Cayden's Crusade

The Elites

"Settle down, everyone!", it was the sound of one of the teachers that silenced everyone.

All rangers-in-training were asked to go to one of our building's function room without any given explanation.

"I know you are all wondering why you are here. You will know that in a minute if you will behave".

Silence.

"Good", the teacher said. "So, you are gathered here today to meet our Elites".

Excitement filled the room.

Who wouldn't? It's the Elites of course! Ang pinakamagaling na team sa mga rangers. They get to see and go to places that average rangers can't.

"This is so exciting!", Clovis said. "I wish we could be one of them someday!"

"You wish!", sabat nang isang ranger sa likod namin. Not sure kung sa aling team siya na belong. "Ang hirap na ngang i-survive tong training, maging Elite pa kaya".

"He's not talking to you so shut up", inis na sabi ni Alouette sa kanya. Binalingan niya nang tingin si Clovis, "It might be difficult but it's not impossible".

"I heard the benefits are great", sabi ni Zinnia. "Probably because sa kanila naka-aasign ang pinakamahirap at pinakadelikadong mga missions".

"And that just means you're one of the best", Clovis said, his eyes twinkling.

We all got quiet as the teacher announced that the Elites are coming.
There were ten of them. They have the same black uniforms that we wore on our hands-on lessons outside the dome, except that, there is a gold lining on the shoulders. The mark of their greatness.

Umupo sila mga silyang nakahilera sa likuran ng teacher na nagsasalita kanina. I recognized the intimidating man sa pantry. And seated next to him is...

"I can't believe this", it was Aloutte's voice.

"Surprise, Surprise!", sabi naman ni Cassius.

"No wonder she got those skills", Clovis said with admiration.

"Yeah, no wonder", I said. It was Orielle! If she was with them, then that only means she's an Elite as well.

"Wow!", that was all others could say as they realize this as well.

"Do you know that she'a one of them?", Aloutte asked Tarquin who was seated next to her. He did not say anything the whole time we were there.

He was shocked with the question. "Uhhhmm, I just guessed so", he said uncomfortably, not meeting Aloutte's eye.

Aloutte raised her eyebrows. She was about to say something, probably to ask more, but stopped when she realized that the teacher was already introducing the Elite's captain.

"Larkin Weaskeall!"

Claps and cheers filled the room as the Captain stood up and got the mic from the teacher.

He raised his hand and everyone silenced. "Thank you", he started.

He got everyone's attention, listening to his every word as he describe to us what they have done so far. His voice is full of confidence and sure of every words that he says, there is authority in it.

He shared tips to survive training and even encouraged to do better. At the end of his speech, the claps, cheers and shouts were even louer and noisier that before.

"That was one great speech", Clovis said.

"Yeah, can you imagine we will get a chance to work with them?", Cassius said excitedly.

Tapos na nag meeting namin with the Elites and we are back in our classroom but none us have been able to move on from the experience yet.

"So", natahimik kaming lahat. "How was the meeting with the Elites?", tanong ni Prof Samuel. There was amusement in his voice.

"They're amazing", Clovis.

"Of course they are. They're not called Elites for nothing", Prof Samuel said proudly. "If you'll do your best, perhaps, you could be one of them someday".

Clovis just got giddier as he heard this.

"Anyways, you have a new classmate", he said.

We gave him a questioned look.

"No way!", Cassius said.

"Yes, way!", Sir Samuel answered. He looked at the door. "Come in!"

It was Tarquin.

He smiled shyly at us and went to sit on Orielle's chair. Cassius gave him a thumbs up as he settled on his chair.

"You probably already know what happened to Tarquin's team. So, he will be joining you, guys. Though, there maybe different activities given to him, he will be staying in your bunkhouse and maybe, join your classes sometimes", Prof Samuel said.

We went hone to our bunkhouse that day with Tarquin, his things already parked on the front door. We helped him settle his things while Holden cooked to welcome our new teammate.

"Wow!", namamangha niyang sabi nang makita niya ang niluto ni Holden.

"Dig in!", Holden said, satisfied with Tarquin's reaction.

"Wag ka nang mahiya", sabi ni Zinny. Siya na ang naglagay nang pagkain sa plato ni Tarquin tila nahihiya pa.

"Ang sarap kaya magluto ni Holden", sabi ni Cassius.

"Thank you", Tarquin said, shyly.

He started to eat and nodded, approving of Holden's cooking. "This is way better than the food at the pantry".

"We know, right", Chava said. We all nodded.

"So, anong ibig sabihin ni Prof na may ibang activities na naka-assign sa yo?", tanong ni Aloutte.

"I'm not sure", Tarquin said in between bites. "Pero sabi ni Prof Samuel, the Elites needs someone like me, so baka isasama nila ako sa ilang mga missions nila. I will join their training tomorrow and if nagustuhan nila performance ko, they will let me tag along".

"Really?", it was Clovis who reacted first. "Man, you are so lucky. Getting to work with the Elites".

"Someone like you?", questioned Aloutte, her eyebrows raised.

Tarquin blushed. "It's what Larkin, I meant Captain Larkin said. He didn't really explain anything what exactly I will be doing with them, but I suspect Orielle have something to do with it".

"So, Orielle is really one of the Elites, right?", Brick asked.

"Yeah, I just learned that she's the poison extractor of the team, and sort of like a vice captain".

"Really", I asked, I surprised.

"Yeah, there is really no such title but I just observed when I was with them the other day that she was the one who gives orders and everything when the captain was not there".

"Wow!", we all said.

"Not just any Elite, huh", Holden said.

Tarquin nodded. "She's amazing!"

*************************

Wow!

Yan lang masasabi ko.

Just WOW!

xoxo,
vampig30