Back at the Peterson home, Ellie's adopted father became a little concerned because she still had not come home yet, and it was dinner time. "Where could she be? I've never known Ellie not to do anything without telling me first. I'm starting to wonder. I could call the sheriff, but the general rule is 24 hours before someone can be declared missing."
        Growing even more worried, he went to the phone and contacted Rob. "Listen, is Ellie with you right now?"
        "No, she's not here. Wait, you mean she hasn't come home yet?"
        "I'm afraid not. Do you know what's happened?"
        "I don't know. But, there is something you should know. Both Sheriff Sanderson and I know who told Tom Wilkins about Princess Elementa's existence."
        "I've been itching to find out who did it."
        "It was Deputy Gordon Michaels. To make matters worse, he may actually be the arsonist who started that forest fire a few days ago."
        "What!? Are you serious?"
        "Yes. I wonder if she accidentally found that out. If she did, she may be in grave danger."
        "I need to tell Dan what's going on, but you know the rules about a person missing."
        "Unfortunately, yes, I do. Having to wait 24 hours is a rotten thing to have to do, but what can we do right now?"
        "At least notify him of the problem. Let's meet at his office as soon as possible."
        "Okay, Mr. Peterson, I'm on the way." Rob then hung up the phone and started to get to his car. "Mom, I need to see the sheriff."
        "What's wrong?" asked a concerned Mrs. Walker.
        "Mr. Peterson called and said Ellie hasn't come home from school yet."
        "What? How come?"
        "I don't know. Ellie was on her bike when we left school this afternoon."
        "Maybe she got curious about something she may have seen."
        Rob then realized something horrifying. "Oh, no. If Ellie knows about the deputy now, she may have found him by accident. I know she's in serious danger."
        "I'll try to get back as fast as I can," said he to his mother. "In the meantime, Mom, try to stay calm, okay?"
        "I'll do my best, son. Make sure she's okay, though."
        "Thanks." He then ran to his car and took off for the sheriff's office.

        Meanwhile, Sheriff Sanderson was on the computer running a background check on Deputy Gordon Michaels.
        On the computer screen was a gentleman with dark brown hair and brown eyes with the name Gordon Michaels.
        "That's strange. Michaels is supposed to have black hair and blue eyes. What happened to this guy?"
        He then saw something on the screen which truly disturbed him. "Wait a sec. 'Up-and-coming deputy killed before he reaches destination.'" A newspaper article explained about the circumstances leading to the deputy's demise.
        "According to this, Deputy Gordon Michaels was stopped in the road by a tree which was deliberately chopped down. Then, he was slashed at the throat with a knife and shot twice in the chest area, killing him instantly. When authorities found his body, he had been stripped down. No uniform, no badge, no shoes, nothing. The suspect in the case was never found. Hmm, I wonder."
        He then looked up information concerning seasoned arsonists who were still at large. When he came upon the picture for one Jimmy Williams, he became completely dismayed. "Oh, my God! Gordon Michaels is really Jimmy Williams, and Williams killed him before he made it here to Gurney to join up with me."
        Moments later, Mr. Peterson and Rob came into the office.
        "Dan, have you seen Ellie?" asked a worried Mr. Peterson. "She never came home from school."
        "What do you mean by that? I saw her get on her bicycle and take off. She never made it?"
        "No, and I'm really scared for her safety."
        "Hmm, there may be foul play involved, then."
        "What? What are you talking about?"
        The sheriff sadly told them the truth. "The deputy I have, Gordon Michaels. He is not a real deputy at all. In fact, the man posing as Gordon Michaels was responsible for killing the real one. Now, he's posing as a deputy."
        "Who is he?" asked Rob.
        "His real name is Jimmy Williams, a truly seasoned arsonist who's wanted in at least 14 states for arson charges. He's been able to avoid authorities for a long time, and he's posed as Gordon Michaels here to make all of us think he was sweet and innocent. The giveaway was his hair and eyes."
        "Really?"
        "Yes. When Michaels joined up here, he had black hair and blue eyes. The real Gordon Michaels is supposed to have dark brown hair and brown eyes."
        "But, what does that have to do with Ellie?"
        "Ellie's bicycle route takes her by the outskirts of the forest. The patrol area for Michaels--I mean Williams--is in that same area. If Williams parked the patrol car, Ellie more than likely became very curious and wanted to check out the situation for herself. I have a bad feeling she discovered the truth about him first, and he may have done something to her. At least now I have enough pieces of evidence to put out a warrant for his arrest."
