*Cough, cough*

 

“Are you trying to kill me Angelina?!?” Norrel screamed.

 

“If that would stop you from screeching then, YES I WAS!” Angelina screamed back.

 

“Both of you settle down. It’ll be dark soon. We’re been driving for an hour if you haven’t noticed.” Malkai stated.

 

“So what are we going to do when we get to the next town?” Norrel asked.

 

“Park at the side of a road of course. Akira will find us easily that way.” Angelina said.

 

“Alright then, we’re almost there, just half an hour more.” Malkai said.

 

“Can you please turn the radio to a different station?” Angelina begged.

 

“Alright fine” Norrel said reluctantly.

 

Soon, Norrel fell asleep. But it was horrible.

 

“Damn! Even when he sleeps he’s annoying! He sounds like a cow on drugs!” Angelina complained. As soon as Norrel’s eyes closed, he started snoring, LOUDLY.

 

“Sorry Angelina. Just go to sleep.” Malkai tried to calm her down. He’s been growing up with her and he knows how she doesn’t like to be in one place for too long. She’s just like the ocean waves, always moving, forever changing.

 

“Hmm…” Angelina was dozing off.

 

“Goodnight sister.” Malkai whispered as Angelina’s eyes closed and she fell asleep.

 

Ten minutes later, they reached Brenten.

 

It was already 11:23. Malkai made sure that all the doors were locked and parked on the side of a road. Cars pasted by them in a blur. Malkai left the radio on and hummed to the songs he knew.

 

Malkai watched Angelina roll around in the backseat. She moved a lot when she slept.

 

Suddenly, Angelina’s eyes fluttered open.

 

“Did I wake you up Lina?” Malkai whispered.

 

Angelina sat up and looked around

 

“No, I just… never mind.” Angelina said.

 

*Tap, tap*

 

Malkai and Angelina instantly looked over to the back seat window.

 

“Oh… Akira, you’re back.” Angelina whispered as she unlocked the door and let him in the car.

 

“Yeah, I’m back. Sorry to keep you waiting.” He said as he scooted next to Angelina and closed the door and locked it.

 

“It’s okay, but you have a lot of explaining to do.” Malkai stared at Akira and said the words with an emotionless tone.

“I thought I was supposed to bet he older one. Aren’t I the one supposed to ask the questions?” Akira smiled and Angelina did too.

 

“I want answers Akira. Stop avoiding the subject.” Malkai said.

 

“Calm down Malkai. Just answer him Akira.” Angelina said as she reached over to the trunk to grab something,

 

“Well, I guess you want to know about the car first. It’s just something an old acquaintance wrangled up for me. He owed me a favor. And the fake licenses… are also from an old friend. I have met a lot of strange but helpful people on my journey.” Akira smiled and then continued. “I made those last night. And where was I? I was getting us some stuff.” Akira grabbed a small backpack from behind his back and opened it.

 

“Wow, you’re smart.” Angelina praised.

 

“Okay, good explanations. Those are some herbal remedies?” Malkai asked, picking up a plant and sniffing it.

 

“That one’s good for burns.” Akira informed.

 

“Good job Akira.” Angelina said.

 

“So how do you know all this stuff?” Malkai asked.

 

“I’m darkness; let some of my mysteries remain mysteries.” Akira replied. He put the backpack into the trunk with the others and laid back on the seat.

 

“Oh no, I’m not letting you stay in the back with my baby sister. You’re the oldest, you’re driving.” Malkai said as he opened the driver door and got out.

 

“Damn, your brother’s sharp.”  Akira joked.

 

“It’s okay he’s useful at some points.” Angelina joked back.

 

So now, Akira was driving and Malkai was in the back seat with his “baby sister”.

“You’re a real buzz kill Malkai.” Angelina muttered as she leaned her head on the window and stared outside.

 

“And that’s fine with me.” Malkai muttered back.

 

Twenty-two minutes later, Akira pulled over into a parking lot.

 

“We’re stopping?” Angelina whispered.

 

“I thought you were sleeping little girl.” Akira whispered back.

 

“You thought wrong.” Angelina sat up and put her arms on the side of the driver’s head rest.

 

“We’re stopping for tonight. Even though I’m Darkness, I still need to sleep.” Akira said.

 

“Good point” Angelina smiled ad grabbed something from u under her seat.

 

“What’s that?” Akira asked her.

 

“You’ll see.” She replied as she covered Akira’s eyes with one of her hands.

 

Then, Akira felt something in his hair.

 

“Angelina, what is that?” Akira asked quickly.

 

“Don’t worry.” Angelina said as she took her hand off of Akira’s eyes. “Leave it on for a while please! Let me take one picture and then you can take it off!” Angelina pleaded.

 

“I’m not you’re doll Angelina. But fine.” Akira muttered.

 

*Click, Flash*

 

Angelina took a picture of the bright red ribbon in Akira’s dark-as-night blue hair.

 

“Are you satisfied?” Akira asked.

 

“Completely.”  Angelina smiled and untied the red ribbon.

 

“Thank you!” Akira chuckled softly and then turned around in the driver’s seat.

 

“Here, I also picked this up for you when I got the herbs.” Akira reached into his pocket and pulled out a midnight blue flower that had streaks of lavender on its petals.

 

“It’s so beautiful.” Angelina gawked at it and then took it out of Akira’s hands. Angelina smells it. “It’s sent is so sweet. Thank you so much Akira.” Angelina smiled at his and he took the flower out of her hand gently.

 

“It’ll look better like this.” He said as he brushed her hair behind her ear and places the flower there.

 

“Go back to sleep. I’m going to sleep too.” Akira turned back around and pulled the seat down so that he could lie down.

 

“Here’s a blanket.” Angelina went to the trunk and grabbed four blankets. She gave one to Akira and covered Norrel with one. She then placed on one Malkai and she snuggled herself with one too.

 

“Goodnight Angelina.” Akira whispered to her.

 

“Call me Lina. Goodnight Akira.” Angelina sighed happily and closed her eyes.

 

“Hm, Lina huh? Cute.” Akira whispered to himself as he closed his eyes.

 

The Next Morning

 

“Come one wake up boys. It’s already 9:00!” Angelina grabbed the blankets off of all the boys and watched as they started shivering and looking for their blankets.

 

“Uh… Lina… let me sleep longer…” Malkai barely managed to say the words.

“You guys are so damn lazy!” Angelina said as a smirk appeared on her face. “Alright, then this’ll be a nice alarm clock for you this morning boys. Hope you enjoy it.” Angelina said.

 

*Splat, Splash*

 

“Holy mother of all winds above!” Norrel shouted as he shot up in the passenger side seat.

 

“AH! Angelina what’s wrong with you!?!” Malkai screeched as he whipped his face with the back of his hand.

 

“Uhhgg… this isn’t what I expected for a morning alarm clock form you Lina.” Akira sat up and looked ready to punch someone. Naturally, he punched Norrel in the arm.

 

“What the hell was that for?!?” Norrel screamed.

 

“I felt like hitting someone. I’m sure as hell not hitting Angelina. I wouldn’t want to anyway. Besides, you’re closer.” Akira said.

 

“Alright now that we’re all awake, let’s get something to eat. Alexandria contacted me last night and said we’re going in the right direction.” Angelina said as she put on a light sweater and brushed her hair quickly and jumped out of the car.

 

“She’s freaking crazy!” Malkai grumbled.

 

“She’s related to you buddy.” Norrel said as he opened the door and got out of the car.

 

“Let’s go man.” Akira said as he stepped out of the car.

 

“Uhhgg!!! This sucks a*s!” Malkai muttered as he reluctantly opened the door and slammed it shut.

 

“So where are we going for breakfast?” Norrel asked. He looked really hungry.

“Lucky for us, Akira parked in front of a diner.” Angelina said as she walked into the 80’s looking dinner.

 

“What can I do for you sweeties today?” A woman in her forties asked the Element when they sat down at a booth.

 

“I’ll take waffles with syrup and strawberries and some OJ.” Angelina said.

 

“I’ll take the same thing but with blueberries instead.” Malkai said.

 

“I’ll have an omelet with some coffee. Can you make mine dark please?” Akira asked the woman.

 

“Sure honey. And what about you?” The woman turned to Norrel.

 

“Uh, pancakes with whipped cream and heavy on the syrup. I’ve had a rough morning.” Norrel smiled and the woman walked away.

 

“Rough morning huh? I wonder who could’ve caused that.” Malkai said. All of the boys pinned their eyes on Angelina.’

 

“Hey! Don’t grill me! It’s your faults for being so damn lazy.” Angelina said as she started playing with a straw. She put it in her mouth and started chewing on it.

 

“Angelina, you look like a horse chewing on a piece of straw. Stop it.” Malkai snatched the straw out of Angelina’s mouth and threw it in the trash.

 

“You’re so easily irritated in the morning.” Angelina laughed and then the woman came back with four plates for them.

 

“Enjoy sweeties. It’s on the house; you guys are all so young. Be careful out there.” The woman said as she walked away.

 

“Wow, lucky us” Norrel said as he dug into his pancakes.

 

Angelina ate the strawberries on top of her waffles slowly. Malkai took giant bites of his waffles. Akira just sipped on his dark coffee.

“This is good.” Angelina said absent mindedly. She wasn’t looking at anything. Her expression was blank as she ate her strawberries.

 

“Hello?  Is there anything still in there?” Akira waved a hand in front of Angelina’s face.

 

She didn’t even blink.

 

“Eat fast. Hurry up. I’ve got something.” Angelina suddenly said. She rushed the words so fast the guys could barely understand it.

 

The boys didn’t wait to finish eating. Norrel left five dollars on the table and Malkai and Akira carried Angelina out of the diner. She wasn’t moving right then.

 

They rushed out of the diner and put Angelina in the passenger seat of the car. Akira got behind the wheel and Malkai and Norrel got in the backseats.

 

“Angelina tell us what you hear.” Malkai said in a calm voice. Akira started the car and started driving down the highway.

 

“Is this normal?” Akira asked. A hint of worry laced his voice.

 

“This is what happens when she senses another Element and when Alexandria contacts her.” Malkai explained.

 

“It’s the Earth Element. She’s not far. The next town. We have to get there fast. She’s in a theater.” Angelina said. She rushed all her words together.

 

“Alright good. You heard her Akira. To the next town.” Malkai ordered.

 

Angelina sighed and then slumped in the passenger’s seat.

 

“That communication stuff always freaks me out.” Norrel said.

 

“Say you. I’m the one who’s’ the walkie talkie between us and a damn spirit.” Angelina muttered.

 

“Are you alright Lina?” Akira asked. He watched the rode but he put a hand on her forehead.

 

“She’s fine.” Malkai said as he slapped Akira’s hand away from Angelina.

 

It was silent for a long time.

 

Angelina reached for the radio and turned it on.

 

“Oh crap. It’s the damn cops.” Akira cursed under his breathe as he pulled over to the side of the rode.

 

“What are we going to do?” Angelina asked calmly.

 

Malkai is your brother so say that. Norrel will be your cousin and I’m Angelina’s boyfriend. Angelina you’re sixteen. Malkai same thing. Norrel you’re fifteen. I’m going to have to be eighteen.” Akira had a plan down and everything.

 

An officer came out of a police cruiser and walked towards the Driver side window.

 

“Is there a problem officer?” Akira asked calmly.

 

“Yeah there is son. You were speeding, going ninety on a sixty speed limit.” The officer took out a pen and paper.

 

“But we’re on a highway officer.” Akira replied.

 

“Aren’t you guys a little too young to be driving?” the officer suddenly said.

 

“I’m eighteen officer. My girlfriend is sixteen and her brother is too. But our cousin is only fifteen. Is that a problem?” Akira looked coolly at the officer and then reached into his pocket.

 

“I’ll need to see some Id please.” The officer held out his hand and Akira pulled out hid driver’s license for the police officer.

 

The officer looked over the license very carefully.

 

While Akira was distracting the officer, Angelina slowly formed a puddle under the officer’s feet.

 

She could read what was in his mind. She allowed for the other Elements to hear his mind also.

 

“The driver looks eighteen. The girl’s face makes her look fourteen but her body looks like a sixteen year olds. The boy with red hair… looks like the girl. He passes as her brother. But that blonde one… I don’t know.” The officer’s mind was scanning everyone’s features.

 

Angelina looked around to see the boy’s reactions to the officer’s thoughts. Angelina grabbed a blanket and covered herself immediately. Akira had his eyes closed and he gripped the steering wheel tightly. Norrel had his head against the window and he covered his face with his hands. And as for Malkai, his eyes burned with fury and he clenched his fist so tightly that they started turning white.

 

Then, Malkai felt something nudge his leg. Norrel looked at Malkai and then used the wind to whisper something to Malkai.

 

“There’s something wrong. There haven’t been cars going by for a while, and this is a highway.” The wind carried Norrel’s words so that only Malkai could comprehend them. Norrel did the same with Angelina and Akira.

 

Angelina’s eyes widened. Akira’s eyes darted while looking at their surroundings.

 

“This would be the right time.” The officer suddenly said.

 

Everyone stared at him for what seemed like forever.

 

Suddenly, Akira jumped out of the car. When he opened the door, it knocked the officer down. Angelina instinctively got out of the car and so did Malkai and Norrel.

 

Akira slammed the door shut and then used the Element of Darkness to create a shadow that held the officer down to the pavement.

 

“Akira what are you doing!?!” Malkai yelled as he stood behind Akira.

 

“This dirty b*****d isn’t regular human!” Akira screamed back.

 

“What the hell are you saying?!?” Angelina stomped over to the other side of Malkai. Norrel was behind them.

 

“Look at him! You don’t see his real face!?!” Akira closed his eyes and the shadow that pinned down the officer became tighter.

 

“You’re going to suffocate him Akira!” Malkai yelled.

 

“We can’t see anything Akira. Let him go!” Angelina grabbed one of Akira’s arms.

 

“No! Just look at him! Can’t you see what I see?” Akira looked into Angelina’s eyes.

 

Angelina froze in place.

 

“Damn it! It’s Alexandria again!” Malkai grabbed Angelina and pushed her against the car.

 

“Better late than never.” The police officer suddenly said.

 

“Wha-?” Akira couldn’t finish his sentence before the officer opened his mouth and some kind of toxic smoke shot out and surrounded Akira.

 

*Cough, cough, wheeze, cough*

 

Akira dropped to the ground with a thud.

 

The shadows that held the officer down disappeared and he got up.

 

“Angelina! Hurry up and tell us what’s happening?!?” Malkai yelled at his sister as she finally started moving again.

