Jack had to fight the urge to run. He felt everyone’s eyes on him and he saw them whispering to each other. This is what he would always be a freak. He was different from everyone else and he couldn’t change it. No matter how hard he’d tried to suppress his magic even when he tried to suppress it now, it always came back to the surface. He didn’t want this magic, he just wanted to be normal. Maybe if he was he would’ve had friends, his father wouldn’t have hated him, and maybe everyone would just stop staring at him.
“Look there he is. He’s kind of freaky looking too. I mean do you see his eyes?” he heard someone say. He immediately looked down and walked faster. He didn’t even look normal either. He thought he would’ve fit in here but he didn’t. He would never fit in anywhere. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡepeA08Uk7M
“Look the weird boy is coming.” a girl said. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhibrAaqFC
Jack felt his face grow warm. “How can he even do magic?” someone whispered. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQBijPrNOB
“Maybe he’s some creature from the woods that his parents found and adopted.” some else replied.
Jack couldn’t fight it off anymore. He ran down the remainder of the hallway and down the stairs. Everyone moved away from him as he ran. He went down the stairs two at a time and went down to the main floor. He went down the corridors Martin had led them down earlier until he reached the big doors. He pushed them open and once he was inside he closed them again. He turned and looked at the strange forest and the Feitaries flying around the trees and overhead. It was beautiful here and he knew that this place was massive. He ran forward and into the treeline without looking back. He leapt over dark roots and dodged small bushes.
He ran until he emerged into a clearing. He hadn’t thought this place could become anymore amazing, but he was wrong. The clearing was filled with bright flowers that’s centers seemed to give off a faint light. There seemed to be a flower of every color there. Jack wanted to enjoy it but he couldn’t do it. As he sank down to the ground, he noticed all the flowers had moved. He was sitting on dark green grass now. He leaned back against the trunk of the tree behind him. Everything was quiet and all he had to fill the silence was all the thoughts going round and round in his head.
All the students here thought he was a freak just like everyone in town had. He regretted what he’d said to Bethany and Alicia. Now he’d probably lost the closest he’d had to friends. He felt tears fall down his face. He was in danger and he didn’t even know why or who he was even in danger from. Now tears of sadness mixed with frustration. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkowUtdEjNn
He’d been holding back all his tears and emotions because he didn’t want to deal with any of it. He pulled his knees to his chest and rested his head on his arms as his tears fell. It hurt but he didn’t care. He didn’t understand why Luke had even bothered to say anything about the bruises and now Alicia and Bethany knew. He didn’t know what to do. He was so lost and afraid.
The mirror had said to find those he trusted and to tell them and to let them help him, but wouldn’t he be putting those people in danger too? Besides what was he even supposed to tell them? That a mirror told him he was in danger and the thing in the woods had been in his house? Luke was right, he was a coward and he was pathetic. His parents had called him dangerous and based on what Fern said that was probably true too. Why did he have to be different? Why couldn’t he just be like everyone else? Every answer he managed to get twenty more questions appeared.
Then he felt the rush of energy. He tried to put it out and make it stop but he couldn’t do it. There was a flash of light then he cried out. He cried as pain consumed him. He wanted this to stop. All of it. What was the point of even having magic if he couldn’t use it without hurting himself or others? 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMnivNJrAG
The burning wasn’t going away. He gritted his teeth and his body tensed. He tried to focus on making it stop but it didn’t work. After several excruciating moments, it finally went away and exhaustion hit. He lifted his head up and closed his eyes as he leaned against the tree. His head was pounding and he was breathing fast. He opened his eyes after a few moments and just looked out at the clearing filled with flowers.
Everything had a place here. There wasn’t anything that didn’t belong here except him. He didn’t belong here, in town, or in this academy. No one even knew how to help him because no one had ever had magic before going to the Academy and no one had magic the way he did. As his breathing became normal again he heard footsteps approaching. He quickly wiped the tears off his face and let his legs go flat. He didn’t want anyone to find him right now, but he figured if he got up he’d just fall over. He heard the footsteps stop and someone draw in a sharp intake of breath.
He looked over but he couldn’t see who it was. Whoever was here was still in the treeline. He didn’t say anything and just hoped they would turn back. There was a few more moments of silence before someone broke the silence. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmHztDSX3L
“Jack?” a quiet voice asked. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQWmoOb7bV
He recognized her voice before she came into view. Alicia had found him. “Why are you here?” Jack asked, quietly. He didn’t look at her and he didn’t move. He didn’t understand why she was even bothering to talk to him after what he said. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQSkjTrczgq
“Because you shouldn’t be alone.” Alicia replied, walking over and sitting beside him. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcyMH606sMt
“I just thought…...after what I said…..” Jack whispered.