        Suddenly, the fire alarm sounded.
        The phone rang again. "Sheriff's office," Sanderson answered.
        "It's Fire Chief Ryan. We've got a rapidly building forest fire again, and it's spreading out of control fast. This is definitely arson work."
        "I agree with you completely, and I have a pretty good idea who's been behind it all. Get as many units ready to fight the blaze. I'm on my way out there." The sheriff then grabbed his special gear. "Guess I'm off to help fight another forest fire. Meanwhile, if you hear from Ellie, let me know by radio."
        "Right, Sheriff," said Rob in a determined tone.
        After the sheriff left his office, Rob and Mr. Peterson looked at each other in grave worry.
        "Ellie's in serious trouble right now if she's out there," said Mr. Peterson. "I don't know if she'll get out of this alive."
        "She will," the young man stated in assurance. "Ellie can become Princess Elementa, unless Williams found her and tied her up or something."
        "Please, don't say that!" Ellie's adopted father then put his face down. "Sorry, Rob. You're probably right, though. If Ellie is tied up somewhere in the forest, she is in trouble."

        Inside the burning cabin, Ellie, still bound, gagged, and unconscious, barely made a movement to try to escape the fire.
        Her mind was drifting in and out of consciousness as she tried to figure out what was going on. "I feel so sleepy," she thought weakly.
        In her heart, however, the spirit of the Nature Crystal was alert to what was happening. Appearing in front of the sleeping Ellie, the spirit tried to wake her up. "Princess . . . Princess Elementa, you must awaken now. Your life is in grave danger. Please, Princess, awaken before it is too late!"
        Ellie's mind was still affected by the chlorophyll, which did not allow her to think clearly as to where she was or what the present situation was. "I must . . . have been drugged or something," she thought. "I haven't the slightest clue what's going on, and right about now, I don't care. I feel . . . so free . . . so carefree."
        The spirit of the crystal was unable to get through to her friend with her mind being severely hindered. "I have to do something to help her, but what can I do?" She then closed her eyes to send out a desperate plea for help. "King Argon, Queen Hydrana. Although you are not with your daughter physically, I know you are still a part of her, and she needs help right now. Some substance is preventing her from thinking clearly about the problem in which she is involved. Please, parents of the royal princess of Naturia, guide her out of the darkness and into the light before it is too late for her."
        Amazingly, surrounding the spirit of the crystal were the spirits of King Argon and Queen Hydrana, Ellie's real parents from Naturia.
        "Spirit of the Nature Crystal," the king said in concern. "You are unable to reach the princess. Why?"
        "She has breathed in a substance which affects her brain. She cannot think clearly at the moment, and if we do not do something soon, her life will be lost."
        "No, not our daughter, the only one to survive the great cataclysm that destroyed our beloved world. She cannot be lost this way. Hydrana, my love, we must help our daughter return to the light."
        "Yes, we must reach into her mind and help her get rid of the poison inflicted into her system."
        The royal couple floated to their daughter and placed their hands on her shoulders.
        "We must concentrate our love and get through to Elementa before her time ends," said the queen.
        They closed their eyes and attempted to reach out to the princess in heart and in mind.

        Within Ellie's mind were nothing but colorful swirls as King Argon and Queen Hydrana tried to find their daughter in this strange world.
        They soon heard Ellie singing wildly in the distance. "The itsy-bitsy spider climbed up the water spout . . ."
        Hydrana determined the distance of the princess. "She must be in that direction to the west. We must get to her quickly."
        They floated to the west like so and soon found Ellie lying in a bed of roses and daisies.
        "I love being free," said Ellie. "Not a care or worry in the world. No problems, no homework, no nothing. Why worry about anything right now?"
        King Argon came up to her first. "Elementa, my daughter, please listen to me. What goes on here is not real. You have been affected by some poison which inhibits the function of your brain. Please, my daughter, respond to me."
        Ellie looked at her royal father like she was completely drunk from a stint at a bar. "Oh, hi. I don't know who you are, but you look so silly in those clothes. You need to wear some blue jeans, a t-shirt, and some great sneakers. I've seen even Misty look better than you could. You've got to change your clothing."
        "My daughter, do you not recognize your mother and your father? We are your royal parents."