 

“Alexandria says that he’s come. The other force had come to try and destroy us. It’s one of his minions. Akira allowed me to see his real face. That’s not a human!” Angelina said in a rush as she pushed Malkai out of the way.

 

“I must destroy the connector. The girl.” The officer shot his attention to Angelina.

 

“Get away from me. You don’t know what I’m capable of.” Angelina got ready to drown the guy right on the spot.

 

“And you don’t know what I’m capable of either little girl. You’re the connector, something that the Elements don’t need. Without you, they’d be lost. And that’s the way Sentra wants it.” The officer stepped closer to Angelina.

 

*WHOOSH*

 

A huge wind pasted in front of Angelina and it was blown with such force, the officer was sent flying five feet away.

 

“Good move Norrel.” Angelina breathed.

 

“Yeah I know. This is crazy.” Norrel looked completely petrified.

 

“What are we supposed to do with him?!?” Malkai asked as he stepped in front of Angelina again. “Don’t ever protect me again. I’m the older brother. I promised mother and father that I’d be the one protecting you.” Malkai whispered to her.

 

“But… who’ll be there to protect you...?” Angelina whispered back to him.

 

*SLAM*

 

The minion used his power to erode the ground and sent a huge piece of concrete straight towards Malkai and Angelina.

 

*FWAHH*

 

Angelina quickly used the Element of Water to created a shield around them. It blocked the concrete but Malkai, being smart, used Fire to grab the concrete and thrust it back at the minion. The minion was caught off guard and put up a shield too late; the slab of concrete sent him flying!

 

“And it’s a home run!” Norrel screamed and he ran around in the street.

 

“Stop it!” Angelina yelled as she ran to Akira, who was still knocked out and lying on the ground. She called Malkai over so that they could lift him up and put him in the back seat. Norrel laid a blanket down in the backseat and places Akira there.

 

“Are you okay Akira?” Angelina hit his cheek lightly. He grunted and then tried to open his mouth to speak.

 

“Don’t talk dumb a*s.” Malkai muttered. He and Norrel went back out of the car and towards where the officer was lying.

 

“Are we going to finish him off?” Norrel asked with worry in his voice.

 

“You mean kill him?!?” I don’t know!” Malkai was worried too. They didn’t want to kill people.

 

Malkai and Norrel just stared at the knocked out body for a moment.

 

“Malkai! Norrel! Alexandria told me one more thing, here!” Angelina sent something flying towards Malkai and Norrel. “It’ll seal the demon.” Angelina yelled.

 

“What the hell are we supposed to do with a damn stick?!?” Malkai yelled back at her.

 

“Use your elements!” She yelled. She closed the door to the car.

“Hmm…” Norrel took the stick from Malkai and closed his eyes.

 

The stick turned into a yellow rod. The top of it shaped into a spiral.

 

“Whoa, that’s awesome!” Norrel said as he passed the rod to Malkai.

 

When Malkai took the rod, it turned back into a regular stick.

 

“Use your Element.” Norrel urged.

 

The rod transformed into a red rod and the top of it turned into a flame looking shape.

 

“Amazing!” Malkai whispered. Malkai turned towards the body and put the end of the rod on the body’s forehead. “Seal!” The body disincarnated and a puff of smoke was absorbed into the Fire Rod.

 

“We’re so damn cool!” Norrel said as he ran back to the mini van. Malkai walked back to the mini van with a huge simile on his face.

 

“Did you guys have fun relinquishing demons?” Angelina asked as she dug around in the trunk for the bag of herbs and the backpack full of supplies.

 

“Extreme fun!” Norrel said as he jumped into the passenger’s seat.

 

“It was pretty damn awesome.” Malkai said as he started the car.

 

“Glad you guys had fun, meanwhile, Akira isn’t waking up yet.” Angelina said as she pulled out a plant root and a bowl and spoon.

 

“Do you even know what is what?” Malkai asked. She might accidentally give Akira something he doesn’t need.

 

“Yeah, there’s a book in the bag too.” Angelina said.

 

“Wow, so that’s how he knows all that stuff. He probably stole the book. Please, “Leave some of my mysteries to be mysteries.” Idiot!” Malkai muttered to himself.

They continued driving for a while. Angelina had been nursing Akira in the back seat. Norrel was playing his DS and Malkai was busy driving.

 

“Lina…” Akira whispered.

 

“Oh, good, you can talk now. Save your breath we’re driving now. We’re going to the next own to find Earth. Just sleep.” Angelina stroked Akira’s hair as he breathed heavily.

 

“He’s going to be okay right?” Norrel asked, not taking his eyes off of his game.

 

“Yeah, he just needs to rest a little more.” Angelina replied.

 

“Lina… it’s blurry…” Akira whispered to her.

 

“Yes I know, the toxic got into your eyes. It’s okay. Just sleep. It’ll go away.” Angelina sighed and looked at her brother.

 

“Since when was he allowed to call you Lina?” Malkai asked Angelina. He looked at her face threw the front mirror.

 

“I let him. We’re all going to be together for awhile so might as well try and become friends.” Angelina answered.

 

“Don’t get to friendly with that boy Angelina. I don’t like him.” Malkai said.

 

“Calm down would you? It’s not like I’m going to sleep with him! I’m fourteen Malkai. I’m not an idiot either. He’s just my friend. And if you don’t like him that’s you, not me.” Angelina looked away from her brother and then got a cloth and used Water to wet it and wipe Akira’s forehead.

 

“She told you off man.” Norrel said.

 

“Shut up Norrel.” The twins said at the same time.

 

“So mean!” Norrel whined.

 

No one spoke for half an hour.

 

*Grumble*

 

“What was that?” Angelina asked as she looked over towards Norrel.

 

“I’m hungry! We didn’t even finish breakfast!” Norrel complained.

 

“We have food in the trunk. Lina grab some chips and two sodas. Get me an apple.” Malkai ordered.

 

“Sure.” Angelina said as she reached back in the trunk and grabbed the food.

 

“Thanks so much. My belly thanks you too.” Norrel started gobbling down the chips.

 

“You’re so fat.” Angelina laughed.

 

“I’m hungry too.” Akira said. He sat up and leaned his head against the window. “I feel like I’ve had a serious hang over or something. My head is pounding!” Akira smiled and then opened his eyes. He could see clearly again.

 

“Here, have some chips or something. We only brought dry food.” Angelina said as she passed a bag of chips to Akira.

 

“So how’s the hang over coming along?!?” Malkai screamed. He smirked and then turned the radio up.

 

“That’s not funny Malkai!” Angelina said as she reached for the radio and turned it down.

 

“What, it was kind of funny.” Malkai laughed.

 

“Yes it was.” Norrel agreed.

 

“Idiots. I’m in a car with idiots.” Angelina muttered.

 

“Thanks for taking care of me Lina.” Akira whispered.

“No problem.” Angelina said as she grabbed he backpack. “We’re reaching a lake. Pull over now Malkai.” Angelina ordered.

 

Malkai pulled over and Angelina got out of the car.

 

“Let’s get out too.” Malkai told the others.

 

Everyone got out. Akira walked out slowly. That toxic was some heavy stuff.

 

“I’m going swimming.” Angelina smiled and then disappeared.

 

“Where the hell did she go?” Malkai exclaimed.

 

“She’s in a shield. I think she’s changing.” Akira said.

 

“Wow, she doesn’t trust us.” Norrel said.

 

“She doesn’t trust you guys. I’m her brother. That would be DIGUSTING if I peeked.” Malkai laughed.

 

*Splash*

 

Angelina jumped right into the water as soon as she came out of the shield.

 

The water was cool on her sweaty skin. The summer heat was unbearable in the morning. But it was already dusk.

 

“Are you having fun fishy?” Malkai asked as he took off his sneakers and dipped his feet into the water.

 

“A lot of fun!” Angelina exclaimed as she climbed back to the bank.

 

Angelina was wearing a bathing suit. A two piece. It was lavender with stripes of cerulean blue. Her top was like a tube top but shorter and with straps. Her bottom was regular.

 

“I love that bathing suit. But I love it more when it’s on you!” Norrel said as he walked towards Angelina.

*Fwoosh*

 

Before Norrel could reach Angelina, Malkai made a wall of fire right between them. At the same time, Akira made a wall of shadows in between them. It was marvelous when the Elements suddenly combined. It was Fire the color of the darkest night sky.

 

“Calm down! I wasn’t going to attack her!” Norrel whimpered and then ran to the other side of the lake.

 

Angelina laughed and Malkai and Akira joined in.

 

Angelina dived into the water from a boulder that was at the edge of the lake.

 

“I gave that dive a ten out of five!” Akira laughed and walked to the river side next to Malkai.

 

*Swoosh, splash*

 

Malkai and Akira were suddenly pushed into the water by a passing wind.

 

“What the fuhk?!?” Akira and Malkai yelled.

 

“That’s payback for trying to kill me with fiery shadows!!!” Norrel yelled from across the lake. Then, he jumped in too.

 

“I’m going to kill you Norrel!” Malkai screamed. He’s Fire, he doesn’t really enjoy water.

 

“Hey, where’s Angelina?” Akira said as he started swimming around.

 

They boys looked around the lake and didn’t see her anywhere.

 

“Angelina!” Malkai screamed.

 

Suddenly, Malkai was pulled underwater.

 

“AH!” Malkai yelled before his head was submerged in the waters.

 

“What the hell?” Norrel looked around like a shark would attack him at any moment.

 

Meanwhile, under water…

 

“HAHAHA you should have seen your face Malkai!” Angelina laughed and did a little spiral spin under the water.

 

“That was NOT funny Angelina. Dragging me down by my ankles, I thought I was going to die!” Malkai said in his mind.

 

“Calm down. It’s alright.” Angelina said as she let go of Malkai and he floated back up to the surface.

 

“Malkai! You’re alive! Hallelujah!” Norrel said as he swam over to Malkai.

 

“Yeah, it was Lina being a snob!” Malkai screamed.

 

“Better not say anything, she might drag you down and not let go.” Akira cautioned as he swam over to them.

 

“Yeah that would be bad right Malkai?” Angelina said as she emerged from the water right next to Akira. She smiled at him and he smiled back.

 

“Whatever.” Malkai muttered.

 

“Alright you boys get out because I’m going to clean myself up.” Angelina pushed the boys out of the water and they all climbed to shore.

 

Malkai passed the shampoo to Angelina as she swam to the other side of the lake and went under water again. Five minutes later she resurfaced and lathered her hair and then went underwater again.

 

“She’s so weird.” Malkai laughed to himself.

 

“It’s almost impossible to hate her.” Norrel said.

“Yes but someone does. Lana told me that they demon said that his mission was to destroy the connection.” Akira paused and then continued. “That means they’re after her. She’s the target. She’s the one who needs protection.” Akira said as he gestured towards Angelina as she came out of the water.

 

“Oh man, that was nice. Can I get a towel, I’m freezing!” Angelina said as she sat down at the trunk of a tree.

 

Norrel tossed her a towel and Akira used Shadows to gather twigs and stones from around them. They assembled into a perfect fire.

 

Malkai snapped his fingers and they fire lit up.

 

“Wow, we’re so lucky.” Angelina said.

 

“It’s actually pretty funny.” Malkai said.

 

“It’s fun though.” Norrel said.

 

“Yeah.” Akira agreed.

 

Angelina dried her hair near the fire and then put on a t-shirt and basket ball shorts.

 

“Hey those are my shorts!” Malkai said when Angelina reappeared.

 

“Yes, and I’m wearing them. It’s so crazy!” Angelina laughed and then sat closer to the fire.

 

“Those shorts look better on you than they do on Malkai.” Norrel laughed and so did everyone else.

 

“Akira are you feeling better now?” Angelina asked with a thoughtful tone.

 

“I’m back to my regular self. It’s all good. Thanks for helping me out Angelina.” Akira responded. He reached into his front pocket and pulled out a small, silver, square shaped, canteen out.

“What’s in there?” Norrel asked as he snatched the canteen from Akira’s hand.

 

“Wait Norrel-!” Akira started to say but Norrel already opened the canteen and took a huge sip of it.

 

“Whoa, this is good stuff!” Norrel said but it sounded more like, vow-dis-ith-goof-stuffs.

 

“What the hells wrong with Norrel?” Malkai asked as he walked over to Norrel and took the canteen out of his hand. Malkai sniffed the canteen and then his nose scrunched up. “Smells like liquor AND strawberry wine cooler. Dude, you let Norrel drink this!?!” Malkai stared at Akira, not with angry eyes, but eyes filled with horror.

 

“Holy crap, I’m going to go back in the water!” Angelina said in a rush as she threw the towel to the ground and ran to the lake and jumped in.

 

Meanwhile, Norrel was standing up and he had a stick in his hand. He was singing into it like it was a microphone. He was singing something that sounded like Numb by Linkin Park but the words weren’t understandable.

 

“What’s so bad about it? Norrel only had a sip.” Akira rolled his eyes and took the canteen from Malkai. He chugged down the rest of it and then put it back into his pocket.

 

“What’s so bad about it?!? You don’t know what Norrel does when he’s drunk! Even a little sip would make him into…” Malkai’s expression was filled with horror and disgust as he backed away towards the water.

 

“Into what? What’s the worst that could happen, I mean really.” Akira laughed and got up from under the tree.

 

“He becomes a groper when he’s drunk. Anyone and anything with a pulse, he gropes. And he doesn’t care WHERE he gropes!” Malkai closed his eyes like he was trying to push out a bad memory.

 

Akira laughed and then turned to Norrel.

“Please, he’s harmless. Look at him; he’s just singing into a stick.” Akira gestured towards Norrel and started walking towards him.

 

“Akira! Malkai’s right! Don’t go near him! Please!” Angelina yelled from the lake. Her expression looked like she’d just seen someone get eaten by a cat.

 

“It’s fine Angelina! See?” Akira put his hand on Norrel’s shoulder and patted it. “Harmless, just like I said-” Akira’s sentence was suddenly cut off.

 

Malkai and Angelina both gasped and squealed in unison.

 

Malkai ran towards the lake and jumped in with Angelina.

 

“Hee hee hee, you taste nice…” Norrel said as he suddenly fell to the floor. He started snoring with a smile on his face and droll coming down the side of his mouth. He’s beautiful when he’s drunk.

 

Akira jus stood, speechless, staring down at the knocked out Norrel.

 

“Akira! I tried to warm you! I’m so sorry!” Angelina said as she got out of the water and walked quietly towards Akira.

