Caleb looked at the Earth Guardian, her flowing hair billowed in the wind like a flag. He stared in horror as Sandpit launched towards her – there was no way she could defend herself! He was wrong. In truth, she had been expecting the attack, and whirled around and swiftly flew just out of the way, as she let Hay Lin move into the offensive.
So swept up in staring at this, he did not realize that he was about to be attacked. Fortunately, he managed to duck to avoid getting his head chopped off, and felt angry with himself. He never, ever had any interest in girls. Why the heck would he start now? Of all times, now?
He shook his head and defended himself further, determined to keep that blonde-haired beauty out of his thoughts. Of course, he was not completely successful.
--
Cornelia barely knew he was even there. She knew his name, of course, he was the leader of the rebels that had been against Phobos. But that was about it. She didn't really care, anyway. She had better things to think about at the moment.
Hay Lin, however, had noticed Caleb's gaze. She proceeded to flit around Cornelia and tell her: "I know something and you don't!"
"Really?"
"Yup!"
"And what would that be." Normally, this would be considered a question, but she said it flatly like a statement. Though, more like command, in this case.
"It wouldn't be a secret if I did tell you!" Hay Lin continued in her sing-song voice at the lunch table, and Cornelia narrowed her eyes. Hay Lin had sparked her curiosity and now she was just going to pretend it was nothing. Nuh-uh. Nothing got away from Cornelia Hale. If Hay Lin was making such a big deal about it, it must be important. If it was important, Cornelia had to know.
Hay Lin proceeded to whisper something in Will's ear, and she giggled before smirking at Cornelia, whose hand had subconciously clenched in a fist. As Irma sat down, Will whispered something in her ear, too.
"Guys. What is it?" Cornelia had worked extremely hard to sound calm, though judging by how quickly she said it, it was clear this calm was not completely taking ahold of her.
"Ca-"
"Shh! Irma!" Will scolded, her brow raising.
"Sorry. Didn't quite get that it was a secret."
"Kay?" Cornelia asked quizzically, not quite getting what Irma was starting to say. "What's 'Kay?'"
Will grinned smugly, which caused Cornelia to glare daggers at her.
--
Meanwhile, Caleb was trying to go over battle plans. Keyword: trying. Aldarn, however, was far too busy mocking him for staring at one of the guardians.
"They're completely out of your league."
"Can you just be quiet about it? We need to go over-"
"We've gone over them enough, they're all but drilled in our heads."
"Well, then we need to work harder. They need to be-"
"It'll be alright. Now, come to think of it, that Earth Guard-"
"Aldarn!"
"You claimed her already?"
"No." Caleb suddenly realized his cheeks felt way too warm for his liking. Far too warm.