Out of Element
Prologue
The young girl walked cautiously down the dim street, looking back over her shoulder every so often. Twilight was settling in on the small town, people were out walking dogs, pushing baby strollers, a couple staggering home from the local pub.
The girl drew strange looks from the people she passed, probably due to the strange clothes and cloak she wore. From behind her, there was a bang, and she whirled, eyes searching the street. Overhead, a burst of purple light was slowly dissipating. The girl faced forward again, setting off at a run.
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The countryside was rapidly darkening as the girl looked at the address on the house, then at the slip of paper in her hand. Starting up the paved driveway, she went around to the back, past the strange-looking vehicles these people used for transportation. Knocking on the back door, she waited.
A girl of about eighteen opened the door, looking at the strange girl on the step. "Hi. Can I help you?"
"I'm looking for Matthew Gartner?" the girl asked, glancing around.
The eighteen-year-old nodded. "One sec." Moving back into the house, she yelled, "Matt! Some freaky-looking chick at the door for you!"
A boy with messy blond hair appeared next in the doorway, looking at the stranger. "Hi, I'm Matt. You were looking for me?"
The girl pulled back her hood, exposing long silver-blue hair. Matt's eyes widened. "Oh my . . . . You're . . .–" He raised his eyebrows. "Are you serious?"
Mel showed her Warrior Stone. "Yeah. Can we do this somewhere else, please?"
Matt stepped to the left, gesturing her inside. Mel entered, the door closing behind her.