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Novel Wind
"Blessed meetings, tragic partings, and subtle reunions..."

___In the Southwest of Urchine under a sea of stars, a quaint unassuming village peacefully sleeps, nestled in its bed of emerald green grasslands. What’s the name of this humble village? It’s a single word as small and kind as the village itself: Mintt. The untainted paradise is home to hundreds; mostly travelers once passing through, intoxicated by the scent and persuaded by the beauty. The abundance of fragrant plants growing throughout doesn‘t take anyone by surprise. Their soothing aroma rest thick among the wooden houses and cobble stone streets casting a spell of laziness on all. With all Mintt has to offer though, one girl isn't quite satisfied with her life there. Even with the aid of the fragrant flowers, her sleep is fraught with troubled dreams of far off places. Inside her, a tempest is brewing and one day may just escape. Outside this village is where our story begins though, and the truth that history omits revealed.

*___*___*

___Morning seeped through the trees with purpose, warm light steadily blanketing the sleeping world. In its endeavor it mercilessly struck the eyes of a tiny vagabond, piercing all the way to his dreams. Images of mind rendering power, talking papayas and pineapples, and even a single blessed being of pure malevolence would all soon be forgotten.
___The orphan had slept in the midst of a nearly endless field, all but lost in the monstrous grass. Small for his age and a little dirty he’d taken advantage of the warm summer night. Irritated beyond belief he awoke, colorless eyes throbbing in the blinding white of the morning sun. Adorably opening his mouth wide like a roaring lion, he stretched, arms flung out high above his head. Eyes barely focused and seemingly lost he was half asleep at best, and still his growling stomach demanded nourishment. There was no choice but to obey. Blindly, he felt around for his clothes, a silky blue suit folded neatly beside him. For someone so young it was a surpassingly crafted garment, but it was all he had. Slowly dressing, the odd dirt covering his skin became apparent, a few minutes spent scratching the white powder out of his hair and from under his nails before he finally got up. Grabbing his knapsack, he set off, wearily continuing his journey once again.
___Thankfully it was almost no time before he stumbled on a small pond. Situated on the edge of a forest, a few trees grew directly from the surface. The giants swayed in the scented breeze, random spears of light diving through the tangle of branches into the gently rippling surface. Smiling at the welcomed sight, the boy was soon kneeling at its edge for a sip. One quick glance around, water running down his tiny chin, he checked to see if anyone was near. It wasn’t long before he’d thrown all his clothes aside yet again, running full tilt toward the glistening pond stark naked. Holding his tiny nose and clinching his eyes shut he leapt without a moment’s worry.
___A tingling chill shot through his body as he burst through the surface, engulfed by frigid water. Fully awake at last, he awkwardly swam to the surface, head popping out the water like a toy. Sparkling drops of pond water exploded into the air, flung from his curly brown hair. Wiping off his face, the boy opened his eyes, truly seeing the surroundings for the first time. The natural beauty was completely wasted on his youth. He just swam around for awhile more enjoying the water like any child would, getting somewhat clean as a bonus.
___Eventually he did grow tired, staggering out the water with the most wondrous exhaustion. Sprawled out in the familiar grass, he felt no need to quickly dress, the still air warm along his skin. A small contented sigh, another stretch, and one more ominous growl from his tummy were all he needed before he felt the need to move on.
___Slipping his shirt over his head, he sensed a presence off in the woods. The snapping twigs and chirping birds were kind of a dead giveaway. Suddenly unreasonably afraid, his eyes widened, completely focused on the stranger's direction. Calming down, he realized he was still halfway inside his shirt, soon struggling to dress as quickly and quietly as possible. Of course he wanted to run, but being hungry and without food made that seem stupid. He wasn't trespassing or anything, or at least he hoped, so why not just see who it was?

