Elementaro

By David Vos

Aiden Greensboro and David De Young are best friends and brothers. One day Aiden discovers that he is an Elementaro: a soldier of the ancient goddess Gaia. Elementaros are environmental defenders with only one goal: to kill the monstrous Cronotians who are trying to enslave the human race with their superior technology. David De Young is a technological savant, seemingly capable of building anything. Ready to go to M.I.T. and escape his abusive father, he discovers he is a Cronotian: soldiers of the ancient god Cronos with only one purpose: to kill the Elementaros: environmental terrorists determined to set humanity back to the stone age. Each of them is convinced their side is righteous and just, and their enemy is a set of evil terrorists, until they are thrust back together…

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Feb 2, 2014
• ISBN: 9781304871305

Book preview

Elementaro

Elementaro

By David Vos

All Images used in the Cover Art are used under the GNU Free Documentation License, Free Software Foundation, Inc.

This license is viewable at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GNU_Free_Documentation_License

The following pictures are credited to:

Fire - Fir0002/Flagstaffotos

Tree Bark - (c)2006 Derek Ramsey (Ram-Man)

Water (Inner)- http://lymeinside.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/

water_by_rosalinestock.jpg

Water (Outer) - http://novafiltration.wordpress.com/

Grass – Marcus Obal; http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:MarcusObal

Sky (Inner) - Prashant; http://blog.prashantgorule.com/2012/01/the-sky-pictures/the-sky-picture/

Sky (Outer) – www.docstoc.com, shared by dandanhuanghuang

ISBN #: 978-1-304-27880-7

Copyright

David Vos

Elementaro

© 2013, David Vos

published through www.lulu.com

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This book contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws and Treaties. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this book, with the sole exception of the cover, may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written permission from the author.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Epilogue

Chapter 1

Aiden hated math.  Whenever he thought about all those numbers flying around in his head, he despised it so much, it was enough to make him sick to his stomach.  The only thing Aiden hated more than math was his math teacher.  Mr. Sclerosis was one of those teachers that absolutely loved math and thought that knowing enough mathematics would allow any child to save the world, if they only practiced their equations enough. 

He glanced again at the clock in his math class: 3:02.  School ended at 3:30, and he wanted it to be over so badly he couldn’t hold his feet still.  Graduation was only one week away, and he had already locked in his grade in the class.  He was getting an F, and there was nothing he could do about it.  He didn’t want to waste any more time sitting in the soul-sucking recesses of that classroom, but he had already had too many absences on his record and he DID still want to graduate.  He couldn’t take it if he ended up having to come back to that place for another year.  So there he sat, listening to his teacher emphatically impart his seemingly priceless knowledge that not a single student was remotely interested in learning.

Hey, Aiden, hissed the girl in the next row, getting his attention, "We still on for after school?  Or do your parents want you home again?"  It was Araleia, one of Aiden’s best-friends, mostly due to the charming, snarky demeanor they shared.  She and Aiden had lived across the street from each other since they were in grade school, and they were close friends.  Aiden had never liked her cracks about his parents, who seemed to be allergic to having fun of any kind.  However, Araleia never seemed to care whether it bothered him or not.  It was one of the things that Aiden liked in a friend: thick skin.  He was hard to offend, and he preferred that his friends were also so that he could just be himself without worrying about hurting anyone’s feelings. 

Araleia’s nickname in the school was Ice Queen.  Everything she thought came out of her mouth, and it did a good job keeping most people from getting to close to her.  It bothered everyone else in the school, except for Aiden.  Aiden figured that if he ever saw Araleia actually show a genuine emotion, he would probably go blind and pass out.

We better be.  The boy behind him hissed back.  If I have to hear one more lecture about quadratic equations, you both will be cleaning parts of my brain off the wall.  The thought of getting some good, greasy food in me is all that is keeping me going at this point. 

It was David, Aiden’s best friend, and the only other person who could deal with Araleia. Ever since kindergarten, when David ran up to Aiden, pushed him into the ground and asked, Want to be friends? they had been inseparable.  Many people thought they could have been twins, if it wasn’t for the difference in their hair color.  Aiden’s hair was light, sandy brown while David’s was dark brown, almost black.  Aiden always thought David was hilarious, and he appreciated the way that David would always stand up for them.  Other people tended to see David a bit differently, thinking him more a class-A jerk, but Aiden saw through that.  David was a rare type: a true friend that would stick by you no matter what the circumstances.

