HOME | DD
ReynAnimations — Elements Of Power^4 Chapter 10 (1/2)
#awakening #axiom #copper #elements #euclid #gaia #gold #hydrogen #iodine #mother #nature #origin #original #oxygen #polonium #power #promethium #samarium #silver #terra #tower #ununoctium #reynanimations #elementsofpower
Published: 2017-07-18 21:23:52 +0000 UTC; Views: 1712; Favourites: 2; Downloads: 0
Redirect to original
Description
Chapter 10- Awakening
Part 1
December 22, 2016 ---Origin southern hemisphere, pulse forest
Gaia didn’t stand for long while the elements attacked her. She aimed first for Silver and Gold who were combining their lightning and fire attacks.
[Silver]: “Keep firing whenever you can! It’s gotta weaken her eventually!”
“Eventually” could not come soon enough for the elements. Gaia grew frustrated at her prey having the numbers advantage. The insides of her body began to glow bright red. She decided to even the field… by burning it down. Out of her mouth poured a continuous stream of extremely hot fire, melting every flower, bush, tree, and stone in sight.
[Gold]: “Fire, what’s going on!??”
[Copper]: “It’s too hot! I can’t freeze her like this!”
[Silver]: “Retreat to the trees!”
[Samarium]: “What trees!??”
The trees Silver had pointed to quickly burned down to ashes as Gaia realized Silver’s plans. She ran at him, jaws wide open.
[Copper]: “BROTHER!!”
Copper jumped from her ice stepping stones and lodged her sword into Gaia’s tail. The furious creature swung her tail from side to side until she sent Copper flying high into the sky and far away from the battlefield.
[Silver]: “COPPER!!”
[Gold]: “Brother, I can’t control this heat!”
[Silver]: “Run for it!”
Silver, Gold, and Samarium ran in the direction opposite of where Copper had landed so as to distract the monster from finishing her off.
Meanwhile, Ununoctium sat far away behind one of the few remaining trees, talking with Terra.
[Ununoctium]: “What do I do, Terra? I want to help them, but Silver said not to. I don’t have any powers anyways so I’d just get in the way.”
Terra tilted her head curiously. Communicating was still a mystery to the little Original. In the distance, Ununoctium heard Silver cry out in pain.
[Ununoctium]: “I can’t, I can’t listen to this anymore. I have to believe in myself! I’m not going to be useless! Come on, Terra!”
Terra got out of Ununoctium’s bag and followed her while she rushed to join the fray.
After a few minutes of running through a newer section of the forest, Silver realized he had chosen the wrong direction to go. He, Gold, and Samarium found themselves at the edge of a steep cliff with nowhere to run. Down below, hundreds of wooden spikes protruded from the ground up. Falling would be certain death.
[Samarium]: “What now!?”
[Silver]: “Go to the side! Maybe we can-”
The ground suddenly gave way underneath the elements. Gaia had made a gigantic leap forward towards the elements, breaking apart chunks of the cliff side. Gold and Samarium fell backwards to the spikes below.
Silver reached out and grabbed ahold of Gold’s double scythe. Gold and Samarium were holding onto it for dear life. Ahead of them, Gaia slowly advanced to where her prey was trapped.
[Gold]: “She’s coming! Brother, you have to let go!”
[Samarium]: “No! It’s just one of us that has to let go!”
With that said, Samarium let go of her grip on the scythe.
[Silver]: “NO!!!”
Silver reached out his left hand and grabbed ahold of Samarium’s. The matrix in his arms tore as he fought to hold the weight of both elements.
[Samarium]: “Forget me, Silver! I’ll just be in the way like I always was! You can lift your brother up if he’s the only weight. Save your family!”
[Gold]: “Brother, Gaia’s almost here!”
[Silver]: “No! I’m not going to let another element die! Nghh!! GAHHHH!!!”
He overloaded his core and granted himself a burst of power that let him deadlift both elements over the cliff and back to safety.
[Silver]: “On your feet! We have to go!”
[Gold]: “LOOK OUT!!!”
They only walked a few feet before Gaia came rushing through the forest. She was getting ready for one last charge when she felt a few small pains in her rear. Ununoctium was behind Gaia, shooting arrow after arrow into her thighs.
[Silver]: “Get away from here, Uno!”
[Ununoctium]: “Silver, you have to run! I’ll take care of her!”
Gaia turned her attention to the little element and roared to show her dominance Terra ran in front of Ununoctium and held out its leaf hands to protect its caretaker. To the element’s surprise, Gaia gently lifted her massive head down and looked down into Terra’s eyes. Both creatures silently stared into each other’s souls. Gaia extended a claw out to hold Terra, but she took a few steps back and hugged Ununoctium’s side. This angered Gaia who snapped out of her peaceful state and roared in anger. Terra sprang into action and jumped into the ground, drilling herself deep underneath until there was no trace left of her. Ununoctium was by herself now, about to be eaten.
[Silver]: “UNO!!!!!”
[Ununoctium]: “I-It’s okay… Silver.”
Gaia opened her mouth and bit down at Ununoctium.
Just moments before she could reach her, a large Tyrant Original burst from underground and slammed its whole body into Gaia’s, knocking the beast into the ground. Ununoctium saw rings of red petals around the Tyrant’s small forearms. They reminded her of someone.
[Ununoctium]: “T-Terra!?”
[Silver]: “Now! While Gaia’s down, hit her head with everything you’ve got!”
The four elements combined their powers and launched an all-out attack. Gaia roared in defiance. She opened her mouth and shot fire straight up at Terra’s head which pushed her backwards, Now with the advantage, Gaia pounced on Terra’s body and proceeded to claw at her neck while sending more fire at the elements.
[Gold]: “Too… hot… can’t get in close…”
[Oxygen]: “Hang in there!”
