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. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6OheIvka6
“Look the weird boy is coming.” a girl said. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡotvzuDh3IU
Jack felt his face grow warm. “How can he even do magic?” someone whispered. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXpYrhXMHY
“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. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7oMkoz7ZHK
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? 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYKdoOAN5Xz
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. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWFcpolrgm9
“Jack?” a quiet voice asked. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFiL2qB8dJI
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. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCIVK3qsB8n
“Because you shouldn’t be alone.” Alicia replied, walking over and sitting beside him. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNhX41fKyT
“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.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZprUR0Mfx
“No, you and Bethany didn’t deserve that.” Jack muttered. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bwaXbna7j
“Jack, are you okay? I can tell that you’re upset.” Alica said.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4glDRPOchW
“I’m fine.” Jack whispered. It was a dreadful lie and Jack knew it. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZpIusAv1V8
“Jack, please be honest with me.” Alicia said. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNeXDEAKsh
“Everyone here thinks I’m a freak and their right.” Jack replied, quietly. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZnZuT97svH
“No they aren’t. You are not a freak, you’re just different.” Alicia assured him. Jack didn’t say anything.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8wPnpm7SU
“What did the Feitari say to you?” Alicia asked after a moment. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡagNpkwBbeU
“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. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJANeltuwY
“She said that I was full of light but…….” he trailed off. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RRgWWmx6z
“But?” Alicia asked quietly.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5cFptnVty
“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.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXM3YN8BiR
“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. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb7KAb0RiUr
“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. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡej7kqoGeAf
“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. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43gzwEYlfZ
“I don’t want to be different, Alicia.” Jack murmured, another tear falling. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZqP06XobZ
“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. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqGMwdCiVa
“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.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlgjb9N9FLe
“I don’t want you guys to be in danger too.” Jack muttered. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAht1ozX5ZL
“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. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSbNfDu8mj
“What about you?” Jack asked quietly. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17sHeIztvJ
Alicia smiled slightly. “I’ll risk it. I’m here for you, and I want to help you.” she told him. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe8Q4nIh68V
“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. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMwFTuDFYh
“We’re going to figure everything out and nobody’s going to let anyone hurt you.” Alicia promised. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZAvfq8Opc
“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.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjDbbigXFY
“Did you two used to be friends?” Alicia asked, letting go of him. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1Lt1Z8Fek
“A long time ago.” Jack replied. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6JT6m5RZd
Alicia didn’t say anything, she was looking at his face. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMAMoHvb1y
“You look exhausted.” she said, finally. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxIDPLpW75
“Yeah.” Jack muttered.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1UYRTzNG9
“The flash of light was you. I wasn’t sure if it was or not.” Alicia said. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Eux4F4WvJ
“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. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtf9kZphZM
“No, I can’t walk back up there.” Jack replied, quickly. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUky34mNuQ
“Can’t or won't?” Alicia asked, quietly. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeh53ZLuV8L
“Maybe both. I don’t want to hear everyone whispering about how weird I am.” Jack muttered. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡumN4C7yvzH
“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.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpc3vcemQEJ
“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. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLVKfP3HxA
“We should probably head back.” Alicia muttered.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGur8RwzJSk
“Yeah.” Jack agreed. Alicia stood up then turned to Jack. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7GZEwQG80
“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.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLADm8FSOv1
“Jack, are you okay?!” Alicia exclaimed.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGIWgIHl3T
“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.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzrXsJwN5MM
“Why didn’t you tell me? That you were hurt.” she said, quietly. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCY4CSSJS0
“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. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wEbRn59JT
“I know who they're from but h-how?” she asked. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5eX4dGSL1
“He was hitting me.” Jack replied. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeBvRt51hiz
“I’m sorry.” Alicia whispered. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj68u4U5mKF
“You don’t have anything to be sorry for.” Jack murmured. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3YCYlNTRFS
“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.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWrWKUxCkOv
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. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2IyDEcsU5
“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. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bOBsDQ16K
“Do you think you can even make it back to your room?” Alicia asked. Jack groaned and put a hand on his head. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qWdIZF6p6
“I’ll go get Luke and Bethany.” Alicia said. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9D952rfvv8
“N-No. I can make it there.” Jack muttered. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlop3vL4eHz
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. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvGWXAhOoe
“I don’t know. You shouldn’t push yourself.” Alicia replied. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGEvk2Kf7SK
“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. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa499IlAtAT
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. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡARjF9RRSFW
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. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZaH0y8gyK3
“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. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0IMAsZEjP
