The Dark Element (ABANDONED AND UP FOR ADOPTION)

Chapter Twenty-nine: Part 4 of the TAPOPS Toughness Test

Ice was getting really tired.

They had continued on their journey to find SinarBot with Solar in the lead and Thunderstorm bringing up the rear. Despite being near Solar, Ice is still affected by the heat, especially with his lower-than-average heat resistance.

Solar sneaked a look at him. Ice was now extremely sweaty and was paler than usual. The light elemental's eyes flicked over to Thunderstorm and saw that he was looking at Ice as well. Cathing Solar's meaningful look, he nodded.

"Let's take a break first."

Ice almost slumpeed to the ground in relief. He was really grateful of his brothers. He only wished that he won't be a burden to them.

The trio had only set up one tent, which was Ice's. Solar figured that the atmosphere of his tent would help Ice the most.

All of their tents are made according to their powers. It's just like the cabins at Camp Half-blood. The atmosphere of each tent depends according to the owner's power. For example, Ice's tent has a winter-like atmosphere.

With that, Ice stayed inside his tent while Thunderstorm and Solar camped outside, looking out for any threats. There were none, but they were revisited by someone.

Thunderstorm was the first one to see her, having the sharpest senses amongst all of them.

"C-claire?!" Thunderstorm stuttered upon recognizing the newcomer.

(Thunderstorm: *huffs* No, I didn't.

Author: *rolls eyes* Sure... whatever makes you sleep at night.)

Claire hid in fright once she recognized Thunderstorm. Thunderstorm inwardly flinched when he saw her reaction but didn't show any outward emotion.

Unlike Thunderstorm, Solar didn't hide his reaction. He visibly flinched and lowered his head in shame. If this is the effect of his prideful attitude, then he hated to know it affects the people close to him.

"Come closer if you want. We won't hurt you."

Clare hesitated but peeked her head after hearing Solar's (uncharacteristically) gentle voice.

"Y-you p-promise?"

"We do."

Solar turned to Thunderstorm and raised his eyebrow.

"What? We need her to not be scared of us," Thunderstorm said defensively.

The lightning elemental smiled inwardly when he saw Claire fully come out of her hiding place, albeit scared. Solar stretched out ahand and the small cactus alien hesitantly took it and sat down with them. She eyed the glass of water next to Thunderstorm. Noticing where she was looking, the red-eyed BoBoiBoy gave it to her, under the excuse of 'can't have her dying of thirst.' Solar secretly rolled his eyes.

Ice had emerged from the tent looking better than ever. He saw the newcomer and raised an eyebrow as he made his way over to them.

Claire seemed to be skittish when he arrived and Ice figured that it wasn't because of fear. Despite his curiosity, he didn't say anything. Instead, he discussed what's going to happen next with Thunderstorm and Solar.

"So, SinarBot," Ice said nonchalantly. Beside him, Claire tensed a bit.

Solar sighed. "We still have no lead on him. I tried to locate its location but to no luck. Something might be blocking its aura."

"Why are you looking for SinarBot?"

All three heads looked at Claire who had just spoken. She ducked her head in order to hide her face.