The Elementals: Return Of Creation

Chapter 2: Growth

 The only pastime Jack could put his mind to during such times was moving his body in some way, usually by excercising. It did well to clear his head and not to mention humor his hope to impress Trode with his growing vigor. Not that he lacked any, considering he could barely move a muscle after handling an axe for the first time, but Master Trode was somewhat of a teacher to him, hence why Jack called him 'master'. While he had called Trode so all his life, it wasn't until he had grown his super speed that he begun to understand why. More potential was burried inside him, and it was Trode's duty to help him find and control it.

 However, Trode had made it crystal that his teachings couldn't truly begin until Jack reached the age of sixteen, despite his often visits. He promised The Boy that when it came time, he would learn to do more than just run fast.

 It was a long wait, and his excitement never seemed to die. Dreams of someday flying through the sky and shooting bolts of lightning out of his hands made sure of that.

 Jack loosened his neck as he gazed to the misty-cornflower leaves high above, stacking so well and dense together that they resembled the sky on the clearest of days, making the trees look as if they were completely bald at first glance.

 A pair of blue birds sped near the tops, almost invisible from below hadn't their bright feathers faintly reflected what little light seeped through the dense boughs. They had white stripes across their bellies, similar to jays in size and shape. Most elves call them Peytiers, which Jack was sure had something to do with electricity in their language. He remembered the first time he was in awe of their sight after reading of them many years ago. Just as the books described, blue as the iris of his eyes and quick as a bunny.

 He always wanted one to keep, but following that wish was a reminder of the rose he had been given on one of his birthdays, forgotten and left to shrivel. It supplied enough second thoughts for a lifetime, despite the many offers to find one.

 Being so lost in his own mind, he hardly noticed the bulky elf beside him, now tying up the pile he just stacked.

 "There we are," said Povious, fastening the complicated looking knot.

 Jack gave a relaxed sigh and pushed himself on his feet. He pinched his axe between the side of his chest and upper arm, then picked up the bundle and swung it over his shoulder. Half a meter of rope was purposely left out for him to do so, as he wasn't strong enough to carry such weight back home. Perhaps a minute, maybe one and a half, but not the half hour ahead. He let go of his axe and caught it in a single motion, which pulled out a grin.

 Povious walked back to the remaining bundles and held two in each hand by the knots that bound them. Jack quickly caught up.

 "Right then," Povious nodded, and they left.

 Now strolling serenely, Jack began to adjust to the muggy air and finally felt cooler. He let his head droop for a moment to embrace it, eyes shut tight. Not only was it quite a soothing break from the absolute wicked daylight, it also gave him a chance to properly refresh. The past few weeks were unkind to him, and it seemed that the one ahead would be no different. At times he wished time would just stop and allow him to gather himself.

 "Watch ou'," said Povious, holding out his arm.

 Jack looked ahead and saw why. A single blue leaf had shedded off one of the thickets, spiralling down gently. When it hit the ground, it vanished in a spark of light with a short buzz and a tame crack, leaving the small spot where it landed blacker and burnt.

 Povious had taken a step back, preplexing Jack who was fascinated by the occurance. "You know Master Trode did say that this won't hurt me, right?"