Earth God

THE EARTH GIVES WAY TO THE SEA,

THE SEA BOWS BEFORE THE WIND,

THE WIND FEEDS THE FLAME,

THE FLAME BURNS THE WORLD OF MAN DOWN TO THE EARTH.

Chapter One

Xander Sirocco floated at the bottom of the ocean. The undercurrent caused his dark hair to drift around his face like a halo. Though his eyes were open, there was nothing to see so deep. The faint light that did exist far overhead failed to filter to the lowest depths of the black waters.

The truth was that he no longer needed his eyes to see under the water any more than he needed to breathe. It flowed into his mouth and filled his lungs, but he didn’t suffocate. He was connected to the water now.

He was the Water Elemental.

He had recently floated in much the same way near the stratosphere, looking down on the world below even as the moisture on his skin froze from the extreme cold. A part of him wished he could remain there forever, disconnected from the world. In that respect, floating deep underwater offered much the same escape.

Despite the blinding darkness, Xander could sense underwater life all around him. He could feel the flow of water through the gills on the necks of fish. His fingers became the undersea current that curled around kelp beds nearby. He tried to stretch that sense of connection to the water beyond where he floated, but the connection felt weaker than it was when he first gained his powers. The powers were far too new and his experience with them far too limited. It had taken him months of training with the other Wind Warriors before he truly mastered the wind powers. The problem was there was no one left in the Water Caste. Even if there was, the second he absorbed the Water Elemental, they would have been depowered, much like what had happened to his aunts and uncles in Iceland.

It seemed crazy to him that a few months ago, he had been a normal college student, with no real ambitions for the future. If he had graduated on time, and he knew that was a pretty big if, his degree would have said leisure studies. Even Xander knew that was code for didn’t commit to anything worthwhile during four years of school.

Now he had absorbed both the power of the Wind and the Water Elemental. He was halfway toward ending this insane elemental war that had existed for millennia. There was still more than once recently that he had to stop himself and wonder if all this wasn’t just some insane dream. Had Fire Warriors really killed his parents and his grandfather? Had he really fallen in love with one of their assassins, and she renounced her heritage to be with him?

He felt a sharp jab of pain in his chest at the thought of her. Sammy, the woman he loved. Sammy, who was still a prisoner of the Fire Elemental, being prepared to become a host, where she’d be lost forever.

Unlike Xander, who had been created uniquely to harness the elemental power without losing himself in the process, hosts didn’t survive the process. There was a good chance Sammy would be killed if he didn’t find a way to save her.

Xander frowned, a gesture he knew no one could see so far underwater. Far too many people had already died in this psychotic war. Fire Warriors were burning every last vestige of humanity as he floated under the sea. He had the power to stop them, or at least enough power to find the remaining Earth Elemental, but he simply lacked the desire.

Every time he considered continuing his fight against the Fire Caste, he was reminded of a hundred Fire Warriors standing on the London Bridge, their hands burning as they prepared to kill Xander, Sean, Jessica, and the others. He remembered their hate-filled expressions. Then he remembered those expressions changing to first confusion, then fear, and then absolute terror as a tidal wave rushed down the Thames River. The wave had swallowed the Fire Warriors with their looks of terror permanently cast on their faces, carrying them out to sea and God only knew where afterward.

He had killed them all. That thought alone sent waves of anguish rolling through his chest. Xander was a lot of things, but he wasn’t a murderer; at least, he corrected, he hadn’t been a murderer. Now, he had murdered at least a hundred men. He tried to rationalize it in his mind, that if he hadn’t killed those men, they would certainly have killed him and his friends. The logical argument did little to alleviate the hurt he felt. No matter his reasoning, he had killed people. He didn’t know how he’d ever be able to justify that point.

Xander looked upward through the darkness and propelled himself forward. The water churned in his wake as he rose quickly toward the surface. The higher he rose, the more he could see silhouettes of fish and other sea life between him and the surface.

He picked up speed as he rose until he was practically a torpedo rocketing through the ocean. As he struck the surface, water sprayed high into the air, showering down over the cresting waves around him.

The sun had set some time ago, though he had no idea when. It hadn’t seemed that long since he had dove underwater to concede defeat to the Water Elemental. The sun had been shining then but had clearly long ago set. The moon shone brightly overhead, reflecting majestically in the rolling waves beneath him.

He wasn’t sure where to find the Earth Elemental and still wasn’t entirely convinced he cared right now. He suppressed the urge that rose unabated in the back of his mind, a cry from both the wind and the water. Closing his eyes, Xander could sense smoke choking the air above most of the world’s major cities; could feel the ash settling into the major rivers and waterways.

