#wonder what the metal- wood- and earth-atts turn into

[sceptilemasterr]

Defenders of the Flame (TE Rewrite) Act 3, Scene 3 - "That Distance Between Us"

Title: Defenders of the Flame (A CIU Screenplay)

Main Pairings: Shreya x F!MC, Beckett x F!Atlas

Other Pairings: N/A

Genre: Full Rewrite (The Elementalists, Book 1)

Rating: PG-13 for violence, blood, swearing, alcohol, and sexuality

Summary: Fiora struggles with feelings of inadequacy after a Defenders training session.

Previous Scene: Back in Session

Masterlist: Link

EXT. PCSA SECONDARY QUAD - TRAINING GROUND - NIGHT

Late one night, the Defenders of the Flame have all assembled on Penderghast’s secondary quad, which they have reserved for the night. Lucia and Arvan watch over the new inductees as they practice their Combat Forms... or, in Fiora’s case, still practice Stoicheal Gather.

FIORA (to herself): I... no... this is... wait...

Fiora concentrates, but to no avail as she fails to materialize anything more than a few small wisps of energy. Meanwhile, the others continue working on their own tasks.

ARVAN: Everyone, focus! Hold tight to your foundation!

Several successive thunderclaps are heard as Shreya and the third-year inductees all pull off a perfect Stoicheal Gather. Shreya stands charged with energy, her skin glowing a bright orange.

LUCIA: Well done! Now for the Form itself... just like we’ve practiced!

From his stance with his arms crossed in front of him, Zannagan uncrosses his arms and sweeps them over his head and out to his sides... but aside from a momentary flare of fire around his body, nothing happens. A second later, he shudders and stretches his arms out above his head, launching a gigantic fireball into the sky!

LUCIA: Okay, Zannagan, try again--

Before she can say anything more, Shreya performs a similar maneuver. This time, however, the stoicheal energy illuminating her skin starts to glow brighter, brighter... just as she uncrosses her arms, it illuminates until it lights up the entire room, blinding everyone. And then:

FIORA (shocked): What the hell?!

LUCIA (ecstatic): You did it, Shreya!

ARVAN: Nice job!

A massive dragon, its scales the color of Shreya’s hair, floats in the skies above the training ground, flapping its wings to stay afloat. The dragon looks down at the others curiously, then starts to panic. Arvan makes a few quick hand gestures, then speaks, his voice amplified.

ARVAN: Shreya! Well done! Now, just like we practiced: focus and revert to your human self!

For a few seconds, nothing happens.

FIORA (terrified): She... she’s not stuck like that, is she?

LUCIA: Nah. Give her a second--

The dragon abruptly turns into a puff of smoke, then vanishes. Everyone starts coughing from the cloud of smoke now surrounding them.

FIORA (coughing): Ack! ...Shreya?

The smoke clears, and then:

SHREYA: Fiora! Holy Source, did you see that?! I did it! I pulled off a Combat Form! I--

Shreya lifts Fiora and spins her around, and Fiora kisses her, cutting off her words. After a moment (and an irritated cough from Arvan), Shreya seems to remember where she is, and abruptly sets Fiora down and takes a step back.

SHREYA: Mon dieu! That power... I had no idea Combat Form was that... that...

LUCIA: ...Intense? Yeah. It’s a rush.

ZANNAGAN: Nice job!

RHIIA: Impressive. Was it hard to come back to normal?

SHREYA: Not particularly. I kept my foundation point in mind at all times, and when I heard Arvan’s voice, I just thought about turning back to human. And it worked!

MICHAE: That was super cool! Do all Attuned turn into dragons like that, or does it depend on the person?

ARVAN: Combat Form varies by Attunement. Fire-Atts all get huge dragons. Air-Atts get gryphons the size of buildings, Water-Atts get giant sea serpents... etc.

MICHAE: Whoa. You might’ve mentioned the “dragon” part of Combat Form before now!

ARVAN (shrugs): Some things are more fun to find out for yourself. Besides, I love seeing new inductees’ reaction to it once they pull it off!

RHIIA: Shreya, that was amazing. You’ll have to teach us how to do it next!

SHREYA: I’d be happy to!

As Shreya rejoins the other inductees, Fiora looks in her direction wistfully. A hint of jealousy darkens her expression for a brief moment, then she stares down at her hands and slumps to her knees. The others continue practicing...

* * *

Some time later, practice is winding down to a close. The other inductees are all out of breath; none of them save Shreya have managed to perform a Combat Form. Arvan and Lucia exchange a glance, then start walking back toward the main quad.

LUCIA: Nicely done. Especially you, Shreya! Let’s call it a night for now. We’ll meet again next week, same time and place, okay?

ARVAN: Don’t forget to keep practicing your Gathers in the meantime! Just avoid working on Combat Form unsupervised. The last thing anyone wants is a feral dragon flying around Penderghast.