“You had every right to say those things. I was so stupid because I didn’t just talk to you. I should have way before we all got Selected.” Alicia murmured.396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTaU18hIkeM
“No, you and Bethany didn’t deserve that.” Jack muttered. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzn5ow7obvy
“Jack, are you okay? I can tell that you’re upset.” Alica said.396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRelUOY4B0j
“I’m fine.” Jack whispered. It was a dreadful lie and Jack knew it. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxDYoYIGNO
“Jack, please be honest with me.” Alicia said. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKXkpV9Va2
“Everyone here thinks I’m a freak and their right.” Jack replied, quietly. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkTbhRUX5e
“No they aren’t. You are not a freak, you’re just different.” Alicia assured him. Jack didn’t say anything.396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0Ja9RXejI
“What did the Feitari say to you?” Alicia asked after a moment. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtbkYd6qgcE
“It’s not important.” Jack whispered. Alicia put her hand on his arm. Strangely the warmth didn’t come.
“It is important. Please just tell me.” she said. Jack was quiet for a moment. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXA4mHGr7fU
“She said that I was full of light but…….” he trailed off. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8qJmTXyW7
“But?” Alicia asked quietly.396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbS6b6NYabP
“B-but she said there’s also darkness and it’s trying to get rid of the light. If it does what if I hurt people or I-” Jack’s voice broke.396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPWT45lQuW
“Jack.” Alicia said, putting a hand on his cheek and lifting his gaze to meet hers. One tear had fallen down his cheek. She brushed it away. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1sBOGu5eQl
“You are not a bad person and we all have good and bad. If what that thing said is true then I know that you are full of light. You are good and if there is darkness trying to get rid of the light in you then I know that that isn’t going to happen.” she told him.
“How do you know that?” Jack whispered. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRGqJWF5VS
“Because I believe in you and I know you. I may not have talked to you before but I didn’t ignore you. You always help people.” Alicia told him. She blushed and let her hand drop back onto his arm. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUzDkDGOpV0
“I don’t want to be different, Alicia.” Jack murmured, another tear falling. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3qUph8g4M
“I…….like that you’re different, Jack.” Alicia told him, brushing the tear away. Her face was nearly the same color as her hair now. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Y8lkDglBF
“If I was like everyone else then my father wouldn’t have hated me. Maybe Luke wouldn’t either.” Jack said, quietly.
“As far as your father goes, he is a cruel man and you should try to talk to Luke. He doesn’t want you to be hurt, Jack, and he wants to help. Bethany and I want to help you too. We just need you to trust us and tell us what’s going on.” Alicia replied.396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SIlgqf0f2
“I don’t want you guys to be in danger too.” Jack muttered. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLLx8QWl5n
“You could tell Luke and Bethany the risks and if they don’t want to risk being in danger then they don’t have to know.” Alicia replied. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93q0LTeJMU
“What about you?” Jack asked quietly. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQS6iKhXb4v
Alicia smiled slightly. “I’ll risk it. I’m here for you, and I want to help you.” she told him. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpR5pcJEl2
“Thank you, Alicia. You’re a really good friend.” Jack said, quietly.
Alicia shifted onto her knees so she could hug him. Jack relaxed in her embrace and hugged her back. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgs8vhtwtf
“We’re going to figure everything out and nobody’s going to let anyone hurt you.” Alicia promised. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCkrdEIGC86
“I just don’t want you to get hurt or Bethany and Luke. He may be extremely annoying but I don’t want him to get hurt.” Jack murmured.396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9563Y1OLhV
“Did you two used to be friends?” Alicia asked, letting go of him. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnWPQiyZCU
“A long time ago.” Jack replied. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvscSWJ9lN
Alicia didn’t say anything, she was looking at his face. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡocmLnLed2C
“You look exhausted.” she said, finally. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGeXjXQGlu
“Yeah.” Jack muttered.396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjB7OiZIuL
“The flash of light was you. I wasn’t sure if it was or not.” Alicia said. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqeHS5SEAz2
“Wait, your powers act up when……” she trailed off. Jack nodded.
“Come on. We should go back so you can get some rest.” Alicia told him. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQr3oRwIva
“No, I can’t walk back up there.” Jack replied, quickly. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRLuAg4Wv3L
“Can’t or won't?” Alicia asked, quietly. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEaKdfHrTr
“Maybe both. I don’t want to hear everyone whispering about how weird I am.” Jack muttered. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAmvSbkSd5t
“They’re just small minded. If it makes you feel any better, I’ll be there so you don’t have to listen to them.” Alicia said, blushing more.396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVcLMSuDA0
“That does make it better.” Jack murmured. There was a sudden draft of cold air that blew a few locks of hair in Alicia’s face.