So that’s what you consider brain food?  Aiden replied.  Does the fat and grease help you tinker?  David was always constantly building things, and he always had a project going.  Aiden’s favorite creation of David’s was a device that let him highjack any signal, anywhere, giving him free wireless internet wherever he wants.  David had built it in about 5 minutes, all while they were having a full conversation.

You bet.  The grease helps keep the wheels moving up here.  David rationalized, tapping the side of his head with his finger, indicating his brain.

I can’t wait till your metabolism slows down and you finally get fat off of all that junk food.  Araleia joked, with a smirk that told you it was only half a joke.  It’s going to be glorious.

Aiden, you feel a chill in here? David retorted, rubbing his shoulders as if he was cold.  Aiden snorted and the teacher scolded him, effectively ending the conversation.

After class the three went to their lockers, as they were walking Araleia ran up behind Aiden, grabbing his arm.  Oh my word, your hands are ALWAYS freezing!  Aiden exclaimed, feeling the cold skin on his arm. 

And you are always so warm.  What’s your point?  Araleia scowled.

I didn’t mean it as an insult… Aiden began to protest.

"Neither did I.  Come on, let’s gets some food, I’m starving."  She insisted, suddenly dismissing the entire issue.

That’s Ari for you. Aiden thought.  She was had earned her nickname for a reason.  She never seemed to get mad, and let everything go without seeming to give it a second thought.  Aiden was so happy she wasn’t like the other girls at his school, who were completely unstable, as far as he could tell.

Yes, let’s go.  You wouldn’t want to deprive me of my much needed brain lubricant, would you?  David quipped, quickly walking around them to his car.  At least David called it a car.  Aiden called it a glorified go-kart.  It was tiny, old, and maybe 4 feet tall at the highest point, but it was faster than it looked.  David was always making changes and modifications, but only on the inside.  The outside left quite a bit to be desired.  Aiden didn’t mind riding in it, and Araleia didn’t seem to care mostly because David was the only of them with a car, so they couldn’t really complain about it.  They all crawled into the tiny space inside the car, which was technically able to hold 4 people, but it seemed two actually hold somewhere closer to 2 and a half.

When are you going to build me my own car?  Aiden asked his friend, while checking his online profile on his phone.  He made a point to pester his best friend about this subject at least once a day.  David always said he would, but then the thought would seem to leak out of his brain at the first possible moment.  While David was a whiz with machines, Aiden never could even get the toaster to toast his bread the way he wanted it.  Aiden couldn’t stand machines, and the feeling seemed to be mutual. 

When you buy a car, and when you pay me to fix it up for you, that’s when I will.  What makes you think I’m going to do it for free?  David asked, raising an eyebrow as he started the car.  It revved to life, so loud that the whole car rattled like a chain-link fence holding a rabid Rottweiler.

He just wants a car.  Couldn’t you do it and let him pay you back or something?  Araleia scolded, not understanding the problem.  Or do you just enjoy being a jerk about it?

Oh Ari, never work for a promise, they rarely are kept.  David preached, sounding like a bad fortune cookie.

Please, Aiden isn’t your dad.  Araleia shot back.

David slammed the car to a halt, eyes fuming with rage.  His breathing immediately became heavy.  He rounded on her, looking like he was ready to try to jump into the back seat and take her head off.  Suddenly he swallowed the rage, trapping it in some box deep inside his stomach.  Now, why would you have to go and ruin a great burger run like that?  David asked in a fake voice that reminded Aiden of a used car salesman.

Sorry, I didn’t realize that you weren’t aware of your trust issues.  We don’t blame you.  If I had a drunk, abusive father who couldn’t keep a promise to save his life, I wouldn’t trust people either.  Aiden could see David’s hands tighten on the wheel as the car tore off to the burger place.

Chapter 2

"I cannot wait for graduation!"  Aiden announced to his friends who were shoveling french fries into their faces as if they would attempt to escape if they were given the chance.  David was in the opposite corner of the booth, as far from Araleia as was physically possible.  Aiden was trying to break the tension with anything he could think of.