He knew he should help but right now, he knew, more than ever, that he couldn’t do it alone. He had friends, or at least he did before he abandoned them to wallow in his own self-pity.

Despite his pain, Xander smiled to himself. That last sentence might have been an internal thought rolling through his own mind, but it just as easily could have come straight out of Sean’s mouth. His heavyset friend had a way of sounding demeaning, even when he was trying to help.

Sean and Jessica were somewhere in France. Xander could barely even remember where he left them when they made landfall, but he hoped he could find them again. Of everyone, it was those two he needed more than anyone right now. They kept him grounded. They constantly reminded him of his own humanity, despite all the insanity that had gone on in his life.

Xander looked out over the rolling waves and shook gently. Water sloughed from his clothes as he did so, dropping down like rainfall to the ocean’s surface below. Despite being submerged in the depths of the Atlantic, after his quick shake, he was completely dry.

He rose up through the air, keeping his eyes locked on the endless horizon of water in the distance. He didn’t need to see the coastline of Portugal to know it was there. Beyond that would be Spain, and then France and, finally, his friends.

He tilted forward and sped through the air. Behind him, there was an explosion like thunder as he broke the sound barrier.

Xander needed his friends now more than ever. He only hoped that abandoning them in the middle of this war hadn’t already done irreparable damage to their friendship.

Chapter Two

Jessica sat up from her bed of hay. She reached up and gingerly touched the small cut above her eyebrow. It was still tender and she winced, but the makeshift bandage seemed to have helped it heal. It would scar, of that she was sure. The thought of a scar, even small, made her frown.

She stood up, picking hay from her blonde hair as she did. A morning breeze blew across the French countryside, its chilly air rolling through the loft’s door at the end of the barn. Goose bumps erupted across her bare skin, and she shivered. Reaching down, she picked up her shirt and slipped it over her head.

Sean smiled as he leaned back into their shared hay bed. He laced his fingers behind his head, oblivious to the cold on his bare chest.

Remember all those times you said, ‘not if you were the last man on Earth’ and ‘not even if the world were about to end’? I’m guessing those were lies, huh?

Jessica grabbed a handful of hay and threw it in his face. He sputtered as it got in his mouth. Sitting upright, he scraped it from his tongue.

You’re still an idiot, Jessica said, though a smile spread across her face.

Walking across the wooden loft, she avoided the narrow gaps between the planks. She paused when she reached the loft’s door. From her height, she could see over the deciduous trees that spotted the French countryside. In the distance, the air was dark with what looked like storm clouds, though Jessica knew there wasn’t any rain coming. Those weren’t clouds; they were pillars of smoke, greasy stains that blanketed the horizon. Most of the fires causing the smoke were hidden behind the distant hills, but she spotted a few untamed blazes atop them, smoldering in the morning air.

How about you stop looking at me and come take a look at this? she told Sean, without looking over her shoulder.

He stood from the bed, shaking away the clinging hay like a dog would water. He sauntered over to where she stood and followed her gaze.

More fires, he said.

Jessica nodded. And they’re getting closer. She turned toward Sean and pursed her lips before continuing. We need—

Don’t say it, Sean interrupted.

We need Xander, she concluded, ignoring his warning.

Sean angrily turned away and walked back to their makeshift bed. He collapsed into it, ignoring the biting strands of hay that stabbed him in the back.

Come on, Sean, Jessica said, exasperated. We need him and you know it.

No, we don’t. We’re in the middle of freaking France because he abandoned us here. He didn’t give a crap about us, so I’m not going to give a crap about him. I’m going to get comfortable in our little barn, keep my head down, and if any Fire Warriors happen by, I’ll shoot them.

He picked up the pistol awkwardly, as though not entirely comfortable with handling the weapon. Jessica watched him fumble with it and placed her hands defiantly on her hips, though even she knew it was useless to argue with Sean when he got like this. She watched him for a long moment as he held the gun aloft before he set it back down in the hay. With a sigh, she shook her head.

Come on and get dressed. We need to get some food.

Sean leaned back on his hands, stretching his legs out before him. What about the stuff we got from town?

Jessica picked up a heel of bread, holding it up for Sean to see. You mean this? Apparently, you’ve lost a bunch of weight since we started running from the Fire Caste, but you haven’t really lost your appetite. We need more.

Sean stood up and slipped his shirt over his head. It fit looser than it had when he left White Halls. He turned sideways and pulled his shirt snug against his still-protruding belly.