Before Jack could stop himself, he brushed her hair out of her face. He quickly pulled his hand away. They were both blushing. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGYkOIgWRp
“We should probably head back.” Alicia muttered.396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWiXovBwRc
“Yeah.” Jack agreed. Alicia stood up then turned to Jack. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXRmpVyimjo
“Do you need help?” she asked, offering a hand. Jack accepted her hand and let her help him to his feet. He stumbled sideways and into the tree trunk beside him.396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LoVgLGrSj
“Jack, are you okay?!” Alicia exclaimed.396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPeAx5GNIb5
“I’m……...okay.” Jack breathed. His shirt had shifted a bit when he’d stumbled into the tree.
Alicia could see part of a bruise that his shirt had barely hidden earlier. It looked really bad. Jack noticed and moved his hand so he could cover it again. Alicia stopped his hand before he could.396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡabXQ7RoCkd
“Why didn’t you tell me? That you were hurt.” she said, quietly. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkQWgBTSaQ
“I didn’t know how I was supposed to tell you. I also didn’t want you to worry.” Jack murmured. Alicia released his hand and Jack covered the bruise again. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGyxx4sBDo
“I know who they're from but h-how?” she asked. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWYiO0p7L5
“He was hitting me.” Jack replied. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqZTFqkz9B
“I’m sorry.” Alicia whispered. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFA7xRYmEpN
“You don’t have anything to be sorry for.” Jack murmured. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0RG39QzP9V
“No more secrets okay?” Alicia said. Jack nodded in agreement. He was exhausted. That flash of light had been the most magic he’d ever used especially if Alicia had seen it from the entrance.
“Come on. You just have to make it back then you can rest.” Alicia said. Jack nodded again.396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡreee1SlDcg
It took an hour for them to get back to the entrance. Jack had run farther than he’d thought. Alicia helped him as they made their way back to the doors. She pulled open the door and closed them after they went into the corridor. Jack leaned heavily against the wall. Alicia walked over and put a hand on his shoulder. He winced and Alicia guessed he had bruises there. She quickly let her hand drop back to her side. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡITobqtp9xB
“Jack, it hasn’t been this bad before. As far as I’ve seen.” she said.
“I...know. T-Think about it. You…..saw that light from the entrance didn’t you?” Jack gasped. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHI6chct4kA
“Do you think you can even make it back to your room?” Alicia asked. Jack groaned and put a hand on his head. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWE5Ue0JZx
“I’ll go get Luke and Bethany.” Alicia said. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4KyCjPoIDf
“N-No. I can make it there.” Jack muttered. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡokXtwuEgb5
He straightened up and Alicia could see light circles under his eyes and the little color that had returned to his face earlier was gone. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4cSMeV3Xf
“I don’t know. You shouldn’t push yourself.” Alicia replied. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnx3MjbAJ0n
“Let’s just go please.” Jack said. Alicia helped him when he needed it as they slowly made their way up the stairs.
They finally made it to the right floor but Jack was getting worse. Students were staring and whispering but Jack tried not to pay attention to them. He was just trying to get back to his room. One hallway and corridor at a time. He didn’t bother trying to overhear what the other kids were saying but based on Alicia’s expression he could tell she was listening. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbmY0n3J4gh
After what seemed like ages they finally reached the corridor where their rooms were. Jack figured he must have been gone for at least a few hours including the walk back here. He stumbled over to the bed and nearly collapsed onto it. Alicia didn’t know what to do so she just closed the door. Bethany and Luke weren’t in the room.
Jack started to sit up but his arms gave out. “Just rest, please.” Alicia said, sitting on the edge of his bed. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0daRXpa7V
Jack didn’t say anything but he didn’t try to sit up again. His eyes were half closed and everything was slightly blurred for a few moments. He was glad Alicia was here. He trusted her and it was just comforting to have her here. She put one hand on his, blushing as she did. Jack focused and the warmth flooded through him. At least this was one thing he had managed to control. After a few moments he let it slip away and his mind cleared.