Why?  David asked.  You love high school.  I’m the one that can’t wait to get out.  I have MIT waiting for me.  You haven’t even applied anywhere.

Of course he didn’t.  Araleia explained, He just likes partying, which he can do without having to move away.  You just so happen to have a talent for building stuff and a burning desire to go to a prestigious school that happens to be all the way on the East Coast.  She was using a joking tone, but everyone at the table knew exactly what she meant: David wanted to get as far away from his Dad as possible.

Do you always have to be a little know-it-all?  David glared.

Please, I’m a huge know-it-all.  I’m just calling it as I see it. She replied while picking at a french fry, Not my fault that you can’t handle the truth.

I’ve got your truth right here.  David mumbled.

Really?  Aiden snarked.  "At least try to have a good comeback."

What did you say?  Araleia asked, responding more out of habit than interest.  Aiden knew Araleia would never get into it with David, but he also knew his best friends temper.  He would do everything he could to make a fight out of it, unless Aiden managed to change the subject

Aiden blurted out, What about grad night?  It’s going to be awesome!  Spending all night in the Castle of Magic!  It’s going to be amazing!  He realized right away that he had spoken way to loud, and it was obvious what he was trying to do.  He retreated back into his seat and waited.

Especially when we bring in our own ‘refreshments,’ right?  David asked.  You have that hooked up for us, right Ari?

Guys, look.  I don’t know about this.  Araleia protested.  She had access to her parent’s liquor cabinet, and for some reason seemed to be the only person in the world who never got in trouble for stealing from it. 

Aiden had never met her parents before, but he already loved them.  Araleia never got in trouble, no matter what she did, or how late she stayed out.  Every time they pushed her to do something, she would always attempt to refuse at first, but they knew she would always cave in and do it anyways. 

C’mon Ari.  David reasoned.  It’s not like you haven’t done it before.

Seriously.  Aiden added.

That’s your argument?  I’ve done it before so might as well do it again?  That’s doesn’t make any real sense.  Araleia responded, pouting in her side of the booth.

No, we want to have a fun night, and you have the ability to make that happen.  That means you have a responsibility to do this for the three of us.  That’s the point.  Aiden finished the speech with a self-satisfied look on his face.  Araleia may be cold, but she and he understood one same language: responsibility. David knew she couldn’t say no if he played that card.  It was almost too easy.

She let out a huff and threw her arms in the air, Fine!  I’ll do it.

Great.  A smile spread across Aiden’s face.  Should be a great night then: dancing, rides, and booze.  Sounds like more fun than we should be allowed to have.

It IS more fun than we are allowed to have.  Araleia pointed out.  We aren’t supposed to bring alcohol on the trip, not that the rules have ever stopped you before.

Nope.  Aiden responded with pride, Now I just have to make it through the rest of the school year without dying of boredom.

Baby.  Areleia teased.

Wuss.  David insulted. 

Aiden glared at them, and the three friends went back to eating their food.  It was the end of the year, and even with finals coming up he had no homework to do.  Not that he would do it even if it was assigned, but it was a great feeling to know he didn’t have to worry about it.  He looked at his two best friends and thought about how great this moment was.  As he figured, it was as close to perfect as he could get before David went to the other side of the country for college.  He cherished every minute of it, soaking it in while he could.

Hey, I have to get home.  V is waiting for me.  David’s words jarred Aiden back to reality.   V was the nickname David had for his little sister: Verada.  They left the restaurant and David dropped Aiden off at his house, then left to take Araleia home. 

Aiden walked in the door, finding his parents in the same place they always were, parked in front of the television.  Aiden’s parents were nothing if not predictable.  Boring was the word Aiden used for it most often.  Aiden envied other kids; other kids that had parents that DID stuff with them, or went out with friends, other family, or something.  Aiden’s parents personalities were so even-toned, he almost felt the need to check them for a heartbeat every so often.  It was as if missing an episode of anything would be the end of their world.  So there they sat; stalwart vanguards to their almighty god: the television.

Hey mom.  Hey dad.  Aiden stated unceremoniously as he strolled in the door and headed for his room.

