Luke had no idea what to think. For a moment everyone stood in shocked silence. He saw Bethany hug Alicia. Both of them upset. Everyone was upset. He was upset. What had Jack not told them? Why did this person want Jack? The Headmaster was at Jack’s side and he immediately began the spell. Jack’s screams filled the room for the second time that day then finally his eyes opened and he moved away from the Headmaster. His lips and fingertips a normal color once again but he looked panicked and exhausted. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9vBzPQcvM2
“Jack…” Alicia trailed off. He pushed himself to his feet and didn’t answer.
“Mr. Larmen, what happened?” the Headmaster asked. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkmQiKPF5Z
Luke glanced at the other students in the room and none of them seemed able to speak or move. They were in shock and Luke didn’t blame them. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmiOJwSzA9
“I-I don’t know.” Jack replied in a hoarse whisper. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKx8q3mQJw5
“Why were you talking like that? Your eyes were completely black.” Bethany murmured. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1dyYkNfU6
“I don’t know, Bethany.” Jack whispered. However his eyes were normal now but filled with fear and panic.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPRWnuLDlCL
Luke had no idea what to do but he knew exactly what he was going to say. “You are not surrendering yourself to that thing.” he told Jack.
“H-He should. No one else should have to die for him.” the girl from earlier said, apparently finding her voice. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDwvzEVZO6
“Jack doesn’t deserve that. He just saved your friend so why don’t you have a little more appreciation.” Luke retorted.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMHqpMNZYZ
“Luke, stop.” Jack murmured. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9oXGYy9IlH
When Luke turned to him, he could tell by the look on Jack’s face what he was thinking. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGlbq2XrOB
“No, Jack. Please don’t.” Alicia whispered before Luke could say anything. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGoCPAyCgv
“I don’t have much of a choice.” Jack murmured. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCae7h4xij1
“Of course you do. This is your life, Jack.” Alicia told him in a quiet voice.
“What is it you haven’t told us?” Bethany asked. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGjiJQWwsX
There was silence. “There is a teacher in the hallway. I will talk to the two of you later as to why you were walking around the academy at this hour. Go back to your rooms and tell whichever teacher is in the hallway that I want you escorted back to your rooms.” the Headmaster said finally. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIfUqiYckd
The two of them left without saying anything else then it was just him, Bethany, Jack, Alicia, the Headmaster, and an unconscious Raven.
“Jack, what have you not told us?” Bethany repeated. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGaQ2QtIInW
“I’ve told you all I know.” he muttered, sitting on the edge of his bed. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSY7k5teLg
“You’re lying.” Bethany stated. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2AF5EeJnPa
Jack was silent. “What is it, Jack? Why won’t you tell us?” Luke interjected. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvFoW7KYEp
“Don’t you trust us?” Alicia added. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCIVdDWtHo
“Yes, I do trust you.” Jack replied.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5XywhliwcF
“Now is not the time to be keeping secrets, Mr. Larmen.” the Headmaster told him. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyFu28M6IGs
“I guess not.” was all Jack said. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU9dlh0Dx0I
“So then what is this ‘complete truth?’” Luke asked him. He wanted to know. Curiosity was one thing he always had a hard time containing. He also just wanted to know the truth. Jack had been honest with them before. What was he hiding now?
“The Shadow has been talking to me in my dreams.” Jack murmured, not looking at any of them. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWb6Oz5SO52
“What?!” Luke exclaimed while the others remained silent. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnl8xmyPyB
“I’m not conspiring with it. It’s just threats and things like that.” Jack said quietly.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfsxUVRhLq
“You should’ve told us.” Alicia told him, crossing her arms. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPbxNdwAebN
“I was afraid to.” Jack murmured. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bzrJlA35M
“Why?” Luke and Bethany said in unison.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJaPM3paMg
“Because it kept saying it would hurt all of you and it did. I can’t just sit here and let people get hurt. They’re right. I won’t be able to save everyone and I’m not worth all of this.” Jack replied, his voice very quiet.
“Mr. Larmen, you are going to be protected just as any other person in this Academy would be. I do not believe surrendering yourself would be the best option. What I would suggest is that you sleep and see if they come into your dreams. Ask them what they want and try to find answers which we are unfortunately short of. I can perform a spell so your dream will play and all of us will be able to see what is happening and hear what is said.” the Headmaster told him.
Jack looked like he wanted to do anything else but he laid down. Luke figured he felt guilty and he didn’t have the energy to try to argue. The Headmaster walked over and knelt beside his bed. He murmured something to Jack and put a hand on his head. Jack’s eyes closed and after he had fallen asleep for a few minutes, the Headmaster began the spell. Something flickered near the foot of the bed. Then an image appeared. Jack was on the ground and the Shadow stood over him.
“I believe this visit was intentional.” came the Shadow’s voice.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9ogvzGrXC
Luke saw Jack push himself to his feet and he looked at the Shadow but he looked terrified. “Well, why do you want to speak to me?” the Shadow asked Jack with amusement in his voice. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcSiSEiQbD
Jack tried to say something but no sound came out of his mouth. “Come now, Jack. So afraid you can’t even ask whatever question you have.” the Shadow said with a laugh. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtRGpyAdaaa
He grabbed Jack’s face and pulled him forward. “L-Let g-go.” Jack whispered, trying to get away from them.
