Blue River Academy

Finals Part 2

We all met out the front of the house, under the huge oak tree in the middle of the lawn. All in our gym clothes ready for our next set finals, not knowing what was coming.

‘Right now is your life skills test. Don’t worry its easy. Please follow me.’ She spoke authority radiating off her.

As we all followed Camilla into the Forrest. I noticed things weren't right as we passed a dying tree, a browned patch of grass. Was the forest around us dying? If so why? Whats wrong with it?

‘Camilla, Whats wrong with the woods exactly? The tree we just past is dying. The grass is going brown. It doesn't smell right in here. I have never seen a dead tree in the grounds of the academy.’ I questioned.

‘Well, look who was the first to notice. Well, done my dear. The woods are mystical, 100s of years ago a spell was put on them, the trees never die, the grass never browns, unless there is something wrong in the supernatural world. We still don’t know what it is, this is the task I have for you. This is all part of your test, noticing what is going on around you will help you a lot. Well done, Valentine. you have noticed what is going on. Boys you need to step it up! You are being beaten by a girl, and one with a lot less power than you. No offence my dear, just stating facts.’

‘It’s ok, I know each of the boys here, all except Theo, are more powerful than I am. |I know that. That doesn't mean that they are better than me, more skilled than I am. It doesn't mean that they will win, I will become better than them. The last exam was about skill, I think this one will be the same.’

‘Well spoken Valentine, Well done. You know they are more powerful and stronger, but you don’t let that put you off fighting them. Why is that?’

‘If I let myself think they are stronger than me. I would have already lost the fight. I know they are stronger doesn't mean I let myself give up. Thinking about it, putting yourself down is half the reason that most people lose a fight.’

‘Valentine Edwards everybody!’ Camilla praised.

We headed deeper into the Forrest. Passing rocks, trees and logs. We reached a small clearing 7 miles away from the academy. In front of us there were a small bag on the floor, there were enough bags for each of us. You just need to make it through the night. You will need to find yourself food, make a shelter, find water. It is 10am I will find you all at 10am tomorrow morning. That gives you 24 hours. This will work best if you all split up. The use of your supernatural powers is allowed. You are not alone out here.’

We all stared at Camilla. As she continued. Shocked looks appeared on all the boys faces. I however was exited.

‘You are off the academy’s territory. Werewolf bites are lethal to vampires. Vampires don’t like the sun too much, but it wont kill them. Steak to the heart always works. You will find everything you need to survive in you backpacks. In there you will find. A bottle of water. A small knife. A machete, A small snack and some twine. Along with a steak, And a few herbs if you know how to use them. One is poisonous to vampires. |One to werwolves. If you have been studying then you will know what one works on what. There aren't any weapons in the bad for shifters. You will just have to make do with what you have. Good luck guys I will see you all tomorrow. Try not to die.’

I went through my bag making sure that I had everything I needed. Bottle check, Knife check, Machete check, twine yes, Snack yes, everything she had mentioned. There also was a tin and a spoon included in the bag. When I looked up Camilla was gone. I stood there with the boys.

‘Where did she go?’ I asked the boys.

‘I don't know but I think we should split up! Thats what she said to do.’ Replied Tristan.

With that we all went out own ways, I walked south in hope to find a beach. I walked 5 miles and still hadn't found a beach but I did find a lake. I set my bag down and washed my hands in the clear waters. It was around midday, When I heard a howl from the other side of the lake. I had learnt that the best place for a shelter was off the ground for a place crawling with wolves. But not vampires which Camilla said that this place was crawling with. I decided that a shelter in a tree was a bad idea as I could be attacked and fall out. A shelter on ground was also not an option it would leave me exposed. I had decided to keep moving but the water here was fresh. I decided to have a long drink and refill my bottle. I kept moving determined to find somewhere else.

I found a spot further up steam with a small fresh water river and a small clearing, on a small hill. A perfect place to defend. I set a small fire and went rooting in the river for crayfish. I lifted up rocks and pulled out 6 crayfish in half an hour of scavenging for them. This was enough. In the woods nearby I found some Asparagus officinalis which are full of vitamin C. I also added Oxalis which taste like potatoes. My meal was very pleasant, a rich meal full of vitamins, very tasty. I decided to lay next to the fire, keep warm and look up at the stars. I needed to stay awake. I knew that the woods around here are full of supernatural beings. I couldn't afford to let my guard down.

Looking up at the stars I could feel my eyes getting heavy. This was when I fell asleep.