Alicia looked at him questioningly. “What?” Jack asked. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBgk6e9bSI
“I….don’t know. I just feel bad because you just can’t get a break today. I mean what if this is how tomorrow is? What if…” she trailed off, unable to finish the sentence. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0IvDn6TDW
“Everything will be okay. The worst we’ll have to deal with is probably Raven McCallister.” Jack assured her. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbg5zbdTGC
“I don’t understand why she hates me so much. Maybe I just did something wrong or-” Jack interrupted before she could finish. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CDRPowxaa
“You didn’t do anything wrong and there is nothing wrong with you. I don’t know what her deal is. Maybe you just found your version of Luke.” he said with a small smile.
“You’re seriously making a joke right now?” Alicia asked, exasperated. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNkCpvxJZ3
“Maybe.” Jack replied. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgmH8Z2WA42
The circles under his eyes were nearly gone now and he was breathing normally again. He pushed himself into a sitting position and leaned against the wall behind him. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfyJwrTI0o
“I think your energy is kind of like how you heal faster because if someone else was that exhausted they would have passed out and wouldn’t be able to sit up for at least a day.” Alicia said.
“Well that’s Jack for you, completely abnormal.” Luke said as he walked into the room with Bethany behind him. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJT4axXbRp
“And my headache’s back.” Jack muttered. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAYNmdckib
Alicia laughed and Jack smiled a little bit. Although he hid how that word made him feel. Abnormal. That’s what he would always be and no matter how hard he tried, he wouldn’t be normal. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhYu8NAA9r
“I’m guessing our guess was correct?” Bethany said, softly. She shut the door and walked over to Jack and Alicia. She sat on the floor in front of the bed. Jack noticed Alicia look away from him and Luke just sat on his bed in silence.
“You knew I would lose control didn’t you?” Jack asked, quietly. None of them said anything. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9quJsdipm
“Great, now it’s even predictable.” he muttered. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfBPBfg0KZU
“No, Jack, don’t be upset about it. We just knew you were upset and well………” Bethany trailed off. Jack didn’t respond. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAf6iukvPZD
“Jack.” Alicia said. Jack looked at her but didn’t say anything. He could see that she cared and that she didn’t blame him for anything. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfL6jeNKmzS
“It is not your fault that you can’t control it, but now you can learn how to.” Alicia told him. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOutf9f3QUi
“She’s right.” Bethany added. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQ8bbC7Nd3
“I doubt it because we still have our tests and knowing my luck I’ll mess up and fail it.” Jack muttered. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4WYamFsMDW
“Okay as much as I love this pity party of yours, suck it up and stop it with the zero self confidence.” Luke interrupted.
“Oh sorry about that, but between you and all your friends constantly messing with me and my father constantly reminding me that I’m a mistake, self confidence hasn’t been at the top of the list.” Jack retorted, crossing his arms. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0EHNvtvYFG
“You aren’t a mistake.” Alicia told him. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1YRYk6Tkm
“Whatever, don’t all of you want answers?” Jack muttered. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwawb2JlJ99
“You’re actually going to give them?” Luke asked, surprised. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRuTwBe5kT
“Yes, but first I’m warning you. If I tell you what I know, chances are all of you will be in danger too. It’s up to you guys but I would prefer if you didn’t risk it.” Jack replied.
“I already told you I’ll risk it.” Alicia said. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgXLpLcNpsm
“I’m in too.” Bethany added. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCEhWenUUZ
“So am I.” Luke announced. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSQUZYfoht
“Alright then. I’m telling you now that it’s frustrating and I don’t know much more than all of you.” Jack told them. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVisCWyCBiz
“Well I have more questions than answers so I still want to know.” Bethany said. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwCUQkaqNa
Jack sighed. All of them were quiet, waiting for him to tell them what he knew. He decided to leave out the mirror part. “Last night I think the person that was in the woods today was in my house. I didn’t see them but I heard them. They said that I had great power but it burned me. The only people who know that are my family and the three of you and the Headmaster now.” he explained.
“They were in your house?!” Alicia exclaimed. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT4wf02PC8j
“Shhhhhhh.” Luke and Bethany hissed. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPy04cWEMy7
“Wait, that was the night your brother got hurt too right?” Bethany asked after a moment. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6zATSfWJV
“Yeah.” Jack replied, confused. Bethany thought for a moment. “You were in the woods and that’s where we ran into them today, so what if you were being followed. You used your magic to help your brother and if you were followed then they would have seen you use it and the consequences. Then they could have followed you home.” she said. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyyJ8EgwEEF
“Then what if his brother getting hurt wasn’t an accident?” Luke asked. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1f50eCPRaj
“Peter said he fell.” Jack said. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUWpRdZMlB
“I mean if this person has magic it wouldn’t be too hard to make him fall would it?” Alicia asked.
