Elementals [Four Elements Personified]

Chapter 13~ Jacobi

Jacobi [Lewister]~ Chapter Thirteen

A loud repetitive thumping noise woke me up. My head was throbbing in an almost melodic kind of way. I felt so disoriented. I looked around to jostle my memory. I was laying down and looking up at a blue tarp-like material. Then I remembered that was in a tent in the middle of nowhere. I stood up and immediately had to hunch over while unzipping the flap of the tent that was not tall enough for somebody my size. I glanced outside to see the source of the repetitive thumping noise. It was an obnoxious woodpecker tapping away on a neighboring maple tree. I blinked several times in an attempt to wake up, but with little success. The sky had just barely begun to light up in a hazy purple color as the sun started its ascent into a new day.

Since Cheyda and Lupe had gone off to the coast on some girl adventure, Uncle Carter thought it would be nice for some male 'Elemental bonding time'. Of course it couldn't have been something as nice as going to a football game, fishing, or even having a barbeque. It had to be a three day camping trip. I didn't mind camping in general, but I thought it was pretty dumb to leave at such a time when Talia was still missing. The thought of my little sister still turned my stomach. But I decided to ignore it for once. There was nothing I could do for her by worrying all the time, and the more information I got from Uncle Carter on this trip about the Elementals would help me to help her.

I turned back and looked at my sleeping companions. On one side of the tent Reggie was snoring like an obese whistling woman. His mop of red hair covered his features, which were face down on his pillow. Next to him Uncle Carter let out a few quiet mumbles in his sleep. My dad and Zen's dad were quietly sleeping across them. Zen however was nowhere to be found. His sleeping bag had been peeled open, and a large book was still lying atop his pillow. I decided to look for him and I hastily exited the tent, guessing that I wouldn't wake anyone else up.

Within a few moments I found Zen on the far side of our campsite near the grill. He was stripped down to a pair of simple black shorts and sandals. He didn't glance back at me as I approached, but he outstretched his left arm and handed me a mug of coffee when I stopped next to him.

I looked at the coffee in confusion for a long moment before grabbing it. "You actually drink this stuff?"

"Not too often, but I figure it's early enough to have some now."

I shrugged and give it a good whiff. It smelled good enough so I chanced a taste of it. I couldn't help but grimace as the warm liquid slid down my throat. He chuckled at me.

"How long you been up for?" I asked after sticking my tongue out in disgust.

"I don't know, not long." He said nonchalantly.

Then it hit me. I had heard and seen Zen say those words before. But it was during a time that hadn't happened yet. I closed my eyes and clenched my fists together in concentration, in order to recall something that hadn't yet occurred.

"Jacobi?"

"Sh." I hissed at him.

I ground my hands deeper into my palms, feeling my fingernails pierce flesh. Semi blurred images raced through my mind. It was a dream I had last night.

_ I see Zen sitting in what I assume is his house. His dad looks annoyed and his mom looks extremely upset. His mom, Mrs. Allan is waving around a large rock in front of his face. It's a dark brown color and looks to be about six inches in diameter. It is composed of pure smooth stone, but is perfectly circular. She held the rock up to him and demanded to know how long he could make such things.

"I don't know, not long." He replied nonchalantly after tilting his head to the left.

Mr. Allan leans back in his Laz-e-Boy and clasps his hands behind his head. He sighs, much in the same way that Zen does. "Zen, you should've let us know sooner. A little prevention could have gone a long way in saving your mom's car."