___Water jug in hand, Nina absentmindedly sauntered through the softly rustling woods. The pond was her destination, all too familiar and equally boring. She’d beaten the path since childhood and probably could have made it blindfolded. Preoccupied with the day's chores, she hummed a light melody of no real significance as she reached the water‘s edge. Gaze dropping into its sparkling depths, the simple villager couldn’t help but wonder if life would ever change. Nineteen years old and she’d never strayed more than half a day's walk from home. A tired sigh was all she could muster, expression the epitome of boredom. If I could leave right now, run away and see the all the wonders of the world- well without worrying over my mother- I wouldn't even look back. It was a pleasant thought but only fantasy as far as she was concerned. Stooping to fill her jug, she eventually noticed the reflection standing on the opposite side of the pond. Discovering the child, she instinctively searched for his parents, only mildly surprised to locate none. Curiosity piqued, she had to meet him. It wasn’t like she had anything better to do.

___Speechless, he could do nothing more than blankly stare. She was just… beautiful. He’d meant to say hello, but something about her pale green eyes simply bewitched him to silence. Light auburn hair, wrapped in a nearly perfect bun accentuated her eyes, a few stray strands framing her face. Obviously wearing work clothes, the color a dingy stained gray, she still appeared somewhat regal, pale caramel skin elegantly draped. Forcing himself to look away, he cringed a bit as he realized she was coming toward him, a small metallic glare catching his eye. She appeared to be carrying a flute; this slim metal tube dangling from her sash.
___It didn’t take her very long to round the small pool, a soft breeze cascading over the boy's body. With every step she took, the wind seemed to grow in strength until it was hard for him to even stand. Skin still wet from earlier, the result was a bone chilling cold, his face flushed and teeth chattering.
___Seeing this, the girl cautiously neared, assuming it was fear that gripped him so.
___"You alright sweetie?" The young woman called, earnestly worried. "Don’t be afraid, I wont hurt you…"
___ Confused, the boy silently shook his head, breeze fading away into nothing as quickly as it began. His chest was like a block of ice, breaths labored, although the sun was warming him rapidly.
___"I'm, not… scared of you?" he rattled, face indignant and bright red, "…just cold."
___It was quite clear he’d been swimming, his clothes notably damp, so Nina easily assumed the obvious.
___"You look a little young to be out here by yourself, and I know you're not from the village, so… how exactly did you find your way here?" she kindly inquired, measuring up the stranger before her.
___"Well, I kinda drift from place to place..." the boy announced and proudly added, "I’m a man! I take care of myself!"
___Nina couldn’t help but smile at this tiny thing calling himself a man.
___“Oh, well in that case, what’s this man’s name?”
___"Warren Ali Onder- well, it's really long, you can just call me Alex for short.” He cheerfully replied, feeling better already, ”What's your name?"
___"I'm Nina, and I'm glad to meet you Alex." She greeted him, smiling down at the new acquaintance.
___He was the cutest little boy she’d ever seen with a personality to match. Big bright black eyes and adorable little dimples dominated his round face. His hair was a mess though, pushed to the sides in the front to avoid his eyes. He couldn’t have been more than nine.
___"The flowers around here have a strange way of drawing visitors. I guess I shouldn't be surprised. You are the youngest traveler I've seen come through though… Say, are you hungry?" she asked, the promise of food lingering in the air. "I'm about to make breakfast?"
___The boy looked down at his stomach and attempted to casually reply, "Um, I might be able to eat a little bit…" trying not to seem too desperate, but doing a terrible job.
___Nina only grinned and motioned for him to follow, returning to fill her jug. What a pleasant surprise, she thought. Alex couldn‘t have been happier either, the thought of food a dream, plus his performance was actually pretty decent. ___It wasn’t long before Nina was leading her new companion back through the woods. Peeking over at him, she couldn't help but feel like something was a little odd, but then again she couldn't put her finger on it either. He was just too cute to be dangerous. He didn't walk so much as skip, flashing his dimples at every opportunity. Making small talk, they laughed every now and again at the stories they shared. Nina learned Alex was actually 10 years old and told him in return she was 19. She asked him of all the places he’d been and confided in him her fears about being stuck in Mintt forever. With her mother’s failing health, it wasn’t likely she’d ever be a position to leave until she got better, or heaven forbid passed away. Still, the conversation rested on a pleasant note, both finding each other increasingly appealing until Alex began to smell smoke. They were only about halfway back, and Nina didn’t really smell anything at all, but as they drew closer it became obvious he was right.
