The four elements | Seongjoong

Pure unbridled rage

One morning Seonghwa woke up to the sound of weapons clashing. He got up quickly, rushed outside the Water lounge. He was quite relieved to see it was just his camp mates shifting the weapons to the front yard. He saw Daeshim monitoring the process. However, Daeshim's face lacked the usual calm.
Seonghwa went to him and bowed. Daeshim gave him a quick smile, genuine enough.
"Good morning, what is it?" Seonghwa asked, pointing to the rush going on around the camp.
"Just woke up?" Daeshim asked.
"Yes."
"Come here," Daeshim started walking towards the main school, "Look." Daeshim pointed to the fortress, his old wise eyes squinting in the sun.
Seonghwa gasped, there was a flag soaring above the fortress. The flag was maroon in colour, with a golden triangle embroidered on it. Fire.
"What is that?" Seonghwa asked, dumbfounded.
"To not beat around the bush, it's Damyeong telling us she wants to capture the camp. Camps are centres of learning, and putting one flag like that means disrespect of other elements." Daeshim explained.
"Capture the camp?!" Seonghwa was bewildered.
"Yes, and use the students to fight wars. That's what I fear." Daeshim answered.
"Oh god. Okay, why don't we just take off the flag?" Seonghwa asked.
"We can't, it's guarded by fire. And if we do, it means we'll have to fight a war with them. Taking off the flag is an easy way to disrespect them and give them an excuse of attack." Daeshim said.
"Well, whatever we do, isn't the war gonna happen anyway? That's what the prophecy said." Seonghwa said.
"Prophecies are always right. We'll have to fight them today or tomorrow. Why I won't let anyone take off the flag is because we don't know when they attack. We have to get ready first. We would have to fight anytime if we do so." Daeshim said.
"So you're buying us time." Seonghwa stated.
"Correct. And when we're ready, you'll have to go take off the flag, only water can stand against fire." Daeshim said and went back to monitor the shifting of weapons.

Seonghwa freshened up and walked to the main school, still in his pyjamas. No one bothered to dress in robes these days, with students missing, classes were suspended, and security was doubled. Seonghwa looked up at the maroon flag that fluttered above the fortress. He sighed mentally.

Seonghwa found Yeosang and Jongho sitting across to each other on one of the cafeteria tables. Seonghwa sat down.
"All good, man?" Jongho asked, playing with his noodles.
"Alright." Seonghwa replied. He did not have an appetite, he just sat there.
"What's with this flag shit?" Seonghwa asked.
"It's the war the prophecy was talking about." Yeosang replied.
"Man it's gonna be so tiring. Treating all those injured people." Jongho chided.
"You're talking as if you've been through thousands of wars." Seonghwa said.
"Oh no. This one's da first. I've read about wars though. Healers don't fight, I ain't gonna." Jongho said.
"Good for you." Seonghwa said, and turned to Yeosang, "How about you?"
"Oh, I will fight." Yeosang smiled, a genuine smile, as if fighting was some good source of happiness.
"Of course you will. Man," Jongho then turned to Seonghwa, "Five different types of Nefari could attack this man at once, and he could still manage to come out without a scratch." Jongho said, full of pride.
"That's flattering." Yeosang said calmly.
"No, it's not. But man, it would be a pity if you have to come to me with any injury. Better don't." Jongho said.
"I will try not to." Yeosang smiled again.

Seonghwa thought about how good Yeosang really was at physical training. The swift small movements were far more precise than his own. All weapons and throws perfectly aimed, and he remembered him shooting down the three Nefari when him and Wooyoung first came to the camp. Yeosang was great, just great. He just didn't show it off everywhere.

A/n: Hii ik i'm late but i've been busy. Thanks for reading this shit!