The Elementals - 2. Thomas Riley Oakley

*Tom’s POV*

“Well, that was smooth. Congratulations Tom, you probably just blew your only chance.” I thought to myself as I headed to class after leaving Jay and Leena where the ‘fight’ had occurred. I still thought that I had done nothing whatsoever to incur such a wrath but I guess I probably did something before my ‘return’ to make James hate me, but what would that be? I wasn’t that popular before the gap in my memory appeared so, that couldn’t be it. I never made enemies or anything. In fact, I didn’t even know the guy as he only transferred here yesterday. What have I done to James to make him so angry? “Whatever, I’ll just try again tomorrow after he hopefully lets off some steam,” I decided as I continued to the advanced classes.

Thomas ‘Tom’ Riley Oakley. Son of Natalie Amber Oakley, father unknown. Grandparents unknown. Tom’s life is shrouded in mystery. His memories begin on his 7^th birthday and from then until his 14^th birthday, his memories are crystal clear. Then with the abduction, which he has no recollection of, his memory once again becomes hazy until he is found on his 15^th birthday. He had jet black hair and dull, grey eyes prior to his abduction. A month after his ‘return’, he discovered that he was an elemental and that his capabilities were out of this world. He discovered this when he lifted all the water out of their Olympic sized pool and held it 2m above the pool for twelve hours straight with little to no fatigue. Thereafter, he feared that his powers may be to great and that he may be taken in by the government to be experimented on due to his immense capabilities. He has trained since and refuses to let his powers slip, even just for a second. Up until now, no one know what his element is and if he’s even good enough to be in the advanced classes.

I almost forgot, today I’m moving up to the advanced elemental classes where the top ten are situated. The name of my school is Elemental High (pretty unoriginal, correct?). It was the first school founded as soon as the elemental population grew to quite a substantial number and prior to the first Elemental Games being hosted. It is ranked number 1 in the world based on elemental expertise and the capabilities of the students at the school (weird for a school and thing that hasn’t existed for that long to have ‘experts’ already). Well, I guess the government is really influential if they can get the public to believe such (I’m sure you’ve guessed that I’m not a huge fan of the government by now).

As I walk into my first class, which is advanced element manipulation, I take note of the seating arrangements and my classmates. Why did I take note of such a seemingly meaningless thing? Well, the top ten in the school are treated like royalty in these classes, so their seats are basically reserved for each member of the top ten. “Well I guess ‘royalty’ doesn’t have to be as punctual as the ‘peasants’ I guess,” I though bitterly as I walked to an ‘unreserved’ open seat at the back of the class. The bell rang at least 5 minutes ago and still the top ten were nowhere to be seen.

“Good morning class. I’m pretty sure most of you know me. To the new kids, being those that transferred here due to their participation in the upcoming games, I’m Ms Elkins, your teacher for advanced element manipulation. Now, before we begin class…”

“Sorry we’re late, Ms Elkins,” someone said as the top ten finally ‘graced’ us with their appearance.

Entering first was the current number ten, Blake’s girlfriend, Janie Phillips. Janie has stunning long, straight blonde hair and really green eyes. She is rather slim, extremely beautiful (to the heterosexual guys that is) and stands at a height of 1.8m. I wasn’t particularly surprised by her appearance as she was pretty bad-ass and had quite some skill. Just because I didn’t particularly like her doesn’t mean that I couldn’t acknowledge her skill. It was her presence that I couldn’t stomach. Oh, Janie is an earthbender whose capabilities have further evolved into allowing her to manipulate metal and lava. She recently began her training in manipulating one’s gravitational force, meaning she could make the person have their own gravitational pull (from zero gravity up to 5 times that of the planet’s gravity) with no effect on her, but an effect whomever she chooses and the earth she can manipulate. She may become quite a force to be noticed this year (note to self: keep an eye on her).

Following her was the current number five, Blake’s best friend, Ian Cruz. Now, he was an interesting guy. Jet black wavy hair and warm, hazel eyes made up this very well built, 1.85m sixteen-year-old who’s a firebender. He is able to also manipulate lightning which makes him quite dangerous to waterbenders in combat (I’m pretty sure you can decipher that yourself). Since he’s Blake’s friend, he’s not really fond of me (a story for another time).

After Ian came… JAMES!!! WHAT?!!! HOW?!!! I started squirming in my seat as the current number three walked in. Apparently, he recently transferred from our rival school, balancing the number of members in the top ten in each school, but putting an imbalance in power as majority of the top five was in our school now. Anyways, he’s here and giving me death glares yet once again. “I guess he’s still fuming over this morning,” I thought to myself as I cast my gaze to the front.

After him came the current number two, Cameron Haddock. Cameron is somewhat odd. He’s 1.76m, has fiery red hair and the sexiest blue eyes (his eyes are just too much at times), but what makes him odd is he, just like our number one, is know as a ‘dual elemental’. This means he can manipulate 2 elements, rather than the common one. This trait is EXTREMELY rare and hard to either master or control. Cameron has total control over his water and air elements. He can manipulate each one to their maximum potential (water: can manipulate into ice and can manipulate the blood in your body but that puts a heavy strain on him and thus he avoids it. Air: he can cause the air to be as sharp as razor blades and can stop the airflow around you, but that is also rather taxing).

