Chapter 21 Water Challenge

The next day, Prince Eaux cleared his throat and took the mike. “Good morning to everyone and welcome to this year's Eullenuum Nation Tradition!”

Everyone applauded while the others shouted and I just looked at the oversized oval and my heart started beating fast with nervousness so I held my chest.

Suddenly someone tapped me on the shoulder so I turned to see who it was. “Yani, are you okay?” Femme asked.

“Ah yes. Uhm, just a little nervous,” I replied.

“Don’t worry Yani. We can do this,” she smiled at me.

I smiled back.

“Without further ado, let the TOURNAMENT BEGIN!!”

All members who will participate in each challenge from each cabin gathered. Each group made a line and for us, I was at the front of the line.

“Before we start, there are certain rules and regulations in each challenge but we formulated three main rules for the whole event...” said Prince Eaux.

“First, there are no weapons or gadgets that you will bring with you in the challenges until the facilitator has told you so. Second, you're not allowed to substitute a player. If he or she is the player on the first challenge, he or she will also be the player of the second challenge. Lastly, no one should be cheating and violating a single rule that the facilitator had said. Anyone who is caught doing it, will be disqualified for the whole challenge. Are we clear?” he asked.

“YES!” we all answered.

“Okay. So for our first challenge for today is the Water Challenge and will be facilitated by yours truly,” said Prince Eaux.

“For the instructions, it will be very exciting. The field is full of geysers and we all know what are geysers, right? Hot steam comes out of the field. All you need to do is to avoid these geysers because of course, you don't want to be burned and even though it is hot, it's still water so fire people don't have the advantage. So choose your players wisely.”

There are assigned areas for each group and they are all under the bleachers. We went to our “base” and saw Hera looking at the field.

Suddenly there was a boiling geyser coming out from underground and I could see the concern on her face because she had a big disadvantage as a metal girl. But she did not complain when we put her in this challenge. She knows in herself that she is a gymnast and I believe she can do it.

I put my hand on her shoulder so she turned to me. “It's okay. You can handle that. You’re good at this,” I told her and smiled.

She smiled back but immediately the worry returned to her face. “But what if I lose?”

“Hera, don't think about that,” I said immediately. “Win or lose what’s important is you are safe and you enjoy this challenge, okay?”

Now, she smiled happily at me. “Okay.”

“Time's up. The chosen players, please go to your places while the rest of your teams go to their assigned bleachers.”

We immediately went to the bleachers where we were supposed to be while the players were positioned at the starting line.

“WHOOH HERA! KAYA MO YAN! (YOU CAN DO IT!)” Femme shouted.

“Femme, it hasn't started yet. Excited?” said Kyrie.

“Yes, I'm really excited! Hehe,” Femme replied happily.

“Okay folks. The first water challenge is about to start on my count. 3... 2... 1—”

BANG! The signal sounded and the players immediately ran.

“WHOOH! LET'S GO HERA! GO HERA GO,” shouted Femme.

“KAYA MO YAN HERA! (YOU CAN DO IT HERA!)” Donna shouted.

God, the race is really scary. It’s because while they are running, they don't know that what they stepped on is a geyser. Seriously, the first challenge is already difficult, how about the second challenge? Thinking about it, I started to get nervous.

Hera runs and does her best to avoid the geysers by jumping and tumbling and most of the time, she is almost hit by hot steam. There was even one time when she took another step then suddenly,

Boogsh! “KYAAHH!!” Femme and Donna shouted.

A geyser came out a few inches away from where she was standing. Sh*t. I'm cursing words while watching this game. Scary.

Femme and Donna, on the other hand, are just shouting and people are looking at them. I don't know if it was the loudness of the shout or because they could not understand what they were saying. Maybe they have in mind that they are using alien language.

“This is deafening,” Kyrie complained while scratching her ear.

“Well at least they are supportive,” said Jessy.

“Pssh,” Kyrie rolled her eyes.

The race was finished and…

“Okay. That's the end of the first challenge and we have our top 5 players who will continue to the next challenge. Sorry for those who came last. I'll give the players 5 minutes to rest,” said Prince Eaux.

Thank goodness she was in the top 5. All the players ran back to their team. We immediately went down to meet Hera. We made her sit down to rest and gave her a bottle of oil. She’s a metal girl.

“You’re so great Hera! You are the first one to get to the finish line,” said Femme with a thumbs-up to her.