Oxygen ran to the elements from behind the burning forest and using his control over wind to suffocate Gaia’s flames. She saw the newest pair of annoyances and charged at them. Gallium ran forward and lifted his mighty arm shields up to take the incoming attack. Gaia brought down both of her clawed hands and shoved Gallium straight into the ground. His shields barely held up. Oxygen used the distraction to shoot sonic wind blades into the Colossal Original.
Losing her ability to shoot fire had only made Gaia angrier. She swung her tail in a circular motion, knocking Oxygen, Silver, Gold, and Samarium off their feet and into the air. With her prey scattered, she walked around the area to pick them off one by one. Meanwhile, the forest fire from before had caught up. What were once large trees were now molten piles of mass with various sharp bits of tree bark left.
Samarium had the worst landing of the elements. Her knee had lodged into a splintered piece of tree bark. She struggled to free herself.
[Samarium]: “Gaaaaah!!!”
[Silver]: “Sam!!!”
[Samarium]: “Silver!”
They heard Gaia’s footsteps getting closer. Samarium yelled at Silver with tears in her eyes, both from the extreme pain she was feeling and the realization that her life was about to end.
[Samarium]: “Go! It’s the end of the line for me!
[Silver]: “I told you I’m not letting another element die!”
[Samarium]: “Why do you care so much about a useless element!? All I’ve done is treat your family like garbage since day one!”
[Silver]: “Because that’s what I promised!”
Gaia knocked down another burning tree. She had the two elements in her sights. Silver rose back up to his feet, knowing what he had to do. He readied his two swords.
[Silver]: “Sam… when your back’s against the wall, all you have left is your word. I made a promise a long time ago to protect every element. I don’t care if you hate me or my family, I will do my best to keep that promise!”
[Samarium]: “You… you fool! You can’t face her and survive!”
[Silver]: “I’m not planning to survive.”
His body glowed brightly as he took off at lightning-fast speed to face his greatest enemy yet. Gaia towered above looking at the tiny element charging at her. Silver pushed his overloaded core past his limit and punched with every bit of strength into the Colossal Original’s head.
[Silver]: “I’LL STOP YOU! HIYAHHHHHH!!!”
He managed to puncture his way in between the creature’s two eyes. Once inside, he unleashed all of his built-up energy in a massive wave of electricity, burning Gaia from the inside out. The creature’s body blew up like a balloon until it exploded into bits and pieces of grass and green blood. Silver himself fell to the ground below and began to fade away. His core had taken too much strain.
[Samarium]: “Silver! SILVER!”
Samarium broke off the piece of wood in her knee and limped over to Silver’s fallen body as fast as she could. With tears still in her eyes, she yelled at him, pleaded with him.
[Samarium]: “RGH! SILVER!”
[Silver]: “Did we… win?”
[Samarium]: “We did… You did, Silver…”
[Silver]: “Phew… that’s a… load off my back…”
[Samarium]: “Silver… you came back for a weak element like me when I had nothing to give in return... Just like… Promethium did… I’m sorry I was too weak! It’s my fault! I’ll do anything to fix it! I’ll make a promise to protect them too like you did! Just please don’t die, Silver… SILVER!!!”
By this point, Silver was almost completely transparent. Samarium could see through him to the grass underneath his body.
[Samarium]: “I’m so sorry… please don’t go…”
She hugged Silver’s lifeless body and glowed a soft blue color. It felt like an eternity passed until Copper and Oxygen found the two elements. They were followed by Gallium and Gold, then Ununoctium and Terra.
[Copper]: “BROTHER!!!”
[Gold]: “He’s fading fast…”
[Ununoctium]: “We have to save him!”
[Oxygen]: “I’m sorry, Uno. We can’t do anything.”
[Gold]: “Darn it!!!”
[Gallium]: “…”
Terra saw the commotion and weakly moved to Silver’s side. The battle with Gaia had done severe damage to her new tyrant form. She planted her right hand into the grassy ground and her left hand on Silver’s head. Her body glowed green while she transferred a small source of energy back into Silver’s core. He stopped fading. With the energy transfer complete, Terra’s body fell apart until she was a pile of twigs. Silver’s eyes opened.
[Ununoctium]: “Terra!! You did it!”
[Samarium]: “Silver!”
She hugged him again, fearful that letting go would mean losing him.
[Gold]: “Brother, can you hear us?”
[Oxygen]: “He’s stopped fading, but he’s still gravely injured. Gallium, take him with us and be as gentle as possible. If we wait long enough, he’ll recover.”
[Copper]: “What about Hydrogen?”
[Oxygen]: “I don’t know. As soon as I heard the ground quake, I came rushing back to help. We never saw the Originals or her.”
[Gold]: “Which means we missed them. Darn. Now what do we do?”
Oxygen reached for Silver’s remote.
[Oxygen]: “Plutonium? Miss Plutonium, are you there?”
[Plutonium]: “Oxygen!! What in Axiom’s name happened?”
[Oxygen]: “We ran into Gaia again.”
[Plutonium]: “Gaia, what?”
[Oxygen]: “The Colossal Original. Silver overloaded himself to kill her, but we lost the Originals holding Hydrogen in the process.”
[Plutonium]: “Is he-?”
[Oxygen]: “No, not yet at least. He’s lying here unconscious. I’m hoping he recovers soon.”
[Plutonium]: “Stay put. I have several supply subscripts going your way. They’re dropping off weapons. I can have them bring back Silver too.”
[Silver]: “…No…”
Silver broke the conversation with his single-worded plea.
[Silver]: “I can feel my strength coming back… Let me stay, guys… I’m not finished yet…”
[Plutonium]: “You look finished to me.”
[Copper]: “We have faith in our Brother. He’d want to see this through to the end.”
[Plutonium]: “He hardly sounds like he can defend himself.”
[Samarium]: “He’s more determined than you think. Trust me, Miss. What’s Hydrogen’s location?”
[Plutonium]: “The Originals coordinates have stopped moving. They’re still southwards, but the signal is getting weaker by the minute. If I had to guess, they’re going underground.”
