_Chapter 1: The Outcast_
Leo trudged through the village, his eyes cast down at the ground. At 15 years old, he was still without an elemental affinity, a fact that made him a target for bullies. The villagers believed that every person was born with a unique connection to one of the elements, and those who didn't awaken were seen as weak.
As Leo walked, he saw a group of kids his age gathered near the village square. They were all elemental users, and they loved to torment Leo. Marcus, the leader, sneered at Leo. "Hey, look at the weakling," Marcus said, his eyes gleaming with malice. "Still hasn't awakened, has he?"
The other kids laughed and joined in, using their elemental abilities to taunt Leo. Sophia, the wind-elemental user, sent a gentle breeze buffeting him, while Jake, the earth-elemental user, threw a small rock. Leo's parents had taught him how to defend himself, but it wasn't easy.
Leo's father, a kind-hearted man with a strong sense of justice, had always encouraged Leo to stand up for himself. "You're not weak, Leo," his father would say. "You're just different. And different can be powerful." Leo's mother, a warm and nurturing woman, would add, "We're proud of you, no matter what. You'll find your place in this world, and you'll make us proud."
Despite their support, the bullies didn't stop. They would wait for Leo outside the village school, ambushing him with their elemental abilities. Leo had learned to avoid them, but it was hard to escape the feeling of being an outcast.
As Leo walked home from school, Marcus and his gang waited for him. "Hey, Leo," Marcus said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "What are you doing here? Don't you have somewhere else to be? Like... nowhere?"
The other kids laughed, and Leo felt his face heat up with anger and shame. He knew he had to stand up for himself, but it wasn't easy. "Leave me alone, Marcus," Leo said, trying to sound brave.
Marcus just laughed. "Or what? You'll... what? You don't have any powers, Leo. You're just a weakling." And with that, Marcus summoned a small flame on his fingertip, taunting Leo with his elemental ability.
The other kids joined in, using their powers to mock Leo. Leo felt his anger boil over, and he clenched his fists. The crowd watching the scene unfold cheered and jeered. Leo felt like he was at a breaking point.
Just then, a strong gust of wind blew through the village, knocking Marcus and his gang off balance. The kids stumbled and fell, giving Leo a chance to escape. As Leo walked away, he felt a sense of relief wash over him. But he knew that the bullies would be back, and next time, they might not be so easy to shake.