Chapter 5

The four elementals exchanged glances. They all expected the threat to be something larger, but it was still large enough to create a dilemma. They knew it was their moral duty to minimize the loss of human lives, and every single life counted. But sparing his life by joining the transients would be disposing of their duty altogether.

The transient gloated over their indecision, and broke the silence. "It shouldn't be too hard, should it? It's just one human being. You barely even know him!"

Steel knew it wasn't the Transients' nature to do unreasonable and fruitless killing. "If you are doing this for amusement's sake, I hope you realise by now that we refuse to entertain you."

The transient smiled a defeated smile. "Quite right, Steel. And yet you amuse me. Your elemental resilience and resolve is the only reason you're still here. Something we could learn from." She snapped her fingers, releasing Hooba from stasis. He stirred and moaned a little.

"And we, from your organized system," Steel commented sarcastically. Sapphire smiled, and looked from Steel to the transient. "Which is why we would work best as rivals."

The transient's smile never faltered. "Till we meet again." And there she vanished.

They heaved a sigh of relief. They were spared. For now.

Hooba finally managed to stand upright, feeling lost and disgruntled from the bump on the side of his head. Sapphire motioned towards him and greeted him first with a kiss on the cheek. Instantly, Hooba could feel the pain being soothed and begin to subside. "Thank you for saving us, Mr Hooba." she said to him. Hooba was too dazed and mesmorised by Sapphire to speak. Before he could even think of a response, Sapphire turned and exited the cafe. Steel and Silver followed, leaving Mercury with Hooba.

"Oh it's you!" Hooba gasped, relieved to see a familiar face. "What... what happened? Who are those people? And... where is the room?"

"They're acquaintances I'm glad to have back. And the room is back where it belongs."

"Oh good."

"I have another piece of good news for you," Mercury smiled and leaned over to whisper in his ear, "You have this place free-of-charge."

Hooba's eyes widened. "You mean that?" He turned to face him, but there was nothing left in his place but empty air.

THE END