        "My . . . royal parents? No way! I'm not a member of royalty. This must be an effect of what that guy drugged me with. Oh, well, I'll go along with the gag."
        Queen Hydrana came up to her next. "Elementa, you are a member of royalty, the royal princess of the planet Naturia. Do you not understand?"
        "Naturia?" Ellie asked in confusion. "Sounds like a planet that belongs on that old cartoon Super Friends. What are the people called, Naturians?" She then laughed wildly.
        "Yes, my daughter. You are exactly right. The citizens of Naturia were called Naturians. I am surprised you can remember that in your present state of mind. However, you must listen to us seriously. You truly are Princess Elementa, heiress to the throne of Naturia and the one who possesses the power of the ancient Nature Crystal."
        "Nature Crystal?" Ellie looked more confused than before. "You've gotta be kidding me. I have a crystal? Where can I find it?"
        The king answered, "It is within your heart. You are the one who controls its incredible power."
        "What!? The crystal is . . . within me?"
        "Yes. It is you who has the power to use the elements of the universe. Search your heart for the truth and remember the past, as to who you really are and what you can do."
        As Ellie closed her eyes to find the truth within her soul, she started seeing flashes of what she had been on her own world. "I see . . . myself . . . with purple eyes and purple hair? No, wait. I see friends. I see . . . my family, my royal family. My parents . . . are a king and a queen. They care about our world, and they care about me, too." She then saw the planet explode. "NOOO!" She then jolted into the reality of the situation and noticed her parents. "Mother, Father? Please help me. I can't think right now. I don't know what I'm doing."
        "Do not worry, young one," said her father. "We are here to help you. Now, join hands with us, and feel our love for you, along with the love of your guardian--"
        "The spirit of the Nature Crystal," Ellie finished with near tears in her eyes. "I can't believe I was so foolish."
        Queen Hydrana assured her daughter. "No, Elementa. This poison within you is controlling your thought, but we will help you purge this poison. Just feel the love of those of us who are a part of you from the past and from the present."
        Ellie then added the most important person in her life on Earth. "I can also feel the love of my adopted father, the man who adopted me here on this planet. Harold Peterson is a man whose heart is filled with love, a man who was willing to take me in before I even knew who I really was. Dad, I feel your love, too."
        She then spoke with feeling from her heart. "Poison within, be purged from my mind and body now!"
        The young princess felt the chlorophyll's effects leaving her mind, heart, and soul, soon replaced with thoughts of love and joy.
        She then looked at her parents in happiness. "Mother, Father. I love you." She then gave them a warm hug.
        King Argon and Queen Hydrana were relieved to know their daughter was okay.
        "Thank goodness," said the very happy king. "You are now in a clear state of mind and soul. Now, my daughter, do you remember anything about what has happened to you?"
        "Let me think now, um, I remember I had found Deputy Michaels . . . who's really arsonist Jimmy Williams! He murdered the real Gordon Michaels and stole his identity to cover his tracks. He's the one who started the forest fire last Saturday and plans to do so again."
        The spirit soon appeared to her. "The arsonist has already started his attack on the forest. Right now you are in a cabin rapidly filling with smoke and flames."
        "I have to do something now, before it's too late!"
        "You cannot do anything where you are physically right now. That man bound and gagged you to a chair in the middle of the cabin. You cannot call the crystal's power unless your hands are free."
        Ellie finally awakened after her long sleep, only to find herself in rising flames and building smoke. Despite her parents' spirits no longer being there, she did see the crystal spirit in front of her. "Spirit of the crystal, what can I do? I can't call on the crystal's power this way. I have to find a way out of here."
        "I cannot help you physically. I am sorry."
        "Don't blame yourself. You can only do so much, but for now it's up to me to get out of these ropes."
        Ellie looked around the cabin as best she could to find something to help her get her hands free. Just as it seemed all hope was lost, she suddenly spotted an ax standing next to the fireplace, obviously used to cut wood for the winter. She jumped in the chair in the hopes of reaching that ax to cut the ropes. She kept it up, hopping and hopping over and over again. As she was close enough to the ax, she started moving her wrists up and down on the sharp blade. She went very slowly because the flames were continuing to build quickly, but the gag Williams put on her nose and mouth actually protected her from inhaling the smoke, giving her some added strength. "I've got to hurry," she thought desperately. "If I don't get out of here and become Princess Elementa, that madman Williams will destroy the forest!" She continued moving the wrists up and down as fast as she could, yet doing it too quickly could accidentally cut her hands, so she did it carefully as well.

