Warrior Rising
Chapter 6: A Shocking Start
Antony awoke to a poke to his snout. He turned over in bed and grunted. He felt another poke at his snout and rolled again. He wanted to stay asleep for a bit longer. The poke came again followed by a sharp voice.
"Wake up Ant! There's much to do, much to see!"
Antony blinked. "W-What time is it?"
"Seven in the morning. Get up, Ant!"
With a groan, he rolled over across the bed and fell to the floor. He winced at the shock of the fall. Laughter filled his ears. Antony lifted his gaze and realized Emile stood before him, grinning from horn to horn. Amusement flickered in his golden yellow eyes.
Antony rose to his feet and shook his head and tail. "Okay, Emile. I'm up."
"Good. If you stayed in bed, I was going to get Kehlani to wake you up."
"How's that different?"
Emile laughed. "Very different. She won't poke you. She'll blast you with water, which is her dragon element."
Antony nodded. "Point taken. What's a dragon element?"
"I'll tell you. Just come on, buddy." Emile turned. "Follow me."
Emile trotted across the floor, opened the door, and entered the hallway. Antony followed after him. They made their way through the hall in the house. Their claws clicked on the floor. As they walked, Antony looked to Emile, waiting for the red dragon to answer his question. When Emile remained quiet for more than half an hour, Antony nudged him with his wing.
"Yes, Ant?"
"What's a dragon element?"
"Oh, right! Sorry…A dragon element is a power that all dragons are born with." Emile nodded. "It's dormant at first, but activates after you turn 11 or 12. Mine is Fire. Dad has 2 elements, fire and earth. Mom has ice. Kehlani has water and wind."
"Sounds awesome! What else can you tell me?"
"Loads, my friend. Dragon elements are powers that can be used in self-defense, combat, or practical uses. Some dragons have 1 element. Others have 2 or more."
"What are the elements?"
"Fire, Water, Ice, Wind, Darkness, Earth, Arcane, Poison, and Electricity."
Emile entered the dining room. He took a seat at the dining room table Oskar. Miri and Kehlani settled themselves on the opposite side. The table was laden with plates loaded with bacon, toast, and scrambled eggs. A delicious aroma wafted into the air and made Antony's mouth water. Antony took a seat beside Emile and dipped his head to everyone.
"Now that I think about it," Emile continued. "We don't know what element you have, Ant."
"Why do you call me Ant?"
"I just like how it sounds. Anyway, I'm curious what element you have."
Antony tilted his head. "How will I know?"
"By whatever comes out of your mouth," Kehlani said with a giggle. "Rocks, leaves, fire, sparks, ice crystals…you have to channel your elemental energy and push it from your belly to your throat and out of your mouth. Want to try it?"
"Right now?" Antony gave a sheepish smile. "I don't know how."
"Give it a go," Emile said.
"That wouldn't be wise," Miri said. "Don't force Antony to try."
"Please, my dear wife, let Antony try this once," Oskar said. "It'll take a few minutes."
Miri sighed. "Okay. But then we eat breakfast. We all have a busy day."
Kehlani lifted a paw and gestured to Antony. "Go on. Try it. Take a breath, concentrate, and try to spit something from your mouth other than saliva."
"S-Sure." Antony nodded. Closing his eyes, he took a breath. Okay, Antony, let us see what dragon element we have. He took several seconds and imagined firing a fireball or ice shard. He then opened his mouth and spat. Saliva sprayed onto his plate of food.
Emile stifled a laugh. Kehlani gestured for him to try again. Antony breathed in and furrowed his brow. He focused and spat again. More spit left his mouth, and Antony felt embarrassment and unease set in.
"Try again, Antony," Kehlani said softly. "Don't give up."
Antony nodded. He breathed in a third breath, concentrated, and felt a tingling in his belly. The tingling was miniscule at first. But it intensified in his belly. He pushed it up through his throat. The sensation strengthened and buzzing and crackling sounds erupted. He opened his mouth and spat. A ball of yellow lightning burst from his mouth.
Kehlani and Miri avoided the electric ball. The ball hit the wall, bounced upward leaving a black mark on the stone wall. The electric orb hit the ceiling and ricocheted. It hit the table and flew toward Emile. The red dragon ducked. The yellow orb hit the wall and collapsed, sending a rain of sparks onto the floor. The sparks vanished, and the room became quiet.
The family of dragons stared at Antony for a long time. Antony swallowed, feeling bad and astonished. It was clear what dragon element he possessed.
After what felt like ages, Kehlani spoke up, "Well, Antony, your dragon element is Electricity. A very bright and energetic power."
"A cool one too. He'll be handy in fight," Emile cried with delight. "He's gonna shock those bandits and baddies very well."
"But he will need much training to control his element," Miri said. "Let's NOT have him do this again, okay?"
"I'm sorry about that," Antony stammered.
"It's okay, sweetheart." Miri smiled and dipped her head. "We know what power you have and it is a beautiful one. You'll have to learn how to wield it responsibly."
"Indeed," Oskar said with a chuckle. "I know a town guard who can help you master such an element. Now, let's eat breakfast."