He laughs and continues walking. The third-years all retrieve their belongings and follow Arvan and Lucia; soon, Shreya and Fiora are alone on the secondary quad. Shreya approaches Fiora and takes a seat on the grass next to her.

SHREYA: ...Everything okay?

FIORA: Yes... no. Maybe. I don’t know.

SHREYA: What’s wrong? If it’s about the kiss, I do apologize; I’d quite honestly forgotten we were in public. I never meant to embarrass you--

FIORA: It’s not that! It’s just... (sighs) I’m really happy for you, Shreya. So glad you’re doing great with the Combat Form. Seriously! It was a little shocking seeing you turn into a dragon out of nowhere, but also... really cool.

SHREYA: Ah. I think I understand. It’s because you’re struggling with this, while I’ve already managed to achieve a Combat Form today?

FIORA: It’s not just that, Shreya. Forget Combat Form. I still can’t even pull off Stoicheal Gather.

She demonstrates that fact by getting into her stance. After a minute or so of trying, a single, pathetic wisp of fire stoichi flows lazily around her head, before falling to the floor and fizzling out uselessly. Fiora opens her eyes and shakes her head, gesturing around her.

FIORA: See? I don’t get it. I’m supposed to be this fancy, special Light-Att or whatever... and I can’t even manage that.

Shreya snaps her fingers as a sudden realization occurs to her.

SHREYA: Aha! So that’s what this has all been about. I’ve noticed that distance between us lately. Then... it’s not to do with me?

FIORA (shocked): What? No, of course not! Shreya, kissing you and getting to be your girlfriend was the best birthday gift I’ve ever gotten! You’re honestly about the only good thing in my life right now.

SHREYA: Don’t let Atlas hear you say that.

Fiora laughs weakly.

FIORA: Shreya...

Her voice trails off, and the two of them look at each other in silence. Shreya takes Fiora’s hand and squeezes it tightly. After a brief moment, Fiora takes a deep breath and tells her:

FIORA: It’s the foundation point. I don't have one! All this time, I’ve just been going along with whoever was around: my friends back at Hartfeld, then here with the Pend Pals, then Atlas... and now I feel like I’m doing the same thing with you. Without someone to follow, I have no idea who I am!

Shreya smiles gently and pecks Fiora on the cheek.

SHREYA: I’d be lying if I told you I hadn’t noticed that tendency of yours. But to be quite honest, I think you’re underestimating yourself. Fiora, you are your own person. You simply need to see yourself the way I see you.

FIORA: You’re right. I know you are. It’s... easier said than done, though.

SHREYA: That’s perfectly alright. We’ll figure this problem out together. Okay?

FIORA: ...Okay.

SHREYA: Besides, you know the next step for the Defenders after Combat Form will be training for Light-Attunement. And that is certainly something where you will need to help me!

Fiora laughs and hugs Shreya tightly.

FIORA: I never even thought of that! You’re right... I’ll figure this out, and then I’ll help you with that one when it comes!

SHREYA: Exactly. Shreya and Fiora. We’re a team!

They exchange a heartfelt kiss under the moonlight... when suddenly:

ATLAS (coughs): Um. Hi...

FIORA: Oh! Atlas! We were just--uh--

SHREYA: ...Busy.

ATLAS: I can see that! But maybe don’t stay out this late without telling us? Especially with Raife’s shadow monsters liable to attack at any moment?

FIORA: Right. Sorry...

ATLAS: No worries. Just don’t forget: Dr. Swan’s still missing, and we have no idea what Raife’s been up to since he escaped the Between when the breach happened. We can’t be too careful.

SHREYA (blushing): Of course. Right.

ATLAS: ...If it’s any consolation, Fiora, Beckett’s having trouble with his Combat Form too.

FIORA: What--wait--how much of that conversation were you listening to?

ATLAS (shrugs): Enough of it. For the record, Shreya is not the “only” good part of your life right now. Just saying.

Atlas strides past them, toward the main campus. Fiora and Shreya exchange an awkward glance, then follow her back to Fletchly Hall...

_______________________

Notes: And at long last, we see a Combat Form! People who manipulate fire and can also turn into dragons... where have Choices fans seen THAT concept before?

Worldbuilding: It didn't get mentioned directly, but people going feral while in Combat Forms is, in this universe, where legends of dragons, gryphons, sea monsters, etc. came from among the Tuneless. Back in the day, feral Combat Forms were much more common.

