She had always been able to see them.

Ever since she was a little girl she would watch them linger in the cobble streets. At first, she thought she was crazy. Her mother would often say “what are you gawking at?” or “Wisp, is your head in the clouds again?”

Then one day, he caught her seeing them too. It was a year before war took her father. Especially after his death he always floated around in her life. Whenever he was posted in her hometown he brought her mother treats and Wisp stories.

Then he became second in command.

And then the Abyssals began to appear more when Croun became king. They floated in the streets, around each fort she has been too, and in her dreams. They scared her now. They had teeth, claws, fur, scales, oily skin. They always did but now they are more involved in her life and it was freaky.

Croun and Kin had pulled her aside recently explaining how they were their allies now, they were misunderstood. They were good. That they would keep her safe. All of them safe. She did not know their purpose, but they were here. She had to accept their presence.

Wisp gazed at the afternoon sky, watching the clouds roll overhead. The sun was hiding behind the clouds allowing her to view the sky without burning her eyes.

The air was suddenly crisp. Wisp surveyed the hallway, realizing that Abyssals were approaching her. She busied herself with cloud watching as they passed by. There must be more than one since there were whispers.

“Why are you so tense?”

Wisp jumped, releasing a quick scream as she turned around. Kin stood behind her, he wasn’t wearing his cloak. He must have been injured. His ruby red hair was ruffled and . . . burnt?

“What happened to you?”

“Arin happened, that’s what.” Wisp straightened. He was out recruiting for help if Wisp remembered correctly. Why would Arin be involved with recruitment? The Crimsons hated her and would never allow her to leave the castle. “Croun needs to speak with you immediately.”

“Am I in trouble?”

“No.” He turned, “this way, follow me.”

Wisp hurried after Kin as he strode through the hallway. She glanced up at him, his freckled face had a few gashes that were now mended through stitches. She turned her attention to where she was walking, body rigid.

“May I ask how the recruitment went?”

“Several vixlores have sworn their allegiances to us, however others did not and that is okay. I have managed to learn far more important information. I have shared it with Croun and now he wishes to speak with you about it, about it and several other things.”

Her heart was heavy. Croun needed her for something this important? It was an honor, yet there was a lot of pressure for such a task. She focused her attention back to the recruitment.

“Vixlores are very strong. I’m glad we got to help them before the Crimsons got to them!” Kin nodded, smiling. “Honestly, I’m glad I never witnessed the Crimsons recruiting others. It must be such a violent process.”

“You don’t deserve to see such savage things.” He wrapped his arm around her shoulder, pulling her close to his side. “You’ve been very tense these past few weeks, are you feeling well?”

“Well . . .” She cast a glance outside as she walked past a window. “I’m fine. I promise.”

“All right. I trust that. Remember I’m here, Croun is here, if you need anything.” Kin stopped in front of a pair of double doors. He pushed them open, entering the fort’s meeting room.

Wisp trailed behind Kin. Croun was seated at the front of a long table. As he was writing on a parchment, Abyssals were whispering to him. They suppressed their murmurs as she approached. She gazed upon their wispy transparent bodies before reverting her gaze to Croun.

“Is there something wrong, sir?” Wisp questioned taking a seat next to him. Kin sat next to her, holding her hand for comfort.

“Wisp, do you know why you are here?”

“Not really. Something about Arin?”

He sighed, she wished she could make out his facial expression but his hood was up. “You said that Arin has visions?”

Wisp nodded, “from what I remember she foresaw the meeting with you yelling at Scolo and then making Kin handle her. That is all she told us.”

“Did she say how often she has visions?” Wisp shook her head. “We can assume not often based on the things you’ve told us. Now, Wisp, what I am about to tell you is very classified. You cannot tell anyone this, okay?”

“My lips will be sealed.”

“Arin is a Child of Destiny. She is the Fire of Truth.”

Wisp inhaled sharply. The Children of Destiny were here in Fynne and the first one was in Crimson possession. If Arin was persuaded to join the Crimsons her whole kingdom would be obliterated.

“Is she still afraid of the Crimsons? Are they still abusive to her?”

Croun shrugged, “tell her what happened, Kin.”

“She attacked us while we were talking to vixlores. She fought under the Crimson name, but she was betrayed by a Rank One boy. I believe she is still neutral after the events of today.”

She caught the Abyssals staring at her, their dark eyes beading with curiosity. “Is there another reason why I’m here, s—sir?”

“Yes. We have a new ally as you know. The Abyssals and ourselves have been close allies for a while now. Now they are going to begin to help us in ways that I should keep to myself. The first thing you need to do is figure out your own element. Then you can begin your special training. You are far too young to march with us into battle, but we see other bright futures for you other than spy work.”

