Part 3

Hope you're not too bored with this, none of my stories have this much written so far so I'm pretty proud with how this one is coming along.

We all went back to the auditorium together, the other kids were excitedly discussing who they thought would be chosen. It was another hour before Miss Heiden, the woman who had addressed us before, came back to stand on the stage. She didn’t have to call us to attention we were breathlessly waiting already. I sat by Pat, and Miss Heiden spoke. “You have all preformed admirably, but we have chosen four of you for this mission. We would like each of you who I will call to follow Professor Mason to receive instruction. Collin Evens,”

everyone cheered for Collin, even though the tension was still there.

“No surprise,” said Pat.

“Drew Larson,” we applauded Drew as well.

“Again, the obvious choice.”

“Do you know her very well?” I asked,

“No one does really, she’s a keeper but also a student. Great with athletics and fighting. She’s also Mrs. Larson sister.” I wonder if Pat thought her relation to a teacher gave her preference and if she envied Drew. From what I’d seen, it was the greatest honor to get chosen for a mission.

Miss Heiden continued, “Sam Kidman.”

This announcement brought a few mutters along with the clapping. The little boy who had summoned me to the testing stood up almost ran to where professor Mason was standing.

“That’s unusual, he’s only in his second year,” said Pat thoughtfully.

“He must be really special, or really lucky.”

“Jessica Wilson,” students cheered again but I froze.

They had chosen me? Why? Didn’t they know how little experience I had? This had to be a mistake or a very bad joke. The dozen or so students that were there grew silent waiting for me to move.

Pat stared at me with shock “you haven’t even been here a week!”

I detected more then surprise in her voice.

“You haven’t been through half what we have!”

Her anger scared me more then the two words Miss Heiden had just spoken. Of course she made it worse by saying them again “Jessica Wilson?”

I stood shakily. There was no applause this time. Students were whispering worse then ever as I walked along the rows to the front where professor Mason showed me and Sam, who had stayed behind to see who his last comrade was, into a classroom off the hall. I turned around in time to see four students arguing with Miss Heiden. I had a feeling they were talking about me.
Drew and Collin were deep in conversation when Sam entered.

Collin looked up “Oh no, not Sammy the trouble causing pipsqueak” he groaned.

Sam drew himself up to his full height; witch was not very much,

“I’ll have you know that my full name is Samuel Nickolas Kidman,” he said “and I’m twelve years old, that’s a lot younger than most that would get to be tested.”

Professor Mason cleared his throat and Collin bit back a retort.

I was standing outside the door, a little behind professor Mason in the shadows. If the reaction from the rest of the students was anything to go by, I didn’t want Collin to know I had been chosen. I planed on speaking to the bored; turning down the mission all together if I had to.

“Professor,” I managed to say quietly.

 He looked down at me, “Jessica please join the rest of the team,” he said running his hands through his graying hair.

“I don’t have time to answer your questions right now.”

He walked away down the hall. Just then Miss Heiden came bustling down the hallway. “No Mr. Price that is my final decision. Julia please control yourself, there is no need to get emotional.”

She stopped at the doorway, “What are you waiting for miss Wilson?”

She took my arm with a firm grip and guided me through into the room.

“No wait there’s been a mistake, I don’t belong here,” I insisted but she waved her hand airily.

“Nonsense of course you do.”

Everyone in the room stared at me.

“Jess?” Collin looked quizzically at me.

I sat down in a chair at the very back, not looking at anyone. Miss Heiden stood in front of us. She was now wearing her high-healed shoes, raising her significantly short stature a bit.

“Well,” she said clasping her hands together.

“Well,” she said again.

“You all know why you are here and what lies ahead, well, maybe you don’t know what lies ahead but that is why I’m here. You will leave for your mission tomorrow morning so please get some sleep tonight.”

Like I would be able to sleep.

“We will give you each a bag of supplies with everything you may need. Please report to the base at ten tomorrow and we’ll explain about your mission.”

We stood and left the room. Collin came up behind me

“Why were you chosen?”

I had expected this question but didn’t have an answer. I shrugged,

“Jessie, you’re not ready for this. These missions are dangerous, you could die.” Something about his tone annoyed me, “Look I don’t know why I was chosen for this mission, why don’t you go and ask the bored.”

I didn’t mean to snap at him but he doubled back to talk with Drew. 

Part 2

Happy MLK day! 

First I was asked to demonstrate my skill with my power, which of course, hadn’t been developed at all. I conjured water and tried to aim it at the targets placed before me. It wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be, I missed half the targets and not by very much. That test was conducted by Professor Gamiette, the water keeper. I had no idea what a keeper was; I imagined it was something like a YL, in charge of each division but on a larger scale.

Next I took a test on paper with the wind division. I guessed for the majority, the questions were all about magical creatures and the history of Element Workers. I’m sure I got 90% wrong.