_______________________

Next: The Approaching Storm

CIU Tag List: @brightpinkpeppercorn @endlesshero1122 @bbaba-yagaa @acidsugar0 @shaylan211 @griselda1121 @acanthisorbis @marmolady @choicesbabie

DotF/Elementalists Tag List:

[drakewalkerfantasy]

Drowning (Beckett x MC)

Pair: Beckett Harrington X F!MC (Maeve Raven)

Maeve Raven (Sun + Earth Att)  FC - Dianna Agron

Beckett Harrington FC - Grant Gustin

Disclaimer: All characters belong to Choices by Pixel Berry

Author’s Note: This set somewhere in a couple of weeks after rave. Also this is closer to the end of November. Please let me know, if you don’t want to be tagged or want to be be added to the tag list.

Word Count: 3949

Warnings: light angst + fluff.

Tagging: @elles-choices @tmarie82 @walkerismychoice @harrington-sinclaire @boneandfur @damienazarionos @darley1101

This was the last days of November and the winter was slowly claiming Penderghast’s grounds. As if following Maeve’s changing mood cool white and blueish winter colours came like the wind to replace cheerful autumn hues. Maeve sat on the windowsill hopelessly trying to focus on the book in the red leather binding lying in front of her. Her gaze kept coming back to look out through the misted window and her thoughts carried off to the similar evening and the similar noise of excitement outside her room. She could hardly believe that it was only a few weeks since she was wondering through colourful forest with her friends in search of a rave. She wore sexy blue sparkling dress that hardly covered her tights and warm autumn breeze whispered over a carpet of red and yellow leaves caressing her exposed skin. She sights, mentally returning to this evening. The feeling of happiness and lightness she would feel this day hang in the air, mixed with fright and hopelessness coming to her at nightfall for weeks already. She was drowning… drowning every night since then. And the only thing that kept her to fight… to leave… to hope… was the taste of his lips she craved, the scent of him igniting the flame of desire and the hope… this stupid hope that this kiss was for real and meant something… something she was afraid to name yet. But she wasn’t sure if this was enough anymore, as this nightmare she experienced every night since this evening became stronger, and her will and memory faded away. This was already a couple of weeks since their kiss at the pond and Maeve started to wonder if she may misinterpret the reason why he agreed to kiss her. Despite her hopes nothing has changed since this night. They still hang out with their friends trying to solve a mystery of shadow monsters, but since than he never tried to stay with her alone or make a move.

“Dammit Beckett…“, she thought exasperatedly huffing and irritatingly biting her lower lip, “What is wrong with you.” When he kissed her this evening she was sure it made him as lightheaded as her, making his blood rush through his body and his heart race in his chest setting them both on fire. His hands roaming over her body pressing himself closer to her. All bad thoughts disappearing in oblivion, leaving just two of them in this moment, saving her and giving her so needed peace for the first time since her unexpected appearance at Penderghast College of Elemental Magicks. Getting there made her lift her walls up once again hiding behind her radiant smiles and the only few people who knew what was hidden behind that delicate girl with a smile of a sunshine and an eyes of a fierce warrior were left behind. Or so she thought… But unexpectedly… somehow… this guy who irritated her from the first day and made her so angry so she couldn’t breathe… become the one she could truly be herself. No pretence, no judgment and chilling fear, the one she couldn’t hide from his piercing eyes.

Her eyes roamed one more time over open book, but as Shreya’s exited voice was threateningly closer to her room Maeve decided to retreat to the only place she was sure would be empty at such hour. Quietly she stood from the windowsill and headed for the hidden door before her enthusiastic roommate could stop her and drag to some annoying party. She wasn’t in the mood for this, and even more wasn’t in the mood for explaining herself to her friend. So much have happened over the last couple of weeks and she was just tired of pretence, tired of putting and holding her walls up, tired from lack of sleep and from nightmares who became more and more real with every night, more and more dangerous.

She closed her eyes trying to focus and calm her breath. Her hand quickly moved along the wall running her fingers along the wooden panelling of the wall. She pressed her hand forward, and a piece of wood sink in opening an entrance in the wall.

Escaping her room, she started to move along the empty corridors and staircases to the one location where she could finally be herself, focus on her study and distract her minds from troublesome thoughts occupying her. It took her just some minutes to get there and she found herself standing in front of a big wooden panel. Maeve run her fingers along the panelling as trying to memorise each notch and ledge, searching for the one that she knew by now will drop down a ladder from the ceiling. She could feel it under her fingers pressing her hand forward revealing a trap door. She nimbly used the ladder, finally getting to the comforting atmosphere of the Roost. Maeve sight with relief, looking around empty twilight room lit just by a crackling fireplace in the back. She quietly moved to the fireplace without taking her eyes off the fire as a moth drawn by the flame. She sunk in a big comfortable armchair tucking legs under herself, the book she was holding all this time tightly pressed to her chest. Her mind finally relaxed, no need for pretence anymore, no need to be strong and radiantly happy. She sights. Her eyes wailed with tears from overbearing tiredness and fear haunting her all the time at nightfall. She shook them off by the back of her hand and slowly opened the book. Her eyes roaming along the pages swallowing ancient knowledge kept by these pages hungrily until her eyes become heavy with sleep. She tried to fight this, dreading to give up… so tired… so scared… but as it happened every night before, Maeve knew this is inevitable and she was consumed with a deep sleep.

