The Elements of Rage | ?

? T H R E E ?

Ms. Garcia nods and quickly taps something out on a tablet. Instantly, warmth returns to the room as the walls turn red. Everyone sighs with relief, but it is short lived. The heat becomes unbearable. It is so hot that I can see the heat rising in waves. Since I have fire powers as well, it also doesn't bother me. The point of doing this is that the heat will, in theory, force someone with ice powers to use their powers to lower the temperature. Taking control of the sparse water in the room, I quickly command the water droplets to bead on my forehead, making it look as if I am sweating. I collapse to the ground, spreading out like I cannot even bear my own body heat and pressing my face to the ground as if I am trying to cool myself off against the slightly cooler floor. In reality, I am hiding the fact that I am not bright red like the others.

After what feels like forever, Ms. Garcia finally taps the tablet again and the room returns to normal. Stepping out of the box, she unlocks the door and allows us to leave the still warm room.

"Good job today, class," She calls. "No sign of ice powers among any of you. Tomorrow I will test you again for fauna powers."

Since powers can develop at any time, students must be tested over and over just in case they suddenly develop one. With her final announcement, Ms. Garcia dismisses us. Thankfully, I don't have any more classes today.

I hurry out of class and to my locker. Grabbing my stuff, I run out of the building.

I have places to be.

I stride down the street to my new house. The houses nearby are adorned with broken windows and graffiti. Spray paint covers every house in the block. Trashy music spills out of one of the houses that I pass by. A couple are in a shouting match and the tinkling and crashing of breaking glass is heard. A man is shouting at another, and it is clear that the first man is prominent and strong. The other man cowers and pleads with him.

You know, I've been both of those people. First, I was the scared little girl. I was helpless to the abuse and terrified of them because of it. When my powers came... Shortly after, I became known throughout the town. I was feared by all. No one cared about my age, they kowtowed before me.

• • •

I stumbled down the street, shaken by the encounter. A trio of boys watched at a distance, but my air powers allowed me to clearly hear their words.

"Who is that?" One breathed.

"That's Rage. Stay away from her."

"She's a killer. She'll kill you too," The third warned. "Don't mess with her. Don't cross her. Don't even look at her. You wouldn't want to send her into a fit of rage."

I gritted my teeth as their words sent a wave of memories to attack my mind.

"Don't show your emotions, Rage," His voice whispered. "Unless it is your fury. Then, fill them with fear and cut them down before they even rise."

Instantly, I stiffened up and my face cleared of emotion except the ever present anger that seemed to never leave.

They weren't there anymore, but I still heard them. I loved it and hated it. I loved and hated them. Now, they are gone, for better or for worse.

• • •

"Get in the car!" The officer yelled, shoving me in the back of his police car.

I could have killed him in an instant. I could've gotten free easily. But what would've been the fun in that? My lips curled upward in a vicious and daring smile. I didn't know the man, he was new to town and new to the police force.