And finally, the current number one in the junior division and my former best friend, Blake White. This Adonis is 1.89m tall, has the softest blonde hair and the most interesting eyes. Just like mine, they alternate colour, but only between blue and a soft, warm orange. He is easily one of the sexiest guys after my friend Jay (whom I once had a crush on) and was voted so in many teen magazines. He’s a ‘dual elemental’ with the ability to manipulate earth and fire (he also has the same abilities to manipulate both elements like his girlfriend, Janie and his new best friend, Ian). He has a black belt in karate, which has enabled him to dodge and attack in a more ‘controlled’ manner. He’s arrogant and can be very vindictive, but the vindictive side shows only if you’ve done something to hurt him.

“Well, glad you could join us,” Ms Elkins began. “In future, can you please try not make such a grand entrance, especially when there are new students in the class.”

“Sure, Ms Elkins,” Cameron replied politely. “Found the teacher’s ‘pet’ already,” I mused internally. Unfortunately, it wasn’t as internal as I thought.

“What the fuck are you grinning about?” James hissed as he took his ‘reserved’ seat beside me.

“Nothing,” I muttered while wiping the unexpected grin off my face and turning to look outside.

“Fucking idiot,” James muttered, either not caring that I heard him or thinking I wouldn’t hear him.

“My day just keeps getting better and better,” I bitterly thought as I clenched my jaw and continued staring out the window.

“Now class, we shall begin class by asking the two new students to come forward and introduce themselves to the class,” Ms Elkins said finally about to start the class. “Can Mr Edwards please come forward and briefly introduce himself.”

“Thank you, Ms Elkins. My name is Raymond Edwards. I prefer to be called Ray. I’m 15, turning 16 in 5 days and I am quite excited to be here. I haven’t really been interested in partaking in the tournament until recently, but I want to give it a shot and go for the number one spot. I am a ‘dual elemental’…”

At this point, the whole class erupted and started getting rowdy over such a proclamation. “Another one, huh?” I thought to myself as I quietly observed Ray.

“Okay class, settle down. You can all ask him question afterwards.” Ms Elkins said in a slightly raised voice to get the attention of the class. The class soon quietened down and Ray just chuckled at the scene that unfolded and then continued.

“Yeah, quite a shock that you guys have another ‘dual elemental’ among your ranks. I specialize in water and earth. I hope to further refine my skills before the upcoming games and I wish to become the next first seat. Thank you.”. Blake couldn’t help but snort and arrogantly look down on Ray.

“And just what makes you believe that you can take my spot, newbie?”

“Just wait and see, Blake. You’ll get what’s coming to you.” Ray retorted with a bit of malice while he glared at Blake.

“Great, he’s making enemies and it hasn’t even been 10 minutes into the class,” I thought to myself as I observed Ian and Janie giving Ray looks of disgust and contempt.

“Alright you two, wait for the next student to at least introduce himself before you have your showdown. Mr… Oakley! Can you please come to the front and introduce yourself?”

All eyes turned and looked in my direction as I slowly stood up to go to the front. “Great, my favourite thing to do, public speeches. I hate standing in front of people an introducing myself. Okay Tom, breathe and just get this over and done with.” I thought to myself as I headed towards the front of the class. When I made it, I suddenly felt aware of all the eyes looking at me like I’m a piece of meat. “Oh shit! What the hell?!!!” I thought as I started panicking. Blake was grinning like he’d just learnt my darkest secret and Ian was no better. Janie just had this awfully smug look on her face and James, well, he had his resting bitch face on and was glaring at me like he was daring me to speak so he could do something about it. “Am I really ready to reveal myself to these people? This could lead to a massive outrage amongst them.” I thought as I was about to begin. “Well, here goes everything.”

“M-My n-n-name i-i-i-…” I stuttered as I began and the class burst into laughter.

“Wow, you are such a retard!” Blake shouted as he laughed, tears rolling down his face. The class got even rowdier after his announcement. “Well that was a clusterfuck!” I internally fumed as my face reddened from embarrassment.

“EVERYBODY, SHUT UP!”

The whole class was instantly silent. Ms Elkins had reached her limit in terms of tolerating bad behavior and most students knew her bad side. She was on the committee that governed who was in the games and who was out based on disciplinary issues. The class knew that this could ruin their chances of participation so they kept quiet.

“Alright then, Mr Oakley. Please try again. Also, don’t be so shy. These guys cannot harm you.”

If only she knew that was the least of my worries. “Thank you, Ms Elkins. Alright. My name is Thomas Oakley. I’m better known as Tom. I turned 16 just a month ago. This will be my first time partaking in the games and I am quite nervous and excited to be partaking in this event. My element… Uh… My element… Hmmm… Ms Elkins do I really have to disclose this?”

“Tom, dear, it’s important that you do so. It allows everyone to have an even advantage when we do duels in a minute.”