She didn’t notice while falling asleep the lonely dark figure appearing on the Roost’s threshold. Hesitating for a moment the figure moved slowly to the light, revealing Beckett’s strong body, coming closer to the fire watching small vulnerable frame curled up into the armchair. He could see her hands growing weaker and heavy book starting to slip out of her fingers, but before it could hit the floor with a loud thud, Beckett quickly knelt down in front of her catching the book and laying it quietly on the table beside him. His eyes caressing her and smile tugged in the corners of his lips. She was so peaceful, so homely, wearing this oversized knitted dark blue tunic, black tight leggings and warm wool socks. “So beautiful”, he murmured gently, tucking a strand of sunkissed hairs behind her ear, watching her peacefully asleep. When suddenly she started to struggle with something unseen to him. At first this was just mumbling and uneasy noises she made during her sleep, as thought she had a nightmare… Beckett could swear that he could hear her use some advanced fighting spells, when suddenly this stopped as abruptly as it began. And instead of this Maeve’s eyes started to roll under her eyelids and her body started to shake violently. Her fists clenched on the top of her tunic tearing it apart as thought trying to ease breathing. He looked in horror on her beautiful face contorted in a mask of pain and fear still kneeling in front of her.

- Maeve…, - she shook her lightly trying not to scare her off from this nightmare, but nothing happened, - Maeve… please… Maeve, wake up, - he shook her harder, squeezing her hands in his to prevent her from harming herself. He could see by now that this wasn’t a simple nightmare, this was something more powerful, more real… and he could feel it radiating from her. The only thing he hoped for was that this is something, what she will be strong enough to fight. Not thinking twice, he squeezed her hands stronger, whispering her name again and again, calming his breathing and closing his eyes trying to find something to hold on for her. He could feel his arms started to glow with metallic shine, becoming warmer and combining with her sunshine warms radiating from her palms. His powers slowly started to flow into her, sharing all his power and knowledge. He knew that this spell is temporary, but at this moment Beckett only hoped that this will last long enough to bring Maeve back to him. He hoped this powers and knowledge will help her fight whatever she is fighting and to help her break through the powerful magick that hold her in this nightmare. He could feel how his eyelids got heavier and his head slowly dropped to Maeve’s lap, but he never let go of her hands. He had no idea how much time have passed, it seems that he had dozed off, and rather felt than seen that she finally come to life. Beckett slowly lifted his grey eyes meeting her big hazel eyes filled with fright. He could feel his power returning back to him, his hands still clasping hers, unable to look away from each other even for a moment, their hearts pounding violently breaking the deadly silence of the room.

They both were unsure of how much time passed until Beckett realised that he was still holding Maeve’s hands in his, caressing her knuckles with his thumb trying to make them warm. He instantly let go of her feeling his cheeks starting to burn turning dark shade of pink. He sheepishly run fingers through his hair.

- Maeve…  - he cleared his throat, taking a deep breath steadying himself before continuing to speak, - are you okay? do you want to speak about what happened with you, - Beckett asked, carefully studying her face, waiting for her to reply.

- I do, - whispered Maeve barely audible, her voice breaking slightly. Her eyes were wide open and filled with tears, hands clasped on her laps and still shaken.

- You are shaken, - whispered Beckett gently touching her slim hand as if afraid to frighten her - and your hands are so cold, - he rubbed her hands between his, smiling at her shyly, - Let me make you something to warm you up and then… then you will tell me what happened.

Maeve looked at him with gratitude, squeezing his hands weakly. She was so glad he was here. She knew subconsciously, that if he wouldn’t appear here… if he wouldn’t have done something… she wouldn’t be gone. She could feel that this time it would be the end of her. She clasped her hands tighter over her laps still shaken from her dream, eyes filled with tears.

After some time, Beckett has returned with two mugs of steaming hot chocolate holding out one for her, waiting until she would accept it with grateful nod. Maeve wrapped her freezing hands around steamy mug, inhaling scent of peppermint. Her minds fogged with a childhood memory she thought have been long lost. This wasn’t a picture, but this was a voice… soft caring voice of a young woman. This was a smell… smell of freshly made peppermint hot chocolate still steaming in a big saucepan. And this was a sense… sense of safety, happiness and carelessness she felt in a warm and gentle arms of her mother. She sights, closing her eyes to remember.

The young woman sat between two small cradles soothingly swinging them. Her long silky hairs were cascading down her spine and her soft quite singing echoed through the small country kitchen filled with a peppermint scent. This was an old, long forgotten Irish lullaby and her melodic voice flowed through the air.