“Thank you. This is also because of your support. I heard your screams,” and smiled at Femme.

“Hehe. Is it that loud?” Femme scratched her head at the same time.

“Well at least our voices are not wasted,” said Donna.

“Yes. I am more inspired to play because of you guys,” said Hera.

“That’s nice to hear,” said Femme.

“Time check, 1 minute left,” announced by Prince Eaux.

“Oh. It looks like the next challenge will start soon. Thank you for the oil,” said Hera and she got up and was about to leave but I immediately grabbed her by the shoulder so she stopped and turned to me.

“Yani. Uhm why?”

I was a little surprised by what I did. “Huh? Uhm I mean… aren't you nervous for this next challenge?” I asked nervously.

“I am nervous. Especially since I don’t know what will happen,” she replied.

“Oh is that so uhm well… uuhhh,” I whispered to myself. “…what is it that I’m supposed to say again?”

Due to nervousness, I no longer knew what I was saying. I know I am the team leader and I have a responsibility to this team and I should encourage them. Because of the thought, I didn’t realize that she held my hand. She smiled at me too.

“Thank you so much Yani for all you did to me. Don't worry. I will remember what you said and I will never lose hope.”

I was slightly surprised and smiled as well. “Ah hehe. That's what I'm going to say. Alright good luck.”

She smiled back. You know guys, this robot girl is beautiful every time she smiles.

“Okay. Time's up. May I call all the players to come back here on the grounds.”

“I’ll be going. Bye bye,” and Hera ran away.

When she was on the grounds, “Yani, what is that for?” Jessy asked.

I looked at her. “Uhm isn't that what a leader should do to her comrades?”

They looked at each other.

“Aww. Our leader is sweet,” Jessy commented. “Do the same for us later okay?”

“Of course,” I replied.

“I want you to give me words of wisdom later,” Kyrie said.

“Words of wisdom? What is that?” Jessy asked.

“None of your business,” Kyrie replied.

“Hmph.”

We also went back to the bleachers and saw that the grounds had changed. There is a big thing in the middle of it. A stage?

“As for our second challenge, again simple instructions. Just impress me with your moves whatever genre of music is that. In short, players will dance in front of everybody in this event. A maximum of only 2 minutes. I'll just give you 5 minutes to conceptualize some moves, no more, no less. No coaching,” said Prince Eaux.

I'm surprised. But not just me, everyone here too.

“Shacks dancing is Hera's second challenge?” Kyrie asked.

“Isn't it that she’s not good at dancing?” Femme asked.

We looked at each other.

“I knew that something like this is coming,” Jessy said.

“Oh my God! What will happen then?” Donna panicked. “What are we going to do? Yani?”

Everyone looked at me but I was still shocked because I could not believe that dancing was the second challenge. It’s Hera's weakness. It’s okay that the first challenge is a race full of geysers because she is good at gymnastics but out of all the challenges for the second challenges, why does it have to be dancing?

“Hey Yani,” Flare tapped me on the shoulder at the same time which surprised me because of the heat.

“Huh? Ah why?” I just went back to reality.

“Didn't you hear? The second challenge is dancing and that is Hera’s weakness. What are we going to do?” Kyrie asked.

“Ahh. Uhm well... uhh...” I stuttered. I tried to calm down. “Maybe all we can do is trust her?”

“But she might get embarrassed. Can we substitute her?” Donna is still panicking.

“It’s already stated in the rules that we cannot,” said Flare.

“Yeah I said that,” Donna said.

“Why does it have to be a surprise in the first place?” Kyrie said irritably.

“Why won’t you all calm down? You panic like you’re the player for this challenge. Yani has already told us to trust Hera and you are all still complaining. Don't you trust her?” Callie said in a cold tone.

We all fell silent and were surprised at the same time looking at her.

“Hey she has a point guys,” Jessy said.

“That’s right. There is nothing we can do,” said Donna.

“No there is. There is something we can do,” said Femme and faced the grounds. “YOU CAN DO IT HERA! WIN OR LOSE, YOU ARE STILL THE BEST!” Femme shouted.

They looked at each other again and smiled.

“Of course. We forgot Yani's words of wisdom,” said Kyrie.

“Right. Let's trust Hera,” said Donna.

I looked at them then looked to the front.

When we found out what the first challenge was, we should have put Jessy but because she had a challenge that she really wanted to join, we changed it and thought of Hera since she’s a gymnast. We know it's dangerous but it's okay with her but why didn't we think that her second challenge could be dancing, that is her weakness…

…but I know Hera can handle that.