Luke heard something and it sounded like Alicia but he wasn’t paying attention to anything but this image. Jack had every right to be terrified. This was terrible. Was this what happened every time he tried to sleep? 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJIQJWrKkpF
“Ask your question and I’ll think about it.” the Shadow taunted. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlmy1ktHI2
Jack still struggled but he managed to force out his words again. “What do you want with me?” he asked shakily. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEuUN7Xjpdi
“Mm, that is a good question. However there are many different answers I could give.” the Shadow murmured. He spoke to Jack like he was some sort of animal. The way an owner would speak to a pet.
Jack started struggling harder. “Stop, Jack.” the Shadow commanded.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOSXVzuHxa
Jack hesitated for a moment but then kept struggling. “You really should know better. Your father trained you better than this.” the Shadow snapped, smacking Jack hard across the face. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVts8wGWeKo
Jack fell with a small cry. “Now as for your question. You are useful and your abilities are one of a kind. I have many different purposes for you and I can even give you answers in return for your obedience. Don’t you want to know why you are the way you are? Don’t you want to know who’s responsible for making you like this?” the Shadow continued, waving a hand. Jack was yanked over onto his back and restraints formed holding him to the ground.
“I w-won’t obey you.” Jack whispered, his voice wavering. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDQtfctdxS
“Yes, you will. You’re weak. Both mentally and physically. It really doesn’t take much to hurt you. The mention of your father is enough however...the mention of what you wish most bothers you more than anything else.” the Shadow teased. The Shadow held out a hand and a black coil appeared in the Shadow’s hand. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKo08TBJ9nu
“P-Please.” Jack whispered. He was afraid. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUtt7MEyWQd
“You wish so much that you could be normal. If you were then maybe Luke wouldn’t have turned his back on you, your family would actually love you, maybe you would have friends, maybe Martin wouldn’t be dead.” the Shadow taunted.
Then the first blow struck and Jack screamed. A whip. It was a whip. He jerked against the restraints but it did nothing. “Maybe you wouldn’t be such a problem if you were normal. Maybe you would actually belong somewhere.” the Shadow continued, hitting Jack with the whip mercilessly. Tears were slipping down Jack’s face and he was still trying to move away but the restraints held him in place. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6sjUPOzzj
“S-stop.” he choked out.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsAwI7Fn63K
“Even now you cry. You know my words are true and you know you are worthless so why allow more people to die for you? Why let innocent people suffer, Jack?” the Shadow taunted, hitting Jack again.
Jack couldn’t form a response as he got hit again and again. Then the Shadow looked away from Jack and it seemed to look at him, Bethany, Alicia, and the Headmaster. “Are all of you satisfied? I wouldn’t have punished him if it had just been him and I. This was all your fault and this is his choice. So I speak most specifically to you, Alicia. Let him decide. You manipulate him well, Alicia, however I’ve done it better. He’s mine and he will do what I ask. However, because he had to suffer through this because of all of you, I will be generous and let him remain at the Academy and complete his Test.” the Shadow said to them.
Jack was silently crying and then the image faded away. All of them just stood there in astonished silence and tears slipped down Alicia’s cheeks. Bethany’s eyes glistened too. They were to blame for that. This person treated Jack like a pet and he punished him because they had been watching. His attention turned from his thoughts by Alicia murmuring Jack’s name. He looked over and Jack was sitting up, his expression unreadable. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR81vFupvBi
“I am incredibly sorry, Mr. Larmen.” the Headmaster told him. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gNYHFCP2O
“Don’t be.” was all Jack said in response.
Alicia had wiped the tears off her face and walked over and hesitantly hugged him. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHLIRpkXGa
Jack hugged her back. “You can’t believe what that thing says.” she told him.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWUBvqEqB3
Jack didn’t say anything but Luke couldn’t help but notice how much Alicia calmed Jack. He really seemed to trust her. “It only did that because it knew we were watching.” Luke murmured. Saying it out loud made it worse. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEaaiid6UTS
“They do things like that every time because I refuse to do what they want.” Jack murmured. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡksVshJm0Nt
“Well, I guess we have until after the Test to figure this out.” Bethany said.
“The Test is in three days so our time is rather short.” the Headmaster told them. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0AWG33IB1
“Three days?” Luke asked, surprised.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTZpR4SkQw
“But that means we barely have any time to figure this out.” Bethany murmured. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCvkhrzk0L
“I am aware, Miss Jalen. They were not extending generosity, they were simply taunting all of us.” the Headmaster replied. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZif2RP4mSq
“Well, then what are we supposed to do?” Luke asked. How could they figure this out in a few days? They’d barely been to this academy and all of this was happening. Jack was facing impossible decisions and now there was the Test.
It had already been postponed once. Luke doubted that would happen again. They had no idea who the Shadow could possibly be and the answer they gave wasn’t exactly helpful. They wanted to use Jack but they had no idea why. This was all too much and now they had until they finished their Test and Jack would have to surrender himself or people would die. They were fifteen year olds. Luke had no idea what any of them were supposed to do. He didn’t know what even adults could do.
