Part 3- Chapter 3

Part 3

Chapter 3

Confinement can be physical and mental

“I-I- oh help me Anna!” cried Maia as she landed lightly on her feet, once Water released her from her confinement. But before they reached Anna, her father and brother enveloped her in a big hug. 

“Not my Maia. No one is taking Maia away from me.”

“Not after Mother. We can't lose you too, sister!” 

Tears filled her eyes, “No one is taking me, Father,  Tim.”  

With a sharp ‘hisss’ the locket given to her all those weeks ago by Mary burned against Maia’s skin. Acting upon instinct, Maia clutched it. As soon as her fingers touched it, it cooled. Grooves formed beneath her fingers, and the outline of a wave engraved itself upon the front of the locket. Maia jerked her head up, her eyes seeking Anna’s, whom throughout her journey she had turned towards for answers. Anna took Maia’s wet hand within her own dry one. “Come, child.” She said softly. Maia felt the eyes of all on her, and pretty soon, Daring and Benjamin were whispering frantically. 

“....Legend! Only once in a blue moon!... Anna… so soon?” 

Anna led her to the corner of the back-yard. Maia collapsed upon the floor, but Anna remained standing. 

“Maia, tell me what passed between you and Water above.” 

Maia took a deep, steadying breath. “I dont know how i left the ground, but suddenly there was a voice in my head. He was triumphant and joyful. He said maybe I'm the one… He told me to unlock Water, and as soon as I thought of him I could. Then I guessed who he was. Also, he said with both of you training me, I would rise above all Water Masters that ever lived. He… he said you need to explain why I was chosen, and what I was chosen for.

“Right now, all I know is that I have potential, and that I have something to accomplish. But what? And oh Anna. Creating Water made me feel like Maia. I felt whole. Tell me my job, before I faint of fatigue!”

Anna ran a  hand down her face. “Relax, Maia. I have a story to tell you.”

+++

Long ago, along with the first of humans, animals, and nature, came the Elements. Fire, Water, Earth, Air, and Aether. The Five  lived together in harmony. The human population grew, until strife striked. Brother against brother. Father against son. The Elements fought to bring peace bac among the people. Water and Air tried to fill their minds with calmness. Earth tried to soothe them with his steadiness. Fire tried to turn their passions away from killing. And what did Aether do? Aether, he continued to place hate and spread lies amongst those people. 

The other Four realized. A big war was fought, and the Four triumphed over Aether. The Elements were divided. And when the World’s balance is divided like that, peace cannot reign for long. 

As every human knows, history is peppered with Golden Ages and Dark Ages. War ugly face is constantly present. This last war, in which we gained freedom King George, was indeed, fought for that reason. But also because Aether came and placed anger at being subjects in the heart of those who lived here, in the 13 colonies. He constantly is coming around, and bringing war with him. Aether triumphed in this war. He got the better of the Four. Water, Earth, Air, and Fire remained trapped, unable to return to their physical bodies. They hang in the atmosphere. Usually they can go from that unsubstantial form to a physical body with ease. But  Aether has trapped them. And seeing as the Four are not G-d, they cannot do anything, if they are not in a physical body. Aether grows stronger, with no one to fight him. If The Elemental Hands could muster all of its followers, we would only be able to hurt him. We wouldn't be able to tie him to the atmosphere. The Tesera are Aether’s. They have the power of night, of blackness. Occasionally, one of the Four will be hoodwinked into letting a Tesera have their power. It never turns out good. Aether's power is strong, and would be a great asset if one of The Elemental Hands could harness it. 

Since the Revolutionary War, either people have developed Earth and Air, or Fire and Water. Or just a single power. This is because Fire and Water are imprisoned in their insubstantial forms together, as well as Earth and Air. Aether did this on purpose. To weaken us further. Are you seeing your mission, sweet?” 

“I think I am Anna. I am to restore the Four to their physical bodies.”

“Yes. But first, you must be trained.”