[Copper]: “So in a cave or a chasm, huh.”
[Gold]: “Ugh, I hate the feeling of a cold, dark, and wet cave, swarming with those things. We’ll have our hands full fighting our way through.”
[Oxygen]: “Gallium and I took the least damage in that last battle. We’ll lead the way.”
[Plutonium]: “I will link your remote directly to Hydrogen’s audio in case she wakes up. Get moving once the subscripts arrive. It’s only a matter of time of time before the connection is completely lost”
[Samarium]: “Yes, ma’am. Before I hang up, how is Promethium? Is it okay?”
[Plutonium]: “Promethium looked out of it. I’ve never seen it so distraught.”
[Samarium]: “Take care of it for me, please. Promethium’s seen creatures that would give any element nightmares.”
[Plutonium]: “Promethium will be in good hands, Sam. Good luck with your mission.”
[Samarium]: “Thanks, Miss. Samarium out.”
She hung up.
[Samarium]: “Now… we wait.”
Samarium looked down at Silver who had closed his eyes to begin his recovery. They heard a rustle in the pile of grass that was once Terra’s body. An Original poked its head out and crawled out of the mess- Terra. She had dark brown skin, leaves formed around her waist like a skirt, a grassy outfit around her body that looked like a sweater, and hair of beautiful flowing vines. Ununoctium was the first to realize what had just happened.
[Ununoctium]: “S-She looks like me!”
Ununoctium looked down at her skirt and sweater and saw that Terra had somehow matched her look with plant materials.
[Ununoctium]: “Aw, Terra…”
[Copper]: “This just gets weirder and weirder.”
[Gold]: “It could be worse. If Terra can turn into that again, she might be our ace in the hole.”
[Samarium]: “If… I’m worried it was a one-time deal. We’ll see.”
[Ununoctium]: “You look so cute, Terra!”
Terra tilted her head the same way she used to in her sprout form. None of the elements knew what to make of her. All they knew was that for the time being, they were safe again from nature’s worst.
Part 2
Euclid Tower, Floor B1
Lawrencium was busy on his computer, as the usual, when his old friend walked through the door.
[Lawrencium]: “Promethium! I heard you would be coming! Ouch, those Originals really did a number on you.”
He frowned and looked at where Promethium’s missing wings would be.
[Promethium]: “It’s the least of my concerns. Origin’s been messing with my thoughts. Before I lose focus again, bring me up to speed on Project Unit. Were we able to achieve our final design?”
[Lawrencium]: “Unfortunately not. We couldn’t develop the perfect power source in time. The three Originals were rushed into production because Plutonium felt you were in danger.”
[Promethium]: “She’s right. There’s no more time for R&D on that project. We need the shuttle done now more than ever. There’s talks of blowing up part of the tower.”
[Lawrencium]: “Are you serious? We’re blowing up our greatest creation?”
[Promethium]: “If you had seen those Originals, you would understand why Plutonium is so worried. Leaving the elevator puts Axiom at risk of invasion. There’s no other option. Once we cut the connection, the elements will have no way of returning.”
[Lawrencium]: “So that’s where the shuttle project kicks in.”
[Promethium]: “Exactly.”
[Lawrencium]: “I’ve been running flight simulations all day, testing every scenario and material possible. By myself, I could finish in two days. With you helping me, we can get it done in a few hours. That is if you’re up to it.”
[Promethium]: “I’ll-.”
Promethium heard the Colossal Original’s roar and saw the Juggernaut’s eyes looking at him. The element clutched its head in pain.
[Promethium]: “RGHH!!”
[Lawrencium]: “Promethium!”
[Promethium]: “I’m… fine. It’s nothing.”
[Lawrencium]: “Are you sure? You said Origin has been affecting your thoughts.”
[Promethium]: “I see things sometimes. Flashbacks of those horrible creatures. They’ve been coming back more and more.”
[Lawrencium]: “These symptoms, they’re very similar to when you would have nonstop flashbacks of the war.”
[Promethium]: “Don’t say that. I can’t be traumatized again. Not now. It took me years before I could get past that stage. I don’t have that time anymore.”
[Lawrencium]: “You do have time. Get some rest in you room.”
[Promethium]: “No, no, I’m fine. Fine enough to do this. I have unfinished matters regarding Origin. Give me the blueprints so we can finish this project.”
[Lawrencium]: “If you say so…”
[Promethium]: “Rggh… One more thing, do you have a spare camera down here?”
[Lawrencium]: “Well sure.”
Lawrencium reached into the top drawer and pulled out a portable camera.
[Lawrencium]: “What would you need this old thing for?”
[Promethium]: “In case I’m not fine after all.”
[Lawrencium]: “Uhh… okay…”
[Promethium]: “Don’t worry. Let’s finish this project.”
Part 3
Origin southern hemisphere, pulse forest
It was 5am when Oxygen saw a small clearing in the forest.
[Oxygen]: “There. Let’s rest for a bit. I’ll stay on watch.”
[Copper]: “What about Hydrogen?”
[Oxygen]: “Her signal still isn’t moving. We’ve got time. Besides, it won’t be smart to go underground while we’re tired.”
[Copper]: “Good point. We’ve been battling all day and night.”
Gold started a campfire while the other elements lay down for a short nap. Silver weakly turned on his side to face Gold. He had become opaque again since the fight with Gaia.
[Silver]: “Wait… Gold, they’re attracted to energy, remember.”
[Gold]: “If they come, they come. We’re better off fighting with some light. Just leave it to us.”
[Silver]: “Alright. I believe in you.”
Samarium walked to Silver and knelt at his side.
[Samarium]: “I’ve been meaning to thank you for earlier. I owe you my life.”
[Silver]: “This isn’t a debt you have to repay, Sam. I was never going to leave you behind.”
[Samarium]: “Even so. You’d be at 100% right now if it wasn’t for me.”
[Silver]: “It was worth it.”
[Samarium]: “Why? Why did you come back?”