“How is this fair to Jack? What could he have possibly done to deserve this?” Bethany asked, pulling him from his thoughts. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDmDwkMJynK
“He does not deserve any of this. Whoever this is they claim to know that they possess knowledge about Mr. Larmen. They said someone was responsible for making him the way he is. However we do not even know if they speak the truth.” the Headmaster muttered.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI8fD9RGYWx
“Jack, do you-” Bethany started. Luke looked over and he realized why she’d stopped talking.
Jack was asleep and Alicia was sitting beside him, holding his hand. He looked like he was sleeping peacefully. While they’d been talking Alicia must have gotten him to sleep. They all knew he needed to rest.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9LRfXFdfq
“How is he...fine?” Luke asked.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvUpf2M6mQ
Jack had nightmares every time he slept so how was he peaceful now? “It’s hard to explain.” Alicia murmured in response. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48Fy5HaZl8
“All of you stay here and talk to Mr. Larmen when he wakes in the morning. If you find out anything of importance then I expect you to tell me. There are other beds that are not in use so I suggest that all of you get some sleep.” the Headmaster said as he started walking over to the door.
“Headmaster, there’s something you should know.” Luke said. They needed help and Jack trusted the Headmaster. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5UZ8kH6tJ
“And what would that be, Mr. Ramos?” the headmaster asked, turning back to look at him. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wfZwirbMI
“Jack had a dream. Right before what happened with Raven. He said he saw the Shadow cast the curse on a girl. He said that they spoke to him in the dream and that this was his fault. Then after that...suddenly Raven is found and the curse is cast on her.” Luke replied.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9190yElQgE
“I must speak to other teachers. When she wakes up then ask her if they said anything because if Mr. Larmen saw it before it happened then we have even more questions left unanswered.” the Headmaster said, grimly.
Then he was gone and the three of them were left in the infirmary with a sleeping Raven and Jack. “Okay so, Alicia, how is he sleeping with no nightmares?” Bethany asked. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1jqxfIa7g
She went over and sat in the chair that was between Jack’s and Luke’s bed again. Luke walked over and sat on the edge of his bed. “You know how Jack can feel like the..presence of other people? I mean I really don’t know how to describe it.” Alicia murmured. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNnkp7yOTW
“Yeah, like how he feels warmth and comfort from you and all that.” Luke teased. He got a blush from Alicia and a small smile from Bethany. He knew the mood needed to be lightened.
“Well, I just you know...told him to let it in so he wouldn’t be thinking about what happened or worry about nightmares.” Alicia mumbled, looking down. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJVGCVZIxh
“He does need rest. It’s good you’re managing to get him to actually get a decent sleep.” Bethany told her. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8U5I4kigv
“We need to figure this out. Now we have a very short time limit.” Luke said after a few moments of silence. He saw Bethany yawn and he noticed Alicia looked tired too. He was exhausted himself. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4Xnw5P9xM
“I know. We just have nothing we can really go on until Raven and Jack wake up.” Bethany murmured.
“Why don’t you take this bed, Bethany. You should get some sleep. We can take turns staying up to make sure nothing else happens and have someone be awake if Raven or Jack wakes up.” Luke said, getting to his feet. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Kmn5RDVrg
“You sure?” Bethany mumbled but she had already gotten up and collapsed on the bed. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpatp918r3u
“Just sleep, Bethany.” Luke told her but she was already out. Luke took her chair and turned it so he faced more toward Alicia. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNcK4EOp6Uz
“I know I should sleep too but if I get up then Jack will probably have a nightmare.” Alicia murmured.
“I’m just curious...why do you care so much about him? I mean you haven’t really known him too long and now you’re kind of refusing sleep just so he can sleep.” Luke said. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Zyfg0fJUQ
Alicia shrugged. “Feels like I’ve known him forever and I’ve been sleeping. After seeing...seeing that..” she paused, taking a deep breath. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5dZ27UYBp
“He needs it more than I do.” she finished after a moment. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWubXo1IOUA
“We’ll fix this won’t we?” Luke asked. He was unsure and though he wanted to be optimistic, things weren’t looking very good at all.
“I know that we will try to and unfortunately that’s all we can promise.” Alicia replied, her gaze moving to Jack.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpM0rdOPbes
Luke’s gaze fell to him too. He was still sleeping and Alicia was right. Out of all of them, Jack needed sleep most. “You should sleep, Luke. You got hurt today too.” Alicia told him after a few minutes.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8oZkyiKmKn
Luke was reluctant but he got up and went to an empty bed across the room from Jack’s. He hadn’t realized how tired he was until he laid down and sleep came upon him immediately.
When he woke up, he heard talking. After a moment he groaned and pushed himself up. He saw that Jack was sitting up and Alicia was passed out against his shoulder. She was still holding Jack’s hand and he was talking to Bethany. However now they were both looking at him. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ08yUG1yHl
“What are you two looking at?” Luke grumbled, standing up and running his fingers through his hair. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1sShecTNT
“Still not a morning person then?” Jack asked with a slight smile. Now that he was standing he could see Jack had his other arm around Alicia to help prop her up.