Really? he joked. You think I’ve lost weight?

Sean! Jessica yelled, throwing the bread at him. Focus.

She climbed down the ladder from the barn’s loft, landing on the dirt ground below. There were stalls as though it had once held horses, but they were empty. The barn, like most of the surrounding countryside, was abnormally quiet.

After pulling on his pants and slipping the pistol into his waistband, Sean climbed down as well. The heel of bread was held between his teeth while he used his hands to balance on the ladder.

We need to go back into town, Jessica said. Maybe that old lady will give us some more food.

Sean shook his head emphatically as he took a bite from the bread, thinking about the Frenchmen he attacked. He was sure they wouldn’t be too happy to see either of them. That’s not really an option.

What about berries? he asked, trying to change the subject. You’re smart. You spoke Portuguese earlier. I’m sure you know good berries to eat in the woods, right?

Jessica frowned, easily seeing through Sean’s attempt at misdirection. Portuguese, like from Portugal. This is France. They’re different countries. And even if I did know quite a bit about Portugal, I sure didn’t study their local flora.

That was a fourth year class, wasn’t it? Sean chided.

You know what I’m realizing, Sean? It’s been far too long since I punched you.

Sean shook his head. You are not a morning person, are you? And after all the things I did for you, and to you, last night.

Jessica reared back and punched him in the shoulder. It wasn’t a playful punch at all. Sean grabbed his shoulder as he stepped away, shaking his arm to get the blood flowing back through the limb.

Make another joke, she threatened.

Jesus, I’m sorry, okay?

We need to find food. So if you’re done acting like a jerk, maybe we can go find something before we both starve.

Jessica turned toward the front of the barn and started walking away. Still clutching his shoulder, Sean followed, a frown upon his face.

I liked you a lot better when you had a concussion, he mumbled.

Did you say something? Jessica asked sternly.

No, Sean quickly replied. Nothing at all, dearest.

A latch held the barn closed from the inside. They slid it aside and pulled the door open, letting the sunlight flood in. The acrid smell of smoke hung in the air like a haze, as though the morning sun hadn’t yet burned off the fog of dawn. The area in front of the barn was empty. There were plenty of areas where the grass had been trampled by shoes but nothing that looked recent. Dark brown stains of drying blood were still painted across the grass near the barn door, but neither Sean nor Jessica was keen to look at them for long. Almost involuntarily, Jessica touched the bandage on her forehead.

Sean slipped his arm around her waist, and she leaned into him. He might be a jerk, but Jessica realized the guy she had never really liked when they went to college together was also the only man willing to risk his life to save her. It was stunning how many of his faults she was willing to overlook because of that simple fact.

We need water, too, Sean said, though he didn’t really want the moment to end.

You know who could get us all the water we need?

Sean frowned and shook his head. Don’t say it. I really don’t want to talk about him right now.

What happened isn’t Xander’s fault, she said. He’s busy trying to save the world.

Sean withdrew his arm from around her waist and stepped out of the barn. Seriously? Can we just not talk about your ex-boyfriend right now? I’m having a few self-worth issues every time we talk about how you used to date the guy who’s now saving the world. That’s kind of a lot to live up to.

She walked up behind him and slipped her arms around his neck. Is my little teddy bear having image issues?

That’s the worst pet name ever.

Quit worrying about Xander. In case you forgot, he ditched me for a girl who was trying to kill him. He doesn’t exactly make great life choices.

Sean shrugged. It’s just tough getting sloppy seconds from the messiah, you know?

Jessica went stiff, her affectionate hug quickly turning into a chokehold. Did you seriously just say ‘sloppy seconds’?

Sean choked as she tightened her grip. Um, no?

Pulling her arms away, she stepped past him. You are so not getting laid ever again.

Sean smiled awkwardly, only just realizing how badly he screwed up. I’m sorry?

Jessica kept walking as she stepped into the woods. Was that a question or a statement?

Yes? Sean asked, not entirely sure which answer would get him out of trouble quicker. He hurried into the woods after her. Listen, I’m a dork, I got it. Just remember that if I say something and it can be taken more than one way, and one of those ways doesn’t really piss you off, that’s the way I meant it.

Jessica crouched beside a tree and ran her hands through the grass. Sean stopped beside her, glad to take a break. He might have lost weight since leaving home but he was hardly in shape. Hiking wasn’t his forte.

With a smile, Jessica held up a misshapen ball. Eureka.

Sean arched an eyebrow. What’d you find?

Walnuts. She patted the bark of the tree beside where she knelt. Quick, take off your shirt.

Seriously?

