]
"A Demon Lord from the depths of hell wields fire," Shao Lung said, "but it is not Mother Nature's flame. He forged his own—blue flames with a higher—"
"Blue flame, blah blah blah," I cut in. "What's his business with my city? Why does he want it gone? That's my question."
Shao Lung's eyes narrowed. "He is a destroyer. More importantly, he wants the gems of the four cities—the gems keeping your elements alive. Fire, water, air, and earth. He targeted yours first because he sees the air clan as weaklings."
"I've said enough. You've wasted time." His voice boomed. "It's time to accept your fate, Denki Kusukube. Will you fight for your city?"
I hesitated. "Hey, dragon guy. How do I fight without an element? I'm hopeless with it, aren't I?"
"When the time comes," Shao Lung said, "I will lend you my strength."
My eyes snapped open.
Sunrise. My ceiling. I was in bed, head pounding. Mom burst through the door.
"Denki? Denki! Are you alright? I found you last night on the ground near an alley. You were holding a strange item. I had a bad feeling, so I threw it away."
"Wait—you did what?" I sat up. "Why the hell would you do that? Where did you toss it? Do you even know what it is?"
Then it hit me. "Bullshit—Mom, what's today's date?"
"It's March 16th, Denki."
"Darn it!" I jumped out of bed. "That's the Gale Race! I can't miss it!"
I grabbed my things and sprinted out. Same shortcut as last night. I slowed at the alley, scanning for a green glow. Nothing. I cursed and ran for the academy.
By the gate, I was already panting like I'd run the whole race. The event had started, but my turn hadn't. I dropped onto a bench to catch my breath.
Before I could close my eyes, the speaker blared: "Denki Kusukube, to the field for your race!"
My heart slammed against my ribs. I couldn't breathe right. My legs shook—first time ever before a race. I couldn't afford to lose. Speed was my pride. I _had_ to win.
I stepped onto the field. Rato was there, along with random classmates.
Rato looked me over, pity in his eyes. "What happened to you? You look like you haven't slept. Hmph. Looks like you're gonna lose this one."
"Shut it, bastard," I spat. "I won't lose. Never."
"Alright, alright," Rato said. "Good luck, Denki."
The Gale gun fired.
I launched forward, faster than ever, pushing past my limit. Then my lungs burned. My legs got heavy. Slower. Slower. I was going to fall.
"No!" I yelled. "I won't fall. I will _never_ fall!"
I slammed my foot down to boost—
Rain poured from nowhere.
A jolt of lightning ripped up from my feet. It was overwhelming. Thunder coiled around my body like armor. One step—
*CRACK.*
I was at the finish line.
Silence.
Everyone stared. Then the rain stopped, instant, like someone flipped a switch.
I tried to move. Couldn't. My legs, my arms—paralyzed. I collapsed face-first onto the track and blacked out.
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