The Secrets of the Elements novel Chapter 20

Tej's move made heads turn.

"Dude," said Ray. "That was literally fire!"

Rutuja dragged him to the shore and pushed him into the water. Rishi dusted his jacket and jeans; rage dripping from his eyes.

"Aaah!" that was all that left Rutuja's mouth before she fell into the water after Advika kicked her in the back.

"Rutu!" screamed Daksh struggling against the rope. Maya kept her hand on his head and chanted some mantras.

"Aahhh!" he screamed.

"What are you doing?" asked Ray.

"Just a second you guys," interrupted Zarna. "Wasn't Advika injured like a few moments ago."

"Attention seeker," said Maya and looked at Advika nodding her head.

Rutuja got to her feet and raised her hand, which was blocked by Advika. Rutuja kicked Advika on her knee, which was already injured.

"Aaah!" said Advika.

Tej and Zarna rushed towards her.

Rishi went for Tej, punching him on the nose. Tej, recovering from the blow, lifted his right leg and hit Rishi on his shoulder. Rishi pursed his lip and landed a blow in Tej's chest.

"Oh, I love drama," said Ray.

"Seriously, Ray?" said Maya, amazed at the casualness in his tone.

Rutuja held Advika and Zarna by their hair, dragging them to the shore. She put her arms around their neck, almost choking them.

"Stop!" screamed Maya and held a small blade near Daksh's neck.

"Hurt my friends and, I'll kill him," she threatened.

~~~~

Rishi stepped behind. Rutuja, let go of both the girls.

"Why don't we talk?" said Ray and helped Maya take Daksh to the shore.

"This guy attacked us," said Maya.

"Who are you guys?" asked Advika.

"Daksh," said Rutuja and took a step towards him. "Did you attack them?"

"Why?" asked Rishi, removing his jacket as the atmosphere was getting hot.

"Yes, we were minding our business, and this guy comes and attacks us," said Ray.

"No," spoke Daksh. "You weren't minding your own business." He looked at Rutuja. "These guys have the book. They have earned the powers," he revealed.

"That's not possible," said Rishi.

"Yeah? How do you think this guy hit you with the fireball? How can these guys fight us? Us?" said Daksh.

Rishi walked towards Rutuja. "You need special powers to hurt or make Daksh weak," he whispered in her ears. "He's strong, too strong for even us."

"Okay," said Advika and stepped forward, standing between the two groups. "Let's sort this out. What do you guys have to do with the book?"

"We are the protectors," said Rutuja.