~ Before the Clock Struck One ~

Chapter 10

~*~ Chapter Ten~*~

As if following suit, the rest of them came forward one by one to greet him: Cecilia, Todd, Technicia, Musica, Ivy, Alex, Lily, Peter and several others as well.

They were all very friendly, but each had their own unique personality. Some were quiet, some were bubbly, others were professional, and still others seemed very relaxed and unhurried.

Gypsy stood off to the side with Aaron and Ivory, silently watching the introductions taking place.

"How many members of the Elite are there in all?" Aaron asked.

"Last time I counted, it was 22," Ivory replied.

"When was the last time you counted?" Gypsy inquired.

Ivory smiled sheepishly. "Yesterday."

"Wow," Gypsy laughed, "Ivy wasn't joking. You guys have been bored."

"With Cody around," Aaron threw in, "You guys won't have time to be bored."

Ivory turned to him with a puzzled expression. But before he could explain, Gypsy interrupted, "Looks like Cody's met everybody... Ivory, we should begin the initiation."

Ivory nodded and went to find Technicia and Musica for a little help setting up. Gypsy grabbed Aaron's arm and pulled him aside.

"I know your first impression of Cody wasn't the greatest. But at least let the others have a chance to form their own opinions before you feed them yours."

"Alright fine," Aaron sighed. "But don't say I didn't warn you when that boy starts causing Aurora trouble."

Gypsy threw up her hands in surrender. "Okay, I've been warned. Now, would you rather watch the initiation, or join in the fun?"

"Join in the fun," he answered without hesitation.

Gypsy smiled at him and rolled her eyes. "I had a feeling you'd say that..."

A half hour later, Gypsy and Aaron had been suited up, armed with all the paintball weaponry you could imagine – guns, grenades, etc. (you name it, they had it) – and they were ready for battle. All the watchers had been split up into five different teams:

Gypsy was in a team with Cecilia, Ivory, Alex, and Sophia.

Aaron was in a team with Todd, Peter, Scott, and Carmen.

Cody was in a team with Luke, Ivy, Musica, and Lily.

Technicia was in a team with Elliot, Sierra, Lindsay, and Taylor.

And Felix was in a team with Destiny, Tyler, Cole, and Joel.

The one named Technicia jumped up onto the edge of the fountain to explain the game. She had long blonde hair tied back in a ponytail; she was dressed in a full black, sleek, customized body suit; and under her arm she carried her laptop – just one of her many customized creations. She never went anywhere without it. It was a dark grey with "Watchers" written down one side of the cover, and the gang logo – a single, watchful eye – in the center, surrounded by a circle of green.

"This game is known as 'capture the flag'," she began; her voice ringing with professionalism. "Each of the five teams has been given a unique flag and a map that shows their section of the forest. Your goal is to protect your flag, and to capture the flags of each of the other teams. You may guard your flag, but you may not hide it. If you catch anyone within your marked territory, you may either capture them or eliminate them. If you get hit, you are out – Alex, that goes for you especially."