Hey kiddo.  His dad asked, cutting him off before he could make his escape.  How was school?

It was school.  Aiden replied, heading for his room. 

Chinese for dinner in ten!  His mom called after him. 

Already ate!  Aiden called back, closing the door to his room in an attempt to shut out the world.  Aiden liked being alone with his thoughts, but for some reason, despite his best efforts, he had never been able to get a reaction of any kind from his parents.  He knew he had a better chance of getting under Araleia’s skin. 

As you can imagine, he only learned this fact after trying very hard for years to do anything to get a response; nothing had ever worked.  He desperately wanted to see them respond to him, in any way.  This had continued through his childhood until Aiden had realized around the age of thirteen, that all he wanted was their attention.  Around the same time, he had decided he didn’t want their attention anymore, preferring the attention of his friends instead.  However, as that type of desire never really goes away, Aiden’s greatest wish was to elicit an emotional response of some kind from them someday.   Anger, pride, sadness, joy; he didn’t care which one.

The next two weeks flew by in a hurry.  Aiden tried to savor the moments, knowing that his best friend was leaving at the end of the summer.  He was happy for David, but he was anxious about surviving without him.  David had been there through everything, they had been friends since kindergarten, and this would be the first time that he wouldn’t be able to walk up the street to see his friend anytime he wanted.

Before they knew it, it was graduation day.  They were standing in their caps and gowns.  Aiden was taking pictures with his parents who smiled politely to the cameras.  They told him they were proud of him, but it was cold and empty, like hearing it on a recording.  It made Aiden wonder if they were capable of feeling pride, or if they were just saying what they knew they were supposed to.  Either way, it didn’t matter.  Aiden had formed his own plan.  He wanted to go to Massachusetts with David, they could be roommates off campus.  Aiden had never thought about what he was going to do after high school before, but he knew that he didn’t want to stay in town after David leaves.  He would talk to David about that later, just to be sure.  He focused on the great time he was going to have tonight as he and his friends and classmates boarded the bus for their Grad Night.  Once they were on the bus David tapped him and Araleia on the shoulder.

Did you get the party favors?  David asked.

Araleia let out a sigh, Yes, I got it. 

Aiden leaned over, ‘What kind?"

Schnapps, peppermint schnapps.  It’s all I could get.  She apologized.  Not that you should care.  I don’t drink this crap so you are lucky I got you anything.

It will do.  At least it tastes fine in coffee.  David remarked, sitting back in his seat.

This is going to be awesome!  Aiden whispered as the bus pulled away from the curb.

Chapter 3

Aiden’s could feel his pulse thundering in his ears, which woke him out of a dead sleep.  He attempted to crack his eyes open in the early morning sunlight, despite the protesting ache in the rear of his eye sockets.  He turned over and looked at the clock.  The numbers 7:30 AM glared at him like large angry red eyes.  He looked around through the slits he had managed to open in his eyelids to see what woke him up.  Everything in his room looked the same.  Same desk in the corner covered in stuff completely unrelated to school.  His dresser also covered in clothes with a few pictures in frames trying to peek out from under the avalanche.  What woke me up? He wondered.  A grin cracked across his lips and he closed his eyes again and fell back onto the pillow.  Flashes of the night previous were flooding into his head. At least, what he could remember of it.

He remembered the silver graduation gown and sitting in the sun with the heat beating down on every ones back.  Going getting on the bus with all the people you have to call friends in high school, even if you will never speak to them again.  After that it was a happy bombardment of memories involving schnapps, dancing, and loud noises.

Suddenly there was another loud rap at the door and Aiden knew what had caused him to wake up.  Aiden didn’t even know how he had gotten home, much less into bed.

Aiden? his mother called through the door.  Aiden let out a loud groan to indicate he was alive, and didn’t want to be bothered.  His warning was ignored as the door cracked open and his parents stuck their heads inside the room.  If they had been any other parents, he would have been worried they would be upset.

Ugh?  He groaned.

That’s what we thought.  Are you awake enough to have a small talk right now? his mother asked.