Wisp nodded, hands sweating. She pulled her hands back, resting them in her lap. “How am I supposed to figure it out? Doesn’t it come to you?”

“There are accelerated training ways. I have asked Kin to escort you to an elemental sanctuary in honor of Anolum. Anolum is seen as one who helps others figure out their element. Perhaps you will figure it out there.”

“Did you learn your element there?”

A few Abyssals growled but Croun paid no mind to them. He shook his head, “My past isn’t important. Kin, however, did awaken his fire abilities there.”

“Perhaps I should take her to the sanctuary now, before it is dark?”

Croun nodded, “good luck, Wisp. I wish the best for you.”

Wisp bowed her head as she stood. Whatever it is that Croun had in mind, it must be very important.

***

Kin landed at the border to the thick forest. He dismounted first before helping Wisp down. He embraced her in a tight hug, kneeling on one knee, staring at her from a lower angle. His cognac eyes promised her peace and security.

“I know this may seem scary, but it really isn’t. I promise that this is perfectly safe.” She turned her gaze to the thick timberland. “You have to be brave and open minded. It’ll come to you I promise. Accelerated or not.”

“If I scream will you come rescue me?”

“Of course, I promise. Now go, you’re completely safe here.”

She wandered into the forest, pushing large prickly branches out of her way. Wisp traveled into the dark wood, Kin fading behind her. How far was she supposed to go?

Keep going, it is safe. It is safe.

Branches crunched under her as she continued deeper and deeper. The moons provided a sliver of light. Shadows crawled up the trees, intimidating her like the Abyssals back at the fort. Yet, she felt a little comfort in the dark.

Wisp continued her way through the dark forest. It was getting harder and harder to identify the obstacles in her way. She tripped over roots sometimes, causing her to release a small pathetic scream. The ground was level for the most part. Throughout her little hike, she quizzed herself about the abilities of each element.

Fire is obvious. You can summon embers at will and control already existing flames. Water and ice is the same as fire, except with their respective elements. With ice, the controller can freeze water though. Life is becoming one with the world and spirits. They are great healers and can call upon shields made of energy and bend the will of nature like trees and stuff. I think Croun would like it if I could do that.

Let’s see . . . there is lightning. If I could control lightning I could summon small bolts from my hands. Maybe control lightning in storms but that’s a scary situation. Also, air. If I could control air I could manipulate the wind and fly without wings if I remember correctly. I’m not too sure though.

Then there is light and shadow. In class, they always taught us that these two were super cool. I don’t remember light too much but I’ve seen Croun practice using the shadow element. He can control shadows, sometimes they can come out of the ground and take a physical form. It’s super cool and scary. Then I believe both of the two can control fire, ice, and something else like that. However, it acts as a sub element and is a lot weaker than a true fire user.

I think.

Through small openings in the tree canopies, Wisp found herself staring at the moons. The night sky was so fascinating.

Wisp stopped. She had reached an artificial clearing. A torch was lit in the center, a bubbling pool of water in each corner. Wisp waited in the shadows, seeing if there was anything in there that would attack her. It was unlikely but all of this seemed to be too easy.

Looks clear. What am I supposed to do here? Find my element obviously but how?

She took a few steps closer to the burning torch. The small flame was captivating, but she didn’t feel one with it. Was that how she was supposed to figure out what element she was?

I don’t feel in tune with anything here. Is that bad? Am I doing it wrong?

Wisp gazed at the bubbling spring. That scalding water didn’t seem to be pleasant. She gazed to the stars again, watching them twinkle above. It was so calming.

“Intruder!” a voice sneered from the forest around her.

“What? No, no I’m not I promise!” Wisp began trying to pinpoint the origin of the voice. “I was sent here—”

“Sent?!” some serpent appeared from the forest. “None are allowed in this sanctuary!”

Wisp began to panic. She had nothing to defend herself with, no sword, no spear or shield. The serpent closed in on her, tongue flicking in and out.

Oh no. This is bad. Why did no one warn me of this?! No, you can figure out how to defend yourself. You can do it. You are clever, just think.

“Clever or not you are still outmatched.”

It can read minds?! This is very bad. Wisp glanced at the torch. Maybe she could control the fire. She aimed a hand at the blaze hoping it would come to her side. The serpent slinked closer to her, Wisp’s stomach was doing backflips as she stumbled away.

Please! Anything!

The fire continued to burn in place, showing no sign of coming to her side. She pulled her hand back turning to the water as the viper continued to slither closer.