“I see your girlfriend passed out.” Luke commented, sitting in the chair he’d been sitting in the night before. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTAjHqTaIX
Jack turned red. “She isn’t my girlfriend.” he muttered. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKdjpUV2o5
“We were just talking about everything that went on yesterday and trying to figure out when Raven will wake up.” Bethany said, changing the subject. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRT7rdty3I
“If she heard the Shadow say those things then that means that my dream was real.” Jack murmured. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfYgPDRDOsL
Alicia groaned softly as she started to wake up. Jack didn’t move as she shifted in her state of being half awake. After a few moments she opened her eyes and blushed when she realized where she was. She sat up but still held Jack’s hand.
“Sleep well?” Luke teased. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGA2EiHKw5c
“Shut up.” her and Jack said in unison.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZWajwGWbO
Bethany couldn’t help letting out a small laugh as Luke laughed. “J-Jack.” came a shaky quiet voice. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5u19FJilt6
They all turned from where the voice had come from and saw that Raven’s eyes were half open. Jack hesitated but then got up and walked over to stand by her bedside. She reached out and grabbed his hand. Luke could see Jack’s discomfort but he didn’t pull away. Jack really had no idea how to say no. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25pIVTr7ET
“Y-You saved m-me.” Raven whispered, her eyes opening fully.
“Yeah. Um Raven do you remember anything that the person that attacked you said?” Jack replied after a moment.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFXshijowry
“I-It’s fuzzy, b-but it was l-like they were talking to y-you.” Raven murmured, letting go of Jack’s hand and sitting up. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHAFMjqA1L
“Do you remember anything specific it said?” Jack asked, his voice very quiet. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡInEyUAVScJ
“T-They said so many awful t-things. I-I remember they s-said it was your fault and y-you had to surrender o-or more people would d-die.” she whispered in a shaky voice. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtRtxvhNirj
Luke thought it was way over dramatic. This girl just wanted attention. She didn’t need to be this shaky. She certainly hadn’t had a problem when anyone else got hurt by this curse.
Jack kind of froze for a second then his expression became unreadable. Luke didn’t understand how he could do that. “Well, you’re alright now. They aren’t going to hurt anyone else.” Jack told her. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqhEW8sNgO
“Y-You aren’t s-surrendering are y-you?” Raven asked, touching his hand lightly. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0Xs5bgZf2
Luke noted Alicia’s upset expression as well as Jack’s discomfort. “I’m not sure yet.” Jack replied. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUXUVQcple
Then a nurse came over and Jack gladly moved away and back over to them. “So, your dream was real.” Bethany murmured. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhrvznWWwG
“They want all of this to happen. It’s a game.” Jack stated. They all looked at him rather surprised.
Luke didn’t really understand what he meant. How could any of this be a game? “Jack, what are you talking about?” Alicia asked finally. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6zmehzx0U
“The whole point of this to get me right? Well, after he...attacked Martin, why not grab me then? I was unconscious and completely helpless so why leave me there? They want me to surrender myself. All of this is some physiological game. They keep saying I’m supposed to be weak. Everything I do, my reactions, my responses, and all of it is exactly how they want it to be. They want my obedience. All of this is like a game. Someone is going to lose.” Jack explained. Luke just stood there as he processed what Jack was saying.
It made sense in a way. “Then they’ll lose.” Alicia stated. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmvpQBLZlU
Luke looked over at her. She seemed so determined, but they were a group of teenagers who didn’t even know anything really about magic. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5s7uIKE8P
“Alicia…” Jack trailed off. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNW9AlWlWG
“No, Jack. There is one thing they don’t want. I don’t know if you’ve seen it or not but they want you to be alone. You aren’t alone though. You have us and we are going to figure this out.” Alicia told him. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWYJGcqHqrm
Luke could just see it in her eyes. He didn’t know if she knew yet or if Jack knew. He had no idea how Jack felt. It also didn’t make much sense. They just met…
Did they? A thought in his mind said. He thought about it but it was just...blank. Was that normal? 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiV4k7crMSw
“I can’t ask any of you to protect me like this. I have until after the Test then-” Jack started but Alicia interrupted. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8lRROA9zQQ
“No! You do not get to make that decision, Jack! You don’t deserve whatever that thing is going to do to you!” she half shouted. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZdjY15FV0
“It is my decision! I am not letting anyone else die!” Jack half shouted in turn. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLUV03OjCu
“And what if you get hurt?!”
“I don’t care if I get hurt.” Jack snapped. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfMXhkvu8M
“Knock it off both of you.” Luke interjected. The last thing they needed was Jack and Alicia to fight.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡed5hU0lDkC
“I get to decide what I’m going to do. Stop pretending like you care. All of you just pity me because of everything.” Jack muttered. No one even got a chance to respond before Jack just left the infirmary. When Luke looked away from the door he saw the nurse turn back to Raven. They’d been listening. That was just great.
“Alicia.” Bethany's voice turned his gaze yet again. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQ9hiqC0sF
Alicia was sitting on the edge of the bed Jack had been laying in. “Why can’t he accept that we care?” she whispered. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfjp8HXwcVU
“Jack feels very deeply.” Luke murmured. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9uzuHeyUdJ
The two girls looked at him. “What is that supposed to mean?” Bethany asked. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUSj5OrPPCT
“Jack can hide his emotions well but he feels everything very strongly. Fear, love, anger, and sadness. He is very good at managing his anger and all but he is filled with guilt right now. He is also hurt and probably upset and angry. Not at us but just at everything that’s happened to him. I certainly didn’t help and now people are going to die if he doesn’t give himself up…” Luke trailed off then his eyes widened.