Last I was directed out to the training fields with four other kids. We were each given a training sword and, to my displeasure, Alex was our instructor. She smirked every time an opponent defeated me. Which was every time. Then we each took our weapons of choice and took turns facing Alex. The four others before me all failed to so much as get an opening from Alex who fought with the strength of five. At least.

Then it was my turn. The now familiar smirk reappeared of her face when she saw who her last challenger was. What could I do against her with just a bow in my hand? Was I supposed to shoot her?

Alex tossed her sword aside and gestured to the two targets set twenty feet away. We both stood at the line, drew and shot. Our shots were almost identical from start to finish landing a little to the left in the bull’s-eye. We then retreated to the thirty feet line. Once again our shots found their mark a little off center. At fifty feet I was nervous, the other students had been cheering me on the whole time but now I didn’t appreciate the added pressure.
There was only one target set back that far back. Alex shot first, her arrow landing just outside the black square on the white paper. It was as good a shot as I could have hopped to accomplish. I took my place at the line and drew my bow. I tried to keep my hands steady as I aimed. I stood there for what felt like hours before breathing deeply and letting go of the arrow. I closed my eyes as I let go. The thud told me that it had at least hit something. I opened my eyes to see my arrow a fraction of an inch to the left of the tiny red dot that was the center of the paper target.

Everyone was silent and I realized I was still holding my bow up, my arms tense.

“That was awesome!” Said a boy behind me.

I turned to see shocked, admiring, and in Alex’s case, horrified looks. I grinned and they cheered. By the look on Alex’s face, I guessed she was seriously considering breaking the rules and attacking me again. I quickly put the bow back, not wanting it to seem like I enjoyed the attention I was getting from my fellow students.

 “So what’s next?” I said trying to quiet the students who had gathered around me asking where I had trained and if I could teach them how to do it. Alex glared at me, not even trying to disguise her obvious hatred towards me.

“Go back to the auditorium and wait,” her smile returned “they’ll tell you whose going to be leaving on a mission once they’ve finished testing everyone. Don’t get too disappointed if you’re not chosen.”

Her tone clearly said no one in their right minds would choose some useless Barbie who had only been there less then a week. I couldn’t agree more. 

Chapter 5 part 1

Here's chapter five, I can't believe I'm this far in the book!

Chapter Five

Water Talent

            Even though the academy had just been attacked for the first time in ten years, all anyone could talk about was me being the only water talent now. I really didn't want all the attention I had accumulated from standing up to Alex, but if I had thought that was bad it was nothing compared to the interest I got now. Kids I didn't know were coming up to me, some with no more intention then to stare.

To my alarm one twelve-year-old boy kept giving me winks and claiming that wind and water were natural allies and we should 'hook up'. I barely made it through the rest of the day, refusing many requests to display my talent.

Collin caught me on my way out.

"I'm not sure you'd like a congratulations right now," he said nodding towards the students who were now breaking up.

I rolled my eyes "I didn't think that Trevor and Kevin were that popular."

"They weren't. But there's a difference between two kids who've been the only water talent for three years, and one who's the first in three years."

"But still..." I trailed off I didn’t know what to say.

He nodded "they'll calm down."

I nodded too and there was an awkward silence.

"I'd better be going, YL meetings never seem to end," said Collin running his hands though his hair.

The water division common room was much nicer the yellow. The sofas were a deep blue and the carpet was a sliver color that complimented the metal accents. It was really quiet in my room but I was half glad of the privacy. It was hot and stuffy in my room so I parted the curtains and opened the window. A gentle breeze blew in and I could see the wind division's building just across from mine.

I had just sat down on my bed to unpack my discarded bag when I heard a knock on the common room door. I went back to the common room to see a short boy through the glass door, with so many freckles he reminded me with a pang, of my little sister Claire. I opened the door for him.

"Testing's right now, we're supposed to go to the study hall."

The boy couldn't seem to keep still as he talked.

"But I'm not supposed to be tested am I?"

The boy shrugged, "I am!"

He took off down the walkway. I followed, wondering if there had been a mistake.

There were only about two-dozen students gathered in the auditorium. I tried to get a teachers attention wondering if I was really supposed to be there. A woman in the blue and green uniform of the board was sitting on the edge of the stage. She had blond hair done up in a bun, and her square glasses made her look a little nerdy. She had dispensed with her high heels which were on the ground in front of her.

"Students," she said into the microphone.

Everyone quieted and turned to face her.

"Thank you, in light of recent events, the teachers of the I.M.T.Y and the school board of the same academies, have found it necessary to move the testing of merit and skill forward and expand the range of candidates."

Her voice was high and official for someone who was sitting on the edge of a stage without shoes. She also seemed a little familiar.

"I'm sure I do not have to impress upon all of you the importance of the test you are about to face. The balance of good and evil… is a fragile thing to keep, like trying to protect a sail from heavy cannon fire. We have every faith in you. All of you, whether you are chosen or not."

We were all extremely silent and I remembered. I had heard her voice over the intercom my first night here. She had commented about rain being like a 'Hollywood rain machine'.

