Episode 3

                                            Earth Village

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“It’s not likely to change no matter how much you stare at it.” Katlyn

says.

“I know. I just don’t know what I should do.” Wenn says as he turns

to look at Katlyn.

“You should listen to your heart; allow it to guide you when you’re

unsure. After all your heart is what knows you the best.” Flora

says as she cheerfully walks into the tavern.

“I’m happy that I signed up. I think this will turn out to be a great

challenge for me.” Katlyn says as she walks by with another tray of

empty dishes.

“Argo was the first to sign up he’s always so bold; He never backs down

from a challenge, does he?” Flora says

“You do know the guards doing the testing will be here in the early

morning hours. They are also likely to start the tests right away. We

should all be resting. Argo says as he’s on his way out.

“I suppose you’re correct.” Katlyn says

Wenn signs the sheet. They all head to their homes. The morning comes

rather quickly as the echoing sound of the guard’s horn sounds off

through the many trees. The villagers gather around in a crowd.

“Argo Grin, Katlyn Peers, Flora Blooms, and Wenn winters; could the four of

you step forward? There are five tests you have to complete you will

gain a score for each, those who score at our set goal or higher will

continue on with us to become castle guards, now let’s begin.”

Ari says.

They each take the tests, once each of them finishes Captain and Ari go

over the scores.

“Based on the scores each of you placed Argo Grin and Flora Blooms will be

continuing on along with us. Please get some rest we leave at dawn.”

Captain says then walks away.

“Good luck becoming castle guards you two.” Katlyn smiles at them.

“Study hard guys.” Wenn says

“Don’t be sad Wenn you will find what you’re destined for soon, just keep

following your heart.” Flora says to him with her same cheerful

smile.

At dawn, they start on their way to the water village.

                                                    

                                             Water Village

                                                    

“Spanx Where do you think you’re headed this late at night?” Mila asks

as she walks out of the dark room.

“I couldn’t sleep so I thought I would go for a walk, see the moon and

maybe practice using the Air Element.” She says with a quiet

voice.

“Air; what have I told you about that? This is the water village you

shouldn’t use the air element here if someone was to see you…”

“It would cause a village rampage and then there would be a lot of

questions and I would be putting myself in danger, so I shouldn’t

use the air element.” Spanx finishes the statement.

“Spanx, I’m only hard on you because I’m trying to keep you safe.” Mila

says

“I promise you that I’m careful every time I go and practice using the

air element. May I please go now?” she says with a pouting face.

“Just be sure that you are completely alone.”

“Thank you.” Spanx says excitedly then heads out.

She walks slowly so she doesn’t disturb anything or make a lot of

noise. As she goes to turn the corner she sees someone standing by

the wall. She takes a step back but misplaces her foot and crushes a

clay vase.

“Owe.”

“Who’s there? Show yourself.”

“Sorry it’s just me. I didn’t know anyone one was still awake.”

The two walk closer to each other

“Is that you Spanx?”

“Hi, Maxen.”

“You’re hurt.” Maxen says pointing at her foot.

“Oh, No it’s just a scratch.”

“Allow me to look at it.”

Before she can start to reply he’s already taken hold of her hand, leading

her over to a large rock. She sits down and he looks at her ankle.

“This is definitely worse than just a scratch you know?”

“Really it’s ok. I’ll be fine.”

“Why are you even out here this late and alone for that matter?” he

looks at her.

“I couldn’t sleep, but you know I could ask you the same question.”

“Ok, well I was out here to sign the sheet to try to become a castle

guard.”

“Really; well you would make a good castle guard.”

“You really think so? I just figured because it was for a good cause I

would give it a try.” He says then he sits next to her.

“Yes, I do for one your gentle while taking care of others and you are

smart… and well… so who else signed up?” Spanx stands up

quickly and goes over to the sheet.

“Wow only four people; well if it’s for a good cause I will sign up

too.” She signs the sheet.

“I guess this makes us competitors now.” He stands next to her.

“Why competitors?” she asks with a little confusion.

“It’s a joke Spanx; lets both do our best on the tests they give us.” He

lightly pats her on the shoulder.

“I agree.” She smiles

“We should head back we’ll need to be well rested for the tests as

well. I’ll walk you home; keep you from getting hurt again.”

Maxen says as he gives a small smile.

They quietly walk to Spanx’s house.

“Thank you Maxen.”

“You’re welcome even though there’s no need to thank me.” He says

“Have a goodnight.”

She goes inside. Once he’s completely out of sight she leaves the house

once again. She makes it to her secret spot. She practices using

water and air.

The sound of the guard’s horn wakes her up.

“Morning already?” she sits up then rubs her eyes as she lets out a yawn.

“oh…no.” she gets to her feet as quickly as she can and runs back to the town

she’s able to make it into the crowd making sure no one seen her

direction of travel.