“Besides Tom, what are you hiding? That you actually don’t have any powers and you’ve been lying the whole time?” Blake goaded while snickering at his own little ‘joke’.

“Well, if it is really that important I’ll tell you,” I finally resolved while thinking back on what mom said on my birthday.

“I love you my baby. I really wish it hadn’t come to this. If you really want to participate in the games, I’ll do everything in my power to make sure the government doesn’t take you away because of what you have.”

I drew a breath in and let it out.

“My element… No that’s wrong. My elements are water, fire, earth and air. I can manipulate all 4 of these elements making me a ‘quad elemental’.”

The class was dead quiet for a few seconds, then everybody erupted into laughter, not believing a single word I had said. Even the teacher was amused by this.

“Now, now Tom. I know you’re quite the comedian at times but you don’t surely expect us to believe you about this,” Ms Elkins said amused by the whole build-up and the delivery but not believing a single word that he had uttered.

“I knew this would happen so I prepared in advance,” I replied as I ran to get the item out my bag. I pulled out a water bottle and returned to the front.

I placed it on the teacher’s table (Who still has an amused look on her face) and I began my demonstration.

“First and foremost, water.”. I pulled the water out of the bottle. Everybody still looked amused but only slightly. I then froze the water and turned it into steam the made it liquid again before putting it back in the bottle.

“Thanks for demonstrating your element, Tom and for the comedy. You may now take a seat so I can begin…”

She didn’t get that far when I suddenly produced fire from my hands. She looked a little intrigued by this, so she looked and waited to see if I’d continue. The class had also lost their amused looks and now traded them with more serious faces. James had even stopped glaring at me with a very curious look on his face. I continued and made the fire become lightning. I wanted to go even further, but this wasn’t the place to use that move.

I eventually let that element go and paused for a little bit. I’d trained so much that this demonstration wasn’t the least bit taxing but I couldn’t let them think that. Next, I lifted a piece of earth under Ray because I felt he could take the joke well, and he did. He got a little fright but soon settled down and smiled at me.

“He is actually kind of hot,” I thought to myself, making myself blush in the process.

I slowly and gently laid him down and the proceeded to shift the air. I made the breeze coming into the class a little stronger and the to prove I was doing it, I made the wind blow in such a manner that it blew up Ms Elkins’ dress. She jumped and looked at me with a menacing glare as she tried to keep her dress down. I then decided to stop my little demonstration and wait to see what the class was going to say. Everyone was FLABBERGASTED! No one knew what to say and Blake looked confused at first, then a bit fearful and then had full on rage written all over his face.

“Great. Now you’ve gone and incurred the wrath of Blake White. Hooray for Tom!” I thought as I cursed myself internally.

“Well…” Ms Elkins began after finding her voice, “that was rather unexpected. Uh… Tom, thank you for that introduction and please take your seat and we will now begin the class.”

She was still in shock after seeing me manipulate all 4 elements and the rest of the class wasn’t doing any better. They looked at me like I had grown a second head or something.

“Alright class, for today, you can pair yourselves up and I’ll let you know as soon as you have your pair as to what the plan for today is.”

As people paired up with people they knew or trusted, I just sat there and watched to see if anyone wanted to pair up with me. As the numbers diminished, so did my hopes. Janie paired up with her boyfriend, Ian paired up with Cameron, James found some guy whose name I didn’t know (not like he was going to pair up with me anyways). I was about to just sit there and wallow in misery when Raymond walked up to me.

“Want to pair up with me? I feel a little left out here and us being the new guys, we should band together,” he said with that smile that I was starting to like more and more.

“Sure. Not like anyone wants to be my partner after my demonstration. They all probably think I’m some freak cause I can do that,” I replied with a weak smile on my face, kind of upset that people didn’t want to associate with me.

“Ignore them, man. You got me to partner up with. Unless I’m not good enough…” he replied with a little smirk that was sexier than his smile.

“Can he not do this! Can’t he see what it’s doing to me?” I thought as I stared up at him, a blush crossing my face as my thought passed. “NO! You’re perfect! I mean- you’d make the perfect partner,” I replied, trying to hide the blush that had now claimed my entire face.

“Cool then, let’s get started!” he said enthusiastically.

“Alright, now I need member from the pair to come forward and draw a piece of paper from the hat. The name on the paper will determine who you'll both be facing,” Ms Elkins stated, moving the hat up and down to shuffle the papers inside. I moved forward first to go draw a piece of paper for our pair and when I got there, I dipped my shaky hand in. As I withdrew my hand, the paper fell, so I had to draw another piece of paper. This time I kept my grip on it and pulled it out. Once I unfolded the paper, I gasped at my choice.

Our opponents would be none other than Blake White and his girlfriend Janie Phillips.

“SHIT!” I muttered to myself.

*On a planet, 5 light years away from Tom’s Planet*

A figure stood on a balcony overlooking a glorious, golden kingdom. The figure’s attire signified that the figure was royalty. The figure was male. He had beautiful, golden, wavy hair that just covered his neck and a bit of stubble from refusing to shave. He looked up at the bright, orange sky as the sun set and uttered the words, “Oh Tom, my love, I hope you are well.”