 

“That’s a new move; he’s never done that to anyone yet. I feel pain for you man.” Malkai said as he followed Angelina out.

 

Angelina walked to face Akira. She waved a hand in front of his face but there was no response.

 

“He’s in shock, great! We have Mr. Crazy-drunk-knocked-out and Mr. Just-lip raped-shocked! Wonderful!” Malkai muttered.

 

“Lip raped, that’s a nice one. That’s what I’ll call it now.” Angelina said. She tried to hide a smile but she ended up laughing her a*s off. Malkai joined in with the laughing and the twins stood with their backs against a nearby tree, holding their sides and laughing.

 

“IT’S NOT FUNNY!!!!!! I’VE BEEN LIP RAPED!!!! AHHHHHHH!!!!!!” Akira suddenly blasted out screaming. He clutched his hair and yelled some more. “I’M GOING TO KILL HIM~!” Akira was about to punch the shots out of Norrel when suddenly, a blast of water shot Akira in the face.

 

“Calm down please. We tried to warm you but you had to go all high and mighty. It’s your fault that Norrel kissed you. Was it your first kiss? That would suck.” Malkai said with a smirk on his face.

 

“Shut up!” Akira grumbled as he walked back to the mini van.

 

“Malkai, don’t tease him too much.” Angelina whispered to her brother.

 

“Why shouldn’t I? Stop making me try and be nice to him.” Malkai muttered as he walked to Norrel’s knocked out body and grabbed his legs and dragged him to the mini van.

 

Angelina sighed. “Idiots. Complete and utter idiots.” She whispered to herself as she grabbed everyone’s things and brought them to the mini van.

 

Akira was still in some shock about the “lip rape” (hee hee) but he still drove the car while Malkai sat in the backseat with Norrel. Angelina was sitting up front of course. She didn’t want to talk so she just stared out the window as they left the lake.

 

It was about 9:10 and yet it was pitch black outside of the moving car. Angelina watched as the shapes and objects blurred behind them as they rode in the car.

 

“We’re almost to the next city.” Akira whispered as he looked at the dashboard to check the time.

 

“That’s nice…” Angelina wasn’t particularly paying any attention what so ever.

 

“Are you hungry?” Akira asked her.

 

“That’s nice…” Once again. Proven that she wasn’t listening.

 

“I have a broken leg and rotten teeth.” Akira smiled to himself as he watched Angelina stare out the window.

“That’s nice…” Angelina whispered. And as if on cue, she suddenly snapped back to reality. “You have rotten teeth!?! OH MY LORD!” Angelina laughed and Akira did too.

 

“SHUDDUP~!” Norrel moaned in his sleep. He laughed (in his sleep) and then continued with his annoying snoring. (Someone please smother him!)

 

“I think he’s still boozed…” Angelina whispered.

 

“Uhh…I don’t even wanna think about it.” Akira shuddered and then took out another canteen (different form he one before) and chugged it down.

 

“Don’t drink and drive you moron.” Angelina warned as she snatched the canteen away and hid it in her shirt.

 

“Is that where you keep everything? Damn.” Akira muttered.

 

“Actually yes, she does keep mostly everything there. Even though, I have no idea how it stays there. She’s as flat as a chalk board.” Malkai suddenly pitched in and smiled at his sister, looking like a clueless idiot.

 

“She’s not flat at all. You’re such a mean brother.”  There was a laugh. It was like a regular laugh, but it was laced with a dangerous intent.

 

“Akira that wasn’t you was it?” Angelina asked, worry made her voice crack.

 

“No, and I’m sure as hell it wasn’t Malkai or Norrel.” Akira said as he pulled over to the side of the road. Two or three cars passed by.

 

“Hurry up and wake up Norr-” Angelina was cut off.

 

“Yes please, wake up Norrel for us. I want him to be in this too. I could kill you all at once.”

 

*SLAM*

 

Suddenly, All Akira could see in front of him was something crouched down on the windshield. The thing landed with a slam and shattered the glass. The pieces flew around like raindrops but Angelina (thinking fast) used Water to create her own raindrops that absorbed the glass shards and throw them out threw the hole that was now in the middle of the windshield.

 

“Come on, come out and play. I’ve been waiting so long. I’d like to have a taste of the beautiful connection. And you boys wouldn’t be so bad either.” Malkai heard a licking sound close to his right ear and turned towards it.

 

When he turned, there was nothing there.

 

“Get out now!” Akira cried as everyone opened their doors and scattered outside. Norrel was still groggy put he managed to keep up.

 

“What is that thing!?!” Angelina screamed.

 

Something was on top of the roof of the black mini van. It looked like a man. Except the fact that his skin was as white as the moon when it was full. His eyes were a skin piercing black. If you looked, it almost seemed as if the man could look straight into your thoughts with his eyes. He was standing on the car, back straight, short silver hair going in all directions as the wind blew across the road. He was wearing regular jeans and a shirt. But something about it made him seem eerie. His mouth was curled up in a mean smile and through it you could see his fangs.

 

“It looks like fuhking vampire! What the hell is a vampire doing around here? I didn’t even know vampires were real!” Norrel seemed not-so-drunk anymore. He walked closer to where Malkai and Angelina were standing. Akira was standing further away from them, closer to whatever the hell was on the car.

 

“My dear Angelina, you’re so pretty. You remind me of my 6^th wife.” The creature suddenly said. His smile turned into a playful grin as he jumped from the car roof and landed with a thus on the ground.

 

“How many wives had this thing had? Wait, vampire’s have wives?” Norrel suddenly thought to himself.

 

“I’ve had five wives Norrel. And yes vampires have wives but unfortunately I’m not a vampire. It’s cool how I look like them isn’t it?” The not-vampire-thingy walked (more like glided) right passed Akira, Malkai, and Angelina, and straight to where Norrel was standing, frozen in place with shock and horror.

 

“Get a-away from me!” Norrel said as he started backing away. Norrel held up his hands and blasted a gust of wind at the creature. It quickly dogged it even before Norrel held up his hands.

 

“I’m sorry honey, did I scare you? How did I see your moves you ask? Even though you’re not talking, yes I can hear your thoughts. That’s how I know what you’re going to do honey. I want to play with you first. You’re so cute. And by the way, I’m a Reader demon, just for clarification, my name is Estar.” Estar smiled and moved closer to Norrel. He placed his hand on Norrel’s head and brought him closer. “Mmm… you smell so nice… young human flesh is exquisite. I want to eat you up right now, but that would be no fun right?” Estar licked Norrel’s cheek and suddenly sent him flying with a flick of his wrist.

 

“Get the fuhk away from us. We will kill you.” Akira snarled as he ran in front of Angelina when Estar moved towards her.

 

“A frisky little one aren’t you. I like that. Most boys’ meat are too dry and chalky. You seem nice and plump. But this girl, Angelina, sweet Angelina, she smells so damn DELICIOUS!”  Estar made an emphasis on the word “delicious” just to make Malkai and Akira tick.

 

“I won’t let you lay a fuhking finger on her you wrenched white washed S.O.B.!” Malkai suddenly said as he sent a swirling pool of flames towards Estar.

 

“Oh no! Bad little boy! Playing with fire is dangerous! I’ll need to punish you.” Estar’s eyes turned into little slits that made him look twice as dangerous as before.

 

When the flames took a direct hit on Estar, he didn’t even flinch. He was completely unharmed. His cloths weren’t even burned.

“Malkai! What the hells is he?!?” Angelina said breathlessly.

 

“Don’t worry Angelina. I want you to go. You and Akira. Go to the next town and get the Earth. We need her.” Malkai said the words but never took his eyes off of Estar’s smiling face.

 

“No Malkai! Are you insane? Do you think I’d leave you and Norrel here? Do you think I’m stupid?!?” Angelina gripped her brother’s shoulders.

 

“YES YOU ARE! You need to leave. You’re stupid for not going sooner. Leave. Now!” This time, Malkai turned around and looked deep into his sister’s eyes when he told her to leave. She looked at him. He meant it. He looked worried, and yet at the same time, he looked ready to protect her with his own life.

 

“Please… please be careful.” Angelina whispered before she ran to Akira and grabbed his arm and they both ran to the car.

 

“Oh no, no, no. My pretty darlings, you are not leaving. I’m not letting the beautifully delicious girl leave or that spunk filled boy. Mmm, scrumptious.” Estar directed his attention to Akira and Angelina. He giggled (guys giggle?) and then lifted his hand towards them.

 

*BAM*

 

“AH!” Angelina screamed as the car was suddenly flattened by something they couldn’t see.

 

“WHAT THE HELL?!?” Akira screamed. He was furious that his beautiful ride was gone, and they would have to walk to where ever they had to go form here on.

 

Akira ran towards Estar and threw a direct punch, something Estar didn’t expect.

 

Connected. The punch connected. Akira’s fist with Estar’s face.

 

“Wha-” Estar put his hand up to his cheek and felt the spot where Akira had totally kicked a*s!

 

Akira smiled, feeling confident. Angelina and Malkai (being dorks) just stared, wide eyed at Akira. Norrel staggered towards them. He was holding his arm, which was bleeding like a river!

 

“Akira! You’re freaking awesome!!!” Norrel laughed and then walked to where Angelina stood near the crushed car.

 

“Norrel, you’re so dorky.” Angelina whispered, not taking her eyes off of Akira and Estar.

 

Malkai walked slowly over to Norrel and Angelina. He stared in awe as the other two were now doing.

 

“You-you dare to hurt my beautiful and flawless face?!?” Estar suddenly screeched.

 

“It wasn’t flawless or beautiful from the beginning! I think I made it look at least 1% better.” Akira said as he got closer to Estar.

 

“Don’t touch me!” Estar picked up a tree by levitating it and shifting it over to where Angelina and the others stood.

 

“Don’t you dare hurt them!” Akira said as he looked at Angelina.

 

Suddenly, as Akira stared at Angelina, she winked at him and smiled. Malkai smiled and so did Norrel.

 

“What are you going to do now little punk?” Estar asked, still touching his swollen cheek which was now turning a lovely shade of purple.

 

“Oh nothing, just this.” Akira dropped to the ground, still supporting himself with his hand and he tripped Estar by using his legs. Estar fell with a loud thud and Akira stood over him with a grin. Akira used Estar’s own shadows to bind him in a Dark Coffin.

 

The tree started to fall, but before it even touched any of them, Malkai burnt it to a crisp.

 

“Here Akira!” Malkai yelled as he threw the stick/rod to Akira.

 

“Thanks man.” Akira said. He thought that Malkai was starting to accept him, just a little bit. Akira used his Dark and the stick turned into the Darkness Rod. It was a dark grey and at the top, it held an orb that was the color of night. The kind of night where you can’t see anything put the moon and stars in the sky. “Seal!”

 

“No you can’t do this to me!” Estar tried to say put his words were muffled by the shadows that now engulfed him into the rod.

 

Akira sighed and the rod became a stick once again. He dropped to the ground on his knees and then he fell on his back with a smile on his face.

 

“That was a nice exercise.” He said as he closed his eyes. He heard footsteps coming over to him fast.

 

“Malkai take Norrel into the ca-! OH MY GOOD GOD! ALL OF OUR STUFF WAS IN THERE!!!!!!!” Angelina suddenly screamed. She ran from Akira and towards the car “WHAT THE HELL ARE WE GOING TO DO!!!!???!!!! AHHHH MY GOD!” Angelina looked like she would die right on the spot.

 

“Calm down please. I, being the smart one around here, put a barrier around the stuff before we even got in this car. Only people with Elements can go through the barrier.” Malkai suddenly said, looking very content with himself.

 

“Malkai… WHY DIDN’T YOU SAY ANY OF THIS EALIER, BEFORE I HAD A SPAZ MOMENT?!?” Angelina was proud of her brother, but she wanted to choke him all at the same time. Wonderful.

 

“Because I wanted to watch you squirm.” Malkai laughed and then ran for his life when Angelina started to chase after him.

 

“I WAS KIDDING~!” Everyone laughed when Angelina finally shot Malkai down with a full blast water whip.

 

“Get out stuff out of there so we can take care of Norrel. He’s losing a lot of blood already.” Angelina suddenly got serious when she looked at Norrel who was clutching his arm.

 

Malkai grabbed the stuff that Akira got out of the car. He handed Angelina some bandage rap and rubbing alcohol.

 

Angelina started rubbing the alcohol on Norrel’s arm. He winced at the stinging.

 

“Don’t be a sissy.” Malkai said as he looked at Akira.

 

Akira slammed his cell phone shut and stuffed it back into his pocket. He cursed under his breath and went to a nearby tree stump to sit down.

 

“How long?” Angelina asked quietly as she started wrapping the bandage on Norrel’s arm.

 

“Five freaking days.” Akira muttered.

 

“Looks like we’re walking 20 miles. Great.” Malkai huffed.

 

“I can get us there faster. We can go on a wind gust.”  Norrel suggested. Angelina wrapped his arm all the way up to his shoulder.

 

“Yeah but you’re injured so I don’t think I’d be good to put a strain on your body. You can carry us for an hour and then we walk for the next hour.” Akira said.

 

“Or, Akira could allow us to travel through shadows at night!” Angelina said happily.

 

“That’s true.” Akira agreed.

 

“Good then, since it’s about 11 now, Akira you can help us with the shadow traveling.” Malkai finally said something. He got up and walked to Akira. Angelina and Norrel did too.

 

“It only goes for one mile. It takes a lot out of me.” Akira said.

 

“It’s okay. Let’s go.” Malkai said.

 

In a blur of darkness, they felt their bodies move in a non-human speed. They passed houses and cars but they just all turned into a pool of darkness behind them. In less than minutes, they were already a mile towards their destination. Only 18 miles to go.

 

“Whoowee, that was fun!” Norrel laughed and started walking ahead of the others.

 

“It’s 12:31. Do you guys want to wait until morning to travel any more? I mean, we’re just going to fall asleep while walking or something anyway.” Angelina said. She walked into the woods that surrounded the road.

 

“Wait for us! Don’t get lost Angelina. Oh, that reminds me, I forgot to pass out the walkie talkies. Here.” Malkai reached into the backpack and pulled out four walkie talkies. He handed one to everybody and then they all went a bit deeper into the forest.

 

“It’s pretty damn dark in here.” Malkai said. He used Fire and held a small flame in his hand.

 

“Don’t start a forest fire man.” Norrel cautioned.

 

“No problem.” Malkai replied.

 

Angelina and Akira set up a small camping place and they all fell asleep around the camp fire.