I need something to carry them in.

"Why don’t you take off your shirt?" he said in his best seductive voice.

Jessica looked at him sternly. Don’t make me punch you again.

Sean sighed as he took off his shirt and handed it to her. You used to be more fun.

No, I didn’t, and you know it. Help me pick these up, please.

Sean knelt down beside her and started picking up the round nuts, dropping them into his shirt as he did. Before long, they had a nice mound of food. Jessica took the corners of his shirt and tied them to one another, making a pouch. Satisfied, she stood and brushed off the knees of her jeans.

Sean reached over and took the bag from her. Hefting it over his shoulder, he turned back toward the barn.

Just a few steps into the woods, a strong gust of wind kicked up around them, nearly knocking them both to the ground. They braced themselves against the buffeting wind. Sean clung to the bag of nuts as they threatened to fall away while Jessica turned her head away, holding her billowing blonde hair out of her face.

Sean didn’t look away. Instead, he frowned and stared up at the canopy of leaves above them. The branches bent to the side as a gust parted the leaves. Xander’s feet and legs emerged from the sky above as he flew down and landed in front of them.

Chapter Three

Xander smiled at his friends, glad to see them, though they both looked exhausted. Sean and Jessica looked as though they had been through hell since he had seen them last. A bandage was covering part of Jessica’s forehead and judging by the shoddy tape work that was keeping it in place, there was no doubt Sean had been playing doctor.

I’ve been looking everywhere for you guys, Xander said as a broad smile spread across his face.

We’re right where you abandoned us, Sean replied flatly.

What happened to your head? he asked, ignoring Sean’s condescension.

Jessica touched the bandage as though remembering it was there. Nothing, I just tripped and fell.

Xander looked from the blonde to Sean. Sean wore a deep frown, but looked confusedly between Xander and Jessica. Eventually, Xander furrowed his brow.

I know that sounds like a really lame domestic abuse excuse, but she really did.

I’m not saying you did anything, Xander replied defensively.

Then what are you saying?

Xander placed his hands on his hips. What the hell is wrong with you? I just came back to find you two, and all I’ve gotten from you so far is a pissy attitude.

Sean wanted to stare angrily at his friend, but he felt a tug on the makeshift satchel of walnuts. He turned abruptly as Jessica took them from his hand.

You two obviously need a moment to work some stuff out. I’ll be back at the barn when you two are done.

She turned and left, quickly disappearing through the woods before either man could respond. When they were certain she was gone and no longer within earshot, they turned back toward one another.

Why aren’t you wearing a shirt? Xander asked abruptly.

Sean glanced down as though completely unaware his shirt was missing. We got hungry.

So you… ate your shirt?

No, dumbass. It’s full of nuts.

Xander arched an eyebrow. I really don’t know where this conversation is going, but it’s making me uncomfortable.

Sean sneered at the Wind Warrior before turning away and walking into the woods. Confused, Xander hurried to catch up.

What is going on with—?

Xander didn’t finish the sentence because Sean turned sharply and shoved him in the chest. Caught by surprise, he stumbled and fell onto his back. He stared up at Sean incredulously before summoning a gust of wind. It billowed the leaves and forest debris as it gathered underneath him, lifting him back to his feet.

What the hell is your—? he started again before Sean shoved him once more.

This time, Xander was prepared. With the wind gusting behind him and cushioning Sean’s strike, he didn’t even move despite Sean’s exertion.

Don’t do that again, Xander warned.

Or what? You’ll drown me? You’ll suck all the air from my lungs? You’ll encase me in ice? You’ll go all Thor on me and hit me with a lightning bolt?

What is your problem?

You are! Sean yelled, not caring there weren’t enough trees around to mute the sound of his voice. You abandoned us here.

I came back, Xander countered.

Yeah, but not until after Jessica was already hurt. She didn’t get that cut on her head from falling. We got jumped by some of the locals because they saw blonde hair and assumed she was a Fire Warrior. She almost died because you left her alone and her only protector was a fat guy who reads too many comic books.

Xander fell silent, and his gaze drifted to the trees where Jessica had just departed. I didn’t know. I put you two here to keep you safe.

Sean walked a few paces away before turning back toward his friend. You know where we’re safe, Xander? With you. The whole world is fighting some insane elemental war, and you’re the only person who’s capable of handling it. Not Jessica and sure as hell not me. You want to keep us safe? Keep us with you.

I don’t know what to tell you, Sean. It wasn’t exactly easy for me either.