[Silver]: “It’s a long story that would probably bore you.”
[Samarium]: “Not at all. I’ll listen.”
He paused for a moment as he reminisced over the past.
[Silver]: “Everyone treated me like a big deal when I was first restored. They said I was important, part of a family. I didn’t understand any of it… I had only been alive for one day when we lost someone- Magnesium. The previous Copper and Gold told me what pain was, but I didn’t experience it until then. Her screams still haunt me to this day… It was too much to take for a newer element like me. She was an individual with her own thoughts and feelings whom I had talked to, suddenly gone forever from existence. As naïve as it sounds, I made a promise that day to never let another element die. Through all the pain and sacrifice, that promise has lived inside me ever since.”
[Samarium]: “You’ve been alive for what, a year now? Do you regret saying something like that?”
[Silver]: “No, I use it as my motivation to fight harder when times get tough. Nothing comes easy in this world. But it’s important to stand your ground against it instead of becoming a cold, depressed element. Why? Because of that.”
He pointed at Ununoctium who was playing around with Terra, Gold, and Copper at the other side of the camp.
[Silver]: “It’s the small things in life, the little moments that make it so precious. There’s always something worth fighting for, whether its elements or a promise.”
[Samarium]: “Wow. I’ve spent too much time depending on someone else to notice.”
[Silver]: “What about you? What’s your story?”
[Samarium]: “Normally, I’d refuse to say anything about it, but you did save my life.”
[Silver]: “I won’t demand it. It’s your story, your feelings.”
[Samarium]: “Hmm…”
She thought it over for a few seconds.
[Samarium]: “I’ll tell it. It’s only fair.”
[Silver]: “Alright.”
[Samarium]: “So… I don’t know how much you know about the war between the Radioactives and noble elements. The Grand War is what it was called. First off, it wasn’t grand. None of it was. The Nobles called it that to help us feel better about the cause. For a time, I believed in them so I put every ounce of energy I had into training for battle. I worked my way up the ranks and became a leading general, one of the Noble’s favorites actually. Things were so good at the time.”
Samarium looked away from Silver into the distance where the stars were rising.
[Samarium]: “Then… the accident happened. I got cocky and rushed into battle with my squad. We were outnumbered, overpowered, and imprisoned. Stupid, stupid me… Ununseptium personally interrogated each of my crew and when they refused to tell him anything, he obliterated them. One by one, I heard my friends scream their last words. Ununseptium picked me to interrogate last. My turn was coming up… Somehow, Promethium got word of where I was being held and came to rescue me. It took sacrificing half of Promethium’s squad to get me free. So many elements lost their lives just to save a single one- me. I didn’t understand any of it. The only thing that made sense was my new fear of death and the never-ending guilt that came with it. I didn’t deserve to live if my life costed so many elements theirs. To protect myself, I resigned from general’s status and enlisted as Promethium’s second in-command. I was never in danger as long as Promethium was around. And then I heard the best news of my life. The Nobles ordered all Actinides and Lanthanides to make a new settlement far from the Radioactives. You can imagine how relieved I was when I heard we were moving off the battlefield. We went from soldiers to wanderers, crossing mountains, oceans, any piece of land you can name. When we found Actlanthum, we settled down and dropped our war training to pursue science. It was the first time we ever felt what peace was like in almost ten years.”
Samarium sighed.
[Samarium]: “Fast forward to the present. You obliterated Ununseptium and the Nobles found our island. Things got complicated when Mercury was put in charge and they only got worse when you went missing. That’s when Promethium said the worst news I’d heard in years- we were coming to Origin. I had gotten so used to being at Promethium’s side in times of peace that I was able to forget my guilt and my fears. I’m scared of death, and I especially don’t want to die on this forsaken rock. What would I be dying for? For you? I never had a connection with you. The Silver from my time was a jerk and the old Ununoctium was a warlord. I tried to convince Promethium not to come, but it was pointless. We came, we saw, and nature conquered. Poor Promethium’s not the same anymore… Thank Axiom it’s back home.”
[Silver]: “Question. If you fear death, why did you stay?”
[Samarium]: “I’ve spent so much of my life hiding my shame. Then Uno told me it didn’t have to be that way. I could be better if I only had the strength to be. It’s thanks to you, I found my strength. I know now what it looks like when an element truly believes in themself. Because of you. I’m going to find my strength again and use it to protect you as long as I live. I promise to you, Silver.”
[Silver]: “A promise is a double-edged sword, Sam. What will you do if you can’t keep it?”
[Samarium]: “I’ll just try even harder to fight stronger and better than before. Like you.”
[Silver]: “It’s an honor. I can only hope I prove worth your effort.”
[Samarium]: “You already have.”
For the first time since meeting Samarium, Silver saw the light blue element smile. Her body glowed softly, a phenomenon elements experienced when they were truly in sync with their feelings.
[Silver]: “Aw… if I could lift my arms, I’d give you a hug.”
[Samarium]: “I’ll take an IOU, heheh…”
She stooped down to hug her new friend. His family noticed the two elements getting close. They couldn’t help but poke fun at him.
[Copper]: “Awww you’re sooo cute!”
[Gold]: “Hahah, way to impress the lady, Brother.”
[Silver]: “H-Hey, I wasn’t trying to do anything!”
He blushed ever so slightly. Terra mimicked Samarium and joined in on the small hug
[Ununoctium]: “Tee hee, I think Terra likes you, Sam!”
[Samarium]: “That’s news to me. Terra came in handy today.”
[Silver]: “So did you, Uno.”
[Ununoctium]: “R-Really? Me?”
[Silver]: “I’ve never seen you so fearless. You took on Gaia with a bow and arrow! How’d you get the strength to do that?”
[Ununoctium]: “I-I couldn’t stand by and hear you scream…”
[Samarium]: “You’re something special. There are elements like me who have power and don’t use it. Then there’s you, totally powerless and running into battle like you own the place. I admire you.”
