Academy of Elements: Earth

Chapter 37: Broken Ground

I wake in the hospital wing and am released minutes later. No serious or lasting injuries were sustained despite some bruises and tender spots. My left eye is stained purple from Nora's finishing blow and sore to the touch. I had slept through the night, my body repairing the burns and cuts until the sun had woken me up.Standing in my bedroom I get dressed quickly throwing a black hoodie and ripped black jeans. I run my hand through my hair pop a piece of gum in my mouth and leave my room. Sun shines through the clouds, water collected on the floor shines, reflecting the sky above. Nora stalks past me flat out ignoring me and entering her room. I spiral down the staircase exiting into the common room, frogs croaking noisily. Chelsea, Leo, and Mackenzie smile at me as I sit beside them at a picnic table, waiting for Cassian and Jessie to join us.
"How are your injuries?" I ask nobody in particular.
"Your girlfriend kicked me into a tree and I now have a full back of purple." Mackenzie snorts.
I raise my brow. Nobody knew besides the Gifted Six... Meaning as of now it was all for nothing...
Chelsea points to her arm, a long bandage stretching over it.
"The Water Elemental did this to me."
Leo shrugs. "I got some bruises here and there.
"Cassian and Jessie soon join us, Cassian sporting a broken arm and Jessie showcasing a swollen lip.
"Damn we look good." The Water girl had mused as we passed through the gate into the village.
I smile faintly as the crisp autumn breeze blows leaves from the warm coloured trees. They dance in the air before flowing to the ground, twisting and turning in the wind. The sun slowly starts its descent from the sky, the days becoming shorter and shorter.
We walk under an arch between two buildings entering into the cobblestone courtyard. Clothe lines hang between buildings, birds perching on them and singing peacefully. I enter through the glass door stepping into the restaurant.
There were two restaurants and one cafe in the village. The village itself was around the same size as the one at the Academy though more spaced out. It is curved around the glistening lake, the two restaurants on either side. This one sits in the center of the town, looking towards the forest in the back of the large cavern, whereas the more modern outdoors restaurant. We pass through the restaurant, the waitress showing us to the balcony.
Ferry lights hang from the banisters shining like stars. The coniferous tree's in the back sway gently rising until they hit the edge of the cave.
We are served our dinner thirty minutes later, the six of us laughing heartedly. I end up getting a salad with some quinoa and grilled mushrooms, eating quickly since I hadn't eaten all day. Once we finish dinner however we decide to loop around the lake trail.
The sky is painted like the autumn tree's, reds and oranges mixing together as the sun sets.
"I'm not mad that we didn't win." I look to Leo who had said it.
"Really?" I question.
"You know, I'm not either." Mackenzie sighs. "It would have been nice but..."
Chelsea smiles. "I mean we started out rough but I think we finally work together well."
"Yeah." Jessie laughs.
I smile at my friends. 

There were two more classes until Easter break and I was praying the lord above they would pass smoothly. I change quickly in the locker room, the scent of sweat filling the air like the steam from the showers. Walking out of the change room I spot Nora walk out of the girls change room in a tight fitting top and shorts. Adverting my eyes from her I circle around Mr. Salas who leads a quick stretch before sending us out for a run. I loop around the training area, salt sticking to my brow as I go. I finish my 25 laps first, drinking deeply from my water bottle once done.