Once again we were called out of the room one at a time, but this time I went first. I wasn’t as nervous as I had been at the evaluation but this is almost as bad. 

Writing advice?

Okay I'm working on a long ago started book and I can't decide if it should be in first person or in third. I've given you two connecting parts of the story one in first and one in third. Tell me which way you like it more!
The ghostly bell ring sent shivers running down Winifred's spine. She was standing at the edge of the village and the forest. Staring in disbelief and horror at what she saw. Memories of the previous night flashed through her mind. Hands shaking her till she had awakened, shrieks and cries as she dressed and slung her ever packed belongings on her shoulder. Running, being dragged by a strong hand through a burning village. The faces of soldiers, some jubilant others somber, but none seeing her. Winifred opened her eyes, forcing the more frightening images out of her head. She could still smell smoke on the air. The village had been protecting her, and had been destroyed because of her. 
There were footsteps behind me but I didn't turn. I didn't care if it was a friend or foe, death felt like a welcome prospect. Alain came to stand beside me. He stiffened at the sight of what had once been his home. I closed my eyes and felt them grow warm with tears. A boy on fire rolling on the ground, trying to put it out. A little girl calling out to the familiar girl running with Alain, asking why her mother wouldn't wake up. my eyes snapped back open as I pushed the memories away. I was conscious of Alain standing besides me, and knew I should say something to him."I'm sorry," I said, but couldn't think what else I could say. Then I broke and fell to my knees, weeping openly. "I'm sorry Alain, I didn't want any of this. I should never have come here." Alain sank to the ground beside me, "it's not your fault," he said. "We took you in, we were all willing to take the consequence". 
So what do you think?

Part 4

Hope you had a great holiday! Here's the last of chapter four.

The four adults were conversing in low tones before the red cloaked women said, "let's discuss this later, we'll have to explain it to the board again anyway."

There was a murmur of agreement and the all turned to face me. The all lowered their hoods simultaneously. I realized who the red woman reminded me of, Mrs. Larson. She had the same kind eyes and well shaped face. But there was something else about her that was more... Wild.

Professor Mason saw me looking "allow me to introduce my fellow keepers to you," he said smiling broadly. "This is Drew Larson our wind keeper," he gestured to Drew.

I nodded and she smiled.  

"Rebecca Larson in the red," I realized then that Mrs. Larson, Drew and the women in red were very likely all related, although Drew didn't look at all like the two other women. "And that is my colleague Boyie Gamiette."

He smiled and took my hand in both of his, "so good to know that there will be another water talent."

Now I could see him better I saw he had long dreadlocks that reached past his shoulders. We all exited the room to enter the one where the ten other students had been waiting. We could see that they were making use of their newfound talents. Winds were flying papers around wile small fires caught them in mid air and reduced them to ash. Rocks that came from nowhere were being flung in every direction. Professor Mason viewed this scene with disapproval, his partner with amusement. He cleared his throat loudly and all activity ceased. A wind from Drew blew the rest of the mess into a garbage can.

"Well done all of you," said professor Mason "we are happy that each one of you found your powers, now Mss. Larson is going to explain something to you all."

Rebecca Larson stepped forward.

"The conflict between Feren and Thaea was started centuries ago but that battle is still being fought today."

As she spoke I noticed that she too had a slight English accent, but her voice wasn't nearly as soft as Mrs. Larson's.

"We let you choose if you would come to this academy or not, but we sought you out for your own protection. Feren would like very much to posses you. I'm sure you've been told about the power of the Heaven's Gem. Not only does it bestow power, but it also enhances everything you are. Because none of you have come in contact with the gem, the particular emotion you were feeling did not posses you. But it is a tricky thing to deal with. Your emotions can be played with much easier then normal people. And playing with them is Feren's greatest strong suite.

"Don't let yourselves be subject to his whims. Stay strong, stay on the right side."

The room was silent. It would have been a perfect time for Wayne to say something like 'well that was cheerful' but it was much too serious.

"Please return to your common rooms where you may gather your things and take them to your new living areas."

I pushed against the crowd to find Carly. She looked to be her old self now and was smiling brightly. She didn't say anything but put out her palm up to show flames leaping on top of it. By way of response I dowsed her fire with my water.

She looked shocked,

"You?" I nodded "you're the only one!"

My heart sank, the only one to be in the water division now? We walked back to the yellow dorms together.

After grabbing my bag, which I hadn’t bothered unpacking anyway, I stood in the ugly common room.

"I'm gunna miss this place," I said wistfully.

"Does anyone know why they made it so hideous in the first place?" Asked Wayne coming out of the boy’s room and demonstrating his newfound power of earth by throwing pebbles at the wall.

"No one knows for sure," said Pat her own bag slung over her shoulder.

Now that the yellow division had dissolved, she could return to the wind division.

"They say it was built the longest ago and there was a mistaken order and no one bothered to change it. We think it's good luck to keep it this way."

She fairly pushed past me on her way out.

I shrugged, "good enough for me I guess."