“O Sleep, my baby, you are sharing

With the sun in rest repairing;”

She smiled gently to a little baby girl with an angelic face and blond hairs, who watched her with curiosity. Her little hand with a sun birthmark on her forearm was stretched out trying to catch a sunbeam. She turned to the second cradle, watching second girl snoring peacefully in her sleep.

“While the moon her silver chair in

Watches with your mother.”

She smiled sadly to a little girl with the same face, but with a raven hairs soundly asleep in another cradle wearing a moon birthmark on her forearm.

“Shoheen, sho lo,

Lulla lo lo!!”

She continued to sing, her voice trailing off filling the air with hope and hopelessness, with happiness and sadness, with sun warmth and moon coldness. The young woman’s voice rung soothingly, but her face was reflecting despair and tears flown down her face with each verse. The young man appeared on the threshold listening for his wife’s soft voice singing to their beautiful and so different daughters with the same face. He could smell peppermint in the air that become so familiar during this cold season and smiled lovingly. He noticed big mug on the kitchen counter, thoughtfully placed for him by his wife filled with Peppermint hot chocolate.

- They will be fine, - he murmured quietly, bending to kiss his wife on the forehead, - you know, that prescience isn’t exact science.

She raised her face to meet his, in her eyes question she was afraid to ask “Will they?” Her voice shaken nearing to the end of the song.

“And ah! my child as free from cumber,

Thus thro’ life could'st thou but slumber,”

She watched her girls with a great love in her eyes, both so different in every possible way, but so similar in looks. One tender and loving soul, eager for knowledge and curious for life. Another irritable and reflective, who loved nightfall and resented light.

“Thus in death go join the number

Of God’s smiling angels.”

One as a ray of sunshine, her smiles warm and sincere, her joy is genuine. Another as glow of the moon, her smiles beautiful, but delusive, her actions calculated, but childlike naive.

She leaned over and took a smiling angel out of cradle. Her hands gentle and soothing, her voice like a murmur and whispering meadow. It felt safe here and secure. Maeve could feel her eyes become heavy with sleep, snuggling up tighter to her mum’s chest, the feeling of boundless happiness and carelessness flooded over her while she fell fast asleep.

“Shoheen sho lo,

Lulla lo lo!”

Soft voice trailed off, dying in the air filled with a peppermint smell.

- How did you know? - breathed out Maeve, ripped back to reality.

- Shreya told me, - Beckett answered simply, kneeling in front of Maeve, with a mug in one hand, while another hesitantly laid on top of hers. They sat in silence drinking steaming drink, they eyes not looking at each other. Both deep in thoughts, searching for words, choosing them carefully.

- Thank you, - whispered Maeve, lifting her eyes to meet his deep stormy eyes, - for this, - she lifted her mug in silent salute, - and…, - she stopped, still unsure of what to say and how to explain to him what happens with her. She could feel his fingers draw soothing circles on her wrist and palm, calming her, making her stronger. Taking another gulp of steaming drink, she breathed out and started to speak, - This started to happen after the rave, couple of weeks ago… After we parted…, - Maeve blushed remembering their kisses, feeling his hand freeze before squeezing her encouragingly, - After we parted, I heard someone has been screaming somewhere near to the pond, but when I got there… no one was here. I saw the strange light coming from the pond, like moonshine. It drew me closer, bewitching me, and before I knew it, I was standing in front of it, looking at my reflection in the dark water. I remember, how my hand drew closer to touch the surface and when I done this… my body was hit by something cold and it started to glow with moonlight shining. It felt… it felt as if I started to drown… it was deadly cold and frightening. I couldn’t move… I couldn’t scream… I could just give up and disappear… But…, - Maeve looked at him with desperation, - but your kiss… our kiss, - she whispered watching Beckett blush under her gaze, - it gave me courage, gave me something to fight for. It was so stupid…, - she sights sadly, avoiding his eyes.

- Mae…, - he whispered softly.

- As I said it gave me a courage I needed so much. When I got free, I was so weak, so frightened… but alive, - Maeve continued with a sad smile, her eyes shining with tears, - First night, after this incident, I slept restlessly. I was still shaken, tired, confused, but I slept… and then… the next night, nightmares begun. At first it was just some shadow monster cornering me into the black waters of the lake. I was paralysed with fear, feeling helpless and so so cold. I tried to wake up… but I couldn’t… I tried to scream… but this wasn’t possible. I went further and further from the shore, plunging deeper into the icy water. And the only thought that kept me to fight, was you. But every night this nightmare becomes more real, more difficult to fight and more dangerous, - she looked up meeting Beckett’s eyes.

- Why didn’t you tell anyone? Why didn’t you tell me?