[Silver]: “Sam’s right. What you did took serious guts. I’m so proud of you, Uno.”
[Ununoctium]: “D’aw!”
It was Ununoctium’s turn to blush.
[Samarium]: “You guys blush pretty easily, huh.”
[Copper]: “Runs in the family.”
[Gold]: “Speak for yourself, I never blush!”
[Copper]: “Just go with it, Gold! You’re ruining the moment!”
[Gold]: “Ack, come on, gimme a break!”
Copper playfully shoved him to the side.
Oxygen and Gallium looked over their shoulders and saw the elements having a good time together.
[Oxygen]: “It’s nice to have a calm night for a change.”
[Gallium]: “…”
[Oxygen]: “By the way, thank you for staying by my side. I don’t know if I could have made it on my own.”
[Gallium]: “…”
Gallium put a large hand on Oxygen’s right shoulder and nodded reassuringly. He lay down on his torso, ready to sleep.
[Oxygen]: “Goodnight, Gallium.”
Above, the stars settled quietly, shining the elements hope for a better, safer tomorrow.
Part 4
Euclid Tower, Floor 1 workout room
Polonium had left from the main elevator straight to her usual workout place. Missing one arm wasn’t going to stop her from venting. She did bicep curls with a half-ton weight, not once pausing to rest. Iodine approached her. Without its wings, perching was no longer possible. It sat down on a bench-press station instead.
[Iodine]: “Is something bothering you?”
[Polonium]: “No.”
[Iodine]: “You’ve been curling for nearly an hour.”
[Polonium]: “So?”
[Iodine]: “The evidence suggests-”
[Polonium]: “Look…”
She put down the dumbbell.
[Polonium]: “I’ve been getting lectures from everyone lately. Whatever you’re gonna say next, I’ve heard it. Don’t waste my time or yours. You know me.”
[Iodine]: “I would be failing my duty as mentor if I stayed silent while you destroyed yourself.”
[Polonium]: “How am I destroying myself? You see this bicep? Looks built to me.”
[Iodine]: “I meant within.”
[Polonium]: “You sound like Silver.”
[Iodine]: “I won’t bore you with another lecture. You’re above small talk. Perhaps take a moment to consider what you said to him.”
[Polonium]: “Thought about it, and I’m over it.”
[Iodine]: “Really? Then why are you lifting a weight that’s only half your normal amount?”
[Polonium]: “Hmph, so you noticed.”
[Iodine]: “You’re regretting what you said. Regret is weakness when you let it take over your state of mind.”
[Polonium]: “So what do you want me to do? Apologize?”
[Iodine]: “I suppose it’s an option.”
[Polonium]: “Heh, they’re stranded on Origin. Obliterated for all we know.”
[Iodine]: “Do you really think so?’
Polonium looked at where her missing right elbow once was.
[Polonium]: “No. Knowing Silver, he’s probably leading them to victory right now. Something I couldn’t do. Silver’s always been able to one-up me. Obliterated Fluorine, merged with Gold to take out Cadmium, and then he tops that by surviving half a year on Origin with that little deadweight, Ununoctium. I hate to say it, but he’s either really lucky or stronger than he looks.”
[Iodine]: “Indeed.”
Iodine got up from its seat and walked to the door.
[Iodine]: “You’re strong too, Polonium. Stronger than this.”
It left. Polonium picked up the dumbbell at her feet. Memories flooded her thoughts, memories of dead elements and living regrets.
[Sulfur]: “Poloniuuuuuum!!!”
[Polonium]: “Looks like I’ll get that rematch with you earlier than I thought!”
[Tellurium]: “…”
[Rutherfordium]: “Look behind us!”
[Promethium]: “I couldn’t have been more wrong. Listening to you was a mistake.”
[Silver]: “Tough talk coming from the element who’s running back to Axiom! My family is my strength! What about you? Where’s all the strength you’re always bragging about?”
Her family was gone. Would Silver share the same fate?
[Silver]: “I sincerely thought better of you, I really did. But if I die and this is the last time I talk to you, I don’t want to go out on bad terms. Through our rivalry, I’ve come to see you as a good friend.”
“A good friend.” Polonium pondered and then lifted the dumbbell, crushing its solid-steel bar with her bare left hand.
[Polonium]: “I am stronger.”
Part 5
Origin southern hemisphere, pulse forest
[????????]: “AIYEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!”
[Oxygen]: “What was that!? Hydrogen!?”
Oxygen had been in a sleep-like trance when he heard a scream come from his remote. It woke up the other elements.
[Silver]: “What’s going on?”
[Oxygen]: “I’m not sure. Hydrogen, are you there? Please respond.”
[Hydrogen]: “… O… Oxy…”
[Oxygen]: “Hydrogen! What’s happening!?”
[Hydrogen]: “O… xy…”
The ground began to shake violently. Trees fell over as the dirt underneath cracked and parted ways.
[Gold]: “Is the ground coming alive or something?”
[Copper]: “Woah, stay together!”
[Samarium]: “This can’t be good. Wait, you hear that? Something’s happening!”
The elements looked in the distance with expressions of sheer horror. The eastern mountain range had split in half to reveal a massive stalk growing into Origin’s atmosphere. It spiraled upwards at an unbelievably fast pace, eventually wrapping itself around Euclid Tower.
[Oxygen]: “Plutonium, Plutonium, wake up!”
[Plutonium]: “That’s Miss Plutonium to you. Did something happen?”
[Oxygen]: “You didn’t feel that? A humongous plant just grew out of east peak! It’s wrapping around the tower.”
[Plutonium]: “What!?”
Plutonium checked the cameras at the highest floor of Euclid Tower. She saw what the elements saw, an impossibly huge stalk growing from Origin’s surface and making its way to Axiom.
[Plutonium]: “Unbelievable! At this rate, it will reach Axiom by noon!
[Oxygen]: “What do we do?”