“The five sign-ups are Zena Fli, Specura Smiles, Case Biel, Maxen Blue,

and Spanx Rivers; if you could step forward.” Ari

The five make their way to the front of the crowd.

“There are five tests, let’s begin.” Captain says

Zena stands next to Spanx.

“I saw you last night.” Zena leans over just enough to whisper her

comment to her.

“I have no idea what you talking about.” Spanx says as she takes a

step to the side.

“You were with Maxen late at night; with the moonlight shining over you.

You did seem to be getting a little cozy together.”

“If you say so Zena, it must be true.” Spanx give a half smile.

“So you’re admitting to it?”

“Well it’s my turn to try these tests.” Spanx walks over to the testing

place. With her being the last to take the tests, Captain and Ari

look over the scores.

“Are those scores correct?” Ari asks surprised by the results.

“Yes they are as you see.”

“We will be taking three of the testers from this village the scores that

where posted above the expected. Maxen Blue, Specura Smiles, and

Spanx Rivers. The three of you will need to be ready to leave at

first light we head back to the castle.” Ari says then walks away.

“Good job and good luck guys, you’ll be great castle guards.” Case

“Thanks, let’s just hope that the training is like those tests.” Maxen

“Thank you Case.” Specura gives him a hug.

“Everyone did a great job on the tests but thank you Case.” Spanx follows as

everyone goes inside the restaurant.

“Are you really that clumsy that you got hurt during the tests? You’re

leavening blood everywhere Spanx.” Zena points at the floor.

Everyone’s eyes follow the blood droplets that lead to Spanx.

“Did you really get hurt during the tests?” Specura

“Are you alright Spanx?” Case

“Oh no, this is just a scratch it happened last night, but really I’m

alright is there a cloth I’ll clean up the mess I made.”

“Why didn’t you re-wrap it before the tests?” Maxen

“To be honest I didn’t really feel it was necessary. It wasn’t

bleeding and it still isn’t hurting.”

“Would you like me to re-wrap it for you?” Maxen asks as he steps forward.

“Oh please, why don’t you just take her to a bedroom Maxen?” Zena

says with an irritated tone.

“Here allow me to help.”

Everyone turns to the unexpected voice at the door way.

“Who are you?” Zena asks.

“My name is Rexen.” He walks over to where Spanx sit’s.

“Um… this really isn’t necessary; after all it’s only a scratch.”

Spanx

“Well it looks pretty bad from where I stand.” Syi

Rexen kneels. He places his hand over the wound lightly. He looks up at

her; she’s already looking at him. Then he gets to his feet.

“You will need to rinse that with some water, but it shouldn’t bleed

anymore.” Rexen says as he turns.

“Thank you.” She says questioningly.

“No need to thank me.” Rexen says without turning around he leaves.

“What was up with that? You have never acted like that before; are you

feeling ok?” Zora asks as she follows after him.

“I feel fine… they were just being obnoxiously loud.” Rexen

“Sure that’s why the two of you were gazing at each other, but to keep

things peaceful let’s just agree that I believe you.”

Everything settles down after everyone went home. The village sleeps.

Spanx sits up in her bed she looks out the window. Unable to fall asleep

she heads towards the door.

“Spanx, I know I cannot make you stay, but while you’re at the castle and

even on the journey to the castle please be careful. Keep yourself

protected.” Mila steps out of the darkness.

“I will be ok. I promise to be as careful as I can.”

Mila gives a sad smile.

“I promise to write to you every chance I get. I will even do my best to

visit you if I have the chance.” Spanx smiles back.

“I’m so proud of you; you have grown into a wonderful young lady.”

Spanx hugs Mila then she walks out the door. She leans against it once it’s

latched closed. With a sigh, she makes on her way to her secret place

for one last practice. Making sure she’s alone she makes her stance

to start. She goes to use air first but instead she somehow uses

fire. Confused by what she just did she puts out the fire as quickly

as she can. She takes a seat along with a deep breath as she calm’s

herself down.

“It’s just like the time I was a child the incident with the air village

visitor. Why does this keep happening to me?”

She wakes up to the echoing of the guard’s horn.

“I fell asleep out here again?” she runs back as fast as she can.

“Spanx; I’m over here.” Mila calls to her

Spanx makes her way over to her.

“Here take this with you; it shall bring you courage and luck. She places

it into the palm of her hand.

“This is my name.” she looks up at Mila.

“It was with you when I found you in the barn.”

“Thank you.”

They share one last hug.

“Ok it is time to move out we have a long trip ahead of us.” Captain

says with a loud voice.

Spanx joins the others. All together they start towards the castle. Spanx

looks back one last time to see Mila waving. With a smile, she waves

back.

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