The Secrets of the Elements

Truce?

Their gaze darted in every direction, attempting to locate the source of the echoing voice that seemed to pervade the room, but it remained elusive, surrounding them from all angles.

Advika's eyes shifted from Daksh to her friends, contemplating their next move. Maya's expression conveyed a resolute refusal, a clear indication of the risks involved. "But we are the good guys," Zarna whispered.

Advika's frustration grew, and she stomped her foot on the ground, causing the entire floor to tremble in response. Maya, understanding Advika's intentions, nodded in agreement. With a subtle gesture, she extended her arms, allowing herself to levitate in the air. Ray stepped forward, gripping Daksh's legs tightly, closing his eyes as a surge of electrical energy coursed through his body.

"Rishi," Advika called out, her voice firm yet filled with a plea. "If you can create a void..."

Rishi nodded in understanding, his hands swirling through the air, summoning a ball of energy. He aimed it directly at Ray, engulfing him with its radiant glow.

Ray exerted every ounce of strength, pulling Daksh forcefully. An invisible tether formed, coiling tightly around Daksh's neck.

"Daksh!" Rutuja cried out in anguish, her voice filled with desperation. "You're killing him!"

"Tej, Zarna," Advika commanded, her voice resolute as they summoned their respective energies. Tej conjured a ball of fire, Zarna formed a sphere of water, and Advika shaped a compacted mass of soil. The combined forces swirled together, creating a powerful elemental ball. With precision, they launched it towards the invisible rope that bound Daksh. Meanwhile, Maya elevated herself to Daksh's level, utilizing the force of the air to propel him away from the tightening grip.

As the elemental ball collided with the rope, it disintegrated, severing the connection. Daksh descended to the ground with a thud, while Ray and Maya, no longer restrained, fell back onto the floor. Rishi swiftly moved towards Daksh, extending a helping hand to raise him up. Tej and Zarna rushed to assist Ray and Maya, aiding them in regaining their footing.

A chilling voice echoed through the room, dripping with cold satisfaction. "Very well, I must say," it resonated, its presence haunting and filled with an eerie calm.

"Doesn't he sounds like the Joker?" said Ray as they stood in a circle. "Seriously, Ray," said Maya and took a few steps behind.

"Daksh!" cried Rutuja. "Are you okay?"

Daksh nodded his head, panting.

Advika leaned in closer to Maya, her voice barely above a whisper. "Maya, do you remember 'Into the Clutches-"

"Of the Evil Book,' yes, I do," Maya interjected, her memory sparked by Advika's words. "It stated that the only way out was by going deeper in," she murmured.

"Yes, guys," rustled Maya. "The only way out is listening to this voice and doing what he says. He needs to believe that we are weak and under his control."

"Into the Clutches of the Evil, Ru," said Rishi. "Isn't that the book from our library?"

"Yes, why," whispered Rutuja. "What about it?"

"Those guys are saying-"

"What a pleasure to host you all," said the cold voice. "Such young talent."

"Rishi," said Daksh limping. "Where is this voice exactly coming from?"

"From everywhere," he replied, scanning the entire room. "It seems it's just his voice that's here. Not him, neither his soul."

"How is that possible?" said Rutuja as she glanced at the ceiling. "That's what you call some serious sorcery," said Rishi.

"So now what?" said Rutuja. The boys looked at her, confused. They did not have a leader amongst themselves, but it was always Rutuja who led. She had always been clear on what her next steps should be.

"Ru," began Rishi. "These people know a lot. Especially that Advika and Maya. It's better to join hands-"

"Are you crazy?" Daksh muttered under his breath.

"Who are you?" asked Maya aloud.

"The Prince. The Prince of the Moon Land" revealed the voice. "You call this a Moon Land?" said Maya and crossed her arms. "Easy, Maya," whispered Advika.

Maya, a student of paranormal studies and an intern at the esteemed institute dedicated to such phenomena, possessed practical experience in dealing with spirits. Advika, on the other hand, possessed a wealth of theoretical knowledge in the field.

Zarna, aware of Maya's expertise, leaned in and gently pulled her back. "Don't you think you're provoking him?" she whispered.

Maya's confidence remained unwavering. "I know what I'm doing," she murmured in response.

Taking a step forward, Maya positioned herself at the center of the room. Her voice resonated with a mix of determination and curiosity as she addressed the enigmatic presence. "What do you want from us?" she asked, her gaze unwavering.

"The book," the Prince responded, his voice carrying an eerie resonance.

Rutuja turned her attention to the group of five, seeking clarification. "Which book?" Maya questioned, a note of confusion evident in her tone. "We don't know what you're referring to."

The Prince chortled, a dark sound reverberating through the room. "You know exactly which book I'm talking about," he declared, his tone filled with malicious amusement. "Grantha. There's no need to pretend otherwise."

"These people have the book," said Daksh and pointed at them. "No, we don't," opposed Advika. "Do you see us carrying it?"

Rutuja's eyes fell on the black bag lying in the corner of the room. She tiptoed towards Rishi and bend towards him. "What did you hear? Do they have books-"

"Yes," murmured Rishi. "They do have a couple of books from the library, I guess. Ru, we need to know what they know."

Rutuja took a few steps towards Advika. "No, but we know you know where it is," she said and crossed her arms.

"Guys," whispered Rishi and stepped in between the two groups formed. "Let's not be enemies here at least. Let's get out of here first, then we'll-"

"We don't need them," protested Daksh. "Neither do we," said Tej and titled his head.

"Okay, okay," interrupted Ray. "Let's us get out of here first, then we can continue with our differences."

"Exactly," added Rishi. "Let's help each other, add our powers, and get out of the prince's clutches."

"What is all the murmuring about!?" thundered the cold voice.

"Lights. Camera. Action," said Daksh and marched towards Tej. 

To be continued. . .

Stay tuned for more action. . .