___Something was surely wrong. At this time of morning there should have been nothing more than a few cooking fires, far too little to actually smell. Pleasantries were soon forgotten as she handed her water jug to the boy, sprinting toward the village with an utterly confused child trying his best to keep up. Weaving through the trees like a wild tiger, she reached a village of serenely silent chaos.
___"…mother?"
___It was a anxious question, almost nonexistent, voice somehow lost in the shock of the moment.
___Only one hut was aflame, smoke mingling with the eternal fragrance in the air. Everything else was still devastated though, large gashes and claw marks riddling it all. The ground was nothing more than reddened mud, saturated with the innocent blood of the villagers. Children, barely alive, wasted their remaining strength shedding tears for lost families. Mutilated beyond recognition, hands outstretched grasping for life just out of reach, the ground was covered in bodies. Unfortunately, there was to be no resurrection for their souls. In the few minutes Nina had departed, someone or something had torn through the village with such blinding speed no one even had time to scream.
___Aware of only her mother, Nina overlooked everything, nimbly making her way around it all. Despite everything, her mother would be safe. She had to be. It was this hope, albeit foolish, that gave her strength, one ghastly alleyway after another passing behind her. Turning down the final street, the mass of bodies disappeared, the scene suddenly… tranquil? Her home was right there, and so she steadied herself, grinding her teeth before stepping inside. Fist clenched, she halted, suddenly turning away from the stench. Barely cracking open the door she was bombarded by… emotions? It was as if the air itself was desperate, enraged and hopeless, yet her mother was sitting on the floor perfectly fine. Nina tilted her head slightly, attempting to decipher the problem, noting the awkward posture and breathing of her mother. Haggard and rough, but restrained, all her effort was focused on those few breaths.
___Nina watched a few seconds more, silent, before the aged woman noticed her. Lips quivering in terror uselessly trying to form words she pleaded, unable to move, wide eyed with her whole body trembling. Nina felt so much in that moment. Seeing her mother like this, she wanted to embrace her, to stave away her fear, but she couldn’t shake her curiosity. As helpless as her mother appeared she looked away, following the direction of her previous gaze. It was then the scene became clear. Her sweet loving mother, the only family she’d ever had, lay defenseless in front of a devilish creature. The beast was dark green in color and almost the personification of winds itself. Powerful legs dominated the creature, gnarled hooves firmly planted on the floor. All its limbs were long and seemed to dangle in a continuous breeze. A rather large lower body was connected to an impossibly slender waist, which opened up into wide sharply angled shoulders. Claws hung at its side, excitedly flicking back and fourth, daring anyone to come near.
___Nina wasn't even fazed by the otherworldly creature; her mother’s safety all that mattered. Dashing toward the demon, she fought with all her might kicking and screaming, even bruising her self in the process. The desired effect wasn’t even nearly attained though. The beast seemed to gain only a mild agitation with her, turning its gaze to this foolish creature. It was obviously too busy to kill her at the moment. Simply blinking, it easily hurled Nina away with an explosion of wind. Debris was everywhere, her body breaking through her own home’s wall, crashing into the street.
___It took this, seeing her daughter throwing her life away to break her trance.
___“Nina, no…” she whispered, still unsure how to use her own voice. Her love as a mother was overruling everything else. Shakily she stood, fist clenched and eyes determined.
___A shrill howl escaped the demon’s throat, attention returned to its original target. Her new resolve, fragile as it was, seemed to bring an eerie half smile to the demon‘s face. Was it laughing? With one clawed hand it easily grabbed her by the throat, absentmindedly strangling the poor woman before cutting into her face with its free claw, watching the blood fall with the interest of a child.