        Meanwhile, all units from both the fire department and the Sheriff's Department responded to the building forest fire. They gathered as much water as they possibly could from the city's water supply, but the flames were growing further out of control.
        "The city's in danger this time," said Ryan.
        "That miserable excuse of a man," muttered Sanderson angrily.
        "Who?"
        The sheriff looked straight at him and said, "Jimmy Williams, who we came to trust . . . as Deputy Gordon Michaels."
        "Are you serious!?"
        "Yes. The real Gordon Michaels was on his way here to join up with us, but Williams killed him and stole his identity to cover the track of fires he created. I've issued a warrant for his arrest, but for now we have to stop the fire before it reaches the city."
        "Right, but, what about Princess Elementa? Do you think she'll be able to help?"
        "If she knows what's going on, she'll be here, I know it." However, Sanderson did have a troubling thought. "Princess Elementa, wherever you are right now, I sure hope you know what's going on around here. You saved our forest once already, and now you're needed to save the forest again. Please, we need your help now."

        Back in the cabin, Ellie continued to slowly cut the ropes on her wrist with the ax. In a matter of about a minute, her hands were finally free. She quickly untied her ankles and took the gag off her mouth, which led to her coughing right away due to the smoke.
        "Are you all right, Princess?" asked the spirit.
        "I will be when I clear the air in this place!" After letting out one more cough, she crossed her arms once more and shouted a chant over the flames.  "O ancient Nature Crystal, by my royal birthright, I, Elementa, Princess of Naturia, hereby call upon your power!"
        As before, the emerald crystal and jade-green headband appeared on her forehead. The flames transformed her outfit into the purple jumpsuit. The snow created her jade-green arm-length gloves and thigh-high boots. The wind conformed again into the turquoise-colored mini-dress with jade-green shoulder sleeves. The lightning quickly formed into her purple belt. Finally, the water engulfed her head, changing her brown hair and blue eyes to purple hair and purple eyes while making her purple glasses disappear.
        Ellie Peterson finally transformed into her true identity of Princess Elementa, and not a moment too soon. After coughing a couple of times, she said, "First thing I need to do is clear the air, as I said I would." She then chanted again as the Nature Crystal on her forehead started to glow again. "Nature Crystal, change me into a waterspout to put out the flames in this cabin!"
        Following her command, the crystal changed the princess into a small waterspout to go around the cabin and quell the flames making the cabin too hot. In a matter of seconds, the immediate fire was out in the cabin, allowing her to breathe again.
        Returning to her physical form, the princess looked at the spirit. "I am glad to see you, dear friend and guardian. However, I fear my time here has taken away from the efforts to put out the real forest fire." The princess then looked out the window and saw the true power of the flames. "Oh, my goodness! That monster Jimmy Williams has already started his main plan to destroy the forest once more. I have to find him, but how?"
        "Perhaps you can use the crystal's power to trace him."
        "Of course, the gasoline. It should have left some kind of vapor trail for me to follow. I must find Williams before the entire forest and the city of Gurney go up in fire. Thank you for your help, my friend."
        "I am glad I was able to assist you in any way. Now, find Williams and stop him before it is too late to save the forest and the city." The spirit then disappeared into nothingness once more.
        "Now, to take to the air and see if I can find Mr. Jimmy Williams before he attempts to get away. Nature Crystal, take me on the wind currents and into the sky!"
        The crystal responded to her command as she changed into the wind and left through the chimney, like she did the first time she was the princess. Seconds later, she reverted to her princess form once more. "I will have to look for Williams later. The fire must take top priority first." She then closed her eyes and put her arms to the sides. "Nature Crystal, please hear my command. Change me into a gigantic rain cloud create the water needed to stop the flames from reaching the city of Gurney!"
        Her body quickly changed into a growing cloud, ready to drop the needed rain on the forest to stop the fire from reaching the city.
        About 10 miles away, Sheriff Sanderson and Fire Chief Ryan realized their units would not have enough water to put out the fire at all, let alone try to get it under control.
        "It's no good," said Ryan. "It looks like we'll have to evacuate the city for sure this time."
        Just then, Sanderson looked up and shouted, "Wait a minute! Look! There's a large rain cloud over us! Could it be--"
        "Princess Elementa? She must have found out about the fire and came back to help us!"