“Oh no.” he muttered. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5hwMBm3rc
“What?” Alicia asked, standing up. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHZ8zX4Nfa
“He’s distancing himself. That’s why he yelled. He’s trying to distance himself from us so we won’t stop him after the Test.” Bethany said quietly. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLIKXYvsTo
“Again, that’s freaky but I think that’s it. We have to find him. We cannot let him do this.” Luke told them. Both of them nodded. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8eJclTlAbj
“We should stay together...just in case.” Bethany said. “But we won’t cover as much ground.” Luke pointed out.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRgnIcljqL
“Bethany’s right, Luke. Staying together may mean covering less ground but then we won’t be off on our own.” Alicia murmured.
“Alright. Let’s go.” Luke replied, starting to lead them out of the infirmary. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRfkR8OA7oa
“Wait!” a voice called. Luke glanced back and met Raven’s gaze. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKOZjUugGZX
“What?” he asked. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40iuSDvXLJ
“You all are just going to leave me here alone?” she exclaimed. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡluPwyqOlAa
“There are nurses here, you’ll be fine.” Bethany said, pushing Luke forward. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJl5OEsWuX
“But-” Raven started. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoD17LLX7qJ
“We have more important things to deal with than you right now.” Alicia interrupted. Luke laughed when he looked back and saw Raven’s shocked expression.
“That was amazing, Alicia.” he told her as they exited the infirmary. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡveUeh59NdI
“Thanks.” she replied with a smile. Luke figured she’d been wanting to get a jab in on Raven for a while now. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPeN55Afay2
“Let’s check the halls up here and darker corridors. Jack couldn’t have gone far and he might not have gone down the stairs because he’s probably trying to avoid confrontation with as many people as possible.” Bethany stated as they walked down the hall and rounded a corner. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8AYPGFYSD0
“What about his room?” Alicia asked.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF4QCsUP58w
“We can cover this floor then circle back to our room. I don’t think he’d go straight there.” Luke replied.
Luke followed the girls’ lead as they searched different hallways and corridors. They couldn’t find Jack and their worry mirrored his own. What if the Shadow wanted this to happen? What if they’d grabbed Jack? He hoped these thoughts weren’t going through Alicia or Bethany’s heads. They started asking other people if they’d seen him but the answer was always no, followed by questions about the attacks. They had a few more hallways to search but they were stopped by a group of guys.
Luke recognized the one in the front. He was the one who’d pushed Jack and that had resulted in the three of them getting into a fight. “Where are you three going?” the leader asked.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwK8xmFJUMs
“None of your business, idiot.” Luke retorted. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnfO22J1yFt
“My name’s Jake.” he said.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3rJcNzp6d
“I don’t really care what your name is.” Alicia stated before Luke could respond. He was impressed. He suspected Alicia had some fight in her. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgB0IHWfmE
“You’re quite the fiery redhead.” Jake told her with a smile. Luke knew that smile. That was not a good thing. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAddWMkhPKz
“What do you want?” Bethany asked coolly.
“Well, I still haven’t finished up with this one. It wasn’t hard to deal with the blue eyed freak.” Jake replied with an evil sort of smile. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJZFrsJMXt
“What did you do to Jack?” Alicia demanded. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGTcaGrkqx
“Just beat him up a bit. Nothing too major.” another boy replied while a few snickered. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGF3n61ANhu
“Told you his name was Jack.” another added. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQOu4ejJGV
“He didn’t do anything to you.” Luke snapped. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUo5EPAkld
“He exists. That’s enough for anyone. Professor Formento even saw us and just turned around.” Jake said with a laugh. Alicia just walked forward and smacked him hard across the face.
Luke stood in shock for a second then laughed. He quickly stopped when Jake grabbed Alicia’s wrists and pulled her forward. He and Bethany immediately moved to help her. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXuzdDGxWK0
“I wouldn’t. Move any closer and I hurt her.” Jake threatened. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJmisvKy5n
Luke reluctantly stopped and he noticed Bethany’s reluctance too. Alicia was trying to free herself but unfortunately this idiot was stronger. “Come now, you didn’t have to smack me. Alicia isn’t it?” Jake said in a teasing tone.
“Let go.” Alicia snapped, kicking his leg. Luke saw his hands tighten on her wrists which made Alicia wince. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEB5Anxb3FC
“You shouldn’t concern yourself with him. Everyone here has been talking about you too. There are so many better options for you than him.” Jake told her. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85axgbmlVC
“What are you talking about?” Alicia muttered. She wasn’t struggling now and Luke figured it was because this hurt. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqfVzF5wka
“So modest. You are quite a pretty girl, Alicia. Not even a teacher defended him so why would you?” he replied.
“Professor Formento should’ve stopped you and I defend him because he’s actually kind. He’s much better than you.” Alicia retorted.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3N7NNfHOVp
“Wrong answer.” Jake snapped, letting go and smacking her hard across the face.It made her fall and let out a small cry. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡByISqlEw18
Luke moved quickly and stood between her and Jake. “You wanted to finish with me so go ahead. Leave her alone.” he said through gritted teeth. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOgGRHvzZb9
Jake smirked. “Knight in shining armor suits you.” Luke glared at him. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6kvANA8CN
“Pig covered in its own filth suits you.” he said with a smirk of his own.