___Realistically, she never stood a chance, and she knew it too, feeling death comfort her long before she ever actually died. The peace of a life lived righteously rested within her. There was nothing she could regret, least of all loving her daughter. She didn‘t even struggle, instead letting her darkening gaze find Nina.
___Love someone my dearest child. Love them with all your heart and soul.
___Nina felt herself losing control as she hazily watched from outside. Hands shaking, body sweating, and anger rising she rushed back. Adrenaline was already soothing her pain, not to mention fueling her rage. She wasn’t going to just let this happen. Sadly, for every good intention she had, there was no equal action. The creature violently snapped her mother's neck, letting it dangle lifeless in its grasp. Nina was only quick enough to hear the slight crack that now echoed deafeningly in her mind. The chorus of sound overlapped every moment she’d ever spent with her mother. In that moment, nothing was forgotten; every lament, laugh, and lesson flawlessly replayed. With each smile and caress she relived, another barrier inside her broke.
___Still holding her mother’s body, the demon eagerly watched her, head cocked to the side in query, waiting to see a real reaction. It knew what it had done, and like any other bratty child waited to see the result.

___Alex had never seen death or destruction before and this was no small glimpse. The sudden bombardment of chaos just took his breath away. Suddenly lightheaded and dizzy, it was too difficult to understand everything. Stumbling through the wreckage, the child was almost oblivious to the dreadful reality. The temptation to follow Nina was just too great. He tried to compose himself and found that all he could remember was her, that kind smiling face, wherever she was now. It didn't seem like there was anyone else alive to save.
___Running in the last direction he'd seen her go, he made his way through the chaotic village. Eyes half closed and burning from the wafting smoke it wasn‘t easy. Falling only twice, he made it through all the debris only to find Nina facing… a thing? It fit no description he could recall, but it did remind him of her eyes. It‘s color was almost exactly the same, but maybe a little darker. The thought was cut short as a single drop of blood dripped from the Demon's right claw. It plummeted for what seemed an eternity, colliding with the ground and splattering in a murderous crimson blossom.
___In that instant, Nina passed away. She screamed in agonizing torment, but held only power in her eyes. Her soul was breaking, being torn from her ability to feel with unnatural power pouring from the wound. Wind, the only evidence of the destruction within her, spiraled out in wave after wave of confusion. The few flames consuming the village shrunk, most blown out completely as they cowered in fear.
___Alex was hurled onto the ground as he watched, skidding into a nearby hut. Gathering himself, he realized that whatever was happening was a good reason to hide. He’d ask questions later.
___Meanwhile, Nina's hair blasted completely free of its confining bun, whipping in the wind she had created. It blew in the torrential gale forming an auburn curtain before her face with short intervals where it would reveal her eyes: utterly lifeless, piercing and powerful. Nina's consciousness was somehow repressed, being contained by the raw emotion that now controlled her body.
___The Demon looked almost surprised, then curious, as if it had a new toy. It could sense the shift in her presence. It tossed her mother to the side without a second thought, crouching down to dig a clawed hand into the ground to keep from being blown away in her wind. Its focus never shifted as the storm slowly died leaving a stranger in Nina’s place. Her body, now nothing but a shell contained only power; pure, destructive and unrestrained.
___Alex watched the unrecognizable girl he’d just met baffled. He couldn’t grasp the transformation, but all emotion, positive or otherwise, was gone. She was a blank slate and in that moment just as likely to turn and kill him as the beast before her.
___Power only fears power and for once the Demon felt apprehension growing in its chest. It didn’t even give itself time to interpret the new feeling, leaping high in the air instead, intending to kill Nina and its fear in one carnal blow. Attacking first was the only option. It barreled through the sky, a small smile forming on its thin lips, as it imagined Nina’s scarlet blood pooling on the ground, just like her mothers.