“Okay 5 minutes is up. May I call the first player from the Water cabin,” said Prince Eaux.

A water girl came out and she started dancing while bending the water. Everyone applauded for her. Mostly everyone does that. As they dance, they control the element they can control while dancing.

“…and last but not the least, let's call on the player from Yani's team.”

It took a while before Hera came out of the back stage and after she came out, we were all surprised by what she was wearing.

“Oh God! Is she going to dance ballet?!” Donna asked in shock.

“Actually girl, the question is she’s dancing ballet?” Jessy said. “Didn't she say she didn't know how to dance?”

“It's not because she's wearing a ballet outfit, she's going to dance ballet,” Kyrie replied. “You know what you should say, Hera is smart because of everything she thought, she chose ballet because isn't that also close to gymnastics?”

“Ah— oh you’re right. You have a point girl. Hera is smart,” said Jessy.

“Okay. Before you start, I just want to clarify…” said Prince Eaux. “…are you a metal person?”

Hera didn’t say a word but nodded as a reply. The other audience was mostly surprised and started to whisper.

“Okay, interesting. Please start,” said Prince Eaux.

(Music Now Playing: Iris by The Goo Goo Dolls)

“And I'd give up forever to touch you, 'cause I know that you feel me somehow. You're the closest to heaven that I'll ever be, and I don't wanna go home right now… “

We cannot speak here of what we are seeing right now. We know she is good at gymnastics but who would have thought that she’s also good at something else? We thought she really didn't want to dance but what's the meaning of this Hera? Isn't ballet a dance?

“And all I can taste is this moment, and all I can breathe is your life. When sooner or later it's over, I just don't want to miss you tonight…”

We were all speechless here and really amazed because it was like we were watching a ballet performance.

“HEY LOOK, IT'S HERA THE NERD! WHAT ARE YOU DOING WEIRDO?! METAL PEOPLE CANNOT DANCE BALLET!” shouted by a woman. We were all surprised and looked at the screamer. Shacks. I remember those women when I was toured in the Metal Cabin.

“YEAH. YOU SUCK AT THIS! YOU WILL JUST LOSE!” another shouted.

Donna suddenly stood up. “God those witches! Who are they to say that hah?! What do they want, a fight? Game!” Donna said angrily.

“Donna just calm down. We don’t want to make a scene,” I said.

“No Yani! When I get angry, I will throw huge stones at their faces!” Donna replied. I just kept quiet. She’s such a sadist.

I just looked at Hera who is still dancing but the sadness and shame was obvious on her face. Just endure it a little more Hera. The song is about to end.

“And I don't want the world to see me, 'cause I don't think that they'd understand. When everything's made to be broken, I just want you to know who I am…”

At the end of the chorus, she would have taken a step but she tripped but before she landed...

…she made a spin suddenly, turned around and landed on her feet and made a split. She immediately stood up and bowed.

We all fell silent, AS IN ALL AUDIENCES FELL SILENT… even her own bullies.

There was an awkward silence when,

CLAP! CLAP! CLAP!

“WHOOH! GO HERA!” Donna shouted as a reason to break the silence. “HAH! WHERE ARE YOU NOW WITCHES!” I just laughed at what she shouted.

“Whooh! You really are great Hera!” Femme shouted and then she also applauded.

I applauded and everyone applauded. Hera lifted her body and there was a look of shock on her face but even though she was tired, she smiled.

“That was splendid, Miss Challenger,” said Prince Eaux. “May I call all the challengers to the stage to announce our winners.”

All the challengers climbed up. “But before I do start, I would just like to call those two women who just shouted mean things a while ago. Kindly stand up to be recognized.”

Everyone fell silent but no one stood up.

“I repeat, calling the two women who just shouted MEAN THINGS A WHILE AGO, KINDLY STAND UP!” Prince Eaux repeated but now he said it full of authority and threat.

No one is still standing and the whole area is quiet. “I'm pretty sure it came from the Metal Cabin group so stand up!” said Prince Eaux again.

The metal people started whispering but no one really stood up.

“Okay. If that is all you want, on my count of three and no one will still stand up, after this event I will make sure that there will be no supply of oil at your cabin.”

They were surprised by what he said and began to panic.

“1… 2…”

Suddenly two metal girls stood up. “It's us! We're the ones who shouted!” shout of the two women.

