Element

Element 5 : First Element

"That's true, accepting the guardian responsibility is calling for danger." said Mark quickly before Madrid could ask him.

"That's not fair, Razer got his first Element at the age of 7, I am 16, I want my Element now!" countered Madrid.

"Seven, really? I got my first Element when I was 10." said Mark and smiled remembering his early Element training days.

"Didn't you just say there's an age limit?" fumed Madrid.

"There wasn't one at that time; it was only recently after that Amendment that age limits for every Element practice was imposed."

Madrid muttered something unintelligible.

Razer carefully observed Mark's expression when he talked about the Amendment. His face was serene as usual; there wasn't a trace of bitterness or any other negative tone for that matter as he spoke.

"The Academy's Elements store is on 3rd floor; actually the whole floor is dedicated to the store itself. I visited it yesterday. It's well stocked though most of the staff hasn't arrived yet..." Mark went on.

* * *

The Elements Store was indeed well stocked; it was a bit deserted though. The only person they could find was Brian, a balding middle-aged man.

Brian was delighted to find three customers so early in the morning.

"What can I do for you?" he asked as soon as they had entered the 3rd floor.

"I need some maintenance for my Elements." said Mark and handed over a dark teal coloured leather gloves.

"Ah, Mark, these are rare electricity Element gloves, I am not fit for handling them, perhaps if you come this evening then there will be Robert. He's an expert in Element engineering. He'll help you." said Brian in a rough voice, giving back Mark his gloves.

"Ok, then, well Brian, this is Razer Zeller, he's in my year, this is his cousin Madrid, they too have come for maintenance, Razer, this is Brian, he's the owner of this store." introduced Mark..

Brian's eyes were wide as he shook Razer's hand.

"Oh, I've been expecting you, now, what Elements do you possess?" he asked eagerly, his eyes over Razer's shoulder bag.

"Yes, of course, I brought my fire and water Elements." said Razer and took out his HellFire and Water Sport.

"My goodness is that HellFire?" asked Brian, barely trying to conceal his shock.

"Indeed." said Razer, tracing the inscription on the palm side of the glove.

Mark too looked mildly surprised.

"Hmm." said Brian, as he examined the scarlet gloves, "This seems to be in perfect condition."

He then wore one of the gloves and conjured up a tip of flame from the index finger's tip.

The flame was in the colour of blood red.

"Red flames.... I've never seen that before, I suppose that is the problem." said Brian.

"Yes, it's almost been a week since the flames became red, otherwise it usually conjured blue or orange flames." said Razer.

"I see..., say Razer, do you mind if I keep it for a day or so, I'll take it to Elements engineering lab, maybe they'll be able to do something." suggested Brian.

Razer hesitated, after a moment he said, "Fine, only for a day though, I want it before the semester starts."

"Of course, of course..." said Brian and carefully placed HellFire on his table.

"Then, there is this, it's my Water Sport." said Razer handing over a pair of blue half-knuckle gloves.

"This is fine too, recently made and bought, I dare say." said Brian and gave it back.

"Yes." said Razer stiffly.

Madrid managed to turn a giggle into a cough. Uncle Demetrius had no doubt told him how Razer had thrown a fit over buying a water Element.

"There's no problem-" started Brian but he broke of as he saw who his latest customer was.

Razer took a sharp intake of breath. Mark and Madrid were unaffected. Brian however cast an anxious glance at Mark and Razer.

It was the dark haired Aura Crimson.

She didn't seem to be bothered in the least at the sight of Razer and Mark.

"What can I do for you?" Brian asked going near Crimson.

"Those earth microchips, are they done?" she asked.

"Oh, yes, but Robert has them you see, he hasn't arrived yet." said Brian.

"Ok, I'll come back later then." she said and went towards the exit.

Brian heaved a relieved sigh as she went out of sight and turned back to others.

"Does Robert also manufacture Element microchips?" asked Mark.

"Yes he does, he's very talented, very young, his father was a renowned Element engineer in his time." said Brian.

"I see, so I'll come back later for my electricity Element." said Mark.

"Yes, yes, in the evening, Robert will be here." said Brian and went back to the counter.

"That was no fun at all." said Madrid as they got out of the store.

"Did you read your school's eleventh grade prospectus, Madrid?" asked Razer abruptly.

Madrid was surprised, "No, why?"

"This year Elements would be introduced in the class, so you'll have to buy one from the store anyway, they'll have your Elements instructor sign your bill." informed Razer.

"Really? Wow, I'll get an Element after all." said Madrid contently.

* * *

Author's Note: I really hope Maddy get's his element! :)