[Plutonium]: “Call off the search! I have to detonate the explosives or we risk losing Axiom to infestation!”
[Oxygen]: “No! We just need a little more time! Hydrogen’s alive. We heard her! She’s being held somewhere underground not far from here. Just give us a few more hours!”
[Plutonium]: “I need to speak with Promethium. If you choose to stay, it’s at your risk. I cannot promise the elevator will work for much longer.”
[Oxygen]: “We’re on the move. Thanks Miss Plutonium.”
He hung up.
[Oxygen]: “You heard her. We’re running out of time.”
[Hydrogen]: “AIYEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!”
[Oxygen]: “HYDROGEN!!!!”
They heard a deep bellowing sound from underneath Origin’s surface. The stalk stopped growing around Euclid Tower. It remained in place as it pulsed a bright green color.
[Silver]: “I’ve heard enough! Can someone please lift me so we can get moving!?”
[Oxygen]: “Gallium, get Silver! Let’s go!”
Part 6
Origin southern hemisphere, pulse forest mysterious formation
Fortunately for the elements, the ground had stopped shaking by the time they reached the source of Hydrogen’s signal. Ahead of them was a large cave, dug deep into Origin’s underground. It looked very out of place with the rest of the glowing green grass around it.
[Silver]: “Uno, do you remember this place?”
[Ununoctium]: “We’ve been here, but I don’t remember a cave…”
[Silver]: “That’s what I was thinking. The cave looks like it’s just been made. Hydrogen must have been taken inside.”
[Oxygen]: “Hydrogen, can you hear me?”
He heard nothing but static in response.
[Oxygen]: “Come on.”
Then the elements heard the most unsettling of noises. Footsteps. But not their own.
[Silver]: “Oh dear…”
[Gold]: “W-Who’s there?”
[Copper]: “It’s an Original. Get ready!”
[Samarium]: “Stay behind me, Silver!”
[Ununoctium]: “A-And me!”
They looked around the dark cave. The sound of the footsteps was similar to an element walking. Each second they got louder and higher in quantity. Again, the elements turned to look all around them to see what the creatures were. That’s when they saw them emerge from the pulsing grass.
The creature surprised the elements by how different it was to any beast they had fought before. This Original was shaped exactly like an element, possessing a bipedal body, except it had a mouth of sharpened wooden teeth and intense yellow eyes. Terra hid behind Ununoctium at the sight of her vicious
[Ununoctium]: “Terra’s shaking…”
[Silver]: “Then these guys must be trouble.”
[Samarium]: “I see some coming from the cave! We’re surrounded”
[Oxygen]: “They’re probably here to slow us down. Use the weapons Plutonium sent. Conserve your energy!”
[Gold]: “I call the long rifle!”
[Silver]: “Uno, are you going to fight?”
[Ununoctium]: “Yes, Silver. I have to.”
[Silver]: “Goodluck. I believe in you.”
[Copper]: “I’m keeping an ice dome around you for your protection, Brother. Sorry! You’ll just have to wait to celebrate with us when we’re done!”
[Silver]: “Wait-!”
Gallium lay down Silver who was immediately surrounded by a thick dome of ice that would hold against any surprise attacks the Originals had in store. Meanwhile, the elements surrounded the dome and looked at their newest enemies which swayed their bodies side to side in an animalistic manner. They were missing something that Terra had- a conscious. It was clear these beasts had one thing in mind, eating, and they would stop at nothing to get there.
One by one, they ran forward to swarm the unsuspecting elements. The elements opened fire, taking out anything that got close. While the Originals didn’t take much damage to die, they had the numbers advantage on their side.
The elements had entirely exhausted their ammunitions by the time they wiped out the threat. Dozens of bodies were lying around them. Copper unfroze Silver’s cage.
[Copper]: “You okay?”
[Silver]: “F-Freezing, but f-fine.”
[Copper]: “Oops, sorry, Brother!”
[Silver]: “Eesh, I hope I don’t have to go back in that again. How were the Originals?”
[Gold]: “Pretty easy! I didn’t break a sweat!”
[Samarium]: “Almost too easy I think… Then again, we did use up all our weapons.”
[Oxygen]: “No use pondering over it. The cave’s all clear. Let’s go.”
[Silver]: “I’ll join you in walking. My legs feel better now.”
[Ununoctium]: “You sure, Silver?”
[Silver]: “Trust me, I’ve been dying to get moving on my own two feet again. You heard Oxygen, let’s roll!”
Part 7
Euclid Tower, Floor 17 room “Z”
Promethium knocked on Polonium’s door. Her voice answered after a few seconds.
[Polonium]: “It’s unlocked.”
[Promethium]: “Hello, Polonium.”
[Polonium]: “What do you want?”
[Promethium]: “Don’t I even get a hello back?”
[Polonium]: “Hello. What do you want?”
[Promethium]: “Always so straight to the point. I wanted to check how you were doing. We didn’t leave Origin on the best terms with the others.”
[Polonium]: “You did, Promethium. I didn’t.”
[Promethium]: “I have my own regrets too. Samarium hasn’t been on her own in years, and I just let her go back without putting up much of a fight.”
[Polonium]: “She’s with Silver. She’ll be fine. You’ve got a habit of worrying too much. Annoying.”
[Promethium]: “I always tell myself if I’m not worrying too much, I’m not worrying enough. It’s my duty as their Navigator.”
[Polonium]: “Look, Promethium. If you’re looking for comfort, I’m the last element who’ll give it to you. I’m washed-up. Done.”
[Promethium]: “You don’t strike me as an element who gives up easy.”
[Polonium]: “You said it yourself. Listening to me was a mistake. I let my confidence get the best of me.”
[Promethium]: “You don’t wish you could go back to Origin and fix your mistakes?”
[Polonium]: “What’s done is done.”
[Promethium]: “You really have changed.”
[Polonium]: “So?”
[Promethium]: “Oh, nothing. I was just checking on you, but you look fine to me.”