 

“Hey, who’s there?” Angelina heard something while she was sleeping. It wasn’t Alexandria. She opened her eyes quickly and saw that the fire was still burning. She sat up and saw that Norrel, Malkai, and Akira were all still sleeping. She got up and went towards the sounds.

 

“There’s no one there. Why would anyone else be here?”

 

Angelina first heard a man’s voice speaking.

 

“But there’s a fire burning. Don’t you see it?” The woman’s voice sounding annoyed.

 

Angelina hid behind a tree and watched the two people squabble.

 

The man, who looked about 15 or 16, had short black hair that was hidden by a Boston Red Sox hat. The girl had bright blonde hair that was extremely straight. It looked like it wouldn’t dare mess up on her, even it the worst kind of weather.

 

Angelina watched as the two continued fighting for a bit about things that Angelina couldn’t quite hear. The girl stomped her feat and then went into a tent that Angelina just noticed. The man sighed and started walking towards where Angelina hid.

 

The man walked passed Angelina about two feet and then stopped. He didn’t turn around; he just gazed up at the sky that had twinkling bright stars in it.

 

“It’s not polite to ease drop on other peoples’ conversations.” The man said as he started walking away.

 

“Whoa. He’s good. I didn’t even move or make a sound and he knew I was here. How strange.” Angelina whispered to herself.

 

“Actually no, it’s not that strange.”

 

Angelina let out a small yelp as she jumped out from behind the tree. She felt a small puff of hot air on her neck. She turned around and saw the same man behind her.

 

“Wha-?” Angelina was still scared shotless and couldn’t get her words to come out.

 

“Sorry I scared you. It’s funny though. You spied on me so I did the same. Well not really spied, more like scared the living daylight out of you.” The man smiled knowingly and took a step towards Angelina. “You really shouldn’t be out here alone. It’s not safe for a pretty girl like you around here at night.” The man said as he took a step back. He scanned Angelina’s face for any sort of reaction.

 

“Uh, sorry about that. I didn’t mean to spy. Um, I heard voices so I thought I would follow… What are you doing around here anyway?” Angelina asked. She slowly backed away towards where they had set up camp. She moved slowly so that she wouldn’t make it obvious that she was trying to get away from this awkward scene.

 

“You’re not here alone are you?” It didn’t sound like a question but Angelina answered anyway.

 

“No, I’m here with my brother, my cousin, and my… other cousin.” Angelina couldn’t seem to say “boyfriend” in front of the man. Now that she looked at him, he was amazingly good looking. Even better looking than Akira.

 

“Ah, I see. Be careful out there.” The man said. He started walking away.

 

“Wait!” Angelina called after him. He stopped but didn’t turn around. “I never got to ask your name.” Angelina said quietly.

 

“Hasn’t your mother ever taught you to say your name first before you ask someone else’s?” The man asked mockingly.

 

“Angelina. Lina for short. Now you.” Angelina said quickly.

 

“Forte’. Just Forte’. So, bye now Angelina.” Forte’ said as he walked away.

 

Angelina stood there for a moment.

 

“Forte’ huh? That sounds French. It’s so pretty. I love that name! And I love that boy! He’s so damn hot!” Angelina started babbling in her mind about her little encounter. She didn’t even notice that Malkai and Akira were calling her name until Akira came up behind her and put his hand on her shoulder.

 

“Eek!” Angelina squeaked as she jumped back.

 

“It’s just me.” Akira said.

 

“Oh, sorry…” Angelina muttered as Akira led her back to their camp site.

 

“Why don’t we head off now?” Norrel asked.

 

“Now? Why now?” Angelina said. She quickly covered her mouth with her hand and refused to look up at the three pairs of eyes that were staring at her.

 

“Is there something you need to do?” Malkai asked awkwardly.

 

Angelina shook her head back and forth and then got up and gathered everyone’s things. She quickly walked out of the forest with the other three boys scrambling behind her.

 

“I’ll lift us up!” Norrel screamed in excitement.

 

“Fine, but only for a little bit.” Angelina said.

 

Soon, everyone was floating above the trees. They all traveled slowly above the sky. The sun started coming up and turning the clouds pink and red.

 

“Wow, I’m not even tired.” Norrel smiled.

 

“That’s good. We only have 15 more miles to go. Real good.” Malkai said.

 

“When we get to the next town, we’re getting Earth right? Can we get some liquor before we go and get her?” Akira asked. He sounded like a little kid asking if they could get candy on their way to the grocery store.

 

“You’re horrible.” Angelina muttered to him.

 

“Come on!” Akira said as he laughed.

 

“Pay for it. Don’t steal it.” Malkai said.

 

“YAY! I love you mommy and daddy!” Akira laughed as Angelina glared at him and Malkai punched him in the side.

 

About 30 minutes later, Angelina told Norrel to set them down n the side of the road. The whole way, Angelina couldn’t stop thinking about Forte’. She’s never liked anyone before. He was so amazing.

 

When Norrel set them down, Malkai announced that they only had 10 more miles to go.

 

Suddenly, Angelina got an idea.

 

She huddled the guys together and then told them to hide behind a tree and take the bags with them except for one.

 

Angelina slung her bag over one shoulder and stood at the side of the road. After only five minutes, a blue pickup truck stopped in front of Angelina.

 

“Need a ride baby?” The man driving the car asked as he rolled down the window.

 

“Yeah, me and my friends need a ride. Can you take us to the next town?” Angelina asked sweetly.

 

Behind the tree, Malkai was cringing at the thought of Angelina going in the car alone with that man. Akira was trying not to scream and Norrel looked down right sick.

 

“Of course babe. For you and your friends, anything.” The man said with a smile. Creepy!

 

“Come on out guys.” Angelina said to the boys.

They all stepped out from behind the tree and walked to wear Angelina stood.

 

“I never said my friend were girls.” Angelina said to the man who had a sour expression on his face.

 

Everyone got into the back of the pickup. The driver grumbled to himself. Angelina just laughed to herself.

 

“Smart idea Angelina. But that guy is wicked creepy.” Norrel cringed and then shuddered.

 

“Hell yeah he is. Thank God you guys are here.” Angelina sighed in relief and the boys chuckled.

 

An hour later, the driver stopped.

 

“Get out now.” He said in an angry tone. When Angelina heard this, she smiled to herself and jumped out of the truck. The others followed as Angelina went up to the driver’s window.

 

“Thanks Hun.” Angelina laughed and then started walking away.

 

“That wasn’t cool Lina.” Akira and Malkai said at the same time.

 

“Oh well.” Angelina sighed as they walked into town. It was like any other town.

 

“Feel anything?” Malkai asked.

 

“Yeah… we need to go to the… library” Angelina grew wide eyed.

 

Norrel started laughing like a hyena on drugs.

 

“Earth is a dork! HAHAHA!” He was being a weirdo again.

 

“Norrel, shut up.” Akira muttered.

 

“So I guess we go to the library.” Malkai said.

 

“Where is it?” Akira asked.

 

Angelina walked up to a little boy who was playing with his dog.

 

“Hey, do you know where the library is?” Angelina asked sweetly.

 

“Yeah. But I’m not going to tell you. You’re an old lady. You’re ugly!” the little boy stuck his tongue out at Angelina and then grabbed his dog and ran.

 

”WHY YOU LITTLE PUNK A*S KID!” Angelina looked like she would eat the kid.

 

“Calm down old lady.” Malkai laughed and patted Angelina on the shoulder.

 

“Mal-kai!!!!!!!!” Angelina grabbed Malkai’s hand and then flipped him over and he landed with a huge THUD.

 

“DAMN IT! What’s wrong with you?!? I was kidding!” Malkai yelled as he got up and dusted himself.

 

“She’s scary.” Akira whispered to Norrel.

 

“You don’t even know the half of it.” Norrel muttered.

 

Angelina started stomping away.

 

“Are you even going the right way!?!” Malkai screamed after her.

 

Ten minutes later, while Malkai, Akira, and Norrel were chasing Angelina, she finally found someone that might tell her where the library was.

 

The man was turned around. He was hunched over what looked like a flower pot.

 

“Excuse me, can you tell me where the library is?” Angelina asked kindly.

“Well sure.” The man turned around and looked at Angelina. “Hello again Lina. Nice to see you, this time not while you’re hiding behind a tree.

 

“He he he yeah…” Angelina suddenly forgot about looking for the library and Earth and just stared into Forte’s caramel colored eyes.

 

“Damn it Lina! Why can’t you just wait for us?!? I mean… hey, who’s your friend?” Malkai panted. He stared at Forte’ with the kind of look people give you when they’re sizing you up. Uhg.

 

“I’m Forte’. Nice to meet you.” Forte’ held out his hand in a friendly gesture. Malkai just shook his hand quickly and then drew his attention back to Angelina.

 

“Um, I met him when we went camping last night!” Angelina said with a smile plastered on her face. Her eyes of course, were filled with nothing but irritation. She really wanted to talk alone with Forte’. “I was just asking him if he knew where the library was!” Angelina said with a little more perkiness than she’d intended.

 

“Oh…” Malkai said absently. He was still staring at Forte’. Then, Akira and Norrel came out of no where and they both were laughing like high monkies. Wonderful.

 

“*Laugh* hey, *sigh* guys. What’s going on? Who’s the ugly kid?” Norrel laughed and Akira snickered. They really did look high. The screwed up kind of high. The kind of high that makes you see shot that’s not really there. I repeat, Wonderful~.

 

“NORREL!” Angelina screamed as she pushed the three guys over to a corner. “IDIOT! Are you guys high?!?” Angelina tried her best not to scream so her whispering was pretty weird.

 

“No! We’re not high… we’re just a little tipsy!” Akira said with a goofy smile on his face. Complete drunkard in the making.

 

“You guys aren’t tipsy. You smell like nothing but beer, liquor and… whiskey?!?” Malkai gagged as he smelled Norrel’s breathe. EW.

“YOU PIGS!” Angelina almost yelled. She took a quick glance at Forte’ and smiled at him. Forte’ didn’t seem concerned with their conversation. Thank goodness for that.

 

“I’ll take Mrs. Whiskey and Mr. Liquor to the library if you’ll just hurry up and ask that Forty guy if he knows where it is!” Malkai said.

 

“His name’s FORTE’!” Angelina huffed. She walked over to Forte’. “Like I was saying before my stupid brother interrupted, do you know where the library is?”

 

“Yeah, just walk down the street and it’s the big white building that says “Library”. You won’t be able to miss it.” Forte’ smiled and then got up and walked away.

 

“Bye Forte’!” Angelina called after him.

 

Forte’ just lifted his hand and waved like he was waving to someone in front of him and didn’t even turn to look at her. He’s so sweet.

 

Angelina huffed off, feeling happy that she was able to talk to Forte again and also angry because he barely even took any interest in her.

 

“So where do we-” Malkai started to say.              

 

“Down the street” Angelina muttered. She once again, started walking off (more like stomping) down the street.

 

“Damn, what crawled up her butt and died?!?” Akira said. He laughed at his own joke and then stumbled after Angelina.

 

“Dang, I only left you guys for like, five minutes. How’d you get so wasted?” Malkai asked then he realized… OH MY FREAKING LORD!

 

NORREL + ANYTYPE OF ALCOHOL = A WORLD FULL OF BULLPOOPY (hee hee)

 

Malkai instantly backed away from Norrel and started walking at lightning speed after Angelina.

 

“Holy crap! I almost let myself be alone with drunk Norrel. He’s more drunk than usual too. But, how’d that happen? They couldn’t possibly chug down all that alcohol in five minutes right?” Malkai went on with his internal babble when he suddenly bumped into something. Or someone?

 

“Oops, he he sorry ‘bout that.”

 

Malkai looked up to see a girl with beach blonde hair. She had moss colored eyes and her face was almost flawless. Her lips were full and her body was like an hour glass. She was wearing strange cloths. It was like a Chinese costume or something. A kimono that was slit on the side. She was wearing red flats that were spotless. She looked totally high maintenance.

 

“Uh… yeah… no-no problem…” Malkai almost drooled on himself.

 

“I’m Fairah. I’m here with my older brother Forte’. Hey, you’re cute.” Fairah smiled and her eyes had a slight twinkle in them. She looked somewhat… dangerous.

 

“What?” Malkai couldn’t process a pretty girl and the pretty girl calling him “cute” all at the same time. Brain malfunction.

 

Then Norrel came out of no where and stood beside Malkai.

 

“Hi! You’re hot.” Norrel looked like he sobered up. But he still had a weirdo smile on his face.

 

“Yeah I know that. Goodbye.” Fairah stuck up her nose and walked away.

 

Malkai watched her walk away and then turned to Norrel.

 

Malkai huffed and then punched Norrel in the arm.

 

“Ow! What was that for?!?” Norrel whined as they both walked towards the huge library and entered through the double doors.

Akira joined them immediately.

 

As soon as the three boys opened the doors, their sense of smell was filled with nothing but the sweet and exotic scent of?

 

“Flowers?!?” the three boys said. They took a moment to try and process what was in front of their faces.

 

There were shelves filled with books, just like a regular library. There was no librarian and there seemed to be no one in sight.

 

Nothing in site but the green vines that were all over the place, intertwining between shelves and books. The vines were covered with leaves that were as big as Norrel’s head.

 

Of course, there were flowers. It looked as if there were millions of different flowers in front of them. Every single one looked unique with colors that were bright and bold.

 

“I thought this was a library. Not an Amazon Jungle.” Akira breathed.

 

“What the hole?” Norrel said. His eyes were as round as baseballs.

 

“Who has entered?”

 

The boys all turned their attention to the hallway between two shelves.

 

*Tap, tap, tap.*

 

The tapping of heels on the marble floor became louder as someone approached the boys.

 

Her hair was green like the leaves of an oak tree. It was up in a high pony tail. She had side bangs parted to the right, showing only her left eye. It was dusty gray, yet they still held a shine that made you look at her. She was shorter than Angelina but the way she held herself made her seem much older. She wore a white shirt with a pattern of vines and flowers on them colored in bright pink. A skirt that was the same oak green as her hair and her heels were the color of the design on her shirt. They wrapped around in straps all the way up to her knees.

 

“Why are you here? You’ve entered my palace. You don’t belong. I will not stand for it.” The gray-eyed girl stepped closer to Malkai who was between Akira and Norrel.

 

“You… the fire boy.” Then she looked at Norrel. “The wind boy, an idiot form what I hear.” She smiled and shifted towards Akira. “Master of Darkness. One to truly behold.” She started at him like he was a god.

 

“Earth. What did you do with Angelina?” Malkai didn’t look at Earth; He spoke in a tone that showed no emotion.

