Chapter 66 The Pit
THE FIFTH ELEMENT 🔥🌊🌪️⛰️🌀
Jake’s POV 🔥
“Well, I’m not going back,” Madeleine said, arms crossed. “I’m staying to help Cassie.”
“I’ll go back,” Phoebe said. “I’m faster than all of you. It makes sense for me to be in the group that leaves.”
“Me too,” Gia added. “You’ll need a guide.”
“Wait, what?” Madeleine frowned. “Gia, you’re supposed to stick with me! If you guide her back, who’s gonna guide us?”
“You’ve got the Earth element too, Maddie,” Gia said with a small smile. “Trust your instincts. Trust nature. I’m sure you’ll figure it out.”
Madeleine just sighed.
“I’m going too,” Greg chimed in. “Gotta keep the ladies safe.”
“I’m staying,” Sage said simply, glancing at me. I nodded.
“I’ve made a few friends here,” Damon said. “They’ll help us figure out where they’re keeping Cassie. So I’m staying too.”
I looked at Nick.
“I’ll go with them,” he said. I nodded.
“That means I’m staying with you guys,” Cara declared.
“No,” I said. “You’re going home with them. They’ll need you back at the Academy.”
“Wait, no. I’m staying, Jake.” She crossed her arms.
“You’re not staying, Cara,” I said firmly. “If they run into another monster on the way back, they’ll need extra help. That’s you.”
“Fine. Whatever,” she muttered. “You’re such a buzzkill.”
“Okay, then it’s settled,” I said. “Phoebe, Nick, Gia, Cara, and Greg—you’ll go back and warn everyone about the war. Make sure they start preparing, harder than before.
Damon, Sage, Madeleine, and I will stay back and get Cassie out of here.”
“Roger that, boss,” Damon said, rolling his eyes.
“Guys, don’t forget,” I added. “It’s all about teamwork. That’s how we win.”
They all nodded.
“Alright, we need to distract those guards again,” I said. “Damon, any ideas?”
He glanced at me and shook his head.
“I think I can help with that,” Sage said.
“You seriously think that trick you pulled last time will work on these guys?” Cara asked.
“It worked last time, didn’t it?” Sage said, stepping out into the open and heading toward the guards.
We all watched, ready to jump in if things went south.
It didn’t take long before the two guards turned and headed inside.
“That’s our cue,” I said. “Team Back-to-School, get moving.”
They slipped out through the gate without a sound.
Once they were gone, the rest of us melted into the crowd.
“Okay, Damon,” I said quietly. “Where are those friends of yours?”
“Follow me to the Pit,” he said, turning down a darker path.
We followed.
\---
Sage’s POV 🌊
When we reached what Damon called “the Pit,” we stayed in the shadows while he searched for his friends.
“This place is creepy and dirty,” Madeleine muttered. “I don’t like it here.”
“No one forced you to stay,” I said. “That was your choice.”
She sighed. “Right. My decision. Whatever.”
“So what’s the plan, Jake?” I whispered. “If Damon’s friends show up, then what?”
Madeleine shot me a look.
“Why are you whispering?” she asked.
“Because there are Air elementals around here,” I said quietly. “Sharp ears. I don’t want anyone eavesdropping.”
She nodded.
“Let’s just wait and see what Damon’s friends have to say first,” Jake replied.
The three of us stood in the corner when Damon appeared with three other guys.
“Yo, my friends,” Damon said, waving us over. “Let me introduce you to my other friends. Guys, meet these other guys. Other guys, meet guys.”
Typical Damon.
I couldn’t help it—a small smile slipped out.
“Hey,” I said.
“Hi,” Madeleine added.
Jake just nodded at them.
“Hey, tell them what you told me about the Fifth Element girl,” Damon said to one of the guys. “And how she’ll help us win the war.”
“Right,” the guy said. “There’s not much to say. I know we’ll win. Even if the girl doesn’t fight with us, she’ll be helping us one way or another.”
What did that mean?
“How so?” Jake asked. “I thought we needed her in the fight.”
“We do need her,” another guy said. “But not necessarily on the battlefield. Come on, we all know she won’t agree to fight with us while that stupid school still has its hold on her.”
Madeleine and I exchanged a look.
“Yeah, but what’s the plan if she doesn’t agree to help?” Jake pressed.
“And that, my brother, is still top secret,” the guy replied, grinning.
“I wonder where she is right now,” I said, shaking my head. “I’ve heard stories about her coming since I was a kid. I wish I could see her up close. Too bad I don’t know where they’re keeping her.”
“She’s not that special,” one of the guys said after a pause. “I haven’t even seen her use magic since she got here. She just eats our food and sleeps.”
“You’ve seen her?” I leaned forward. “You’ve actually seen her here? In person?”
“Yeah,” he said, puffing up a little. “A few times.”
“Do you think you could help us see her?” I asked.
“Yes, please!” Madeleine chimed in. “I really want to see her too.”
“I don’t know,” the guy hesitated. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“Please,” I said attempting to flirt the best I knew how. “Help some friends out.”
“I’d get in trouble if I did that,” he said.
“We’ll be careful,” I promised. “No one will get in trouble.” I touched his collar slightly. Hoping it works.
“Ummm Fine,” he muttered. “Okay, okay. Damn, I really need to learn to say no to ladies.”
“Can we see her right now?” I asked.
He sighed in defeat. “Come on. Follow me.”
We all stood up to follow him and he paused, "Whoa, hold up, I meant just the two ladies pals." He said to Jake and Damon. They both relaxed back on their seats.
He guided us as we left the Pit. Madeleine and I following closely behind him.
I glanced back at Jake and Damon. Both of them looked worried.
I guess they didn’t like the plan.
But it was our best shot.
~