He looked back and saw that Bethany had helped Alicia up. He looked back to see Jake forming a fist then he let his hand drop. “Let’s duel instead.” he said out of the blue. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9y7rDLdkOD
“What?” Luke asked, exasperated. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZ2ONMaRCl
“Duel. Tomorrow after classes and before dinner.” Jake replied. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZIzcVzIBLC
“Fine.” Luke snapped. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡinwp2JraYD
“And let’s put a wager on it, shall we?” Jake continued with another smirk. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQX1d0zL4u
“What do you want?” Luke muttered. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQ5B2qccbw
“If I win then all of you get to watch me beat up the freak.” Jake stated. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6m6sgsKue
“No.” Alicia choked out. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUzUA2DOvB
“That’s what I want. That’s how a bet works, darling.” Jake told her, grinning evilly at her.
“And if you lose?” Luke asked, redirecting his attention. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcjaAO2408
Thankfully, Jake looked back at him. “If that happens, then you get to choose what you get out of it.” he replied with a chuckle. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTZa7fBvT2
Luke thought for a few moments. What did he want? What could he get out of this? What would be good enough? “If I win then you have to apologize to Jack and tell the Headmaster what you did to him.” he said finally. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4BSiPu9Oao
Jake laughed. “See you tomorrow then. All of you have to come and so does the freak.” he replied.
Luke scowled as they walked away. He could hear them snickering as they did. “That was big of you, Luke.” Bethany said quietly. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8eUJ8FZCyI
“What do you mean?” Luke asked, turning to face the two girls. Alicia’s cheek was bright red and he could tell it hurt. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56O8F82eRP
“What you asked to get out of it was for Jack. Not for you.” Alicia murmured. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXL53aeZwh7
Luke was quiet for a moment. “He shouldn’t be treated like this. We have to find him...quickly. If he got hurt then he probably went back to our room. The lock is unique on every door so only us four know how to get in.” he muttered.
Bethany nodded in agreement but Alicia still looked at the ground. “Alicia, are you alright?” Luke asked her.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44Xc2WmYWB
“I’m fine.” Alicia replied, lifting her chin. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1dMonuzmhr
“Then we better head back.” Bethany said. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU7qHfPvdzM
Luke nodded and they set off at a quick pace until they reached the room he and Jack shared. He could’ve just walked in but he knocked instead. Bethany and Alicia didn’t comment on his decision but he caught Bethany’s small nod of approval.
“Who is it?” came a voice from the other side of the door. It was Jack’s voice and it sounded normal. Luke silently cursed Jack’s ability to do that. He wished he could just hide his emotions at times. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBp88U1sfnr
“It’s us.” Luke answered after a moment of hesitation. The door opened and Jack stood there.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCh1ACU2i00
“Then why’d you knock?” he asked. Luke couldn’t really form an answer at first and he heard someone give a small gasp behind him.
He figured it was Alicia but he wasn’t quite sure. Jack was covered in half faded bruises. Some darker than others and others much lighter and mostly faded. It looked like his lip had been bleeding but it was mostly healed now. He must’ve run into that group pretty recently. Jack just rolled his eyes when he didn’t answer and turned away. He walked over to his bed and just sat down.
Luke finally snapped out of it and he walked in followed by the two girls. He heard the door close softly as he went over to his bed and sat on the edge of it. He looked up at Jack and he saw Jack’s gaze on Alicia. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRoPmxjQPf
“What...happened?” he asked hesitantly. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpq6xO91WeB
Alicia didn’t answer so Bethany did. “We ran into the same group you did.” she explained.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFfbNmki5g
“So he hit Alicia?” Jack asked. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqD7PNy7vRi
Luke caught the anger in his voice. “She smacked him because of stuff he said then he grabbed her wrists. Then she made quite a good remark honestly and he smacked her.” Luke murmured.
“Why didn’t you stop him or help her?” Jack snapped.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYJXNmzp1A
“Okay, I get you’re angry but you don’t get to take it out on us. He said if we took a step closer then he’d hurt her. Now we’re dueling tomorrow and you have to be there too.” Luke retorted.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7EHfskoYjG
“I’m not taking it out on anyone. I think I was allowed to be mad when you say someone hit Alicia and I didn’t exactly know that he threatened to hurt her if you did try to help.” Jack muttered.
“You are taking your anger out on us. That little thing in the infirmary? Remember that? You do a fantastic job of acting emotionless and not getting angry but you can’t hide it all forever.” Luke snapped. He was tired of this. Jack wouldn’t talk to them and he wouldn’t just let the wall down.
“Oh well I’m sorry for the fact that I now have to complete the Test then give myself up or more people die. Let’s also not forget about that fun nightmare you all watched. Then I can’t even have a moment of peace to myself. Then I was a fun little experiment for a group of people much stronger than I am. You know how fun it is when they see how long it takes for your cursed magic to heal you so they keep hitting you harder and harder. It’s also so incredibly fun when they call you a lot of different names and tell you you're worth nothing. Oh and they also just toss you on the ground and just start kicking you and laughing. So yeah, Luke, I’m sorry that I am a bit on edge at the moment.” Jack retorted.
