We were searching everywhere to locate the origin of the sound. Suddenly, darkness engulfed us as if a massive cloud had blocked the sun. Our heads instinctively tilted back, gazing skyward in search of the source.

“Up there!” Jane said, her voice trembling.

“It's a huge bird!” I screamed, pointing at it.

Sensing the danger, our master didn't say anything. He just wrapped his arms around our slender bodies and carried us, running far away from the edge.

We heard a bone-chilling scream, and I couldn't help but stutter as I sensed a massive shadow looming over us.

“It's --- following us,” I managed to say.

Then, there was a loud bang that made our master stop. He carefully set us down and slowly backed away, shielding us with his body.

As I turned around, I saw the astonishing beast right in front of me. It was terrifying, yet stunningly beautiful. 

Fierce yellow eyes that perfectly matched its massive yellow beak, resembling a pickaxe.

One strike from that beak and you'd be toast. 

It had these long, flowing feathers hanging from its head, like a beautiful veil.

It was the biggest bird I had ever seen.

There it stood, right in front of us, with its slender neck stretched out, giving us a piercing gaze.

The bird puffed up its chest and used its sharp claws to dig into the ground, showing off its power.

When I caught a glimpse of its wings and tail, I knew what it was.

Its feathers looked as soft as cotton, or maybe even fluffy like white clouds. The wings and tail evaporated right off its body, creating a mesmerizing effect. And the dark lines on its white body they looked like bolts of black lightning, adding to its striking appearance.

“It's an Elemental,” I stated with so much confidence, even though I've never seen anything like it.

Said my master,

“It's one of the beasts, from the books.”

He looked at me with concern, and Jane continued to stare at it in silence, stunned with disbelief.

During our training breaks, she always sat next to me, if I wasn't in the cave reading my books.

She listened to my stories about the legends because she enjoyed them, not because she thought they were true. Not in a million years.

Even though everyone mocked me she didn't, she kept listening.

The bird gracefully extended its wings, transforming the dark lines on its body into a shimmering golden hue. Its eyes emitted a radiant glow, while static energy filled the air. It prickled my skin.

Our master urgently pushed us away, just as a brilliant flash illuminated the surroundings and blinded us.

The force of the shock wave sent us flying in different directions. I was face flat on the ground. I struggled to regain my footing as I tried to stand up.

My spit and blood got glued to the ground and dripped from my mouth as I lifted my head.

I wiped it off. Then I looked around me, searching for Jane and master.

“Devi!!” I heard Jane yell my name as the ringing faded from my ears, “It's master he is ... he is in terrible shape … he's …. ”

She couldn't finish her words because she didn't know how he was under the charred flesh. I couldn't tell either from my location.

A gust of wind grazed my face as the bird flapped its wings. The cold breeze couldn't cool off the blazing rage that was boiling inside of me.

The only thought in my head was,

I'm going to lose him ... he's my master … my family … the only one I have.

I grabbed the nearest stick and charged with blinding rage.

My feet moved on their own. I had no chance of winning, but I still kept charging.

The bird flung me away with his wing so hard I couldn't get up.

I was only fifteen years old, after all. Even my muscles weren't fully developed. I could never beat this monster.

Adding to that, I might have broken a rib or two from the fall. I didn't feel any pain, though. I was so caught up in the heat of the moment. Adrenalin was surging through my body.

I tried to get up as I felt the statics in the air build up once more. It was about to strike … again.

I looked at the bird hopelessly, unable to move or do anything. Suddenly, a lightning bolt shot out from its wing. 

My heart slowed down as I watched the bolt inch closer to me. It zoomed by so quickly, but it felt like time was standing still. My short-lived life flashed before me. I knew I was in trouble. This was the end.

In the midst of it all, I heard Jane scream,

“Devi! NO!”

In a desperate attempt to shield myself, I instinctively raised my hand in front of me.

Deep down, I knew it wouldn't offer much protection, but it was all I had.

Gritting my teeth, I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the worst.