I don’t know mom, I am really tired.  Is it important?  Aiden asked, wiping a bit of drool from the corner of his mouth.  Aiden already knew what they wanted to talk about.  Their non attention to his life hadn’t kept them from drilling the ideas of responsibility and rationality into his head since he was a small child.  He had told his parents that he didn't want to go to college, but instead wanted to move to Massachusetts with David.  He had known this talk would be coming for awhile.  He just didn't think they would bring it up at 7:30AM over a hangover.

Yes, it is, son.  We have been up all night waiting for you. His father replied.

How long HAVE I been home?! Aiden thought to himself in amazement.  He had thought maybe a few hours ago, but was now thinking something closer to minutes instead of hours.

OK, come in.  His parents sat on the bed next to Aiden as he slowly sat up, trying to keep the room from spinning too much.  Oh, I know what’s coming now, he thought.  He managed to stay vertical but listened more to the heartbeat in his ears than to what his parents were saying.

…you know that we consider you an exceptional young man…  Aiden was already trying to come up with the proper response in his head.  I mean, how do go about telling your parents that you really don’t want to do something that they want you to? Every so often he would listen to what his parents were droning on about.  …because of all of this we have made a decision…

Should I tell them I am going to go and then back out later, or just say no?  Aiden thought, trying to decide how to approach the situation.

…There is something that we really need to tell you.  His dad said.  Aiden realized that this was starting to sound less and less like the college speech he was expecting.  But if that is not what they are talking about, then what are they talking about?  Aiden finally started to listen.  We have been waiting to tell you this for years, and we finally decided it was time to do it.

Well, what is it, then? Aiden asked really not feeling particularly patient as his head was pounding pretty heavily and the room wouldn’t stop spinning.

Well…There is no easy way to tell you this, so we are just going to have to come out and tell it to you.  Son, we are special.  Kind of… how do I put this in a way that won’t sound crazy?  We are not… normal.

They waited to see how Aiden would react.  However, he was having trouble figuring how to react.  All that was going through his head at the time was, Duh!  Did I just hear what I thought I heard?  My parents have never been normal.  Why is this news?

Suddenly, Aiden broke out in laughter.  He thought it had to be a joke, but his parents weren’t laughing with him.  "I know you aren’t normal, why are you telling me this now?"

His parents shared a look, as if they were reading each other’s minds.  I don’t think you understand, son.  His father explained.

We have special…abilities.  Sort of like the super-heroes in the comic books you like.  Silence hung over the room as the words absorbed into Aiden struggling brain.

Without warning, Aiden’s stoic shell burst.  He couldn’t help it, and blurted out with, You have GOT to be kidding me, right?

No son, we are serious.  We have been...special for years now.  Actually, since well before you were born.

But you are too OLD to be super-heroes or, whatever you are!  Plus, that stuff only exists in movies and comic books, not real life!  You look like you are in your eighties!  Who do you save, the local nursing home patients?  What are your names?  The Kevorkian Cronies?!?  His head was hurting too much to have to deal with this.  If they thought this was funny, they were very much wrong.

Son, the reason we appear this old is because of our…ability.  You see, the powers we have are controlled by our emotional states, so staying in control is very...difficult and stressful.  The stress that has put on our bodies makes us look older than we are.

Emotions!  Your have powers powered by PMS?!?  That is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard of!  How long did it take you both to think up this little joke?  This is crazy!  How could you expect me to believe this?  Aiden started to hyperventilate. This has to be a dream, it just had to. This CAN’T be real! He thought in a panic.

Son, look me in the eyes.  His father demanded with a tone that caught Aiden’s attention.  Instantly Aiden was sobered and stared into his father’s eyes.  There was a strange reflection stemming from deep into his eyes that appeared as if it was approaching from very far away.  His father had an angry look on his face, which was something that Aiden had never seen.  Aiden began to sweat, and noticed that it was becoming very hot in the room.  He nearly fell over when he realized that the heat in the room was emanating from his father!  Steam started to rise from Aiden’s body as his own sweat began to evaporate, until the heat was almost unbearable.

Aiden jumped backward as a small fireball ignited in his fathers hand.  Aiden fell screaming, Put it out!  Please...please just put it out!  Before he could finish the second sentence his father’s face returned to its normal emotionless state and the fire immediately went out.  Aiden started to panic.  Wha…Wha…What on earth was that!?!

"That…was just a small part of what we can