Guardians of Elemental Magic (G.E.M.)

Chapter 7: The day after

A/N: Hello again everyone! I'm back with the next chapter, and yay, this is one of the longer chapters of my story. As usual, please rate and review so I can know what you guys think and what I can do to improve my story! Enjoy!

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Ruby's POV

The next morning, I woke up to the sound of knocking on my door. "Ruby, are you awake?" It was the voice of Marcus. I rubbed the sleep from my eyes and sat up in bed. I sighed as yesterday's events all came rushing back. The thing I feared most is already starting to happen. The Water and Fire kingdom have been battling for the past 100 years, but this was the first time the Fire kingdom wasn't able to push back the Water knights. I'm running out of time and I've only found one other gem so far. I sighed again, pushing back these thoughts.

"Yes," I answered. Marcus opened the door and came into my room. He was dressed in his usual floor-length red robe with flared sleeves, creating a striking contrast with his pale skin and short jet black hair. On the sleeves was a golden stripe that matched his golden sash around his waist, symbolizing his high status in the kingdom.

"Your Earth Kingdom friend from yesterday is downstairs. Should I tell him that you will be down soon?" my childhood friend asked.

I thought for a moment. "Why is he back so soon?"

"Apparently the section of the tunnel that leads to the Earth Kingdom is blocked by Water hunters," Marcus replied. "Seems like they've discovered our rebuilding of the tunnels."

"Hmm, I see. Tell the guards to wipe out the whole tunnel. We don't want the Water hunters using them to infiltrate our kingdom. And tell Austen I'll be down once I get ready," I told Marcus.

He nodded. "Of course," he said, and left my room.

I got out of bed and went to the bathroom to wash-up. I put on the gown that the maids had laid out for me last night. It was a red, off the shoulder gown with lace along the neckline. It had white jewels running up at random patterns from the bottom of the gown. I hated these gowns because it makes it hard to run and fight, but I'm forced to wear them within the castle. After I was done, the maids came in to do my hair and help me accessorize. Personally, I think they've dressed me up too much for simply meeting with Austen.

I entered the throne room where Austen was waiting. Everyone in the room bowed, Austen looked around before awkwardly lowering his head as well. I rolled my eyes in amusement. I stopped in front of Austen instead of sitting down on the throne. I always found the throne to be painfully uncomfortable.

"I heard Water hunters have flooded parts of the tunnel," I stated.

Austen chuckled, "Yeah, which is why I'm here!" I couldn't help but notice that he was staring at me with his mouth slightly opened.

"Sorry," I apologized. "They probably discovered it after conquering our southern borders. My soldiers are taking care of that as we speak. Once they're done, the tunnels will no longer exist. Would you like me to send someone to escort you to the Earth Kingdom?" I asked.

Austen was still staring at me and didn't answer. After a while he shook his head and said, "No, my visit can wait. I heard what happened last night...you okay?"

"Yes," I simply said, too distracted trying to figure out what to do next.

"You know, I've been wondering. Why are those tunnels still down there?" Austen asked, interrupting my thoughts.

Marcus looked at Austen with surprise and suspicion. "You knew about the tunnels?"

"I've heard of the elders mentioning them once. I'm part of the Earth council back in the Earth kingdom, and those tunnels were originally used to make it easier for the ambassadors of each kingdom to visit the other kingdoms for the annual meetings." He paused and looked at us with confusion. "But, I heard they've been destroyed since peace was lost in Neraida. So... why are they still here?" Austen's eyes flickered between mine and Marcus'.