 

“Ah, the Water Goddess. Well yes, she’s helped me grow my beautiful flowers that are all around my palace. She is my goddess.” Earth smiled slyly and then snapped her fingers like she was commanding a dog.

 

“Where is Angelina!?!” Akira screamed. And as if on cue, Angelina appeared from behind one of the Norrel-head-sized leaves.

 

“There you are! Come here Lina!” Malkai called to his sister.

 

Angelina walked slowly towards her brother. She smiled at him and then when she was close enough to touch him, she embraced him in her arms.

 

Malkai had no idea what so ever about what his little twin sister was going. Never did she ever hug him in public. Only on that Day and the nights that Malkai spent lying awake because of his dreams.

 

The other two boys stared at the twins speechlessly.

 

“What- what are you doing???” Malkai managed.

 

*Sling*

 

Sharp pain. Mt stomach. What is this? It’s warm… what’s dripping? Blood… but why?

“LINA! WHAT DID YOU DO!?” Akira screamed. He pulled her away from Malkai, causing her to fall to the cream colored marble floor.

 

“Malkai!” Norrel grabbed Malkai as he was falling to the floor.

 

“What happened?” Malkai murmured.

 

“Witness Earth’s power. You will leave now or you will die here.” Earth’s voice rang threw the library. She was no where in site.

 

“What the hole did you do to Lina?” Akira screamed again. He wasn’t screaming to anything in particular of course.

 

“She’s chosen to be mine. I’ve made her mine.” The voice said again.

 

Norrel had lifted Malkai with Wind and laid him on one of the large tables. Malkai was bleeding like a stream. He was holding his stomach while trying not to move.

 

“You’ll be okay. Don’t worry, you’ll be okay.” Malkai heard Norrel’s voice trying to comfort him. It was the last thing he hears before everything turned to nothing.

 

“Awake! Possessor of Burning Flames!”

 

Malkai opened his eyes, expecting to see Angelina’s face and hearing her voice, yelling at him for not waking up like before. No, they’d never be able to go back to that live. Never going back.

 

He opened his eyes and he could still see nothing. Was it dark? Was it light? Was it anything? He couldn’t tell. Was he dead?

 

“No child you are not dead. Listen to my voice. Remember my voice. I am The Spirit. I will not allow you to perish, not while you have a job to do. Listen well Fire, Earth is being corrupted. She is not following my words. She’s being whispered to by another on the other side. She’s used Water against you. Use any means necessary to obtain Water and Earth back. Forget your blood ties. You must get them back.”

Malkai tried hard to listen to The Spirits words. He tried to open his mouth to reply but nothing came out.

 

“You are The Spirit. Alexandria?” Malkai thought.

 

“Indeed child. I’ve been the one whispering to Water. Her heart is open to me and she’s the easiest to communicate with. But you must know; she’s easily corrupted. Do not let her follow the wrong path. Watch out for those who are closest to you. Things are not always what they appear to be. Remember that.”

 

“But Alexandria, how do I know? How am I supposed to do this? What are we doing? Why can’t you do this?!? Why would you make us any more different than we already are!?!” Malkai was screaming with his mind. He thought he could actually hear his own words floating around him.

 

“Calm down Fire. I cannot do your job because I am not stable. I only exist in my Spirit form. But once you obtain all of the Elements, I will be strong once again. I‘m sorry that I’ve disrupted your life, but the other side is growing stronger. Watch out for the Demons. They will try to take down each and every one of you. Once they get one of you, Elements won’t be able to be completed. Now go, awaken in the real world. Take back Water and Earth. I believe in your heart’s flames.” Alexandria’s voice started to fade.

 

“No I still need to ask you mo-!”

 

“MALKAI! Wake up! Wake up! Please!”

 

Norrel’s annoying voice rang threw his ears.

 

“Uhhgg…” Malkai managed to say. He tried to move, forgetting his pierced stomach. “Ouch!” Malkai screeched.

 

*Swish, Splash*

 

“Stop! Leave here!” Angelina’s voice was loud and she sounded exasperated.

 

“No! You’re coming back with us Lina! Come back to your senses. Stop fighting with us. We’re your friends!” Akira’s screamed were directed to Angelina and he sounded just as bad as Angelina.

 

“Akira! Malkai’s awake!” Norrel called to Akira.

 

“Good! Now help him. I need back-up!” Akira called, not taking his eyes off of Angelina who was pounding him with title waves that ripped books off of shelves in a single move.

 

“Norrel… Lina… I need to help her!” Malkai sat up quickly ignoring the shooting pain that was passing threw his whole body as he slid off of the desk and staggered towards Akira.

 

“No Malkai! You’re not ready to fight!” Norrel called after him. Norrel’s arm was healing up nicely but he was still in no condition to fight.

 

“No one ever said I was going to fight her.” Malkai said smoothly.

 

“You sure ‘bout this Malkai?” Akira asked.

 

“Yeah. I’m all up for it.” Malkai smiled like a dork. “Angelina! Are you insane? What the hole are you doing missy?!?” Malkai called.

 

“Stop talking to me like you know me! You are evil people! You can’t be in Lilith’s Palace! Go away!” Angelina yelled back. She looked scared, but at the same time, she looked like she was defending something precious to her.

 

“Lilith is Earth’s name huh? Lilith! I command you to come out and fight me! Don’t use my sister. Or, the “Water Goddess”.” Malkai snickered. “My sister, a goddess? Oh please!” He continued to snicker. Akira tried hard not to smile, but even while fighting off Angelina, he let a huge grin show.

 

Akira wouldn’t attack Angelina back. He just held up his shield. She wouldn’t stop attacking him. She looked so drained though.

 

“Stop it Lina. You’re tired. We’re not evil. We’re on your side.” Malkai tried to reason with her and not march over there and give her a spanking. (Hee hee)

 

“Lies!” Angelino screamed.

 

“Stand by Water Goddess.” Lilith commanded as she stepped down from a giant flower that was at the ceiling. How cliché.

 

“Lilith. Good, you decided to show. Now, release my sister. She has nothing to do with this. We want both of you to join us.” Malkai said. The pain in his stomach was suddenly worsening. He didn’t allow that to stop him. “Please, you’re not being yourselves. You guys are good. We are good. So we match up. Come back to us Lina!” Malkai urged. Akira let his shield down and Norrel walked over to where the others were standing.

 

“Do you think you can fool me? I am the Earth! The foundation on which you stand!” Lilith’s face suddenly turned blank. Then pain flashed across her face. “GET OUT!” She held her hands over her ears like she was trying to drown out noise. “I don’t want to be corrupted by you! Get out!” Lilith dropped to the floor on her knees and squeezed her eyes shut. “Fire! Attack me! Please!” Lilith pleaded.

 

Angelina rushed to Lilith’s side and knelt down beside her.

 

“Move Angelina.” Akira ordered.

 

Angelina stared at Akira. She saw the seriousness in his eyes. And she slowly got up, not separating her eyes from his.

 

“Do it Malkai.” Akira edged.

 

“Yeah.” Malkai whispered. He put his palms up, towards Lilith who was still on the floor. “Fire!” A burst of flames emitted from his palms and went flying towards Lilith.

 

“AHHH!” Lilith screamed in pain as the flames hit her with full power. She collapsed on the floor unconscious.

 

Suddenly, there was another thud as Angelina and Malkai both dropped to the floor.

 

“Ah crap, three unconscious pain in the butts.” Akira muttered as he used Shadows to lift all three of them. It was dark by the time they all got out of the Library/ Amazon Forest (hah). The Library was back to normal. No oversized leaves and flowers. They all disappeared when Lilith knocked out.

 

“You think we should bring them to a hospital?” Norrel suggested.

 

“And what the hell are we supposed to say? Uh, the blue haired one is the red haired one’s sister and the green haired one is some evil/good chick that was totally under mind control. Yeah, good plan.” Akira mumbled.

 

“You guys don’t have to do that. My family owns a medical store. I can help you guys out there.” A black haired, caramel eyed guy suddenly appeared out of no where.

 

“Holy crap!” Akira screamed. He almost dropped Angelina, Malkai, and Lilith! Who by the way, he was LEVITATING!

 

“Wait, you don’t see what you think you see!” Norrel tried to explain really fast but his words were jumbled up and he couldn’t think of any way of explaining what the guy was seeing.

 

“It’s alright. Come with me, I’ll explain and help Angelina.” The guy said as he started walking.

 

“Why does he know Angelina? And why does he need to do the explaining? Aren’t we the ones with the levitating bodies?” Akira whispered to Norrel.

 

“Funny right?” Norrel grinned.

 

After walking in silence for almost five minutes, they finally came to a stop.

 

It was a small, square shaped place made from wood that was painted white. There were only two windows that they could see in the front of the house.

“Come in.” the black-haired caramel-eyed guy said. He opened the door and held it open so that Akira could levitate the bodies inside.

 

“You can set them down on the carpet. You-” The guy pointed to Norrel. “Go to the other room. My sister will help you with your arm.” The guy said. Norrel did as he was told and so did Akira.

 

Malkai, Angelina, and Lilith were laid on the maroon colored carpet and they were all still knocked out like bricks.

 

“I will talk while I patch up Malkai.” The guy said. He opened a cabinet and took out bandages and five bottles of what looked like jelly and oil.

 

“No, first you’ll explain why you know Malkai and Angelina’s names.” Akira grumbled.

 

“Right. I met Angelina yesterday night. You were the guy who found her after I left. She introduced me to Malkai earlier. Your friend, the blonde one, he talked with my sister Fairah. I’m helping you because I know what you are.” The guy replied while ripping Malkai’s shirt and cleaning his wound that wasn’t bleeding quite as much.

 

“Oh, right! You’re that Forte’ guy Lina was talking about. I see…” Akira suddenly lost his train of thought.

 

“Hm…” Angelina rolled on the floor and then whimpered like a little puppy. Akira walked to her and then sat her up.

 

“It’s okay Lina. I’m here. Malkai will be okay.” He comforted her with soft words.

 

Angelina slowly started to open here eyes. She blinked and then blinked some more, trying to figure out where she was and what had happened.

 

“What…” Angelina muttered.

 

“Don’t worry. We’re with Forte’.” Akira whispered.

 

“Forte’?” Angelina squeaked.

 

“Hello Lina” Forte’, a.k.a. “black-haired, caramel-eyed guy” said.

 

Forte’ opened one of the jars and rubbed a jelly like ointment on Malkai’s wound. As soon as he finished applying the ointment, Malkai’s wound started closing.

 

“Holy crap. That’s amazing!” Akira stared as Forte’ started bandaging Malkai’s stomach.

 

“Oh… no…” Angelina got up and backed away from Akira. She wasn’t looking where she was going and so landed on a couch. She gasped and then buried her face in her hands.

 

“Lina? What’s wrong?” Akira rushed to Angelina’s side.

 

“I did that! To Malkai! How could I?!?” Angelina looked desperately at Malkai.

 

“No! You didn’t mean to. It’s alright.” Akira tried to calm her.

 

“It’s not alright! What happened to me!? How could I ever do something like that to Malkai?!” Angelina just stared at Malkai’s body. He was bandaged up and Forte’ grabbed a shirt from pone of the cabinets and put it on Malkai.

 

“He’s alright. Don’t worry about him. You’re blonde friend is being treated by my sister. And this girl,” Forte’ pointed to Lilith. “She’ll be fine.” Forte’ smiled at Angelina and then walked into the other room where Norrel and Fairah were.

 

“Angelina…” Malkai sat up and looked around. “Where are we?”

 

“We’re at Forte’s store or something.” Akira said.

 

“What happened to me?” Malkai stared at Angelina.

 

She got up and walked to Malkai.

 

“I’m so sorry Malkai! I’d never do something like this. I’m sorry I hurt you!” Regret, Pain, and Anger crossed her face.

         

“Angelina. Don’t sweat it. You weren’t yourself. You can’t blame yourself and I have no reason to blame you.” Malkai smiled at his sister and then ruffled the top of her head. Angelina smiled back and then looked at Lilith who was still knocked out on the floor.

 

“Did she do something to me?” Angelina snarled.

 

“Yes… and no.” Malkai said.

 

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Angelina stared at her brother and then back at Lilith.

 

“Well, Lilith was under someone’s control or something. And then you were under her control. I’m guessing she didn’t mean it. I told you to wait for us.” Malkai snickered.

 

“Shut up.” Angelina stuck out her tongue at Malkai and then they smiled.

 

“Looks like we’re back to normal.” Norrel smiled as he came into the room.

 

“Wow! Your arm!” Angelina exclaimed.

 

“Yeah, Fairah fixed it for me.” Norrel flashed a big smile as a beach blonde girl stepped into the room with Forte’ walking behind her.

 

“You’re the girl I saw-” Angelina covered her mouth and then blushed. She forgot that she was the one who was spying on Forte’ and her before.

 

“You must be Angelina. Forte’ told me about you.” Fairah’s mouth curved into a small smile.

 

“Really?” Angelina stared from Fairah to Forte’.

 

“Well, now that we’re all together, I think all of us have explaining to do.” Forte’ said as he sat on the couch next to Akira.

“So, who’s first?” Norrel asked as he sat on the couch across from where Akira and Forte; were sitting. Fairah sat on the floor next to Malkai. Angelina was sitting on the opposite side of Fairah next to Malkai.

 

“Hi again.” Fairah whispered to Malkai as she batted her (beautifully) long eye lashes.

 

“Hi…” Malkai whispered back. He gets easily nervous around pretty girls.

 

“I guess Fairah and I will go.” Forte’ said, interrupting Fairah and Malkai’s little conversation.

 

Forte’ looked around the room at everyone’s faces. They were all listening attentively. “We know what you all are. The gods and goddesses that manifest the Elements. Fairah and I come from a long line of “doctors”. Our family is more like a tribe. We believe that one day; an evil will be released into our world. When that day comes, The Spirit will call on the Elements. Fairah and I were taught about the ways of our ancestors and how they followed along side the Elements and helped to protect them. So we’re not fazed by your abilities. Angelina is Water. Malkai is Fire.”

 

“Norrel is Wind. Akira is Darkness and the green haired girl is Earth.” Fairah pitched in.

 

“That’s right.” Malkai said.

 

“We won’t travel with you. But we will go with you as far as we can. We have settled here in this village to help these people. We are their “doctors” as you may call us.” Forte’ smiled at Fairah. They shared a look that showed a little joke passed between them.

 

“So… you guys know everything? But, since when!” Angelina was frustrated.