        In mere seconds, rain began to fall on the entire area, and the flames were quickly getting under control.
        The units trying to stop it were able to put out the remainder of the fire 10 minutes later.
        Elementa knew the situation involving the fire was under control, but there was still one other matter. "Now to find Williams and put a stop to his evil plans once and for all." She transformed back into her physical form and pondered on what to do next. "Hmm, unless I am mistaken, a car's exhaust puts out gasoline, so I should be able to trace Williams with the vapor trail. I will start with where I found the patrol car earlier."
        She flew to the spot where she had spotted the car when she was Ellie. "Now, I think I know what I can do from this point to find him. Nature Crystal, hear my command. Starting with where I point my finger, create a trail of condensed water vapor to trap the particles of gasoline coming from this one vehicle."
        The princess put her finger to the ground, which almost instantaneously created the trail to trace Jimmy Williams. She then flew off and followed the vapor trail very carefully.
        In the patrol car, Jimmy Williams seemed to have made the perfect getaway and committed the perfect crime. "Ha ha ha ha! At last, the forest is lost forever! Maybe now they'll move into the future like everyone else and forget about the stupid trees!"
        However, when he turned on the patrol radio, he heard this report. "Good news. The fire has been completely contained, and although there was a lot of major damage to the forest, the city is safe now."
        Williams became enraged. "WHAT!? It's impossible! This fire spread so fast there was no way they could have stopped it, unless . . . it must have been Princess Elementa again! That brat!"
        Of course, he had no idea the princess was directly above him. "I do not want to use lightning to stop him. Doing that could spark another fire. However, I think ice may be a more effective way to stop him." She then put her right hand forward and chanted, "Nature Crystal, give me the power to create ice on the road to give that man a slippery reception."
        Soon, a thin beam generated from her hand and made the ice about 500 yards ahead of Williams.
        Williams soon hit a long, slick spot on the road. "What's going on here? It's too soon for icy weather!" He then slipped off the road and crashed into a ditch.
        He quickly jumped out of the car to see the person who had done it. "Come out, Princess Elementa! I know you're doing this to me, and I know you helped to put out the fire, the one I with which I wanted to destroy this stupid forest!"
        The princess floated to a point just a foot off the ground. "So, it was you who told of my existence to that reporter, and you, one who is supposed to protect the property and more importantly the lives of those who have made this place their home, are the one who started both of these forest fires."
        "You are not going to get away with this, you stupid little girl!" He then drew his gun from his holster and tried to fire a shot at the princess.
        She quickly moved out of the way to avoid the shot. "You are a man with a heart of pure ice! You do not care for the safety and welfare of the citizens here, just for yourself and your blind ambition of creating destructive fires. Why are you doing something this horrible?"
        "Because I can't stand the trees. They're a reminder of what the past is like, and these idiots need to forget about the past and move ahead into the next century! Don't they understand they're behind the rest of the world?"
        "How can you say something like that, you monster? Do you not know the trees not only provide a way of life for these people, but they also provide life-giving oxygen, the element most required for life on this world as well as my world. They take in the carbon dioxide and release the necessary oxygen to allow people to breathe. They also can be used as shade to keep the homes cooler--"
        "Shut up!" he yelled angrily. "The forest is nothing more than a hindrance for the future! And I'm going to make certain you don't stop me ever again!" Williams then started firing a flurry of shots at the princess.
        Easily able to dodge the gunfire with her fast, fluid movements, Princess Elementa pointed her right index finger at the gun and said, "Nature Crystal, give me the power to create heat!"
        The heat concentrated into a thin but powerful laser beam, which made contact with the gun.
        When it became too hot, Williams shouted as he had to drop the gun to the ground.
        He then tried to make a run for it, but Elementa decided to stop him cold, literally. "Nature Crystal, encase that man in a block of tempered ice, ice which cannot melt for a number of hours."
        The crystal on her forehead glowed brightly as her right hand released a blue beam of ice and caught the arsonist off-guard.
        In the middle of his run, he froze up from head to toe in the ice and ended up in the middle of the road.
        "That is the end of his arson career," the princess said in assurance. "However, I have no idea where we are right now."
        Next, she heard a noise coming from the patrol car. "What is that?"
        She came up to the ditched car and noticed the noise coming from the radio inside the car.
        "Hello? Hello? Deputy Michaels, where in the world are you?"