___Nina wasted no time, dragging all her air back and more, eyes mystically glowing lime green. Wind from miles beyond miles around compressed itself into a malicious vortex around her. She stared straight-ahead, the beast soaring above her seemingly forgotten. Lost in her rage, her sorrow, Nina walked the line of insanity…ready to even step over its bounds to an entirely new hell of consciousness.
___Alex watched and whispered a silent prayer for her safety hoping the beast would do her no harm. It was the only thing he could manage as he watched the demon hurtling through the sky. Hidden behind what was left of a crumbling house, he held on for dear life in the tsunami of wind.
___The strange green demon had one arm cocked back with claws fitted tightly together ready to pierce her through the heart. It was only a moment from crushing her when she finally looked up. Eyes brimming with tears, unfocused and furious, she saw only a green blur slowly floating toward her. It was the deciding moment and one of them would die here.
___Raising her hand ever so slightly toward the beast, Nina finally took control of the wind she had called fourth. The violent vortex vanished, air calmed to complete stillness, before... she smiled? In the blink of an eye, everything shifted, an explosion of wind shaking the world it seemed. In a single berserk thrust it was all funneled toward the beast. Before the creature could even comprehend the attack a portion of its right leg and entire left arm had been violently sheared off. The rest of its body just hung in the air, dotted with gapping holes of varying sizes. Mangled like a dropped marionette doll, its body lurched and slid its way down the pillars of compressed wind lodged within it. Convulsing sporadically, the demon released a weak hiss, the light in it‘s eyes fading away to nothing. Still, the near instant halt had flung the creatures right arm forward, stopping nothing more than a literal hair’s width from Nina face. A few strands of errant auburn hair even fell to the ground, cut by the swinging lifeless claws as they blew in the wind.
___An empty smile, small and cold, tainted Nina‘s lips and nothing more to tell of her victory. She never faltered, still seeming to be blind to the danger she narrowly avoided even with the lifeless beast dangling in front of her. Putting her hand down, a glare ran across her wind forged stakes before they instantly melded with the beast. Less than a second elapsed before the compressed wind released itself, decimating the demon within a sphere of spiraling wind that engulfed Nina as well. She completely disappeared within a cloud of wind churned dust and blood.
___Alex watched, morbidly amazed as the sphere suddenly receded, the malice caged within her body leaving an angel behind. Two beautiful translucent green wings protruded from her back. They gently flapped giving reason for her body hovering above the ground. Nina had taken not only the wind, but seemingly the light as well, somehow illuminated from within. She truly looked like a Seraph, her eyes glaring, translucent green wings outstretched, and soft auburn hair gently waving in the wind. It was beautiful, even if ominous, her face smeared with random splotches of blood from her recent kill.
___Watching her, malevolently situated in her sphere of darkness, Alex felt the cold chill once again.
___He watched her land perfectly still and elegantly poised, imprinting the sight on his mind, before a familiar glare crossed her wings. They too burst apart, green feathers forming spiraling pillars that faded into nothing as they dispersed into the breeze. Another burst of air like her first ensued thereafter, and she collapsed falling onto her side, her new aura of light disappearing as well.
___Seeing her lying unconscious on the ground, chest heaving labored breaths, Alex knew without a doubt he had found his first Element. Walking up to her, he reached out a timid hand to let the very last shining feather fall into his palm, warm and fuzzy, dissolving into nothing in mere a instant.
___“In honor of those lost, you used everything you had…” Alex sighed, looking over the poor soul at his feet. “It's only been a day and already I’ve a charge to protect.” Sitting down next to his charge, he commenced to watch her sleep, already manipulating his energies to heal her.

*___*___*

___"This silence is probably the only thing that could kill me," August reasoned, hearing his voice be smothered by the emptiness. He stood in an enormous cavern filled with nothing but air and darkness. The lack of light was appropriate though since he lived in the center of the Earth. No sunlight ever had and probably never would grace his eyes. He did though have two faint sources of light to comfort him. The first, his bracelet, gave off a warm pulsing baby blue glow. It was only when he was in the outlands like now that he could even see it though. Whenever the faint glow caught his eyes he reflected back on the day it was given him, the missing half of his strength.