 

“Fairah knew since two days ago. That’s why we were in the woods.” Forte’ sighed, remembering how Fairah was stressing about staying in “the life threatening wilderness”.

 

“I had a feeling that we’d see the Elements there. But it was a horrid place to stay.” Fairah glared at Forte’. Forte’ sighed again.

 

“So how long will you be traveling with us?” Akira asked.

 

“We’ll none of you know where to go yet. So we don’t know either. But until then, you all can stay here with us.” Forte’ replied.

 

“What are we going to do about Lilith?” Angelina asked Malkai.

 

“You don’t have to do anything about me.” A sweet voice passed threw the room, turning everyone’s attention to where Lilith’s body was lying on the floor earlier.

 

“Looks like it’s awake.” Norrel muttered.

 

“Norrel don’t be a donkey’s butt.” Angelina muttered back at him.

 

“I heard all of what you were saying. I understand. But isn’t there supposed to be another Element?” Lilith asked.

 

“Yeah, Light is missing. She’s the last Element.” Malkai answered.

 

“So we have no idea where she is right now?” Lilith asked annoyingly. She rolled her eyes and then got up. She walked to the door and then turned to everyone. “This is a waste of my time. If all you’re going to do is sit around the camp fire and chit chat, then I’m gone.” Lilith opened the door and then slammed it shut.

 

“Impatient little thing isn’t she?” Forte’ sighed and then glanced at Fairah. “Seems like someone I know.” Forte’ grinned.

 

“I hear ya’ man.” Malkai smiled back and then glanced at Angelina.

 

“Whatever.” Fairah and Angelina said. Then they glared at each other. If you looked close enough, there might have been lightning bolts in between them. Malkai slowly slid from between them and scampered to where Akira and Forte’ were sitting.

“Smooth.” Akira joked.

 

“Aren’t we going to get Lilith?” Norrel asked as he looked out the window and pointed outside.

 

Everyone got up and ran to the window to see what Norrel was pointing at.

 

Lilith was walking out in the Darkness towards the road that would lead her out of town.

 

“What the hell is wrong with that girl?” Malkai muttered as he rushed to the door with everyone following behind.

 

“Lilith! Wait!” Angelina called to her.

 

Lilith stopped and turned around.

 

“Why should I wait? We’re wasting our time. I knew I had these powers for a reason. I want to use them for something that will actually matter.” Lilith said.

 

“Yes, that’s what we all want. But we have to wait. We have no idea where we’re going and what we’re going to do. Please, just bare with us.” Angelina took Lilith’s hand and then led her back to where the other’s where waiting.

 

“What’s wrong with you?” Akira sneered.

 

“Nothing!” Lilith sneered back.

 

“Alright stop fighting and get inside. It’s dark out. You don’t know what’s out there in the Darkness.” Forte’ said as he led everyone back into the house and closed the door.

 

“You don’t know what’s out there in the Darkness. I do.” Akira whispered to himself.

 

“Did you say something Akira?” Malkai asked.

 

“Uh, no, nothing.” Akira said quickly.

 

That night, Fairah slept in her room and Forte’ in his. Everyone else slept in the living room. Angelina got one couch, Lilith got the other. The boys slept on the floor, naturally.

 

“So how old are you?” Angelina whispered to Lilith from the other couch.

 

“I’m 16. And you?” Lilith looked from Angelina to Malkai who was sleeping beside her couch on the floor.

 

“I’m fourteen. So are Malkai and Norrel.” Angelina said.

 

“Oh. You and Malkai are twins right?” Angelina nodded. “Norrel, he’s also your brother?” Angelina laughed softly.

 

“Heck no! He’s just a friend. Malkai’s best friend since they were four.” Angelina sighed.

 

“Oh, I see. And the black haired one?”

 

“He’s the first Element we found. He’s really awesome. He’s… different, but in a good way.” Angelina explained.

 

“Hm…” Lilith looked at Akira who was sound asleep on the floor next to the window. “He seems like a good guy.”

 

“He is. When he wants to be.” Angelina smiled.

 

“Stop talking about people like they’re not here.” Akira whispered to the girls.

 

They giggled like little kids and then whispered sorry to Akira.

 

“Why did you have to make them stop Akira? I was waiting to hear if they were going to say more about me!” Norrel half whispered half screamed at Akira.

 

“You’re awake?” Angelina asked.

 

“Looks like our cover is blown.” Malkai said.

 

“Ease droppers!” Lilith laughed.

 

“You guys are talking about us behind our backs!” Malkai countered.

 

“Actually, no we weren’t. You guys are in the room with us so yeah. It doesn’t count!” Angelina smiled.

 

“Nice.” Lilith added.

 

“Of course.” Angelina laid back on the couch and grabbed the blanket that ended up at her feet and pulled in over her.

 

“Well, that was interesting. But it’s nice to know that I’m awesome.” Akira snickered.

 

“Shut up!” Angelina snarled. She grabbed Malkai’s pillow and threw it at Akira.

 

“Hey!” Malkai flicked Angelina’s arm.

 

“Ouch!” Angelina and Akira said together.

 

“You guys are so interesting.” Lilith smiled and hen sighed. She turned so that her back was facing everyone and then tried to sleep.

 

“Sly little creature.” Norrel muttered.

 

“Shhh, she’s sleeping.” Angelina scowled.

 

“I can’t believe she’s 16. She looks so small.” Malkai whispered.

 

“She carries herself like a 20 year old though.” Akira whispered.

 

“I like her a lot.” Angelina said.

“I think she’s okay. She dresses nice though. Why don’t you ever wear skirts any more Lina?” Norrel asked.

 

“Shut up Norrel.” Angelina, Malkai, and Akira said.

 

“Humph.” Norrel muttered and then tossed around. He finally settled down and fell asleep. His obnoxious snoring proved that he was knocked out.

 

“Uh… Someone needs to plug him up.” Angelina sighed.

 

“Go to sleep already!” Malkai scowled like an old man.

 

Everyone finally fell asleep. Everyone except Angelina. She just couldn’t get to sleep. When she knew everyone had fallen asleep, Angelina slowly and quietly got out off of the couch, being sure not to step on Malkai (that would be hilarious) and she snuck out the door.

 

“A nice walk will do me good.” Angelina said to herself. 

 

Angelina started walking along a dirt path that led her to the back of the house. There was a small pound surrounded by gray stones. The grass was already covered by a thin layer of dew.  It made the grass look like a sparkling sea of stars in the moonlight.

 

There was a small bench made of wood and painted a soft yellow. Angelina sat down and stared at the sky.

 

“I wonder if the road ahead will only be harder than it is right now.” Angelina asked herself.

 

A breeze passed by and lifted the cool night air around her.

 

Angelina tried to think about what had happened when she got into the library. When she opened the doors, there was a huge fragrance that surrounded her. That’s all she could remember. Then when she woke up in Akira’s arms… she had no idea what was going on. But somehow, she knew she did something to hurt Malkai.

 

“Stop thinking about it!” Angelina yelled at herself and tapped her head with her fist lightly. She sighed and then walked to the pond.

 

Angelina stared into the water at her own reflection shown by the moonlit sky. A girl with long flowing wavy blue hair. Marble blue eyes that resembled her mother’s. Thin light pink lips. A familiar stranger. What was different? Angelina couldn’t quite tell.

 

She dipped her fingers into the water, creating ripples that erased the image of the familiar stranger.

 

“Lina.”

 

Angelina gasped and turned around.

 

“Sorry, did I scare you?” Akira held out his hand.

 

“Yeah you scared me! I thought my heart was going to jump out of my chest!” Angelina exclaimed as she took Akira’s hand.

 

“I would have caught it if it jumped out.” Akira whispered.

 

“Sure.” Angelina walked to the bench and sat down again.

 

“Couldn’t sleep?” Akira asked as he sat down next to her.

 

“Yeah. And I needed to think. I thought everyone was asleep.” Angelina replied.

 

“I heard you get up so I followed.” Akira said, not looking at Angelina.

 

“Stalker!” Angelina pushed Akira lightly and then sighed. “Did you hear anything?” Angelina muttered.

 

“Well I heard some of what you said. Nothing else. Sorry.” Akira glanced at Angelina and saw that she was staring up at the sky.

 

“Whatever. No big deal.” She said.

“Okay.” Akira said. He really didn’t know what to say. Well, he knew what he wanted to say but he didn’t know how to say it. Great.

 

“What are you thinking?” Angelina suddenly asked.

 

“Me? Uh, um, thinking, right now? What am I thinking? Um…” Akira was caught off guard and had no idea what to say.

 

“Calm down. It was a simple question.” Angelina laughed under her breath. “You’re acting strange. Are you okay?” Angelina stared at Akira. Amusement flashed threw her eyes.

 

“I’m fine. It’s just…” Akira thought that it was the perfect time.

 

“It’s just what?” Angelina rushed. She didn’t feel for games.

 

”I-I don’t know if this is the right thing to say, but please don’t get mad because I’m not playing with you. I really never really felt like this before and it’s really confusing but I’m pretty sure I know what it is and-and I just want to finally tell you how I feel about you.” Akira rushed threw and then took a deep breath.

 

“Oh.” Angelina whispered to herself.

 

“Um… I like you. I’ve liked you since we met. Well, I didn’t know it then. I just thought you were hot at first but then… I actually got to know you and you got even better. I know this all sounds corny and non original but I don’t know any other way of saying it.” Akira finally said it. He said what he needed to say, what he always wanted to say. Akira was usually “cool” and was collected but he was a total mess and he was rambling like a loser.

 

Akira stared at Angelina who was looking up at the sky again. He really, really, really, wanted to know how she felt about him but he couldn’t ask her straight up.

 

“Hm…” Angelina really had no idea what to say back to Akira. She was never liked by a boy before. Well, no boy ever confessed it to her. She had no dating experience and was totally clueless about how she felt about Akira.

 

“I like him as a friend. I think. But he is really handsome. He’s really cool. Uh, I don’t think I feel the same way towards him as I do towards Norrel. But with Forte’ I feel like I can’t pay attention to anyone but him! That’s something on a different level right? DAMN IT!” Angelina was trying to stall time while she was thinking about what to say and what her actual feelings were.

 

Akira was watching Angelina as she blinked her clear blue eyes. Her expression wasn’t changing and she was still staring up at the sky.

 

“You don’t have to answer me right now.” Akira quickly added.

 

Angelina stared at him and then sighed.

 

“Thanks. I just need to… sort some stuff out. I’m sorry Akira.” Angelina felt her heart sink. She felt so bad. Akira’s expression was tinted with sadness even though he was trying hard not to show it.

 

“Don’t sweat it. I get it. You need time. Um, I’ll wait.” He said. Then he got up and walked away.

 

“Oh man!” Angelina whispered. She decided to go inside and try to sleep. The little confession scene definitely wouldn’t help.

 

Angelina crept quietly back into the house and made sure to walk over Malkai so she didn’t crush him. She laid down on the couch and covered herself with the blanket. She moved her head so that she could see Akira.

 

He was no where in sight.

 

“Probably went off somewhere because I just crushed his spirit.” Angelina muttered to herself.

 

Angelina kept on thinking about everything and soon her thoughts turned into one and she fell asleep.

 

The Next Morning

 

“Wake up Angelina.”

 

Angelina heard someone’s soft, smooth voice in her ear. She rubbed her eyes with both hands and then opened them.

 

Bright caramel colored eyes stared straight into her eyes. Angelina was still tired and didn’t realize who she was looking at until she sat up.

 

“Are you awake now?” Forte’ asked with a smile on his face.

 

“Uh, yeah…” Angelina was taken by surprise. Seeing his face when she wakes up. That was one of her wonderful fantasies of him.

 

Angelina realized that her hair was a compete monstrosity and her eyes probably had bags. The bags probably had bags under them (EW).

 

“Everyone is already awake. They’re having breakfast. I thought you’d like some too.” Forte’ said. He really was so kind.

 

“Oh, thanks. I think I’ll go freshen up first….” Angelina was still really tired but she grabbed her bag (which wasn’t there before) and went to the bathroom.

 

“Forte’!” Fairah called from the kitchen.

 

“Coming.” Forte’ called back.

 

Forte’ walked into the small kitchen where Malkai, Akira, Norrel, Lilith, and Fairah were gathered around a small white wooden table. They were eating cereal with fruits and berries.

 

“Can you go to Torrie’s house and ask for bread?” Fairah asked, not paying attention to Forte’s grumbling as he walked out the door.

 

“Who’s Torrie? Is she pretty?” Norrel asked through a mouthful of blueberries and blackberries. Disgusting.

 

“She’s our neighbor. And her being pretty has nothing to do with you.” Fairah snarled at Norrel but he chose to ignore her.

 

“Where’s Angelina?” Akira asked.

 

“Bathroom.” Malkai replied, raising an eyebrow at Akira.

 

*Crash*

 

“OH MY FREKAING CRAP!” Angelina’s scream carried through the whole house.

 

Akira, Malkai, and Norrel all got up at the same time and ran to the bathroom. Fairah and Lilith just continued eating their breakfast quietly. Fairah couldn’t care less about Angelina.

 

“Shoo! Shoo!” Angelina hissed.

 

“Angelina what’s wron-!” Malkai started to say when he opened the door but then was absolutely speechless.

 

“GET OUT!” Angelina screamed as she threw a bar of soap straight into Malkai’s face. He slammed the door shut and then ran into the kitchen to wash his eyes. The soap was burning.

 

“Oh my god.” Akira breathed.

 

“Sweet.” Norrel whispered.

 

“Norrel! Akira! Get in here!” Malkai hissed/yelled with such a hateful tone, Akira and Norrel rushed into the kitchen.

 

Fairah was still eating her breakfast and watching the scene unfold with a smile on her face. Lilith laughed to herself.

 

“What did you see?!?” Malkai snarled.

 

“Nothing!” Akira and Norrel said immediately.

 

“Bull s**t!” Malkai yelled.

 

*Meow~*

 

Everyone turned their heads to see what was making the sound.

 

“Cute!” Fairah squealed.

 

A gray kitten with stripes of white, dark gray, and black. It purred and meowed as it rubbed against Angelina’s leg.

 

Angelina?!?

 

The boys lifted their gaze from the kitten to Angelina.

 

“Cute right?” Angelina hissed.

 

“Uh…” The boys looked at each other for help. No one had any help for the other. Fairah got up from her seat and walked to the kitchen and took out a small sardine and held it close to the ground. The kitten ran/jumped to Fairah and bit the sardine contentedly. Fairah smiled as she teased the kitten by lifting the sardine and making it jump.