        Never seeing a radio like this before, she took the speaker and pressed the button on the side. "Um, hello? Hello?" She then released the button.
        On the other end, Sheriff Sanderson heard a voice on the police radio. "That's Princess Elementa's voice. Princess, are you there? This is Sheriff Dan Sanderson."
        The princess recognized the name immediately. "Sheriff Sanderson?"
        "Yes, Princess. Have you seen a deputy named Gordon Michaels around the area? We have reason to believe he is the real arsonist and may have kidnapped Ellie Peterson."
        "Oh, Deputy Michaels. Yes, I have seen him, and I also have him captured for you. The only problem right now is, I do not know our present location."
        "Okay, Princess. Here's what I want you to do. There's a blue button on the console of the car near the steering wheel. Look for the steering wheel first."
        "I have found the steering wheel. Now, where is this blue button you speak of?"
        "It's located just to the right of it. Can you see it now?"
        "Yes, I can see it. Should I press it?"
        "Yes, Princess. It'll activate the locator beacon on the car, allowing us to locate you, but are you sure he won't get away?"
        "He will not escape, sir. I have encased him in a block of tempered ice, which will not melt for at least several hours. However, you should let me melt the ice I created on the road to stop Williams from getting too far."
        Sanderson and Ryan looked at each other in total surprise. "Very well, Princess. We look forward to finding you and the arsonist Jimmy Williams."
        No more than five minutes later, Sheriff Sanderson, Fire Chief Ryan, and several units from the Sheriff's Department arrived at the scene of the action, where all the ice had completely melted. Standing in the middle of the road were Princess Elementa and Jimmy Williams, still trapped in the block of tempered ice.
        The sheriff was happily surprised. "Princess, you did it again, and twice this time. First you helped us get that fire under control, and then you captured Jimmy Williams, professional arsonist. You know he's been on the FBI's Top 10 Most Wanted for two years, and there was a $1 million reward for his arrest. You're going to get the money for sure."
        The princess shook her head in earnest. "No, Sheriff Sanderson. I cannot accept that money. Let that money be used to help people in and around this area. It can be used to help the schools, the fire department and sheriff's department, and other programs."
        Sanderson proudly shook her hand. "That's a wonderful idea, young lady. However, there is one person I'm worried about. Ellie Peterson never made it to her home this afternoon. Have you seen her at all?"
        "Yes, I have. I found her bound and gagged in the cabin and made sure she made it safely home."
        "Oh, dear, her father and Rob are still at my office. I'd better notify them and make sure they know what's happened."
        "I agree. We do not want anyone in her family to get worried about her."
        Back at the sheriff's office, Mr. Peterson heard the phone ring. "Yes?"
        "Harold. Good news. Ellie's safe at home. Princess Elementa saved her before she helped us and stopped Jimmy Williams."
        "Oh, thank goodness. As long as she's at home safe, that's good enough for me. Thanks, Dan."
        "No problem, Harold."
        After Mr. Peterson hung up, he turned to Rob. "Ellie's okay. She was able to escape her imprisonment, put out the fire, and stop the arsonist once and for all."
        "Am I glad she's okay. Guess you'll be literally waiting for her at home, right?"
        "Of course. See you later, Rob."
        Back at the scene, Sheriff Sanderson looked at the young woman. "Um, Princess, there's something I'd like to ask you. Would you like to . . . be a part of our department?"
        "I do not understand what you mean."
        "Well, even though you are from another planet, you have enough sense to use your powers responsibly. You're willing to protect lives and property like it were your home world of Naturia. I would be honored if you join us as an honorary deputy."
        Princess Elementa was slightly speechless. "I do not know what to say. I could help protect innocent people here, as I did on Naturia."
        "Yes, but you don't have to report to me constantly. You are a gifted young woman who cares for others very much, and I would appreciate it if you do join us."
        After thinking it over, she happily said, "Sheriff Sanderson, I would be privileged to serve in your department to help in the protection of life and property."
        "Very well. However, I don't think it would make sense to call you 'Deputy Princess Elementa,' so we'll just call you Princess Elementa."
        The princess laughed wholeheartedly about the idea. "Thank you. There is one more thing, though. I think it is time I make my presence known to everyone. I no longer feel very nervous about coming forward as the good samaritan."
        "Terrific. We'll set a press conference for Friday afternoon. Is . . . that all right with you, Princess?"