___The second source of light was the reason he was waiting in this dismal chamber in the first place. In a large perfectly circular hole in the wall a warm white liquid ebbed and swirled held up by seemingly nothing. The well was perfectly filled with the gravity-defying miracle serenely set in place. August had run for about an hour through the enormous cavern with the light from the doorway his only guide. It was a mystical passage that could take him anywhere he desired, which oddly, wasn‘t even the least bit tempting to him. As fate would have it though, the portal had only one entrance. One had to pass through the gate above ground in Nevia to come through it. Currently, he waited at its side for his master's highly anticipated quest.
___"Any moment now..." he muttered. He’d been saying that off and on for the last two days, but time meant absolutely nothing here. He heaved a tired sigh, simultaneously running a fury red hand through his thick red mane. Menial jobs seemed to be all he was given. His sister Aerial could just as easily waited for the guest. Plus, she could conjure light magic to easily illuminating the dark cavern. He soon dismissed his objections though, realizing it was pointless to question his Master's decisions, especially since even his thoughts were subject to scrutiny. With a small nod of his head he reminded himself that his only duty was to serve.
___A single ripple soon ran through the usually calm portal and of course drew his full attention. More followed, increasing in size, subtle indication of his guest nearness. August stared; waiting for what he knew was coming, unknowingly holding his breath.
___When the rippling suddenly stopped, August leaned forward in confusion, only to be greeted by a beautifully aged sleeping face gently floating to the surface. He jumped back; almost tripping over his own tail, as the eyes on the face suddenly popped open, revealing two twinkling blue jewels. Outstretched fingers broke through next, followed by a single elegant white slipper. It was Lady Aloedy who stepped out from the gate, her presence gracing the barely illuminated stone floor. Quickly adjusting to the lack of light, what she first thought to be a stone pillar came into view.
___"August, what a pleasant surprise!?" she gasped, memories flooding her mind from his sight.
___August was over ten feet tall and at least a hundred times stronger than anything living on the surface of the Earth; a very imposing sight to say the least. Lady Aloedy was right to mistake him for a pillar.
___The other Masters, stepped through the portal behind her shortly after. They were all captured by the giant’s gaze, his exotic midnight blue eyes reminiscent of the student they lost earlier. Unlike Lady Aloedy, they had never been privileged to see him before. The half lion, half man, left them completely bewildered. Instinct naturally took over and Bastien immediately got ready to fight, Ward cowering behind him just as quickly. August five foot long tail shivered in fascination as he cleared his throat; the deep growl causing Ward to nearly jump out her skin. She just knew being mauled to death was only moments away.
___"There is no need to be frightened my dear. I'm only August, humble servant to the Guardian of Earth. It will be my honor to escort you three esteemed Nites to his chambers. Please follow me.” August explained, his deep gruff voice surprisingly kind. He even made a small bow before continuing. “Stay close; this cavern is very dark as you may have noticed and extremely large. Follow the light of my bracelet if it helps."
___The fact the beast could speak was hard to swallow by itself, but that mixed with his elegant accent and general manner was beyond ridiculous to the two newcomers. August did enjoy their shared astonishment though. As he turned to leave, all was soon accepted, the servant amiably conversing with Lady Aloedy as he led them away.
___Bastien merely shrugged his shoulders and began to follow his fearsome guide with all apprehension lost. Lady Ward was the only one who couldn’t shake the look of shocked disbelief plastered on her face, refusing to take another step away from the light of the gate.
___Bastien was nearly outside the reach of the portal’s light when he paused, smirking as he realized Ward‘s lingering cowardice. Turning slightly, he reached out his hand, no words being necessary to ruin the gesture. The look in Ward’s face as she walked over to accept his hand was enough.