Prince Eaux looked at the two very seriously. “It's not stated in the rules to refrain from shouting and I wouldn't mind if you were cheering for your comrade but you two didn't. What you two said just made me think how disgraceful you are. Next time, think about what you will shout out loud first before you move your mouth, understand?!” full of authority he says.

The two metal girls immediately nodded. They are about to sit down,

“I'm not done yet…” said Prince Eaux so they stood up again. “Aes, call on the metal guards and make sure those two are not in this event as their punishment. Besides, they don't have any sportsmanship in them.”

“Understood,” Prince Aes replied and he called the guards.

After that, the audience was silent.

“Okay. So where were we? Ah yes. Let's go back to the challenge,” said Prince Eaux who broke the silence. “So I'll just announce the top 3 for today's water challenge.”

“3rd place goes to the.... Fire Cabin…”

Everyone applauded after he said that.

“2nd place goes to the.... Water Cabin…”

Everyone applauded again.

“And for the 1st place, congratulations to the player... in Yani's team.”

My eyes widened and the people applauded.

“KYAAAHHH!!” Femme and Donna shouted as they jumped for joy.

I looked at Hera who was also shocked but she immediately wondered.

“That’s all for today’s Water Challenge. Thank you for participating,” concluded Prince Eaux.

The players returned to their respective groups and we went down immediately to greet Hera. She was already walking towards us but there was no sign of joy on her face.

“HERA! YOU WON!” Femme greeted happily.

“Yeah,” Hera forced a smile.

“You don't seem happy girl. You ranked first in the challenge!” Jessy said happily.

“Ah I am happy. I'm just thinking of something,” Hera replied.

“Let me guess, your metal bully girls?” Donna replied. “Oh Hera, they deserve that. Their punishment should be that they should be killed forever.” I was a little scared when she said that. She is really angry.

“Uhm actually it’s not about them it’s just uhm… nevermind,” said Hera.

Donna raised her eyebrow. “Whatever it is, think about it later. We should celebrate now,” she happily said.

“Let’s celebrate next time. There is still the next challenge,” said Kyrie.

“Don’t be a killjoy,” Donna said to Kyrie.

“Well that’s because she is the next player actually,” Jessy whispered to Donna.

“Oh, right. All right then. Next time it is. Let's go. Let's go back up,” said Donna.

We started going up.

“Congrats Hera. You see? You say your weakness is dance but you are actually good at ballet. Can you teach me?” I said and turned to face her but she was gone.

“Uhm, Hera?”

I saw her leave so I was surprised. Oh, where is she going without even telling us where?

Because curiosity attacked me, I followed her. I followed her secretly because she turns around just to make sure no one is following her. Why is it?

I peeked again but she was gone. I tried to find her and went around every corner. I was about to turn around when I heard a voice. I went back and saw two people talking. I immediately hid when I found out who they were.

“You're that metal girl in Yani's team right? What's your name?” Prince Eaux asked with a smile.

“Uhm uhh go-good morning. It's Hera, your highness,” Hera answered nervously while bowing.

“Ah yes, good morning to you too Hera. You have some courage to talk to me even though I'm a water person. So how may I help you?”

“Uhm first of all, I'm so sorry to disturb you, your highness…” Hera apologized.

“It's fine. I'm not the facilitator anymore,” replied Prince Eaux.

“Uhm well a-about the challenge a while ago, I just want to ask, why did I win in the second challenge if I wasn't really that good?” Hera asked.

Prince Eaux was surprised. “What are you talking about? That's rare for someone to ask like that. Why? You don't want that you won?”

“Uhm no no, your highness. That's not what I mean. It's just that... while I was watching the others dancing, I can say that they are far better than me and actually... the truth is, I'm not good at dancing and I'm thinking that maybe you just said that out of pity...” Hera asked shyly.

Prince Eaux paused for a moment at what Hera said. Really Hera? That dance is not good for you yet?

“Is that how you see it?” Prince Eaux's face and voice were full of disappointment which surprised Hera.

“Oh uhm I'm sorry. That's just what I think. I didn't mean to uhm… I didn’t mean...”

Prince Eaux just looked at her. “I don't know if you're just too humble to say those things because… damn!” he did not finish what he was going to say because he suddenly blushed so he covered his mouth and avoided looking at Hera.

Hera was surprised by his reaction but when I saw his reaction… hmmm… I smell something… fishy.