Wisp dashed closer to the water, the viper was moving so slow perhaps she had enough time to figure something out.

No fire, no water, what do I do?!

Wisp continued to search for anything that may protect her. There was nothing, absolutely nothing. She was going to die.

The serpent lunged forward faster than she could imagine. Wisp screamed turning away. There was a pained hiss but no fangs sank into her skin. Wisp opened her eyes to find some shadowy humanoid stand between her and the viper.

“What the . . .” The shadow had its back turned to her, focused on the snake. Wisp aimed one arm out to the side, the shadow mimicked her movement. “Woah . . .”

The serpent hissed before striking once more. She scurried out of the way, as the snake bit into her shadow savior. As Wisp backpedaled she tripped over a root, falling over. There was dull, throbbing pain in her ankle. She must have twisted it. The serpent prowled closer to her, raising its head so it was above her.

“You are not allowed hereee.” In her greatest moment of fear the shadow beast disappeared. Wisp turned away, blocking her face from the viper.

“Stop,” another declared. The serpent released a distressed snarl before going quiet. Wisp opened her eyes to find a glowing Pure Avillian standing above her and the serpent was gone. She scurried back, frightened by the massive spirit. “Do you not recognize me?”

She remained silent, covering her head. This spirit was going to kill her. “Please don’t kill me . . .”

“You’re kidding, right?” the spirit sighed. “My name is Anolum and I am a spirit that helps people realize what their element is. Okay, let’s skip formalities. Why are you here?”

Wisp turned to him. “I came to find my element.”

“Of course, where are you from? You’re so young! I mean you looked older through the trees. Are you ten? Nine?”

She raised an eyebrow dubiously. “I’m thirteen and I’m an ‘Other.’ Do you have a problem with that?”

Anolum turned to leave, his fuscia feathers fluffed in irritation. Suddenly they flattened, he looked back at Wisp, “I don’t, all of you humans are the same to me. I always have to tend to you humans desiring elements, I never gain anything from it. Well, sending the serpent after humans is pretty funny.”

“Oh . . . well you should know that humans like me appreciate you helping anyone who comes here, despite your horrible methods. Also, maybe you could take a break.”

“Yeah, yeah. I’m a fantastic teacher—wait did you say take a break?”

“More like a vacation, but yeah.”

Anolum laughed, pulling a golden hood over his head, “no.”

Wisp shrugged before heading back in the direction she came from. She grunted as she walked, she rarely experienced such gnawing pain. She stopped rubbing her sore foot, behind her Anolum watched.

“Hey, wait!” Anolum cried chasing after her. “A little girl like you shouldn’t be traveling in the woods alone. Especially with a twisted ankle.”

“What does it matter, don’t you have humans to teach?”

“None have come here in many years. I kind of appreciate you coming here, giving me something exciting to do for the first time in a while.”

Wisp smiled as they made their way through the forest again. She limped next to her ghostly friend, his pink aura provided light for the two. They were silent for a few minutes before Anolum spoke.

“So, what element did you get exactly? I saw the weird humanoid but I have no idea what you humans call certain elements these days.”

“Shadow I think.” She recalled the shadowy figure appearing by her side. “Yeah, it was shadow.”

“That’s cool. I’ve seen many ‘shadow’ rookies before, so another one doesn’t surprise me.”

“Now I don’t feel as special.”

Anolum chuckled, ducking under a gnarled tree. “However, I rarely see people who can see spirits like me.” Before Wisp could reply he shook his head. “Forget I said that. Are you excited about your element? You can master it on your own, right?”

She nodded, “Croun can help me.”

“Good. We are near the entrance again. I’m sure you can find your way home from here?”

“My step-dad is at the entrance, he’ll escort me home.” Wisp climbed up a small hill to find that they were truly at the border again.

“Good. Farewell—”

Wisp hurried down the hill and gave Anolum a hug. Her arms went through his body but she didn’t care. Anolum was astonished by her actions. She pulled away before limping to the top again.

“Hopefully we will meet again!”

“I know we will, Wisp.”

He disappeared with a bright magenta flash, sparkles fluttered to the ground where he once stood. Wisp hurried out of the forest and to Kin. He and his mount were asleep.

Wisp rolled her eyes smiling, practically skipping to him. “Kin! Kin, wake up!”

“Hm?” He yawned rubbing his eyes. “What did I miss?”

“I found my element and fought a snake and then Anolum appeared and—”

“Woah, woah, woah. Okay as we fly back tell me what happened. This question needs to be answered first. Did you figure out your element?”

Wisp nodded ecstatically, “I did! It was super scary!”

“And?”

“It’s shadow.”