Sean’s face was still flushed with anger, but he nodded. His voice was considerably calmer by the time he spoke again. I get it. I really do. I don’t know how I would have reacted if I did what you did. But as much as I think Wilkes was a jerk, he was also right. This is a war we’re fighting. Someone’s going to die. If it isn’t them, it’s sure going to be us. Not you, probably. You’ve got powers coming out your butt that’ll protect you. But when we go back to the barn, take a look at Jessica. Remember that it wasn’t long ago that we both made fun of her for being a silly sorority girl. She may be tougher than either of us thought, but she and I are still just simple mortals. If… no, when the Fire Warriors come after us, if you’re not there to protect us, we’re going to die.

Sean walked over and jabbed his finger into Xander’s chest. No more flying off on your own. Next time you leave, you take us with you.

I will, Xander said softly.

Promise me, and mean it.

Xander nodded. I promise.

Sean’s chest heaved as he tried to calm himself once more. He wasn’t used to being the alpha male, and it definitely didn’t come naturally.

I’m sorry I left you both, Xander said when it became readily apparent Sean had said all he was willing to say. Are we good now?

Sean bit his lip as he battled the flood of emotions. He wasn’t used to being angry, and the rush of adrenaline actually scared him. He felt tears welling in his eyes, but he pushed them down. No, Xander, we’re not good. We’re probably the furthest from good we’ve ever been. But since you’re here now, you might as well be part of the family again. Come on, I’ll show you the barn.

He turned and started walking through the woods, leaving Xander staring slack-jawed at his best friend. After a moment’s hesitation, he hurried to catch up to Sean.

Jessica didn’t seem to know about being attacked, Xander said as he fell in step with his shirtless companion.

She got a concussion and really doesn’t know. If you tell her, I’ll beat you severely around the head and shoulders.

Dude, you’ve changed.

Yeah, Sean replied dryly. Apparently, I’ve lost weight.

The barn door was open when they got back. Jessica was sitting on an overturned bucket, with a piece of upturned firewood before her. She had placed a handful of the walnuts on the flat surface of the log and was smashing them with a rock.

Did you two work everything out? she asked without looking up.

For now, Sean said as he leaned forward and kissed her on the cheek. Lunch looks delicious. Who knew you were so domesticated?

You’re…

An idiot, he finished. I know.

As Sean turned around, he caught Xander’s look of utter surprise. The dark-haired Elementalist pointed back and forth between the two of them as though he couldn’t believe what he was seeing.

Sean glanced over at Jessica with a faint smile. Jessica, who had her back to them both, didn’t notice the silent exchange of alternating furrowed raised brows, a wordless conversation that said far more than she would have believed.

I only left you two for a couple days, Xander said, breaking the spell.

Three days, Sean corrected. Now you know why I told you not to leave us anymore.

Jessica stood and turned toward them, forcing the two men to break their intense stare. She held out a meager handful of cracked walnuts and offered them to the guys. Xander took a couple, and Sean grabbed a handful before popping them in his mouth. He started chewing but his pace quickly slowed as the bitter flavor struck him.

How is it? Jessica asked.

Earthy, Sean replied, figuring it was the safest answer.

Xander ate his few as well, though he hardly felt hungry. The power within him seemed to sustain him far better than food. He knew that subconsciously his body was now processing and using water far better than it ever had before. He hadn’t felt thirsty since the Water Elemental granted her powers. The lack of needing to eat seemed to be a similar side effect.

He also knew that not needing food and water was the least of his new side effects. Xander felt older than he had just a few months before. The power of the Wind and Water Elementals reverberated through his head like echoes. He could hear and feel the water and wind rushing over the planet and could sense its distress. It was an ever-present whine in the back of his head, one that caused the faintest beginnings of a headache, like a constantly threatening migraine that just wouldn’t come.

Sean coughed, drawing Xander’s attention back to the present.

Are you okay? he asked.

Sean nodded. Yeah, these nuts are just a little dry. You don’t think you could summon us up some water, do you? I mean, what’s the point of having cool elemental powers if I can’t abuse our friendship?

Is this step one of me making amends?

Sean shrugged. Yeah, but this process is far worse than any twelve-step process you’ve ever heard of.

Xander closed his eyes and let his consciousness seep into the ground around them. At first, he felt little more than the moisture beading on the blades of grass, the dampness soaking into the topsoil, and the condensation on spider webs dangling from between the trees. The more he concentrated, however, the deeper his awareness seemed to reach. He passed through the limestone bedrock until he found a pocket of air and water a few dozen feet beneath them. As soon as his mind made contact with the underground river, he began shaping its flow.

The water probed