“So what does this person want? If it is the same thing we saw in the woods today.” Bethany wondered aloud. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTC6NpjwnUW
“If they wanted me dead then couldn’t they have killed me in my house?” Jack asked. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡod6ausV5Bd
“Don’t actually say that. That’s terrifying to think about.” Alicia said. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfgjWnBNhJA
“That would have been risky.” Luke cut in. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3ZvJLg9zU
“What do you mean?” Alicia asked. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhkvi9JdxDU
“Well his family was in the house too and if Jack made a sound too soon then there would have been more witnesses and this person could have gotten caught.” Luke explained.
“Then why show up in the woods when I was with all of you and the Headmaster?” Jack asked. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42tg8VYkXP
“Maybe he thought we’d run? Then we could have gotten separated.” Bethany replied. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5PMm9xVHn
“Wait, we’re missing the biggest question.” Alicia interrupted.396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISr1kQoesN
“What’s that?” Jack asked.396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuf9EE19Zdb
“Why.” Alicia said. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7v0ftT8qzW
“I think it has something to do with Jack’s powers. I mean no one else has ever had magic like he does and the Feitarie said he was full of light so….” Bethany trailed off. Jack and Alicia shared a look.396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFiFqUe6CGO
“Did we miss something?” Luke asked.396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFKvwsWUGP
Jack took a deep breath. “Fern, the Feitarie, said that I was full of light, but there was also a lot of darkness trying to get rid of it.” he said, quietly.
“Maybe that’s what this person wants. To get rid of the light.” Bethany muttered.396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshuIHqGrly
“I think the first thing we need to do is figure out what Jack is.” Luke told them. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfE5seWqlw
“What are you talking about?” Jack asked. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBNd50aNjA
“We have to try to figure out why you have magic and why it hurts you. Maybe if we figure that out, we can find a way for Jack to control his powers and get a better idea of why this person is coming after him.” Luke said.396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1KclMdqAHR
“That actually isn’t a terrible idea.” Bethany commented. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92MZp0KLRB
“Jeez don’t act so surprised.” Luke muttered.
Jack was about to say something but he heard something. It sounded like it was coming from the hallway. He got to his feet and waited a moment. He was still a bit tired but other than that he felt fine. He noticed the others were looking at him. Then he heard the sound again. He wasn’t sure what it was but he was going to find out. He went out the door and he heard the others following him. They didn’t ask what he was doing. Jack thought maybe they’d heard the sound too. He went down the corridor and into the hallway. There was a group of kids around something.
Jack pushed through them and saw a girl of about thirteen. He remembered when she’d gotten Selected last year. She’d only been twelve then. She had tan skin, black hair, and brown eyes. It looked like someone had just tripped her. She was starting to pick up a few books she’d dropped. Her face was flushed with embarrassment as all the kids laughed. Jack went forward and picked up one of her books. The kids stopped laughing and were silent. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXLkpEYM0WB
“Here.” Jack said, handing the book to her. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcIKBJLh7yG
“Um, thanks.” the girl mumbled, taking it from him.
Jack stood and offered a hand to her. She seemed surprised that he was even bothering to help her, but she accepted his help. “W-Why are you helping me?” she asked quietly. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1CrzPrSJJk
“Because unlike this group I’m not rude enough to just laugh at you instead of helping you.” Jack replied, looking at the group of kids. There were mutters but the group dispersed and continued on their separate ways. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfAQ8sdZAHd
“Thank you. It’s Jack right?” the girl said, smiling slightly. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19InbdM32b
“Yeah it is. What’s your name?” he asked. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOwETO1RoD
“Amy.” the girl replied. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64fMyVA9rg
“It’s nice to meet you.” Jack said. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡziA3PgUFNX
“You too and those are the other Selected?” Amy asked.
The others walked forward to join them. “Yeah. Luke, Bethany, and Alicia.” Jack said. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5eMdSGLkt
“Why were they messing with you?” Alicia asked after a moment of silence. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4UPi6Su19
“I’m the youngest student here.” Amy muttered. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhC9iiNI6JH
“I think that’s pretty cool. I mean you were Selected earlier than normal so that must mean you’re talented.” Jack told her. He knew how it felt to be different but she was different for a good reason. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uA9i4glNr
“No one’s ever thought of it that way.” Amy replied, smiling. “I think they think about it that way so that’s why they mess with you.” Bethany said. Amy seemed to gain some confidence as she looked at all of them. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Zs5z3n7zD
“Don’t you have some class to get to?” Luke asked. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSDqCe0ZYH
“Oh yeah, right. Hopefully see you guys later.” Amy replied, walking past them. Jack watched her for a moment then turned back to the others.