[Polonium]: “As good as ever.”
[Promethium]: “Alright then.”
Promethium walked to the door and opened it.
[Promethium]: “By the way, where is Iodine?”
[Polonium]: “Out.”
[Promethium]: “Oh, okay. Sorry for disturbing you.”
The wingless element left. Polonium waited a minute in her room before saying something aloud.
[Polonium]: “Did you get all that?”
The closet opened up behind her, revealing Iodine inside.
[Iodine]: “Every word. It seems Promethium was concerned you would try to return to Origin.”
[Polonium]: “I hope I’m as good an actor as I am a fighter then. Get your swords and two superscripts. We’re going back.”
[Iodine]: “Excellent, I was getting quite bored of sitting around!”
Part 8
Origin southern hemisphere, underground tunnel
The elements had walked for nearly 4 miles underground. Their journey was surprisingly peaceful. No Originals were down in the caves. They only had to deal with the creepy droplets of green liquid falling from the cave’s ceiling. There were the occasional footsteps… unless the elements were only imagining them. Gold and Samarium used their fire and electricity powers to light the way.
[Gold]: “How much longer?”
[Oxygen]: “Her signal is still further in. I’d say another two miles. Miss Plutonium? Hello?”
He tried to reach her, but received only static back.
[Oxygen]: “I’ll try Hydrogen. Hello? Hydrogen?”
Silence.
[Copper]: “Do you think she’s-?”
[Silver]: “No, don’t think like that. We’ll cross that bridge if we get there.”
[Copper]: “Sorry.”
[Gold]: “I feel ya, sis’. The sooner we find Hydrogen, the better.”
[Ununoctium]: “Do you see something, Terra?”
Terra had begun shivering again. She held her arms across her chest as if the cave was freezing cold. The elements waited to hear any footsteps.
[Ununoctium]: “Silver, there’s something coming.”
[Silver]: “Then let’s do it.”
Silver unsheathed his swords, relieved that he could at least carry them.
[Gold]: “You sure you can fight?”
[Silver]: “I’ve got this.”
[Samarium]: “I’ll have your back.”
[Oxygen]: “Here they come!”
If elements had throats, Samarium would have gulped in fear. She was scared stiff of being in certain danger, but her determination helped her push through.
[Samarium]: “Okay… just like I promised…”
[Gold]: “Let’s see what we’re up against.”
Gold created a bigger ball of fire to illuminate more of the cave. The flash of light helped the elements catch a glimpse of the newest horrifying Originals.
All seven of the Originals stood still while staring back. Each was a unique plant-based copy of individuals the elements were familiar with.
[Copper]: “They’re… us!”
Silver looked at his grassy clone. Instead of a metal helmet with a crest, it wore wooden helmet with a large thorn for a crest. To complement its wooden look, it had a cape of leaves. Even the giant, Gallium, had a large Original to match. He tilted his head, impressed his copy had wooden shields as big as his metal ones.
[Silver]: “Element Originals.
[Ununoctium]: “There’s one for me too…”
[Samarium]: “This is beyond bizarre.”
[Oxygen]: “No time to be impressed. They’re starting to move!”
Each of the Element Originals grew sharp thorns out of their hands to prepare for combat. They didn’t need swords when their own arms were their weapons. The elements engaged their copies in a ferocious battle.
Part 9
Euclid Tower, Floor 81 main laboratory
Promethium walked through the sliding doors to an awaiting Plutonium, Neptunium, and Uranium.
[Promethium]: “What’s the status?”
[Plutonium]: “They defeated the Colossal Original and a handful of element-shaped Originals. After that, we lost touch with them when they entered a cave on Origin’s south side. Judging from their last coordinates, they were going to the core.”
[Promethium]: “Who knows what kinds of creatures lurk in there… What of the stalk?”
[Plutonium]: “It’s growth rate slowed down. Most of our tower cameras in the highest floors have been disabled or destroyed. From what we can see, hordes of Originals are climbing the stalk onto the tower. We have an hour before they reach Axiom’s atmosphere.”
Promethium had visions of the Originals on camera, about to stick their razor-sharp arms into the element’s chest… It clutched its head to try shaking the visions out.
[Plutonium]: “Promethium! What’s wrong!?”
[Promethium]: “Don’t mind me. We need to plan a counter-offense.”
[Plutonium]: “I’ll detonate the explosives. It’s the only way to keep them on Origin.”
[Promethium]: “If you do that, you’re writing off eight elements as dead. It’s too much.”
[Plutonium]: “We risk losing Axiom to invaders if we don’t.”
[Promethium]: “I can’t stand by and-”
A warning siren blared in the laboratory.
[Uranium]: “Miss! The main elevator’s controls have been overridden!”
[Plutonium]: “Get me a camera feed now!”
[Uranium, Neptunium]: “Yes, Miss!”
Uranium and Neptunium fumbled through the keyboard before they found the camera aboard the main elevator.
[Plutonium]: “Polonium and Iodine! But they- Ah yes… when Polonium took the Nobles’ authority, we gave her the highest authorizations possible… We can’t override her controls.”
[Neptunium]: “Couldn’t we shut down the generator for the elevator?”
[Plutonium]: “We’d also lose power to the upper floors’ cameras.”
[Promethium]: “I’ll do it manually. With a superscript at full speed, I should be able to reach the elevator and engage the emergency lock. Here, give me a remote. I’m on my way!”
[Plutonium]: “This is beneath you, Promethium! Let one of us do it while you recuperate!”
[Promethium]: “There’s no time!”
Promethium was out the doors before anyone could voice any more opinions. Without its wings the element’s only method of flight was through a superscript. It ran down the stairs to Floor 80 and picked up one from the armory. Now fully-powered up, Promethium opened the main elevator doors, activated its superscript, and soared into the shaft.
Polonium and Iodine were standing around in the elevator not doing much of anything when they felt the elevator come to a screeching halt. Polonium checked the display. Floor 1,995.
