“Alright class. This will be the last display for awhile. Starting out, Susan, show us your nature abilities.”

Luke and Julia watched as a red-headed girl stepped in front of the crowd, kneeled down, and caused the grass to sprout up over her head. After a second, she poked her head out of the ruffage, garnering claps from the class.

“Excellent. As you can see, nature can be used to manipulate plant life. However, some nature users can only use their element on animals. As you explore the world, you’ll meet people who control their elements differently. Next, Harvey. Show us a bit of ice.”

The new boy was well groomed, had overalls and a plaid shirt with glasses. Taking in a deep breath, he exhaled a breeze that froze the tall grass the previous girl surrounded herself in.

“Very nice. Another example of an element you might associate with another element. Fire might be able to lower temperature, and ice is frozen water, yet ice is an element all its own. Finally, Isaac, show us electricity.”

The young man was bald and a bit heavy set, but that didn’t seem to hold him down as his body instantly transformed into a bolt of electricity which danced across the field, hopping twenty or so feet every half second until he returned to normal in the spot he started.

“Marvelous. Electricity is a fast and furious element, allowing some users to transform into lightning itself. I hear it’s a lot of fun. Alright class, let’s head inside.”

----------------------------------------

“Geez, I can’t get over that lightning kid.”

Luke and Julia turned around to see the windy boy from the other day.

“Yeah, that was pretty cool. Yours was pretty cool too.”

“It wasn’t nothing. I can blow stuff over. What about you two, what can you do?”

Stolen story; please report.

“Julia can use fire.”

“Oh right, that was her. What about you, I don’t remember you going up.”

“I…I can’t do anything.”

“Oh c’mon, everyone can do something.”

“He can’t control mana.” Julia stepped in to explain.

“Really? That can’t be right. Shouldn’t you be like, dead?”

“Yeah, but I’m not. I’m Luke by the way.”

“Oh I know who you are. Everyone remembered what happened in the cafeteria. We all know you didn’t do it, but no one wanted to say anything. My name’s Connor by the way.”

“Well, me and Julia were going to play by the swings if you wanted to join us.”

“The swings?” the boy sounded insulted by the mere mention of the idea. “Nah, I’ll go down the slide.”

With that, the boy left them to fight his through the crowd. Luke turned to Julia who seemed to perk up at the idea.

“Alright then, slide it is.”

As the pair pushed passed the kids on their, Julia found herself facing down the diagonal line. The girl had stopped cold, securing herself against the metal floor.

“Julia, are you alright?”

“Luke, I didn’t think it would be this high up.”

“You won’t fall off, I’ll make sure of it.”

“Oh, alright.”

The girl still hesitated as she began to board the slide, timidly shaking until Luke helped her secure her hands on the sides. As he let go of her, the girl felt herself grow more confident, sliding to the ground before landing with a thud. As she turned around, she saw Luke hit the ground, then another girl.

“Wow, what a slow poke. I could’ve gone down three times already.”

“Shut up Maple.”

“Make me, clutz!”

Luke grimaced at the girl, but he didn’t dare make a move, knowing that even on her own, she would easily beat him down.

“That’s what I thought.”

The girl wandered off, smug and content.

“Um, Luke…”

Luke turned around to see his partner was smiling, but not a typical smile. Her eyes seemed less energetic and more sad yet still happy, and her smile was weak. Despite not being a normal smile, the boy believed it to be more sincere and heartfelt.

“Thanks.”

“For what?”

“For helping me down the slide.”

“You’re my friend. My brother always told me to treat friends like family.” Luke stopped for a moment. “Well, I’d treat you like my brother treats me.”

“Hey, would you like to hang out at my house sometime?”

“Sure. I’ll have to ask my brother though, but I’m sure he’ll let me.”

“I’ll have to ask my aunt and uncle, I don’t know if they-“

Before she could finish he thought, the shrieking of the school bell signaled the end of the day. Julia was about to continue her conversation but was instantly swept up by a wave of kids, disappearing from Luke’s view.