Star Camp: The Fifth Element

Chapter 3 - Getting Close

Yael De Montague

All the members know that they'll be fine and safe once they got back to the camp, but they didn't expect Silvermist to teleport them to the tower where they can watch the elimination camp live. Some of the healers are already there to treat their injuries, as well as the Headmistress who's still watching the battle between Terrence and Liliana.

The members who got eliminated insisted to watch and see who's gonna be the Captain. They can't believe they're witnessing this kind of battle. Both of them fought for almost half an hour. Nagawa ng gumaling ang mga sugat nila ngunit hindi parin sila tapos maglaban.

Terrence and Liliana are like a perfect match made from heaven. Even the Headmistress Hera couldn't believe what she's seeing right now. They have different abilities – one has Photokinesis while the other one has Atmokinesis, though their knowledge and skills are at the same level that they can't even beat each other.

They are powerful enough to use their abilities, but they chose to use their swords.

Interesting.

All of them watch the big monitor 'til the fight became more intense to the point that they can feel it inside the tower. Their movements became sharper and wilder. Yael and the other members looked at the Headmistress, waiting for her to do something but they didn't get any response.

"This is dangerous," Freya exclaimed.

Yael faced Silvermist. "They might kill each other. Isn't that against the rules?"

"It is," Silvermist replied. "I trust them to obey the rules no matter how desperate they want that position."

"But – "

"Time's up," Hera announced calmly. "I think you all forgot that the elimination camp has a time limit." She added and gave a signal to stop the battle.

Wait, that means they are –

"Draw!"

--

"Posible pala 'yon?" Tanong ni Sid.

"Pwedi naman walang time limit," Inaantok na sabi ni Luca. "Matatagalan at gagabihin nga lang."

"The star forest is still a forest full of habitat. Some animals and other species live there kaya delikado ito tuwing gabi," Sagot ni Ruby.

"So uulit niyan tayo?" Tanong naman ni Freya.

Bryce lightly shrugged. "Maybe? Kaya siguro may meeting tayo ngayon."

Yael couldn't help but watch the members in front of him since he's following them from the back. Gabi na nang pinatawag sila ni Silvermist kaya papunta sila ngayon sa centre room. Habang naglalakad sila sa hallway ay hindi siya makapaniwala sa nakikita.

When did the members get so close?

Parang kahapon at kanina lang nang magbangayan sila't muntik ng mapatay ang isa't-isa sa elimination camp. Silang tatlo nalang nila Terrence at Liliana ngayon ang tahimik sa gilid, though he promised to himself to also get along and create a bond with them. While Terrence and Liliana can take their time dahil mainit parin ang laban nilang dalawa para maging Captain ng grupo.

He silently smiled. He doesn't know what happened to make them change, but this is good. This feels good.

Nang makarating sila sa loob ng centre room ay agad ng nandoon si Silvermist. Agad na umupo si Sid sa tabi nito at kumindat. The first thing she said is that they'll have to do the elimination camp again next week.

"Also, we will have a welcome party for all of you as a new star camp member. The party will be held tomorrow evening at the east front building where the ballroom is. Elites and the council will be there. The Headmistress also invited 4 very important guests so she expects you to behave and dress decently."

"When you say important guests, you mean..."

Silvermist nodded and smiled at Ruby. "Yes, the 4 Keepers of the 4 elemental crystals."

Natahimik silang lahat. The north is the element of fire, east is air, south is earth, and west is water. The Keepers came from the powerful families, kabilang na doon ang mga Salvatore – the Keeper of the fifth element, ngunit hindi 'yon nagtagal nang kunin ito mula sakanila.

Everyone knows that the Hales are the enemy who wants to take all the elements, they are the rebels. They want to rule the world and destroy the Star Camp. They almost did and it was unexpected. The former Headmistress, which is Hera's Mother let their guard down the night her husband died and it was also the same night they got attacked.

The Hales killed every family member of the Salvatores and only Hera survived when the four keepers came and joined forces. Hera became the Headmistress and the Keepers still respects her even if the fifth element is not in their hands anymore. The Star Camp is still their source of strength and power. It is and will always be the home of the fifth element.

"Also, your family will come."

Yael smiled and looked at Liliana watching someone. He followed her gaze and saw Terrence standing and leaning against the window, looking outside with his expressionless face. Right when the meeting ended, he followed her but didn't catch up, again.

Am I that obvious?

He just wanted to ask if she's okay. Gusto na niyang itanong 'yon kanina pang pagkatapos ng elimination camp. He decided to follow his instinct and went to the training ground 'til he finally saw her entering the greenhouse.

The greenhouse is made of glass surrounding with lots of plants and different kinds of flowers and herbs. Star camp healers and their apprentices are usually there to take care of it and to study. It's already late so he doubts there's still someone in there. He stopped at the entrance when he saw Terrence and Liliana talking to each other. They seem so calm but their expressionless face still shows.

"It's funny how they're similar but different at the same time."

Muntik ng madapa si Yael nang biglang lumitaw si Ruby sa tabi niya't nakatingin din sa dalawa. Sa sobrang pokus nito ay hindi niya namalayan na lumapit ito sakaniya.

"Kabute ka ba?"

"Pick-up line ba 'yan?"

"Asa."

They both laughed and was about to ask what she's doing here when he realized that Ruby is one of the top healers. Sa sobrang galing at talino niya ay nagawa niyang makapasok sa star camp, which is the best decision that ever made because every team needs a healer.

"You're not eavesdropping, are you?" Tanong nito sakaniya.

Pasimpleng umubo si Yael at umiwas ng tingin. "Napadaan lang," Pagdadahilan niya at ngumiti pagkatapos. "Sige, alis na'ko. Good night."

Pabalik na ngumiti si Ruby. "Good night."

--

Author's Note:

The photo is not mine, it's from BearbrickJia. Check the external link.