[Iodine]: “Hm?”
[Polonium]: “They’re on to us. Get your superscript ready-”
The doors opened. Promethium came into the elevator.
[Promethium]: “Polonium! Just when I think I know you, you go and pull another crazy stunt!”
[Polonium]: “What can I say, I’m a complicated element.”
[Promethium]: “Even so, Plutonium wants you stopped.”
[Polonium]: “Iodine?”
Iodine stepped forward and walked in between Polonium and Promethium.
[Iodine]: “I’m afraid I cannot let you come any closer. I shall be your opponent.”
[Polonium]: “Your move, Promethium.”
[Promethium]: “You didn’t let me finish. Plutonium made the orders, but I didn’t come here to obey them.”
Promethium reached to a panel just outside the elevator and pulled out the manual lock device it had just installed. The elevator slowly came to, picking up speed to continue its journey upwards to Origin.
[Polonium]: “Hmph, fine, but you better pull your own weight.”
[Promethium]: “Hahah, We’re all certainly flying to our dooms. And yet… I don’t see any fear in you.”
[Polonium]: “The only fear I have is living with my regrets. There’s still business I have on Origin.”
[Promethium]: I know how you feel.”
Its remote activated. Plutonium’s voice was heard from the other side.
[Plutonium]: “Promethium! The elevator just reactivated! Where are you?”
[Promethium]: “I’m onboard, going to Origin.”
[Plutonium]: “But consider your condition! In your current state, you’ll-”
[Promethium]: “I told you we can’t abandon them, Plutonium. You’re in charge now.”
[Plutonium]: “No! Come back! Rethink this! PROMETHIUM!!!”
Promethium hung up and put away the remote.
[Polonium]: “Crazy friend you have there.”
[Promethium]: “She would have tackled me to the ground if I asked for her permission at the lab, heh. Polonium, if neither of us makes it, I want you to know I’m sorry for what I said before.”
[Polonium]: “It’s fine. I needed a wake-up call. And don’t be talking to me like we’re dead. Just stay behind us. We’ll make it.”
A series of visions came into Promethium’s thoughts. It saw the Juggernaut and the Colossal Original with its jaws open ready to bite… Promethium shook its head. The visions were getting worse.
[Promethium]: “Alright.”
Down on the 81st floor, Uranium and Neptunium were in a panic. Three elements were on their way to Origin, one of them being the leader of Euclid Tower. Eight elements were missing in Origin’s underground. A swarm of Originals were slowly making their way to ground level.
[Neptunium]: “What do we do?”
[Plutonium]: “We fight.”
[Uranium]: “M-Miss! You could hardly use your weapon last time!”
[Plutonium]: “True, I much prefer the scholarly life to my older days, but these… things leave me with no other options. I will not betray Promethium’s wishes. Fortunately, I know a few other elements who can help…”
Part 10
Euclid Tower, Floor 17 hallway
Rubidium didn’t take kindly to being told no by Plutonium. She was too stubborn an element to simply listen without trying her way first. Thus, she found herself at the main elevator of Euclid Tower, attempting to rewire the control panel. Sodium and Molybdenum were with her.
[Molybdenum]: “Are you sure about this? What if we get caught?”
[Rubidium]: “So what? They can’t throw all of us in jail.”
[Molybdenum]: “I dunno, I saw a lot of empty cells…”
[Rubidium]: “Being caged isn’t all that bad. Do you want to help Silver or not?”
[Molybdenum]: “Of course I do!”
[Rubidium]: “Good, then quit whining. Besides, there’s no way we’ll get caught. I’m smarter this time.”
An intercom turned on in the hallway.
[Plutonium]: “Rubidium, please bring your family up to my laboratory. Oh, and quit tampering with our equipment. That is delicate machinery!”
[Rubidium]: “D-oh!”
[Molybdenum]: “You were saying?”
[Rubidium]: “Hmph, even a blind element is lucky once a day. Come on, let’s hear what the big boss has to say.”
Rubidium called Palladium from their room so they could all be present for Plutonium’s announcement in her laboratory.
[Molybdenum]: “What’s going on?”
[Plutonium]: “I will go on record to say I’d prefer you stay completely out of tower affairs. However, we have a crisis on our hands, and if we don’t act now, we’ll lose the tower to the Originals.”
The door slid open again. Lawrencium walked in.
[Lawrencium]: “I came as soon as I got your message. Where are they now?”
[Plutonium]: “Good timing. A mountain-sized plant has sprouted from Origin’s eastern peak and is currently growing around Euclid Tower. It’s bringing an army of Originals with it. Promethium, Polonium, and Iodine have already left to retrieve Hydrogen and the other elements.”
[Molybdenum]: “Are they okay??”
[Plutonium]: “No casualties from the last time we had contact. It’s up to us to fight back against the Originals so they can still use the elevator. As soon as they’re back on Axiom’s side, I’m detonating the bombs and destroying the bridge between our worlds. I cannot promise any of you will survive. Consider it a suicidal mission. With that said… who volunteers?”
[Lawrencium]: “I will.”
[Rubidium]: “Same here, I’m not giving up on my sister or Oxy or Gallium.”
[Molybdenum]: “-Or Silver or anyone. I’m in.”
[Sodium]: “Me too.”
[Palladium]: “Thou hast my services as well.”
[Uranium]: “You know we’re behind you, Miss!”
[Neptunium]: “If you’re coming out of retirement, we may as well too, right?”
[Plutonium]: “Thank you all… Take a superscript and your choice of weapons on the 80th floor. For our fellow elements, we will hold the line! Move out!”
[Everyone]: “Yes, Miss!!”
Plutonium saw off the elements, feeling dread in her core. They were hopelessly outnumbered and without their proper leader. None of this should have been happening. But she knew that saving the elements’ lives was a priority, especially for Promethium. She would do her best to help her friend. With a renewed sense of urgency, she rushed to prepare her comrades for the final battle.
