Parvenu

When humanity reached the epitome of science and ingenuity, the world began to deteriorate and crumble. War ensued. Toxins entered the air. People began dying at rates unknown to humankind. In a last-ditch effort to save the human race, scientists united together, desperate to beat the ticking clock. In the end, they failed... But a legacy lived on. As the once great country, America, fell into nothingness in an explosion later named the Elemental Flare, a group of people emerged from a lab. Safe, unharmed, and more importantly: living. As these individuals soon discovered, they could control different aspects of the world around them. They had become Elemental benders, the last living humans on the North American continent. With nothing left to do but start over, America soon became a distant memory, and a new country, Arae, emerged from its ashes.Millennia later, Arae continues to thrive. Their annual ceremonies are about to begin, all seems at peace. Perfection. Or so it seems. Jemma Powells never imagined that choosing a new Elemental Column would bring a succession of lies to be uncovered, or put herself - and her friends - in danger. She'd only planned on discovering the reason behind her twin's disappearance. When things escalate, a series of events puts Jemma, her best friend Melody, and other two acquaintances, Sebastian and Christopher, on the run. It is here that Jemma vows to expose everything to the public. However, things take a turn for the worst when not only new friends are made, but also new enemies. Jemma's vow may have little significance if she can't stop her enemies from destroying everything any of them have ever known. Enter the thrilling tale of a young, brave group of individuals who band together in a battle between good and evil - Light and Darkness - to try and save Arae as they know it...