- I don’t know. I guess… I guess at first I thought this is just a nightmare. But it became more vivid and more frightening with every night. And then… and then I didn’t know, how to tell what happening. How do you tell your friends, that some shadow monster can not only get you during the day, but also creeps into your dreams? How do you tell the people you care about, that every night this dreams... these nightmares becomes more real and it gets much harder to wake up from them? How do you tell the person you care the most, that here may be no tomorrow? How do you tell, that you are scared of nightfall and trying not to fall asleep?

- Mae, you should have told me. I could have helped you. I could have done something… anything.

- Sorry, I didn’t mean to worry you, - she whispered sadly, her eyes sparkling with unshed tears.

-No… no, I didn’t mean it this way. I mean I… I was worried, of course I was, but… - he hastily placed mug on the table, squeezing her hand with both his hands, - but when I saw you today fighting something in your sleep. I… this scared me more than I would care to admit, if I just knew that this is happening to you, I would be prepared. I would be able to help you more. I felt so helpless. If you would just tell me, I could be there for you and we would figure out this together.

- Why? - Maeve asked simply, but Beckett knew exactly what she meant by this. So this was his chance to admit his true feelings to her, or just screw this up again. It seems that lately he became an expert in this… An expert in screwing things up with her. Before breaking prolonged silence, he breathed deeply.

- Because… Because you mean a lot to me. You are my only true friend, - he could feel how the last bit of hope in her went out and the single tear run down her cheek, - I care for you, and I… I fall in love with you, - he breathed out, his eyes not leaving hers even for a second. He could see how streams of silvery tears, reflecting dancing flames, run down her face, but her eyes sparkled with reborn hope. Beckett gently took half empty mug from Maeve’s hand placing it on the table near to her study book before taking both of her hands in his, hesitantly placing soft kisses to her palms and wrists. His eyes slide to her parted lips and he shifted closer to her. Beckett slowly moved his face to Maeve’s giving her a chance to stop him, but instead of this she gently leaned in and kissed his warm lips. He kissed her back and the world fell apart. It was slow and soft kiss, comforting her more than words would do. For the first time within these weeks’ her mind wasn’t locked on nightmares she had. The worries and fright evaporated like a first snowflakes on the warm skin. All she can focus was Beckett, his quite moan escaping him, his soft lips gently exploring hers, intoxicating unique smell of his cologne and most of all, the way he tastes like freshly picked peppermint and the morning’s breeze. His hands slowly slide up along her arms to cup her cheeks. Their breaths mingled as his thumb caressed her soft skin. She pulled him closer until there was no space left between them and she could feel the beating of his heart against her chest. His lips explored hers painfully slow savouring the moment. He could feel her moist velvety lips parting for his tongue to slide in, her sweet scent making his blood burn with desire. When they broke apart for air, Beckett rested his forehead against Maeve’s breathing heavily. His eyes closed in an attempt to recover, his hands still caressing her cheeks.

He opened his eyes slowly meeting her weary glance with a gleam of happiness in her eyes.

- Beckett, why should I almost to drown, so you could admit your feelings to me?

- You shouldn’t, - he blurted out quickly. His eyes softening when he sees the hint of a smile in the corners of her eyes, - you teasing me? Again, - he said reproachfully, but his smile and voice betraying him. He looks at her with concern. Her eyes show a sign of a many sleepless nights and he could see a fear in them ready to break free as soon as she would be left alone.

- Mae, - he starts softly, gently caressing her cheek, - when was the last time you slept?

- I... I don’t know..., - Maeve answered her voice breaking, barely above the whisper, - At first this nightmare came once per night, but lately... They feel so strong... and I become so weakened and tired. I’m scared of closing my eyes and never open them again to see you.

- I will never let this to happen again. I’m so sorry to let you down... Mae, I’m so sorry... I was such an idiot, - he leaned in to kiss her gently before slipping to sit next to her. His hands hooked around Maeve, holding her close to his heart. 

Maeve could feel how her last guards started to crumple. She buried her face in his chest and her shoulders started to shake with uncontrollable cries. All her fears and tiredness poured into hot streams of tears little by little freeing and making her whole again. Maeve snuggled closer to Beckett, feeling his lips gently pressed to the top of her head and his hot breath caressing her. She could smell peppermint scent flying in the air soothing her senses and calming her. Her eyelids got heavier with sleep, while Beckett gently stroked and fiddled with her long sunkissed hairs. Her sobs gradually calming down, until she fall asleep, tucked safely into Beckett’s strong arms.

[sceptilemasterr]

Defenders of the Flame (TE Rewrite) Act 1, Scene 8 - The First Day

Title: Defenders of the Flame (A CIU Screenplay)

Main Pairings: Shreya x F!MC, Beckett x F!Atlas

Other Pairings: N/A

Genre: Full Rewrite (The Elementalists, Book 1)

Rating: PG-13 for violence, blood, swearing, alcohol, and sexuality

Summary: In her first class at Penderghast, Fiora learns all about stoicheal energy.