        "Yes, it is. Oh, I think you need to hear something else from this man, as well." She then emitted a heat beam and melted the ice from his head down to his waist. "Now, sir, please tell them about who you really are and what you did with the person who was the real Gordon Michaels."
        Despite the chattering teeth of the cold, Williams spoke. "I-I killed Gordon Michaels before he got here. Then, I decided to steal his identity and take a chill here from the arson business, but I couldn't resist doing it again because of this forest which shouldn't be here anymore. I did start both fires around here, the one last Saturday and the one today. I also kidnapped that girl Ellie Peterson because she had seen too much."
        Fire Chief Ryan also found the empty gasoline containers in the trunk of the patrol car. "He used a lot of gas for this job, but it's been all put out of business, and more importantly, Ellie is safe, thanks to Princess Elementa."
        "Thank you again for your help, Princess. I look forward to seeing you on Friday afternoon. Oh, and the mayor will be there, too."
        "The mayor of the city of Gurney? Very well, Sheriff Sanderson. I will see you at 5:00 on that day. Until then, so long, friends." She then flew off to return to her adopted father's home.

        Twenty minutes later at the Peterson home, the princess came through the fireplace as the wind and conformed into her physical form to the relief of her adopted father.
        "Oh, pumpkin, are you all right?"
        "Yes, Dad. I am all right. I am sorry I worried you like this. Mr. Williams had captured me and tied me up in a log cabin which he set on fire. I almost did not get out alive. Can you forgive me?" She then began to have tears in her eyes.
        Her adopted father gave her a comforting hug. "Pumpkin, I'm not angry with you. Your curiosity about seeing a patrol car in an unusual location led to the solution of everything. Then, you did what you had to do in order to stop that arsonist from causing any more trouble. I'm proud of you, and I know your parents, King Argon and Queen Hydrana, are very proud of you for being able to use your powers in such a responsible manner."
        "Thank you, Dad. I am finally beginning to understand how to deal with my double identity. I knew just finding that man was not reason enough to change into my true identity, but I nearly died from--"
        "Ellie, sweetie, you wanted to make certain first, which was the right thing to do. If you just changed into Elementa without reason, your life would be in jeopardy right now. Part of the double-life responsibility is to know when the time is right."
        Just then, Elementa realized something. "Oh, no. My bicycle. It had my backpack with all the books I needed for my homework tonight. I think I need to find it and get it back here. I just hope it was not damaged in the fire near the cabin."
        "I have a better idea. You change back to Ellie, and after dinner we'll go get the bike with the truck, okay?"
        "I understand, Dad." She then heard her stomach growl. "My goodness, I think I am hungry. I need to change back. Nature Crystal, my work is done here. Please transform me back into my Earthly form of Ellie Peterson."
        In mere seconds she reverted to the form she had taken in her new home on Earth. "Whew, let's eat, and then let's get my bike back."
        During dinner, she told him she would finally reveal her alien existence in a press conference on Friday afternoon, as her nerves had finally eased about being around other people.
        Afterward, Ellie and her adopted father went to where her bike was. Amazingly, it was still in one piece, along with the backpack filled with books. At least she could get her homework done for the evening.

        Come that Friday afternoon at 5:00, reporters from everywhere had gathered once again at the sheriff's office.
        "Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen," said Sheriff Sanderson. "There are a couple of reasons why I called this press conference. The first is the arsonist was caught on Tuesday afternoon. The arsonist was none other than Jimmy Williams, who has been wanted in 14 states for countless arson charges. He is also charged with capital murder and attempted murder. He killed Deputy Gordon Michaels before he was to report here and assumed Michaels's identity to try to hide here, but his lust to create fire overtook him, so he decided to try to torch the forest not once, but twice."
        WLZO reporter Alaina Matthews then asked, "In both instances, the fires were stopped by rather unusual rainstorms. Any explanations?"
        The sheriff smiled at her. "Miss Matthews, that leads to the second reason for this press conference. Only thing is, she's a little late. I was hoping she would show up and--"
        "My apologies, Sheriff," yelled a young woman dressed unusually and floating in the air above the conference. "I had to help a little girl get her cat out of a tree on the way here. I am sorry for being late."
        "That's quite all right, young lady." He then turned to the audience. "Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to introduce the good samaritan who saved this forest twice and stopped the arsonist." As soon as she landed on the ground, he added, "I would like you all to meet Princess Elementa."