Luke was about to retort but Alicia’s voice stopped him. “Jack.” she said softly. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfk4bQr1nEU
“What?” Jack muttered. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqDfJPDiy2
He wouldn’t look at her. Jack had looked up when he was talking to him. That was it. Jack couldn’t be angry at Alicia. If any of them could get Jack to calm down, it would be Alicia. Bethany seemed to be thinking the same so she silently came and sat on the opposite end of Luke’s bed. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1QaTfEtJET
“I know you’re upset and you have every right to be. That moron shouldn’t have done what he did. Nothing that they said was true.” Alicia told him, walking over and sitting beside him.
Jack didn’t answer. That was good in this case, Luke thought. Jack wasn’t retorting and he wasn’t correcting her in any way. “You are in an impossible situation and you have already suffered through more pain than any of them could ever imagine. You may be different but that doesn’t matter. Not to any of us. The reason we don’t want you to surrender is because we do care about you. Whatever that thing has planned for you...you shouldn’t go anywhere near it. Please let us help you.” Alicia murmured.
“Even a teacher just let it happen. He looked right at me and he smiled. He smiled and walked away.” Jack whispered. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9yU05hWYAp
“And that is wrong. We can tell the Headmaster what he did and-” 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk6CkV2Jhc4
“No!” Jack shouted, interrupting her. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhQsNFqrAw
Now Luke’s head snapped up. Jack seemed afraid. Why didn’t he want to tell the Headmaster? He opened his mouth but Bethany quietly shushed him before he could say anything. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk9GA1LqMWU
“Jack, what is it?” Alicia asked gently. Jack just shook his head and covered his face with his hands.
Concern flashed in Alicia’s eyes and she carefully put her arms around him. Luke knew Jack needed it. He didn’t understand why Jack had protested like that. “Jack?” Alicia asked after a moment. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2KEULo2VNT
“I-I can’t s-say.” Jack whispered. Luke barely heard it. What couldn’t he say? What did Professor Formento have to do with all of it? 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1icz64MGLv
“What can’t you say? Why?” Alicia murmured. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQe7bO9yYGH
“I-I can’t. H-He’ll hurt you.” Jack whispered in a shaky voice. Alicia hugged him a bit tighter but Luke saw how careful she was not to hurt him.
“We can act like we don’t know. If you don’t tell us then we have to go to the Headmaster and tell him that he let you get hurt.” Alicia said quietly. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYUDLhJ7PD9
Luke raised his eyebrows. That was impressive. He honestly didn’t think Alicia had it in her to give Jack a choice like that. She usually didn’t ever make him talk about something he didn’t want to talk about. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhNdX9j0zH
“P-Please don’t.” came Jack’s quiet voice. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrtfJ1FJLJr
“Then tell us what he did.” Alicia murmured. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnZwgNegCz
“D-Detention.” Jack whispered.
Detention? It had just been writing lines…….... Jack had been alone. He got a bad feeling deep in his stomach. He saw Alicia take a deep breath. “What did he do?” Alicia asked him gently. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJZrxArBRi
Luke was not ready for the answer Jack was about to give. “He t-tortured me. He used m-magic and a-a knife. He waited for m-me to heal enough a-and he wouldn’t s-stop. That’s w-why when you and B-Bethany came in, I g-got scared for a s-second.” Jack explained. His voice was shaking and Luke couldn’t see his face as Alicia embraced him a bit tighter.
She seemed just as shocked as he imagined he looked. He glanced over at Bethany and she looked shocked too. Jack finally broke down. He’d been hiding this and then right after that...he’d saved Luke’s life. Then all of those other things happened. How had he not broken down so much earlier than this? Alicia just continued to hug him as he cried and she was murmuring things to him but Luke couldn’t quite hear what she was saying.
“Something is off about this.” Bethany muttered after she moved closer to sit beside him. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1H0NeYKqBU
“Really?” Luke muttered with sarcasm. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXrRMM9MDI
“No, I mean obviously but… a teacher wouldn’t do that, you know? Then threatened him so he wouldn’t say anything to the Headmaster? I don’t know. It just doesn’t make much sense.” Bethany said quietly. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFKt1YDlnv
Luke kept his voice down too as they talked. “Do you think he could be the Shadow?” he asked her. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3n7o5icj5J
Bethany thought for a moment. “Maybe. I mean that would explain how the attacks happened inside the school and why he’s so awful to Jack.” she said finally.
“Shouldn’t we tell the Headmaster?” Luke asked. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3X2DHH9mi
“If we do and he gets away then that could be dangerous. However if he was the Shadow then he could’ve taken Jack during detention and also gotten pretty far.” Bethany replied. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYSgCLrwxn
“Could it be his father?” Luke suggested. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0kqCrs8Va
“No, his father hates magic so he wouldn’t have it or use it.” Bethany told him. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXGPMw8Lme
“What are we supposed to do then? We don’t know who it is. All we have are a few suspects.” Luke muttered.