Previous Scene: Pend Pals

Masterlist: Link

INT. TUBIGAN HALL - AUDITORIUM 2 - DAY (FOUR DAYS LATER)

A large group of excitedly chattering first-years, among them Fiora, Shreya, and Zeph, file into Auditorium 2 for their first class of the day.

ZEPH: So, Stoicheal Theory, huh? What d’you think it’s gonna be like?

SHREYA: Sounds rather dull, if you ask me. But I’m open to anything!

Zeph picks a row and files in, taking a seat about halfway down the row. Shreya sits next to him, and Fiora takes the seat on her other side.

FIORA: I don’t know... it sounds complicated. What if the professor is super strict? I mean, we might--

SHREYA (laughing): Don’t you worry, Fiora. It’s the first day. I bet you anything it’ll just be basic things, like the six-element model and such. You know?

FIORA: ...Sorry, six-element model? What’s that?

Zeph gives her a curious look as Shreya belatedly remembers Fiora’s situation.

SHREYA: Oh! Oh, right... uh…

As she attempts to come up with an excuse to explain Shreya’s ignorance to Zeph, Beckett enters the auditorium. Frowning at the lack of empty seats, he sighs and reluctantly takes the seat on Fiora’s other side, closest to the aisle, then immediately opens up a textbook and begins reading. Zeph is quickly distracted by the new arrival.

ZEPH: Hey! Hey, you! Guy over there! My name’s Zephyr, but you can call me Zeph, it’s nice to…

His voice falters as Beckett ignores him completely and simply continues reading his book.

ZEPH (hesitantly): ...meet... you? (to Shreya) What’s his problem?

SHREYA: I don’t--

Fiora’s face lights up when she recognizes the newcomer.

FIORA: Hey, wait, I know you! We almost ran into each other, right? So, uh, do you like reading, or--

BECKETT (annoyed): If I wished to speak with any of you, I would have made that quite apparent.

He returns to his book. Puzzled, Fiora looks over at Shreya and Zeph.

FIORA (muttering): Well, excuse me for trying…

All of the whispered conversation in the auditorium stops as a young woman with shockingly bright yellow hair enters the room from a door in the front, stepping up to the podium. She wears sweatpants and a green t-shirt with a grey windbreaker over it. This is DR. RELIGAST, a professor at Penderghast College. She places a hand on the surface of the podium, and a shimmering, three-dimensional image of a pyramid erupts into existence above her.

FIORA (in awe): Whoa…

DR. RELIGAST: Yes, yes, hello, and welcome to Penderghast! I am Dr. Religast, and I will be with you for the entire year as we learn all about stoicheal theory! Now, it may not be as flashy or exciting as some of your other classes, but believe me: stoicheal theory will be the essential backbone of your career, whatever you choose to pursue. So! Please, do not brush off my class as, and I quote: “just another boring lecture.” ...Those are actual words a student once said to my face, by the way.

There are a few awkward laughs. Beside Fiora, Beckett writes furiously in a notebook, hanging on to Dr. Religast’s every word.

DR. RELIGAST: Right then! Let’s get started. Here’s a simple one: Who can name the six basic stoicheal forces?

Dozens of hands shoot up, including Beckett’s, Shreya’s, and Zeph’s. Beckett in particular is so eager that he looks as though he may launch off of his chair and into the ceiling at any moment. Fiora simply looks around, confused and more than a little overwhelmed. Dr. Religast points to a random student toward the back, an Earth-Attuned named JOSHUA HIGHLAND.

DR. RELIGAST: There! You in the red shirt.

With a gesture, Dr. Religast amplifies the student’s voice so that it can be heard throughout the entire auditorium.

JOSHUA: Earth, Air, Fire, Water, Metal, and Wood.

DR. RELIGAST: Yep, that’s correct! Now, check out the diagram above.

She waves a hand and presses something on the podium, and the base of the holographic pyramid above transforms into a grid of six colors, each labeled with a symbol representing its respective element.

DR. RELIGAST: These are the basic stoicheal forces. Stoicheal energy is ambient within this realm, unlike the Archikial Realm. This means that channeling stoicheal energy is easier here, further amplified by an individual’s Attunement linking them to…

As Dr. Religast continues lecturing, Fiora leans over to Shreya.

FIORA (whispering): Okay, “Archikial Realm?”

SHREYA (whispering): The other realm. Y’know, where you came here from?

FIORA: Oh, right--

Beckett clears his throat and glares at the two girls, who both quickly sit back upright and focus on Dr. Religast.

DR. RELIGAST: ...and so the basic forces share this relationship. Now, if you observe the pyramid once more, you will see that I have positioned the colors in a particular pattern. Does anyone know why I have done so?

Beckett’s hand shoots up fast enough to create a small breeze that ruffles Fiora’s hair. No one else raises their hand, and Dr. Religast points to Beckett.

DR. RELIGAST: You in the blue blazer!

