The afternoon wore on, Terrmomix, Vexana, Son and Robertita continued having dinner. Terrmomix was telling how difficult the tests had been and how he almost lost.
Marco, Brandon, Jhonatan and Ben suddenly enter the cabin, the others turn to look at them. They walked to their rooms for their things.
Terrmomix tenses up, wants to say something but is afraid until he finally makes up his mind.
-Marco...
Marco stops and turns to him with a disgusted expression.
-We came for our things, we're not going to the academy so there's no point in staying here anymore.
Son spoke, feeling sad to hear that the first students were leaving.
-But...
He looks at them with disdain
-But what?, Do you want us to stay here while he goes to the academy?
Terrmomix stands up and carefully approaches.
-I could come visit them... We can be like before.
-The past is past and it won't come back. Don't you realize?. I hate you Terrmomix.
Something inside Terrmomix breaks, Son and Vexana don't understand why he said those words.
-What?...- His voice was low and trembling.
The other guys, after picking up their things, leave the cabin forever, Son wants to do something but knows she can't stop them.
Marco doesn't respond, his gaze shows no regret for his words, he heads to his room.
Everything falls silent, Terrmomix looks down at the floor, he can't do anything, he knows the whole friendship is over.
Marco comes out of his room with his things, walks to the door without saying anything.
-It wasn't my fault... I really didn't want that to happen...- Terrmomix said referring to César's death.
Marco stopped at the door.
-But he died because you were useless- He exclaimed in a serious voice without turning around.
Son and Vexana's expressions changed, knowing he was hurting Terrmomix.
Marco's presence became more murderous and threatening.
-Terrmomix... Ever since you joined everything changed, at first it was nice but then everything went to hell.
Tears streamed from Terrmomix's eyes, hurt by his words, he couldn't say anything, the words wouldn't come out.
Marco turned his head slightly to look at him over his shoulder.
-I don't know why but I feel like I want to kill you, I won't do it now but I'm going to destroy everything you love- Marco left the cabin without saying anything else.
Terrmomix stood paralyzed like the others, Vexana stood up and hugged him
-Don't believe him... He doesn't know what he said
Son stood up, hugged Roberta who didn't really understand everything.
-Calm down Terr. We're together and everything will be okay.- She said but deep down Marco's words had hurt her too.
That night no one slept, the silence was absolute, Terrmomix held back his tears, Vexana didn't know how to comfort him knowing this moment was hard for him.
A week passed since what happened, little by little they were forgetting about it but there were wounds that would never heal.
Terrmomix was in the backyard, sitting on the grass playing with Robertita.
-And the prince rescued the princess from the dragon- Terrmomix said as he hit the dragon plush with a wooden katana.
Robertita laughed and threw herself into his arms.
-Thank you for rescuing me from the dragon, Prince Terrmomix- Robertita's voice was small and childish
-You're welcome, that's what princes are for- He hugged her gently.
-Now let's eat the dragon- Robertita suggested.
-Huh?, I don't think it tastes very good.
Robertita grabbed the plush and bit it pretending to eat it.
-It tastes like dragon- She offered the plush for him to bite too.
With no other choice Terrmomix bit it too.
-Mmm... The dragon should know how to cook itself better, Don't you think?.
-Yes, let's cook it- She stood up enthusiastically from the ground and walked to the kitchen where Vexana was.
The two arrived at the kitchen, Vexana saw them come in, Robertita approached with her plush and held it out.
-Big sister, can you cook the dragon for us?.
Vexana looks confused.
-Cook it?.- She looks at Terrmomix trying to get him to explain
-Yes, Robertita and I want to eat the dragon.- Terrmomix jokes.
-Ahh I understand now. Okay, I'll cook it- Vexana plays along putting the plush in the pan on the fire.
Robertita waits excitedly. After a few minutes Vexana takes out the plush which had burned and turned black.
-Huh?, What happened to it?- Robertita asks.
-Oops... I think it got overcooked- Terrmomix said with a smile.
Robertita bit the plush.
-It tastes burnt and yucky.
Vexana gently takes the plush out of her mouth.
-Then it's better you don't eat it
Robertita puffs out her cheeks when they take the plush away. Terrmomix laughed at Roberta's sweetness.
Son appears at the kitchen door
-Terrmomix, come here.
All three looked at each other curiously but approached the table next to Son.
She puts a letter on the table.
-This came for you. It's from the academy.
Terrmomix was surprised, he looked at Vexana who smiled happily. He slowly picked up the letter and opened it.
He began to read the contents of the letter.
-Hello Terrmomix. This letter is to give you an important announcement from the academy.
In one year, on June 16th 2027, the academy doors will open and all selected candidates will enter there, please train until you master a technique so you don't fall behind.
Everyone was happy, glad for Terrmomix.
-It's amazing Terrmomix, we'll have to train twice as hard- Son said.
Terrmomix didn't smile because that wasn't all the letter said.
-Yes but... It also says here that I'll be living at the academy... I'll only have a few days to come visit you all.
Silence fell, it was a difficult decision for Terrmomix because he had no one else but them.
Vexana put her hands on Terrmomix's shoulder.
-Don't worry. It's not goodbye, when you come visit us we'll be waiting with open arms.
Robertita smiled agreeing with what Vexana said, as did Son. Terrmomix felt more calm.
-You're right, I'll see you all again from time to time.
-Yes, plus this is an opportunity you can't turn down, you worked really hard for this.- Son exclaimed with a smile.
-Yes, that's why I've already decided, I'll go to the academy and work really hard.
-We know, and we believe in you, Terrmomix.
Everyone smiled more calmly at Terrmomix's words, trusting him completely.
After finishing dinner Terrmomix left the cabin and sat on a rock.
-I know I said I'd go but... Deep down I don't want to leave them.- He murmured indecisively.
Terrmomix looked ahead knowing they wouldn't agree if he gave up this opportunity just for them.
-No, I promised to get in and work hard, like the master said, I trained all these years for this and besides I know they'll be okay, I know it very well.
He sighed looking at his hand worn out from training.
-Lately I've felt like something inside me is forming, something that I know will make me stronger.
Terrmomix stood up from the rock and walked back to the cabin now more determined to go to the academy.
The academy, a place where only the strongest enter, where future defenders of humanity and everyone's hopes are trained. Being the best won't be easy and Terrmomix knows that very well.