“You didn’t have to do that.” Bethany stated. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb7bXKctBFR
“I know, but I wanted to.” Jack replied, shrugging. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXkT1TFNiJN
“You gave her confidence, Jack and you stood up to that crowd of people despite the fact that you tend to avoid crowds.” Alicia said, as they started walking back. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIyutgY0A4M
“Yeah and you didn’t have a heart attack or anything.” Luke added. Jack rolled his eyes. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJSUwYcLaT
“I wasn’t just going to stand there while they laughed at her.” he said. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gSycAlBMp
“So you can give her confidence but you can’t have confidence yourself?” Bethany asked.396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRtWMx0nyP
“Bethany.” Alicia hissed.
“Just asking.” Bethany replied. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZX8YtOK4kz
Jack was quiet. He didn’t really know how to answer her question. Amy had no reason to not have confidence in herself. She was special and others were jealous of that. Emma had always told him he was important but she was his sister. She had to say it, even more so because his parents wouldn’t. How was he supposed to have confidence when he was just some freaky damaged kid with unnatural abilities. He couldn’t control his magic and he’d hurt his friend. He couldn’t even figure out what was going on and why he was the way he was.
“Jack? Earth to Jack.” Alicia said, waving a hand in front of his face as they reached the door. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡucnfnJnZ5g
“Sorry, what?” Jack asked, as he was pulled from his thoughts. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwOwT5ulmSO
“You didn’t answer the question.” Bethany cut in before Alicia could respond. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJsGs5pc5H
“I don’t know how I’m supposed to answer it, Bethany. She didn’t have any reason not to have confidence in herself.” Jack replied, as they entered the room. Alicia and Jack sat on his bed and Luke sat on his. Bethany was about to sit on the floor again but Luke stopped her. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7MoNvCmKN
“You don’t have to sit on the floor, you know.” he said.
“Are you being nice?” Jack asked. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SRvukBx8S
“Well, we’re working together aren’t we and I don’t have any issues with Bethany.” Luke retorted. Bethany went and sat on the opposite end of the bed from Luke. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEznaRlYWSf
“Before this turns into an argument, I ran into Martin on the way here and he said dinner is two hours before sundown, so that’s in about twenty minutes.” Alicia told them. Everyone was quiet. Jack figured no one knew what to say to fill the silence.
“Okay, that’s it. We’re doing the question thing again.” Bethany announced after a few more minutes of silence. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeK9WhT0d0i
Luke groaned. “Why?” he asked. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3m16QexOR
“Better idea. If we’re going to work together then we need to trust each other so let’s each reveal a secret.” Bethany replied. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡszgNMja8S1
“What kind of secret?” Alicia asked. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡerab4meGNv
“Any kind. This is just a good way to break the tension and build trust.” Bethany said. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylYf56yvf4
“Alright, let’s try it.” Jack muttered. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPigO3wH8e
“I’ll go first.” Bethany stated. She thought for a moment. “I was the one that tripped Luke with the rock a few months ago.” she said, finally. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3hYVjWEoJ
“What?!” Luke exclaimed. Alicia and Jack burst out laughing.
“It isn’t funny.” Luke grumbled. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAulwNyL0Gn
“Uh it kinda is. You thought it was me so the fact that it was Bethany is hilarious.” Jack said. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNIiHvBmjL
“He thought it was you?” Bethany asked. “Yeah I did, but why did you do it?” Luke asked. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLczZl25v7k
“You were being incredibly rude and…...I got sick of it.” Bethany replied. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPKaMImDu6
“I’m sorry then. That I was so rude a rock had to be thrown at me.” Luke said. Now everyone laughed. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE2PDRgu8Gw
“Okay, Alicia you go next.” Bethany said after they finally stopped laughing. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77eUYfSEf3
“Ummmm I don’t really have any secrets.” Alicia replied. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa51ZMYd8iT
“Everyone has secrets.” Luke said. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Yg4oDjC3n
Alicia was quiet for a few moments before she answered. “I’ve already learned a little bit about magic from some old books I found in an alley.” she said, finally. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Uw8kBAxwc
“So that’s how you knew elemental magic was hard to do.” Bethany commented. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgmGEXmGIkS
“What were you doing in an alley?” Jack asked her. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNKuSTsvxE
“Nothing.” Alicia replied, looking away. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0MXT9p6chD
“Alicia.” Jack pressed. She took a deep breath and looked back at him. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMUMXpBENW
“I was being chased by some older boys. Thieves.” she murmured. The thought of that and that Alicia could have possibly gotten hurt made Jack mad and very upset. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9yHA5gtsm
“Jack, your turn.” Alicia said, changing the subject.