“Complete our Tests and keep looking over every clue we have. Unfortunately that’s really all we can do unless we get some sort of lead.” Bethany murmured.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsf29I1jM5B
Luke sighed and glanced over at Jack and Alicia. He was calm now and Alicia was still hugging him and letting his head rest on her shoulder. She said something to him and he did hear Jack give a small laugh in response. “How does she do that?” Luke thought out loud. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡteNcDQ8KNy
Bethany shrugged. “I have no idea. It’s so strange. She knows him so well and vice versa but they’ve only been talking for like two weeks.” she said.
“I know. I’m glad she can help him though. You notice it don’t you? Please tell me I’m not the only one.” Luke replied with a small smile. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBTMlq0LR2
“Oh I knew it was going to happen the minute I saw them together.” Bethany said with a light laugh. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfdzCGzGItq
“Have you ever…” Luke trailed off, looking over at her. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWeB5wMB7MP
She shook her head. “I don’t really want to until I find the right person.” she told him. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvGZVw6A4Pp
“Seems right.” Luke replied, unsure what else to say. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74ahYqqAXK
“I would ask you but I know you have.” Bethany murmured after a few moments. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdUJM5xf0f
“Yeah, but none of it felt right.” Luke replied with a slight shrug.
“Well from what you’ve said, I don’t think you were really doing it for the right reasons.” Bethany told him. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhk08HzoQeY
“Probably not.” Luke agreed. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYE7m1QtQZ3
They were silent for a few minutes then Bethany spoke again. “I like this Luke much better than the other one. I never really saw past your mask. I’m glad I found out it was there.” she murmured. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCEx4FU50n
“Why?” Luke asked, glancing over at her again. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyoC2wKmf3p
“You actually think a lot like I do and not a lot of people do. You’re also trying to fix mistakes and you aren’t hiding or pretending. I think the four of us are going to be good friends. I haven’t had too many true friends but all of us here...I don’t know. Can’t you just kind of feel it? We all just kind of..click, you know?” she explained.
Luke thought about what she was saying. Jack still knew him better than Luke thought and Bethany and Alicia had defended him. They’d also let him be the one to explain to Jack. All of them worked together pretty well and they had all been through some difficulties. Jack had also saved his life and...the list went on. Bethany was right. He did feel it. Somehow they were all connected. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf74UWlbSao
“Yeah, I guess so. I haven’t really had many true friends either. I can’t believe Jack is even giving me a second chance.” Luke said finally.
He hadn’t realized he wasn’t speaking in as hushed a voice as he had been. “You did defend me and you had my back when that guy pushed me.” Jack said.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8tO2NVBVq
Luke looked over at him and Jack was sitting up now. Alicia still held his hand and the bruises he had had gotten much better while he and Bethany had been talking and Alicia had been comforting him. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhVUCAMHhN
“Also the bet.” Bethany added. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgp7RyfQNJF
“What bet?” Jack asked, looking at Luke confused. Luke looked at Jack. He’d never tried this hard to see what Jack was feeling. When they were younger, he could always tell but now…
The edges of Jack’s eyes were tinged red and they still glistened ever so slightly. He kept looking, searching for anything. There were traces of anger, fear, and sadness. He could barely see it but Jack was in pain. He hid it so well but he was hurting and Luke wanted to do something. Maybe later when it was just him and Jack. He would think of something. He’d been living a life where he could have anything he wanted and where people treated him well. Jack had been through the complete opposite. Jack’s outbursts were usually short and at random but it made sense. Sometimes the smallest thing could light an already short fuse.
“Luke? Hello?” Jack asked. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1z383ydyM
Luke snapped out of his thoughts and concentration. “Sorry, what? I guess I got lost in thought.” he said quickly. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg93PDemEKR
“I was asking about whatever bet you made.” Jack replied. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxE9h1cMMxc
“Oh, it was with that Jake guy. He wanted to settle whatever score and before we got to that he decided he wanted to duel.” Luke explained.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwg8X8rOaMq
“Then decided he wanted more than that.” Alicia added. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkobAwDWC1w
“What he did was not okay by any means. We need to tell someone about this incident. He smacked you, Alicia.” Bethany cut in.286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvg2Uy86sA
“I am very much aware of what he did.” Alicia replied. “And said.” she muttered.
Jack glanced over at her. “Okay, Luke answer about the bet then I want to know what he said. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3iHZkHIJ7
“If he wins he wants all of us to watch him beat you up and if I win then he’s going to apologize to you and go march his moronic butt to the Headmaster and tell him what he did to you.” Luke told him. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqzwHbFlxIH
“You don’t get anything out of that.” Jack said after a moment. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbwIVc5nYK
“Jeez, all of you think I am so self centered.” Luke muttered, rolling his eyes. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEHKqMkuOYJ
“Well…” Alicia and Bethany trailed off. 286Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbaMO8I1ap
“Maybe just a little.” Jack finished. Then they all laughed. It honestly felt good to laugh, to just have a moment like this.
That moment ended as he and the two girls ran through the whole event with Jake and his group. Luke hated having to see Jack’s expressions as they did but he was trying to see as much of how he was feeling as he could before Jack hid it. He owed Jack his life and so much more than that for everything he’d done to him. He had to find some way to help Jack and possibly ease some of this pain. He shouldn’t have to suffer through it alone. That was Luke’s decision. He wanted to be there for Jack. He wanted to help him. He wanted Jack’s trust and he wanted his best friend back. Jack was the only real friend he had ever really known.
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