“Everything will be okay. The worst we’ll have to deal with is probably Raven McCallister.” Jack assured her. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTLqr05RZzv
“I don’t understand why she hates me so much. Maybe I just did something wrong or-” Jack interrupted before she could finish. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuuxtqcNWZo
“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. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodb7vcppPj
“Maybe.” Jack replied. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimDLbEOCc9
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. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEaZwwKY2h
“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. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG54CBF03P3
“And my headache’s back.” Jack muttered. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡndZ3sBhuYV
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. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFDGGyTD95T
“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. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA99LNAjYsj
“Great, now it’s even predictable.” he muttered. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKcXCipYoV
“No, Jack, don’t be upset about it. We just knew you were upset and well………” Bethany trailed off. Jack didn’t respond. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSCdYgMIswe
“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. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3DUww0NWJk
“It is not your fault that you can’t control it, but now you can learn how to.” Alicia told him. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1NcIEcb3l
“She’s right.” Bethany added. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrbPC6Heykq
“I doubt it because we still have our tests and knowing my luck I’ll mess up and fail it.” Jack muttered. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRavzlitWE9
“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. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtByRqVUAQB
“You aren’t a mistake.” Alicia told him. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNj4RA4R6xc
“Whatever, don’t all of you want answers?” Jack muttered. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCaa4LajS3X
“You’re actually going to give them?” Luke asked, surprised. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wsWxS6UAA
“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. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDlM63MWgg
“I’m in too.” Bethany added. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡADLx1O5JeL
“So am I.” Luke announced. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscHJkA0Ekh
“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. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWmuspjhce
“Well I have more questions than answers so I still want to know.” Bethany said. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdR8rBNB4Xi
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. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFLF562uWL
“Shhhhhhh.” Luke and Bethany hissed. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtl6g95sSN
“Wait, that was the night your brother got hurt too right?” Bethany asked after a moment. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxC6OXzan5
“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. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqx4mQi7Ca
“Then what if his brother getting hurt wasn’t an accident?” Luke asked. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4phgYo9t7L
“Peter said he fell.” Jack said. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwGFdygyQ4
“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. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZXC0QLkD2m
“If they wanted me dead then couldn’t they have killed me in my house?” Jack asked. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFfxkJf20Ek
“Don’t actually say that. That’s terrifying to think about.” Alicia said. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5AVS9LmjSO
“That would have been risky.” Luke cut in. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrszMZkjAGW
“What do you mean?” Alicia asked. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmbIXblkVrP
“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. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ11c2YArwoI
“Maybe he thought we’d run? Then we could have gotten separated.” Bethany replied. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0FdHYdWV7
“Wait, we’re missing the biggest question.” Alicia interrupted.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy7v4vlbMtJ
“What’s that?” Jack asked.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFAf2Sc51l6
“Why.” Alicia said. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXhuefzRNf
“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.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTM4lIqon3
“Did we miss something?” Luke asked.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC9gFgWxehi
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.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTE9DbaGKsf
“I think the first thing we need to do is figure out what Jack is.” Luke told them. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEVt1EhSk0
“What are you talking about?” Jack asked. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9uZLoPjpXw
“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.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡliif2KI91p
“That actually isn’t a terrible idea.” Bethany commented. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5blK9xvfa
“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. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHbcjDl80a
“Here.” Jack said, handing the book to her. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpX99l6hS8
“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. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTnvGakI0r
“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. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmopzuemUIf
“Thank you. It’s Jack right?” the girl said, smiling slightly. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjwFoEK8d4
“Yeah it is. What’s your name?” he asked. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCYCaPbroqv
“Amy.” the girl replied. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5VIwHcs2aK
“It’s nice to meet you.” Jack said. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnf1LZo3Usn
“You too and those are the other Selected?” Amy asked.
The others walked forward to join them. “Yeah. Luke, Bethany, and Alicia.” Jack said. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡglJQI8dZkZ
“Why were they messing with you?” Alicia asked after a moment of silence. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKmA4hezzN
“I’m the youngest student here.” Amy muttered. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUniI3XzFs3
“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. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfA2XvOrheQ
“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. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxl4uWqL8z
“Don’t you have some class to get to?” Luke asked. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScqEgjA7J7
“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. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04anSe50Ji
“I know, but I wanted to.” Jack replied, shrugging. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzW3dHMwauA
“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. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFg48bzsRDP
“Yeah and you didn’t have a heart attack or anything.” Luke added. Jack rolled his eyes. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLgVXDmH6C
“I wasn’t just going to stand there while they laughed at her.” he said. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGNQZKS1sY
“So you can give her confidence but you can’t have confidence yourself?” Bethany asked.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyiqpQXCAJ5
“Bethany.” Alicia hissed.