Jack didn’t want to press her more if she didn’t want to talk about it. “The biggest secrets I had have already been revealed.” Jack muttered. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJq7ATdGIeP
“I don’t know if that’s true.” Bethany told him. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhONuCXaE8
Jack looked over at her. “That is annoying.” he said. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsEY56MOXXy
“That I can see through a lie?” Bethany asked. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMpGSAGi2m
“What other secret do you have?” Alicia interrupted. Luke looked at him questioningly. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡigijE3NklE
“It’s not another secret. I mean there’s things I’ve never told anyone that are based around my father. I’ve never talked about a lot of things.” Jack said, quietly.
“What kind of things?” Alicia murmured. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRk1gqf4gUG
“Doesn’t matter. You already know my secrets.” Jack replied. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUGx0Vkdzl
“Well, Jack, unfortunately everyone already knows those. The point is to tell us something that nobody else does.” Bethany told him. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe8sRD98b9X
“Why don’t we just ask him a question or something?” Luke suggested in a bored tone. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOcTyeZIZiV
“How about you go?” Jack said. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeygG72ng6r
“You don’t get to just skip.” Luke retorted. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1bLDZIkC2X
“If he doesn’t want to then he shouldn’t have to.” Alicia replied. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3AtRZusZW
“Look, Jack if we ask you one question are you okay with that?” Bethany asked. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52KYc1VJZK
“Yeah, fine.” Jack muttered. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUS1GCOOTmY
“We can ask anything?” Alicia asked. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiyPVH8U1Ym
Jack nodded. He didn’t know how to feel about this. Any question. He took a deep breath and waited. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJ3JzyIR4J
“So how do we decide what question?” Bethany asked. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpPyy0846P
“Any suggestions?” Luke asked. Alicia was quiet, obviously thinking. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ06TVbRi2z4
“What about one similar to the question I asked earlier?” Bethany said. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU9j7AhSUfD
Jack looked at her. He was just listening to them. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgF3083tFbW
“Okay.” Alicia agreed. Bethany looked over at Luke. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRBqKzfueb
“Go for it. Maybe the idiot will give a somewhat entertaining answer.” he said. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJ2gA8JhBu
“Luke.” Alicia retorted. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBP0roudOCD
“Just ask the question.” Jack cut in.
Bethany was quiet for a few moments. Jack could tell from her expression that this wasn’t going to be a light one. “In the woods…..you said your father was right. About why he did what he did to you. Why do you think that?” she asked, quietly. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9oBvZicPQ
Alicia sucked in a sharp breath. Luke looked down at his hands which were fidgeting. Jack hadn’t expected that question. How was he supposed to answer? 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7R6wG6l8B1
“Ummm….” he trailed off. What was he supposed to tell them? 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVaI1pMTYbl
“Why do you have to take forever?” Luke groaned. His remark seemed half-hearted though. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAuQdNAKNoW
“I…..guess if I was normal and what he said wasn’t true then it never would I have happened.” Jack murmured, after a moment.
“But it isn’t true.” Alicia said, quietly.396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMiZzfQDvIR
“It’s Luke’s turn.” Jack muttered. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3lX1hYZ3RT
“Jack-” Alicia started. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHAP7EFF8B
“Go, Luke.” Jack interrupted. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJgEq2NwkH
“You don’t tell me what to do.” Luke retorted. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDvjCxhCeP
“Enough both of you. We need to be able to get along so we can figure out what is going on and how we can stop it. You two need to quit bickering.” Bethany demanded. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6L84uV4HAg
Alicia nodded in agreement. She looked upset and Jack figured it was because of his answer. Luke seemed taken aback by Bethany’s tone. “Am I clear?” she asked. Neither boy said anything. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqzJ9b7J0Bt
“Luke.” Bethany said. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZ9365oTLb
“Alright fine.” Luke replied. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Ig7gycmDN
“Jack.” Bethany said, turning to look at him. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwNms2Rzco
“Fine.” Jack muttered.
“Luke, go quickly because we have to head down soon.” Alicia told him. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGtm9hIX1gU
Luke thought for a few moments. “Because you two think I hate Jack so much then I might as well tell you that I helped him a few nights ago.” he said, finally. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4E5eKy0nNY
“What happened?” Bethany asked before Alicia could. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdpUEonCwg
“No.” Jack said. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKm0VBnOfS
“We have to go anyway.” Alicia said, looking surprised at Jack’s tone. They all stood. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRg0ACyrNDW
“If you’re going to tell them to annoy me then at least do it when I don’t have to listen. I’m sick of reliving it.” Jack muttered, opening the door and walking out. He started walking down the corridor where he could see the students already beginning to head down to the dining hall.
