Free Diamond Bonds by Jeff Kish

that make it alright?  I mean, if it’s for the greater good and all that.”
    “I just…” the girl starts, unsure how to defend her values in such a scenario.
    “Besides,” Era says, “I need the practice.  Jem keeps nagging me about that!  Practice is a must, so of course I can’t pass up an opportunity that comes along.”  Di punches Era in the chest, doing her best to pout while enjoying his embrace.
    Upon coming to the crest of the hill, Di leaps from her guardian’s arms and hurries down the incline on her own.  As the other two follow, Jem leans close to Era and whispers, “She’s trying so hard to crush on you, but you’re making it difficult!”
    Era shrugs.  “Maybe it’s for the best.  I think she’s a little young for me.”
     
    *              *              *
     
    “Okay Era,” Jem concedes in annoyance.  “Time to go get her again.”
    Era frowns and looks back at the struggling girl.  “We’re almost to the top.  You don’t think she’ll make it?”
    Jem crosses her arms with a sour look.  “Listen, I’m all for making her carry her own weight, but I also don’t want to age ten years before we get her home.”  Impatiently uncorking her canteen, she takes a chug of water and immediately spits it out.  “Blech!  When did this get so warm!?”  She tips the canteen and sticks her finger in to frost it.  Taking another swig, she wipes her mouth with a satisfied sigh.  “Ah, much better!  You need more ice?”
    Era takes a drink of his and says, “Nah, mine’s good.  I had you load it up last time.”  He looks back and calls out, “Di, you want a drink?”
    Di catches up to her two companions, out of breath and drenched with sweat.  “I… I could… could use some…”  She takes the canteen and collapses at his feet.
    “Geez Di, you’re a wreck,” Jem says as she adds more ice to her canteen.  “Isn’t exercise a requirement at the Academy?”
    Di finishes chugging and wipes her mouth.  “Quite the opposite.  Everyone sits inside all day studying and practicing elemental arts.  No one’s in good physical shape there.”
    “At least you’re young,” Era offers.  “You still have hope of not growing up to be fat and lazy.”
    “The elemental masters aren’t lazy!” Di insists, staring at the sky.  “It was an amazing place to study.  No one in the world is as skilled as they are.”
    “Isn’t there an Academy in Alleria?” Jem asks.  “They’re probably just as skilled there.”
    “Not that there’s any way to know,” Era comments, “seeing as the border is locked down.”
    Di furrows her brow.  “Actually, the two Academies are able to send communications through the border, and in some cases, the professors even travel back and forth.  Though, admittedly, the last time that happened was just before I came to the Academy.”
    “Whoa, really?” Jem asks.  “So the Academy is that special.”
    Era takes another swig of his water.  “What’s so special about sitting around all day studying?”  He squats and places his palm on the path, forming small pillars of dirt all around his hand.  “You learn plenty just by using the elements.”
    Di smirks.  “Think you can beat me in knowledge?”
    “What’s there to know?” Era chides.  “Water, ice, earth, fire, lightning, air…” he trails off trying to remember the others.
    Jem sighs.  “Light and wood!  Geez, Era, don’t embarrass yourself in front of an Academy student.  You make me look bad as your mentor.”
    “So which ones are core elements, and which are derivatives?” Di asks with a smug grin.
    “D-Derivatives?” Jem repeats.  “I’d guess… ummmm…”  She pauses, hoping Di will interrupt, but the girl just watches in amusement.  Sighing, she admits, “Okay, so I don’t know the fancy terminology.  What’s a derivative, oh wise one?”
    Beaming, Di starts drawing in the dirt with her finger.  “The core