She gestures again, and Beckett’s voice becomes amplified as he stands up.

BECKETT: Thank you. I can see that you have positioned the colors representing the basic stoicheal forces so that each is alongside its natural opposite.

Dr. Religast nods, and Beckett takes a seat.

DR. RELIGAST: Wow, exactly! That’s the first time in three years that anyone spotted it on their own.

Beckett gives Fiora a smug glance at the compliment, then turns his attention back to the professor.

DR. RELIGAST: He is correct. The basic forces each pair with another in an antagonistic relationship: fire and water, wood and metal, and air and earth.

As she lists each elemental pair, their corresponding colors on the pyramid illuminate.

DR. RELIGAST: This means that someone with a particular Attunement will be hindered in their abilities when surrounded by its opposite. For example, I’m an Air-Attuned, and a pretty good one if I say so myself!

She pauses as a few students laugh.

DR. RELIGAST: But let me tell you, if I were underground, I’d find it much harder to perform even a simple technique. Likewise if an Earth-Att were somewhere high in the air, like on the roof of a building, for instance.

ZEPH (whispering): So if someone lit me on fire…

SHREYA (whispering): Wouldn’t that give most anyone some trouble?

Zeph laughs.

DR. RELIGAST: Now, I conjured a pyramid rather than a simple square for a reason: the basic forces aren’t the only types of stoicheal forces that Attuneds can command.

She gestures toward the holographic pyramid, and the upper part of the pyramid illuminates with another six colors, of corresponding shades to the ones below. These new colors are much brighter and glow with brilliant light.

DR. RELIGAST: Okay, can anyone tell me what these represent?

A number of hands go up, including Beckett’s, unsurprisingly. After a moment’s hesitation, Fiora’s face lights up with excitement and she raises her hand as well.

FIORA: Wait, I know this one!

Everyone stares at her, and she realizes she accidentally said that a bit too loudly. Dr. Religast laughs and points to her.

DR. RELIGAST: You there!

BECKETT: Yes, the additional colors clearly represent--

He stops when he realizes it is not his voice that has been amplified. Dr. Religast frowns at him.

DR. RELIGAST: Not you. The girl with the red hair!

FIORA: Oh! Me! Uh... I think those are the Primal Stoicheal Forces?

DR. RELIGAST: Very good!

Fiora sinks down into her chair. Shreya smiles and pats her on the back.

SHREYA (whispering): You did it! (smirks) Of course you’d know that one.

Fiora blushes.

DR. RELIGAST: As she said, these are the Primal Stoicheal Forces: the raw, untamed stoichi brought to this realm by the Sources. These forces are distilled into their basic forms and utilized by we Attuned. With intense study and practice, any Attuned can eventually master their Attunement’s corresponding Primal Force. They are as follows:

As she states each element and its Primal equivalent, she gestures toward the pyramid, causing the corresponding colors to illuminate.

DR. RELIGAST: Motion, for Air. Gravity, for Earth. Creation, for Metal. Life, for Wood. Energy, for Water. And finally...

FIORA (whispering): Light, for Fire!

DR. RELIGAST (simultaneously): Light, for Fire.

Beckett looks curiously at Fiora.

BECKETT (muttering): Impressive. Perhaps you aren’t quite as hopeless as you look.

FIORA (whispering): You know I can hear you, right?

As Dr. Religast continues lecturing, Zeph raises his hand. She goes on for a moment, ignoring him until she finally looks to her right and jumps in surprise.

DR. RELIGAST: Oh! Sorry, so sorry. Did you have a question?

ZEPH: Yes, sorry. You mentioned the six Primal Forces, but aren’t there two more?

A few students giggle. Dr. Religast frowns and makes a frustrated sigh.

DR. RELIGAST: If you’re referring to the so-called “Lost Sources,” that’s a ridiculous myth that has no basis in reality.

ZEPH: But they say there’s--

Dr. Religast waves a hand as though brushing his questions aside.

DR. RELIGAST (sighs): Every year, someone always asks that. Every year, my answer is the same. No one in all of Attuned history has ever seen, encountered, or observed a Time- or Space-Attuned. Unless anyone in this room has, say, a Time-Att friend or two they’d like to tell me about?

She pauses. Zeph sinks back down into his seat in frustration.

DR. RELIGAST: Okay, enough of that. Back to the two-tier stoicheal model.

Dr. Religast resumes her lecture. Fiora glances over at Zeph curiously...

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Scene Notes: Well, Dr. Religast pretty much covered all the additional worldbuilding in this scene. And if you’re wondering, yes, she’s a completely original character. I decided to add a few extra professors into the mix since the original only had three (not counting Dean Goeffe).

As for Zeph and his “Lost Sources” theory... is it really just a myth? Surely you all know by now that nothing I write is accidental... 😉

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Next: Theory and Practice

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