He noticed the others weren’t following so he guessed Luke was telling them. He walked into the hallway and didn’t bother stopping. He didn’t want to see the pity or apology in their expressions. He didn’t even have scars from that night. He didn’t have scars from any of the injuries his father had given him and the bruises were nearly gone. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvOSPG4DFxt
“Hey, you look upset.” some said, walking beside him. It was Raven. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTTcgUJfve
“I’m fine.” Jack replied. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI8c9TR5BKo
“Look, I know we got off to a rough start and I’m sorry that I was rude to your friend, but you are upset. What’s wrong?” she asked.
“It’s complicated.” Jack told her. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3Ur46a624
“Well, where are the other Selected?” Raven asked. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4tESfVsNZe
Jack noticed they were being followed by her usual group. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6B3akQcOI
“I got a head start.” Jack muttered. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbB4HVUq3VP
“Did you get into a fight with them?” Raven guessed.396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZ2I5WRS3d
“No.” Jack replied. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4zq7XO4Be
“If you don’t want to talk to them, my invitation still stands.” Raven said. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKsbJVsdZI
“I’m sorry, but I’m still not interested.” Jack replied. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ3kGztbRen
“It seems you’ve had a rough day and I’ve probably contributed. If you won’t accept the invitation then can we at least not be enemies? It’s your first day here.” Raven told him. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPynXRybQD3
“I’m okay with that.” Jack replied with a small smile.
“Great then I’ll see you around.” Raven said, falling back to her group. After a few moments the others caught up to him. He saw the looks on the girls’ faces. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgoqVELeQ6Z
“Don’t say a word about it, please.” he told them. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe20PPmVEJC
“What were you and the popular girl talking about?” Luke asked. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDoLmvbRNQd
“We just agreed not to be enemies and she apologized for being rude to Alicia.” Jack replied. He was looking straight ahead as he walked. He didn’t want to see their expressions right now.396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPlbLhqpPp
“She did?” Alicia asked. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJIY2dswb0
“Yeah.” Jack said. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45qI9NX15b
“So what do you guys think dinner will be?” Bethany asked after a few moments of silence. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNTRNcYy2y
“Probably something Jack’s never had.” Luke teased. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Hf0BAwGrT
“Probably.” Jack agreed, absentmindedly.
He was thinking about what the next day would bring. Would more bad things happen? Or would everything be okay? Maybe he would have to use his magic tomorrow. He knew from his display earlier with the flash of light at the Assembly everyone would be staring at him for a while. Hopefully, tomorrow will be a better day. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqJuSmLce5
“Did you just agree with Luke?” Alicia asked. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodOTqNuQPS
“Easier than arguing.” Jack muttered. They had reached the doors to the dining hall which were open. No one said anything else as they went to where they had been sitting at lunch earlier that day. Jack knew he probably looked the same as he had earlier. Exhausted.
He was but he wasn’t paying much attention to it. The seating arrangement was the same as it had been that afternoon. Bethany and Luke across from him and Alicia. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNOzuLEHYtP
“That’s where the marks on your arms came from.” Alicia said, quietly. Jack looked over at her. Instead of pity he saw compassion. She just cared. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjTlxQtrMY
“Yes.” he replied. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHw40q2YFmD
“Let’s make a deal. All of us.” Bethany said suddenly. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8bDu0o3cp
“What?” Luke asked. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1SFHTs2Rvv
“That from now on we work together. We have to figure out what’s going on and this isn’t just a game. This is life and death. We have to trust each other. At least until we figure it all out.” Bethany told them. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMBkCBQ2vu
Alicia put her hand out in the center of the table. “I’m in.” she said. Bethany put her hand on top of hers with a smile.
“Come on you two.” she told Jack and Luke. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJEeWqyaYw
“This is so stupid.” Luke muttered, but he put his hand in. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvdzlhPCbx
“So cheesy.” Jack said, unable to suppress a smile as he put his hand in too. 396Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡphY6zPGIsG
“So it’s a deal. We trust each other and we don’t tell anyone else unless we’re sure we can trust them.” Bethany clarified. The others nodded in agreement.
If only the four knew that as food was put in front of them and they ate seeming to forget their troubles for at least this one moment……….that only more mysteries and questions would arise as the days passed. If only they knew that this was truly a matter of life and death and not just for Jack.
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