Hera started to panic. “I'm really sorry! I shouldn't have said that! I should have thought first of what I will say before I moved my mouth—”

Prince Eaux chuckled causing Hera to stop and look at him and also Hera… she blushed!

“I'm not angry at what you said,” Prince Eaux smiled. “I guess you really are a humble person. If you just saw my reaction when you were dancing, I thought you were a performer.”

Hera was surprised by what Prince Eaux said. “Your moves were so graceful and I'm impressed knowing the fact that you're a metal person. I've never seen any metal person that can perform what you just did a while ago,” he added.

Hera listened quietly to him while Prince Eaux smiled at her again.

“You know, after I saw you dancing, even though that was just 2 minutes of the competition, I was so inspired that I thought I also want to dance on that same stage… with you.”

Hera and I were surprised because of the last words he said. Prince Eaux was also surprised to realize what he had said.

“I-I mean… uhh uhm… to dance on the stage with uuhh… uhm well it's not like uhh…” Wow, first time. Prince Eaux is stuttering.

“Prince Eaux?” Hera called so he stopped.

“Yes?” he said in shock.

“Have you ever danced on a stage in front of the public?”

Prince Eaux stopped for a moment and the expression on his face changed when Hera asked that.

“The truth is, I don't perform in front of the crowd,” Prince Eaux answered honestly while looking at the floor. “Call me a coward but I'm just so afraid of what people might think of me especially that I'm a prince and most of them look up at me being the eldest in the eight of us. It's like they watch every move that I make.”

Wow. I only found that out just now. I know he doesn't dance in public but this is his reason why. Hera just stared at him.

“I feel you,” said Hera, which made Prince Eaux surprised while looking at her.

“You might think I'm a performer but I'm not…” Hera began. “…but I love ballet. Every day I always practice in a place where no one can see me. I never miss a single show on ballet if ever there are.”

Oh God. We don’t know that. We really thought she didn't want to dance. Wait, isn't ballet really a dance? You are so mysterious Hera.

“I'm always afraid to stand on a stage and perform in front of the public…” added Hera. “…but now I realize I was so grateful that I was the chosen player for this challenge because thanks to it, I was able to experience the dream of dancing on a stage in front of everybody.”

Prince Eaux just listens to every word Hera says.

“Frankly yes I was really nervous dancing a while ago but it was thanks to my friends, for their loud cheers that I was able to fulfill my dream.”

Hera suddenly smiled, which surprised Prince Eaux again. “Maybe that's what you need too. Don't worry, your highness. If other people will start to criticize you, I'll be there to cheer you on,” Hera said with a smile.

Prince Eaux was just stunned by her. There, proven guys that Hera is really beautiful every time she smiles because a handsome prince is fascinated by her beauty, right?

“I know I'm a metal person,” Hera added. “…and I'm all alone so I'm not enough and—”

“No,” Prince Eaux interrupted her. “You're enough.”

Hera fell silent after she said that. Shacks! I’m getting thrilled at what is happening to them.

Prince Eaux suddenly pulled out a handkerchief. “Can I borrow your hand?”

“Uhh... uhm...” Hera was a bit confused because she’s a metal girl and Prince Eaux is a water guy. Remember guys: water and metal cannot touch each other because metal people react to them which can damage them.

Prince Eaux smiled at her. “Don't worry, I won't hurt you.”

Hera was slightly surprised and just raised her hand. Prince Eaux wrapped the handkerchief on her hand and... and…

Oh shacks! And he KISSED the back of Hera's hand!

“This is the symbol of my token of gratitude for you for being my inspiration. I really am grateful to meet you Hera,” Prince Eaux said genuinely.

Hera was speechless and dumbfounded.

“Eaux! What's taking you so long?” said a voice from above that I think came from Prince Fuego.

“Be right there brother,” he looked back. “So mademoiselle, (French of 'milady')” and looked back at Hera while bowing in front of her like a real gentleman. “…till we meet again,” Prince Eaux said goodbye but he was not finished yet because he raised his head and winked at her.

Even though Hera was still in a 'state of shock', she still managed to nod.

Prince Eaux climbed up and Hera was still standing there while stunned by the handkerchief on her hand. I just stared at her while I was still hiding.

I did not expect this to happen. Oh how destiny can really make a story.

Even though Hera is a metal girl and Prince Eaux is a water person, they have some similarities and we saw the 'sparks' that happened to them, right? How will this continue?