 

“I’m back Fairah.” Forte’ called as he walked into the kitchen. Angelina was standing in the doorway, hands crossed over her chest and a towel hanging on her shoulders so that her dripping wet hair wouldn’t wet her black t-shirt. She was wearing jeans that reached her knees and black sneakers.

 

Forte’ looked at Fairah and Lilith who were playing with a cat and fish. Strange. And then to Malkai, Akira, and Norrel. They looked scared poop less.

 

“Um, is everything alright?” Forte’ asked.

 

“Yes.” Angelina mumbled.

 

“No!” The boys shouted to Forte’. They all looked at him with eyes that were filled with “Help!” spelled in them.

 

“Uh huh… Fairah, explain.” Forte’ said as he walked past Angelina and sat at the table with a bag of bread.

 

Everyone stared at Fairah, who was still playing with the kitten as she began to explain.

 

“Angelina was in the shower and then this sweet little cutie probably scared the crap out of her because it jumped in threw the bathroom window. She screamed “Oh my freaking crap!” and her three musketeers ran to her rescue without thinking. Malkai opened the door and well you can guess what he saw. Angelina threw something at his face and Akira and Norrel saw something though they say they didn’t. Yeah so, here we are.” Fairah sighed as she rubbed the kitten’s belly.

 

“Uh huh…” Forte’ was confused be he could already guess why this scene ended up in his kitchen.

 

Forte’ turned his attention to the boys who were near the sink, far away from Angelina.  Malkai had his hands over his eyes and he was moaning about something that sounding like “heaven forgive me I didn’t mean to mom don’t kill me and dad don’t whip me.” Akira was looking at the ceiling and trying not to stare at Angelina. His face was beet red. Norrel on the other hand, made no attempt to seem as though he was ashamed. He stared at Angelina like a dog staring at a steak. Magnificent.

 

“So had everyone finished having breakfast?” Forte’ said, trying to change the subject.

 

“Nope.” Angelina said. She quickly walked to the table and sat across from Forte’. The boys all quickly slid out form the kitchen and into the living room.

 

Angelina grabbed the box of Cherie O’s and poured it into the bowl in front of her. She added strawberries, kiwis and sugar.

 

“Are you okay?” Forte’ asked.

 

“Mm Hm.” Angelina mumbled. She didn’t look at Forte’. She just stared at her breakfast and continued eating.

 

Forte’ didn’t really know what to say. Then he remembered.

 

“I got a car you guys could use.”

 

“Really? That’s great!” Angelina suddenly brightened up a bit and then it faded.

 

“What’s wrong?” Forte’ asked.

 

“I have to be stuck in the car with the three dork-a-teers again!” Angelina moaned.

 

“You’ll have me.” Forte’ said, trying to cheer her up.

 

“Really?” Angelina said with hope.

 

“Yeah. Fairah and Lilith will be with us to.”

 

Angelina’s expression darkened again. Her emotional roller costar was making Forte’ uneasy.

 

Angelina finished her breakfast and then walked into the living room. The boys, Fairah, and Lilith were on the couch playing with the kitten.

 

Everyone stopped in their tracks when they saw Angelina walk into the room.

 

“Don’t worry.” Angelina muttered, not looking at anyone. She sat on the opposite couch and searched around in her backpack. Fairah and Lilith continued playing with the kitten while the boys just stared at Angelina.

“Angelina.”

 

Angelina froze in place.

 

Malkai immediately ran to his sister’s side. Akira and Norrel got up too.

 

“What’s happening?” Lilith and Fairah asked.

 

“She’s being contacted by Alexandria.” Malkai said quickly.

 

“Who’s that?” Lilith asked.

 

“The Spirit.” Forte’ said as he walked into the living room and stood next to Malkai.

 

“Angelina, tell me what you see.” Malkai coaxed.

 

“Does it hurt when she gets contacted or whatever?” Fairah asked as she stared at Angelina.

 

“No. It’s just really disturbing to watch.” Akira said.

 

“Shut up. Let her think.” Malkai scowled. Everyone quieted and stared at Angelina.

 

“Her face. Auburn hair. Wood? Hollywood?!? Han… Hanami.” Angelina muttered words that confused the heck out of everybody.

 

“Wait! Did she say Hanami?!? THE HANAMI?!? Oh my good gosh.” Fairah got all jumpy as she quickly ran to her room and grabbed a magazine. “Here!” Fairah handed the magazine to Angelina quickly.

 

Angelina grasped it in her hands and managed to look down at the front page.

 

“Yes! This is her. This girl, she’s in Hollywood. She’s the last Element. Light.” Angelina whispered.

 

Everyone piled near Angelina who was now lying on the couch with the magazine still in her hands. Everyone stared at the photograph of Hanami.

 

“Holy cripes.” Norrel managed to mutter.

 

“I have watched almost all of the movies she’s been in. She’s my favorite actress/model/singer EVER!!!” Lilith squealed like a frivolous school girl as she looked at Fairah who looked like she could pass out from bliss right on the spot.

 

“Fairah is addicted to Hanami. She’s her role model.” Forte’ explained.

 

“So… we’re going to Hollywood, to get Light, who is a big shot movie star/model/singer?!? How the hell are we supposed to do that?!?” Malkai yelled.

 

“This is just not my day.” Angelina muttered.

 

“Tell me about it.” Akira said to her. He smiled at her uncomfortably.

 

Angelina didn’t know what to do so she just turned away. Akira saw that Angelina looked away so he got up and walked outside.

 

“Damn. Why did I have to go and do that!?!” Angelina yelled at herself in her mind.

 

“Are you recovered now Lina?” Malkai asked after he stopped gawking at Hanami’s picture.

 

“Yeah… I think so.” Angelina managed.

 

“I think we should start packing and head out.” Forte’ suddenly said.

 

“Are we going with them? All the way to Hollywood?” Fairah looked thrilled but at the same time aggravated.

 

“No we’re not going all the way to Hollywood with them. All the way to Los Angeles? Please!” Forte’ rolled his eyes at how ridiculous his sister’s proposal was.

 

“Then what did you mean?” Fairah asked, in a voice that was filled with rage and sorrow.

 

“By “we” I mean them. Sorry but we’re not going anywhere.” Forte’ reached into his left pocket and pulled out keys and threw them at Malkai.

 

Malkai caught them in his hand and then smiled.

 

“Tell me you got us a hot ride?” Akira pleaded as he walked in threw the door.

 

“Check for yourselves, in the meantime, I’ll bring the bags to the car.” Forte’ directed. Fairah and Lilith went outside with Malkai, Akira, and Norrel to check out the car.

 

Angelina was still lying on the couch but she sat up and grabbed her bag and Malkai’s.

 

“Thanks.” Forte’ whispered.

 

“Sure.” Angelina said back at she grabbed some stuff that the other’s left behind and went out the door.

 

“Whoowee! Looks like we’re riding clean.” Norrel exclaimed.

 

It was another minivan. This time it was sleek silver and as Angelina walked to the trunk to put the bags in, she looked at the license plate and saw something that made her laugh out loud.

 

“What’s so funny?” Malkai asked as he walked to where Angelina was. Akira, Norrel, and Lilith followed.

 

They all smiled and laughed.

 

The plate was customized.

 

“Elements on the Run”

 

“Do you like?” Forte’ asked smiling.

 

“Absolutely.” Angelina chimed. Everyone else nodded and murmured their agreements.

 

“So let’s get going! We’re “Elements on the Run!” We’ve got to do what the plate says guys!” Norrel as hyper as a three year old that had ice cream, soda, and candy for dinner. He ran to the car and climbed in the passenger’s seat.

 

“Oh no you don’t!” Akira warned as he opened the passenger side door and grabbed Norrel; tossing him out.

 

“Why~?!?” Norrel whined. (He’s really good at that)

 

“Lilith you’re 16 right?” Akira asked impatiently.

 

“Yeah.” Lilith replied, no interest in her voice.

 

“Then you’re driving first.” Akira concluded.

 

“Alright then.” Lilith said as she climbed into the driver’s seat. Akira sat in the passenger’s seat. Norrel and Malkai were furthest in the back. Angelina sat behind Akira. Malkai and Norrel only two rows behind her. The van was much bigger on the inside than it looked on the outside.

 

“Are we ready to go?” Lilith asked.

 

*Tap*

 

Everyone turned to look at the window that was next to Angelina.

 

Forte’ smiled as he waved goodbye. Fairah just waved. But when Malkai looked at her, she beamed.

 

“Bye!” Angelina said as she rolled down her window.

 

“Bye.” Forte’ said.

 

As they started driving, Angelina couldn’t help but look back at Forte’. She wondered; would she ever see him again? And if; when?

 

“Too bad we had to say bye to them so soon.” Malkai sighed.

 

“Yeah. I would have liked to stay with Fairah a while longer. She’s so damn pretty!” Norrel almost drooled on himself. Uhg, dog.

 

“I know!” Malkai and Akira agreed.

 

Angelina shot a glare at Malkai and then she stared at the back of Akira’s head.

 

“Crap. I said something I should’ve have. I want to turn around, but then I don’t! I feel her looking at me! OH MY GOD! She might burn a hole threw the back of my head!!!!” Akira was freaking out in his mind.

 

“You guys are despicable.” Lilith laughed.

 

“Precisely!” Angelina laughed.

 

“Whatever.” The boys muttered.

 

After driving in traffic for 20 minutes, everyone was already getting restless.

 

“This sucks!!!” Norrel screeched.

 

“Shut up.” Malkai said automatically.

 

“It’s going to take about three or four days to get to Los Angeles from here.” Lilith said. She stared at the dash board. She stared at the clock. Only 1:37 in the afternoon.

 

“Lilith, did you bring a bag with you?” Angelina suddenly asked.

 

“Yeah. I got it last night.” She replied. A small smiled crept over her face.

 

“Last night?!?” Akira and Angelina asked together, worry lacing their voices

 

Malkai and Norrel stared at them.

 

“Yes, that’s right. Last night.” Lilith repeated.

“Oh…” Angelina tried not to show the shock and anger in her voice.

 

“I see.” Akira was the same.

 

“Is there something wrong with you too?” Malkai asked with suspicion that he wasn’t trying to hide.

 

“Nope.” Angelina said coolly.

 

“Nah.” Akira said.

 

“Uh huh…” Malkai sunk back into his seat but continued staring at Akira and Angelina.

 

Angelina let out a long breathe and then laid down on the row of seats.

 

“Three or four days stuck in the car with these loons again. Yay~!” Angelina muttered.

 

“It isn’t a party for us either miss.” Malkai muttered back.

 

“Quiet down. You guys are giving me a headache. I’m turning on the radio. So shut up and listen.” Though she was the shortest, Lilith was oldest, and she was showing it.

 

No one said a word against her. Even though she’s small, she looked like she could take on anyone anytime.

 

Songs played on the radio and buzzed threw Akira’s ear like a bee. And hour past by and no one had said a word. There was no tension but no one was quite relaxed either.

 

Finally, Lilith turned off the radio and everyone sat quietly, staring at her. No one dared to speak because of the possibility that Lilith would lash out.

 

But of course, Norrel doesn’t have the normal amount of common sense as others.

 

“I’m hungry!” He cried out as his stomach started grumbling like a hungry bear.

 

“You’re not human.” Akira commented.

 

“No I’m not. I’m a special human. There’s a difference you know.” Norrel flicked back.

 

“I didn’t even know you knew how to say “difference” it’s a word over two syllables. I’m so amazed.” Malkai joked.

 

“I can say a lot of words over two syll-a-bib-els…” Norrel covered his mouth and started blushing. Everyone laughed and the atmosphere seemed lightened.

 

“We’ll stop for something to eat. I think there’s a Burger King up ahead.” Lilith sighed. “It’s so hard being the oldest one.”

 

“I hear you.” Akira mumbled.

 

Angelina stared at Akira for a moment. Then she looked out the window again. She still had no idea. She didn’t know.

 

Did she really like Akira as a lover? She had to admit, he was gorgeous but somehow, she didn’t have the same attraction to him as she did to Forte’. That’s all she thought about when they started their journey to Los Angeles, California. It was driving her insane. She felt like an idiot. Like somehow, with very passing second, she was breaking Akira. Not knowing what she felt was killing her. But for Akira, not knowing how she felt was probably rotting him like an apple on the ground in the winter. She knew that he couldn’t wait forever.

 

“Angelina!” Malkai yelled.

 

“What?!?” Angelina jumped up as she whirled around to look at Malkai.

 

“I was calling you for like five minutes. How deaf are you? Or were you just in your La La Land?” Malkai smiled smugly.

 

“I was just thinking about stuff…” Angelina trailed off and didn’t finish her sentence. She thought she saw something strange.

 

“Are you feeling okay?” Akira asked form the front seat, not turning around.

 

“Uh, yeah, I’m uh fine!” Angelina said in a rush. She turned back in her seat and then grabbed her bag and started rummaging randomly threw it.

 

“WHOA!” Lilith suddenly screamed as she hit the break with full force. The impact caused Akira to almost slam his face smack into the windshield.

 

Angelina lurched forward and it was the same with Malkai and Norrel.

 

“Is everyone okay?” Lilith asked breathlessly.

 

“IF by okay you mean our hearts are still beating but only to the point where we aren’t dead yet, then yes, we’re okay.” Akira muttered.

 

“Sarcasm at a time like this. You’re so smart.” Malkai laughed/coughed.

 

Even with a strained voice Angelina still managed to speak. “Why’d you stop so suddenly?”

 

“There’s something darting in front of us!” Lilith cried.

 

Norrel rolled down his window and stuck his head out. “What is it?!?”

 

“Someone go check!” Malkai screeched.

 

“Let’s go then.” Akira got out of the passenger side with Norrel and Lilith following.

 

*Meoooww*

 

The sound continued with purring to cradle it along.

 

“That thing again.” Angelina wailed.

 

“That thing almost got us killed two times!” Akira snarled as she reached for the small gray fur ball with multi-colored stripes along its body. The kitten hissed and bolted towards Angelina.

 

“Get away from you, you mutant hairball!” Angelina squealed as she ran to hide behind Malkai.

 

Malkai laughed at how feeble and child-like his sister could be.

 

“Come on kitty-kitty~” Lilith cooed.

 

*Meeeooowww*

 

The “mutant hairball” elegantly trotted over to where Lilith was, leaning against the car’s silver frame. It started rubbing against her leg, still meowing and purring with an unmistakable pattern.

 

“You’re not a mutant fur ball, no your not, no your not! You’re my cute little Sun-Drop aren’t you?” Lilith caressed the kitten behind its ears and the top of its head.