        All the reporters noticed her unusual outfit, wondering if she was from another planet.
        Of course, Tom Wilkins asked the first question. "So, you're the young lady who supposedly saved the forest twice. Why don't you admit you're the one who really did it for attention?"
        Sanderson shouted, "You listen here, Wilkins, I--"
        "Wait, Sheriff," said Elementa calmly. "Let me tell him." She then faced the Upline reporter. "Mr. Wilkins, I do have the capability of creating such a fire, but I do not do so because it is against everything my parents King Argon and Queen Hydrana raised me to be. I learned to respect the proper authorities of other worlds, including this planet Earth. I am royal princess of the lost planet of Naturia. However, I do not have the authority to come to this world and do what I please. That is a sign of irresponsibility on my part if I were to do so. The real arsonist was disguised as one of the deputies in the Sheriff's Department, but Sheriff Dan Sanderson is not to blame for the situation because he did not realize Gordon Michaels had been killed by the arsonist himself."
        Regina Johnson then asked the next question. "Why did you decide to finally reveal yourself now instead of earlier?"
        "I feared there would have been panic if people knew of my existence too soon. I did not want to create trouble, so the sheriff, the fire chief, and I all agreed to keep my existence a secret until we knew the time would be right to come forward. I apologize for them and me having to lie to you about my being here on Earth and putting out the fires the way I did."
        "Of course, Princess, we understand. The last thing you wanted to do was create more chaos than already done with the arsonist on the loose. Just one last question: Will you be staying here on Earth?"
        "Yes, I will. When my world was crumbling, my parents sacrificed themselves to save me and preserve my future. Earth was the only planet in this solar system which had the necessary elements to support life. Judging by how most people around here are more friendly than hostile, I believe my parents sent me to the right planet to live my life. In addition, you will be happy to know even though I am a royal princess, I have never been and never going to be a spoiled princess."
        "That is true," said Fire Chief Ryan. "There was a $1 million reward for Williams's capture, but the princess insisted the money be used to help our departments and fund other programs in and around the city. She wants to make a difference in the city, and she's already started that."
        Next, a gentleman in his late 40s with greying brown hair and green eyes stepped to the microphone. "I agree with you, Fire Chief Ryan. Princess Elementa, I'm Jason Lang, mayor of Gurney." As he shook hands with the alien princess, he added, "I want to thank you for saving our forest from destruction twice and putting an end to the career of a professional arsonist who wanted to add Gurney to his list of victimized areas of deliberate forest fires."
        "I am glad I was able to help you preserve your way of life," said the princess happily. "I can tell this forest is basically your way of life here, and if it burned down, many people would lose their jobs and their way of life."
        "I appreciate people who understand how important it is to preserve the past to live in the present, which in turn prepares us for the future. Princess Elementa, it is with great pleasure that I, mayor of Gurney, present you with a key to the city. You are a kindhearted person, no matter if you are from another planet. Please accept this gift with our gratitude."
        The princess took the key in her hands. "I proudly accept your gift with the promise that if there is ever trouble of any kind, I will be there to do my part to help in any way I can."
        Finally, Sheriff Sanderson came up. "In addition, Princess Elementa, I hereby appoint you as an honorary deputy of the Sheriff's Department, which means you have the authority to help us enforce the proper laws and regulations here."
        "I can tell most of the laws here are very similar to the laws of my world, so I should have no trouble adjusting to those laws here on Earth."
        "Oh, they vary from one area to another. I'll show you how it all works sometime."
        "Thank you, Sheriff Sanderson."
        As the two shook hands and camera bulbs flashed, Princess Elementa was satisfied with herself and her well-being. It would still take some time adjusting to living life as both Ellie Peterson and Princess Elementa, but she would have help from her adopted father, her best friend, and the spirit of the Nature Crystal. In addition, even though she would have the memories of being on her native planet Naturia, she now had the chance to create new memories in her new home: the planet Earth.

Well, friends, this is the end of the story, one which took me a very long time to do. Actually, I had done the first 4 parts of this story about three or four years ago. I just did the last two parts myself in about a two-week span. After doing a Thunderbirds story and 10 fan fiction stories for the animated series The Magician, this is my first completed original work not based on anything. Now, if you would like to see more stories with Princess Elementa in the future, please let me know by e-mailing me at one of these three addresses: [email protected], [email protected], or [email protected].

Return to the Oddball Fanfics Zone