 

“Sun-Drop?” The others laughed and then turned their attention to Lilith who was getting back in the car.

 

“What’s she doing?!?” Angelina almost had a stroke when she saw that Lilith carried “Sun-Drop” inside the car with her. She could barely manage to force the words out of her mouth.

 

“Come on already! If we’re going to make it to Los Angeles in three days then we’d better get moving right now!” Lilith yelled out of the driver side mirror.

 

“I’ve got no problem with Sun-Drop as long as it stays away from me and doesn’t shed on my cloths.” Akira smiled at Angelina and then jumped inside the car. This time he sat where Angelina was. That left the passenger’s seat opened so Malkai shoved Norrel out of his way as he climbed into the passenger side.

 

“You’re all too mean to me! Just because I’m the youngest doesn’t mean you can push me around like a rag doll!” Norrel reluctantly went into the back of the mini van and started to sulk like a baby.

 

“Alright then! With our new recruit, we’re off to Los Angeles!” Lilith said with an extra burst of sudden enthusiasm. 

 

“Whoopee~!” Malkai yawned wryly.

 

*Meeeoooww*

 

“Don’t come near me!” Malkai quickly opened his window and stuck his head out like a dog.

 

“Sun-Drop won’t hurt you Malkai!” Lilith laughed. She laughed that kind of laugh when adults are laughing at how “silly” a kid can be.

 

“I’m not scared of that kitten!!!” Malkai scowled and then made “shoo” noises to try and chase the kitten away from his seat.

 

But it ironically had the opposite affect. Sun-Drop seemed to think that Malkai was playing with her and started rubbing against his leg.

 

“Oh EW!” Malkai breathed as she slowly moved his leg away.

 

“Malkai’s scared of a kitten! That’s so cute.” Norrel rumbled with laughter.

 

Akira laughed along with Norrel but Angelina was too busy looking away from Akira to notice. She glanced at him through the side of her eyes every once in a while and usually Akira would be staring straight ahead, towards the road. But she caught him sneaking a glance at her too.

 

Honestly, she wasn’t sure if she should be flattered or creped out.

 

*oomph*

 

“What are you doing?!” Akira’s voice rose so high that he sounded like he had just inhaled the helium in a party balloon.

 

“Hah! Now look who’s scared!” Malkai stuck his tongue out at Akira like a five year old and laughed.

 

“It’s not funny! Get this thing off of me; it’s going to shed all over my cloths!” Akira screamed as he quickly but gently grabbed the kitten and placed it over the driver’s seat and into Lilith’s lap.

 

“You sound like a high school girl who’s afraid to get her clothes wet!” Norrel commented as he muffled a snicker.

 

“Will you shut up before I make Sun-Drop, drop some presents in your food?!” Akira shot back with a glare.

 

“Where are we now Lilith?” Angelina finally said. Everything went silent suddenly.

 

“We’re in Dorothy’s homeland.” Lilith replied with a smile.

 

“Kansas? Already? Dang!” Norrel slapped his knee like a hill-billy and then laughed at himself.

 

“Stop being stupid for once.” Akira grumbled. He quickly turned to Angelina who was looking at him with blank eyes.

 

She simply smiled though the smile didn’t reach her eyes and then turned to Norrel.

 

“Pass me my bag.”

 

Norrel turned and reached into the trunk of the car. He rummaged around a bit and then sighed as he tossed Angelina her red backpack.

Angelina caught it and then unzipped it.

 

“What’cha looking for?” Malkai asked, not looking behind him. He was busy turning to different stations on the radio.

 

“Nothing in particular.” Angelina said. There was a slight edge in her voice.

 

“You guys want to stop?” Lilith asked.

 

“Sure. Where are we stopping?” Akira turned so he could look out of the window.

 

Everyone else did the same.

 

“YAY!” Angelina screamed as she dropped her unzipped backpack to the floor. She scrambled to open the door and she jumped out.

 

“Wait for us!” Norrel called.

 

“Figures.” Malkai huffed.

 

“Oh well. It doesn’t bother me.” Akira said smiling.

 

“Let’s go! Hurry up!” Angelina called. She was so energetic!

 

“Into the mall we go~!” Akira laughed and then followed Angelina and Lilith inside. Lilith had Sun-Drop perched on her shoulder like a bird.

 

“Shopping. Yippee~!” Norrel said wryly.

 

“Let’s go get our hair done girlfriend!” Malkai made his voice high as he flipped his wrist like a robot gone wrong and both boys TRIED to cat walk into the mall.

 

“Stop it you twits!” Lilith hissed.

 

“Sorry.” The boys sighed.

 

“Where’s Akira and Lina?!?” Malkai suddenly shouted.

 

“Don’t make a scene. Lina wanted to go somewhere different from me and I told Akira to go with her.” Lilith said.

 

“Why?” Malkai moaned. “Akira and Lina?!? Alone? COME ON!” Malkai looked like he was going to pop.

 

“Let’s go find them then.” Norrel suggested with a grin.

 

“Leave them be! Don’t interrupt them. They have issues to work out. It’s going to be even harder for them it we’re there.” Lilith sighed.

 

“What would you know!?” Malkai hissed.

 

“More than you’d ever think buddy. Just trust me on this. I’ve had more love experience than you. Don’t worry.” Lilith hissed back. They were like two little snakes, fighting over a dead rat. Uhg.

 

Malkai started uttering to himself as he and Norrel carried bags while Lilith shopped.

 

Meanwhile, with Angelina and Akira.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Angelina was busy buying cloths and supplies but she was fully aware of Akira walking around with her. He didn’t say anything and he didn’t linger too close to her. Awkward would be an understatement for this moment.

 

“Angelina.”

 

Angelina jumped as she dropped the shirt that she was holding back in the bin. She quickly turned and saw Akira of course. He smiled crookedly at her.

 

“Need help with carrying your bags?” He asked lightly.

 

“Uh, yeah sure.” Angelina lifted her hand and put her bag in front of Akira’s body.

 

Akira carefully took the bag, not looking inside and never taking his gaze from Angelina.

 

“I’m sorry Akira.” Angelina whispered so low that Akira wasn’t sure if he’d heard it right. It was silent for a moment except for the passing people that rushed by in a blur. Neither of them seemed to blink or even move.

 

“You have no reason… to be sorry.” Akira murmured.

 

“Yes I do!” Angelina said in a more regular voice. “I can’t just keep you hanging! I have to tell you but I don’t know what to say. I have some clue but I’m not sure Akira. Blame me if you’re feeling pain. Blame me if you end up leaving us. I don’t care. You don’t have to wait.” Angelina said as she took her bag from Akira’s hands and started walking out of the shop.

 

“Wait! Akira called after her. Angelina said as she took her bag from Akira’s hands and started walking out of the shop.

 

“Wait!” Akira called after her. But Angelina continued to walk but she started to pick up her pace. “Let me put a word in before you walk away! I don’t care if I have to wait!” Akira huffed as he followed Angelina into a food court.

 

“Don’t wait! Do you know how much it hurts me to know that by me, not knowing how I feel, I’m hurting you with every passing minute?!?” Angelina shot back with more intensity than she meant for. She quickly sat at an empty table that was littered with bits of napkin.

 

“It’s not like that…” Akira sighed as he sat across from her.

 

“Don’t try and lie to me.” Angelina sat sideways in her seat while facing a cement pillar. Her bags were on the floor next to her and her backpack was slung over one shoulder.

 

“How can you know what I’m about to say will be a lie?!?” Akira accused.

 

“Because!!! If you say it’s not hurting you or at least brothering you that I have only a hint then you’re lying!!!” Angelina could feel her voice rising but she quickly calmed down before she made a scene.

 

“Angelina…” Akira took into careful consideration the words that were about to come out of his mouth. Any wrong or sudden move could send Angelina out of his life.

 

Angelina was now facing him. The emotions that played across her face were incomprehensible.

 

Akira took Angelina’s face in his hands. “Listen to me. Don’t get angry. I’m speaking the truth. I’m devoted to you. I always will from this point on. If you can’t return my feelings then I’m just stuck in a case of unrequited love.” Akira said under his breath, looking into Angelina’s distressed eyes.

 

“Why?” Angelina whispered, not to Akira, but to herself.

 

“I don’t know what to say anymore. I want him to be mine. But is it just because I don’t want to hurt him?” Angelina thought to herself.

 

“Akira…” Angelina said as she moved herself further away from him.

 

“Angelina!”

 

Angelina gasped as she jumped up and grabbed her bags. Akira followed as he grabbed the bag from her hand.

 

“Malkai. Hi.” Angelina muttered as her brother, along with Norrel and Lilith came up to them.

 

“Sorry. I couldn’t control these two dogs.” Lilith whispered in Angelina’s ear.

 

“No problem.” Angelina smiled back. It was a weak smile that she had to force to put on.

 

“What were you doing with my sister man?” Malkai hissed at Akira when he thought Angelina wasn’t paying attention.

 

“Leave him alone Malkai.” Angelina muttered as she started walking, arm linked with Lilith. The boys followed and hissed at each other quietly.

 

“Look Lina! I bought a new shirt!!!” Norrel started jumping around like a puppy. Lilith sighed and Malkai and Akira chuckled.

 

“Oh, okay, let’s see it.” Angelina said absently.

 

“We’re driving to hell. I’m the driver. Ha!” Angelina snickered.

“What a weirdo!” Akira sighed.

 

“What? It’s awesome!” Norrel tried to defend his new “awesome” shirt.

 

“Everyone’s got everything they want right?” Lilith asked after everyone stopped snickering.

 

Everyone chimed their responses and then Lilith smiled.

 

“Let’s hit the road!” She exclaimed as they walked out of the store.

 

Angelina hadn’t noticed it before but everyone around them just stared. She was too caught up with her situation to notice it until now. Why wouldn’t they stop looking? Angelina made contact with one girl who looked her age and the girl quickly glanced away but when she thought Angelina wasn’t looking, she glanced at her again. Strange was an understatement.

 

When they reached their silver mini-van, everyone went into their seats and Sun-Drop, who was unusually quiet, climbed into the trunk and stayed there.

 

“I guess she’s going to sleep.” Lilith said.

 

“Mm Hm.” Angelina agreed, still thinking about the staring stuff.

 

“We’re going to reach Holly Wood in just two more days!” Lilith made an emphasis on the word “two” and smiled.

 

“Whoop-dee-doo.” Norrel said, sounding lifeless.

 

“You guys are boring!” Lilith groaned as she rolled down the windows and BLASTED the music on the radio.

 

Lilith surprisingly started singing at the top of her lungs. She wasn’t horrible. But she wasn’t so fantastic either. It was bearable to hear and yet, you wanted to hear it.

 

*Honk, Beep!*

 

“Hey honey! I love your voice baby!” A man called from a car that pulled up next to theirs.

 

“Thanks.” Lilith smiled back at him. He looked stunned for a moment and then looked towards his backseat. There were two other guys that were also looking at her.

 

“Wanna come ride with us cutie? Bring your friend too. The blue-haired one.” The driver called over.

 

“No thanks. I don’t hang with street corner bums like you guys. Neither does my blue-haired friend. Bye.” Lilith sneered as she raced away, leaving the guys stunned.

 

“What the hell was wrong with those b******s?!?” Malkai suddenly screamed.

 

“Cool it. We handled the situation just fine without you three. Psh~.” Angelina muttered under her breath.

 

“Shut up.” Malkai stuck out his tongue at Angelina and everyone laughed.

 

Soon, everyone but Lilith, Akira and Angelina were asleep.

 

After about 2 more hours, Akira switched with Lilith and Angelina sat in the passenger side.

 

“Akira…” Angelina didn’t know what to say. And even if she did, how would she say it?

 

“Angelina, I love you. And I’m not just saying that. I want to hear your answer. I can’t wait forever, but I’ll wait as long as I can.” Akira didn’t take his eyes off the road as he spoke. It made talking easier for Angelina to say what she really wanted to.

 

You can do this Angelina. Just do it! It won’t break his heart!

 

“Akira, I…I…” The last words were stuck in her throat. Was she ready to say it? Oh what the hell! Take a chance!

 

“I LOVE YOU AKIRA!” Angelina blurted it so loud that Malkai and Lilith woke up, startled like a bunch of cats. Norrel was happily snoring like an oblivious bear.

 

Everyone was suddenly swayed to the right as the car came to an abrupt halt at the side of the road.

 

“What the hell are you doing Akira?” Malkai sat up and stared at the two in the front.

 

“SH! Malkai shut up. This is going to be good.” Lilith hissed at him. Suddenly, a vine grew on Malkai’s head, maneuvering down his face and wrapping around his mouth so he couldn’t talk.

 

“Angelina… I love you too.” It felt to Akira that it was just him and her. He and she. Nothing else to it, nothing else needed.

 

“I’m so happy.” She felt so good now. She knew now. And he knew now. Angelina loves Akira. They way it was meant to be from the moment he confessed. And now that she said it, she felt like the world could burn right now and she’d die a happy woman.

 

In the back round, you could hear Malkai’s muffled screams, Lilith’s happy squealing, and Norrel’s pig snoring.

 

Akira looked Angelina in her beautiful deep blue eyes.

 

Leaning closer and closer, they could feel each other’s hot breath. Lilith squealed louder and so did Malkai’s screams.

 

Angelina could feel Akira’s rough lips. Even when they’re rough, she could feel the tenderness and the love. Her first boyfriend was Akira, her first kiss with Akira.

 

And suddenly Angelina bursted out laughing.

 

“Why are you laughing? Was I that bad at kissing?” Akira looked hurt and ashamed.

 

“No, no!” Angelina rushed to explain. “I just remembered this is my first kiss. But it’s not YOURS!” She started laughing again and then the vines on Malkai’s mouth burnt to cinders.

 

He started chortling like a hyena. “YOU WERE LIP RAPED BY NORREL! It was your first kiss! Your first kiss was with a guy! And Norrel for that matter~!” Malkai laughed so hard he started to cry.

 

Lilith didn’t know any of that until now and she started laughing like an animal.

 

“That doesn’t count! It was involuntary!” Akira wailed.

 

Lilith wiped her eyes and then sighed. “Too bad! It’s still technically your first kiss! Gay kiss boy.”

 

Akira groaned and then stared out the window.

 

Angelina was still blushing and gushing over her first kiss. It was nice. And for once, in a very long time, she had someone other than her brother to love. And it felt good. She guessed Forte’ wasn’t what she was looking for.

 

Author's Note

Please review =).