“Just asking.” Bethany replied. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvuHwlRL9Px
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. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQtLKCZVM1
“Sorry, what?” Jack asked, as he was pulled from his thoughts. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmk4Upmzof9
“You didn’t answer the question.” Bethany cut in before Alicia could respond. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0xpQUW3TI
“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. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHwigx34Qlh
“You don’t have to sit on the floor, you know.” he said.
“Are you being nice?” Jack asked. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4Cn9iGgYU
“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. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwydFSMPUy
“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. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTZVOVUtGk
Luke groaned. “Why?” he asked. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg8yuuTmu4V
“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. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEpnQRw1Okn
“What kind of secret?” Alicia asked. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE8qmlOSQNp
“Any kind. This is just a good way to break the tension and build trust.” Bethany said. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9phvmRD7KP
“Alright, let’s try it.” Jack muttered. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZE8TSVbat
“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. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb7NN3nSReI
“What?!” Luke exclaimed. Alicia and Jack burst out laughing.
“It isn’t funny.” Luke grumbled. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZkk94EAr8
“Uh it kinda is. You thought it was me so the fact that it was Bethany is hilarious.” Jack said. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MI4khJUUl
“He thought it was you?” Bethany asked. “Yeah I did, but why did you do it?” Luke asked. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVRqekdIbF
“You were being incredibly rude and…...I got sick of it.” Bethany replied. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpoePLTfSq
“I’m sorry then. That I was so rude a rock had to be thrown at me.” Luke said. Now everyone laughed. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3drQ0JzArP
“Okay, Alicia you go next.” Bethany said after they finally stopped laughing. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYkGXwAOA1
“Ummmm I don’t really have any secrets.” Alicia replied. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMsraFLn1s5
“Everyone has secrets.” Luke said. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwAT2YNOrb
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. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuLdpgqxmPw
“So that’s how you knew elemental magic was hard to do.” Bethany commented. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHA5R884spq
“What were you doing in an alley?” Jack asked her. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3covcVwJl5
“Nothing.” Alicia replied, looking away. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5sgrnpSMd
“Alicia.” Jack pressed. She took a deep breath and looked back at him. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbDiXgPvpQ
“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. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYajxc66qnR
“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. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjNNzP96BN
“I don’t know if that’s true.” Bethany told him. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPFdu9IK8zl
Jack looked over at her. “That is annoying.” he said. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2N0klxwMr
“That I can see through a lie?” Bethany asked. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyXYu44MjTf
“What other secret do you have?” Alicia interrupted. Luke looked at him questioningly. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZEs9z9FBBx
“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. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDb6SdEPkc
“Doesn’t matter. You already know my secrets.” Jack replied. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡarlcM2ySbj
“Well, Jack, unfortunately everyone already knows those. The point is to tell us something that nobody else does.” Bethany told him. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7BuiGo4GOH
“Why don’t we just ask him a question or something?” Luke suggested in a bored tone. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZW0iCBvYj
“How about you go?” Jack said. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGMCGl8nCf
“You don’t get to just skip.” Luke retorted. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPYr00jbto
“If he doesn’t want to then he shouldn’t have to.” Alicia replied. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1LcgqnOUiR
“Look, Jack if we ask you one question are you okay with that?” Bethany asked. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3vhNOQ3AA5
“Yeah, fine.” Jack muttered. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFuIyoxNizw
“We can ask anything?” Alicia asked. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡymb5HT1WSy
Jack nodded. He didn’t know how to feel about this. Any question. He took a deep breath and waited. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbaJOwTAjWv
“So how do we decide what question?” Bethany asked. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUU5pv42rf
“Any suggestions?” Luke asked. Alicia was quiet, obviously thinking. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8h8G0MZMDO
“What about one similar to the question I asked earlier?” Bethany said. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAmkN6tSOGg
Jack looked at her. He was just listening to them. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPwbsOX8tZP
“Okay.” Alicia agreed. Bethany looked over at Luke. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡou8hd8Ki9B
“Go for it. Maybe the idiot will give a somewhat entertaining answer.” he said. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1fzaXdy7qW
“Luke.” Alicia retorted. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Z63OYwG5k
“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. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpZeaB0DCo
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? 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0H0dCErRyO
“Ummm….” he trailed off. What was he supposed to tell them? 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvpFVg61any
“Why do you have to take forever?” Luke groaned. His remark seemed half-hearted though. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡASUNw2318l
“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.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNOpTDraLG
“It’s Luke’s turn.” Jack muttered. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4WQ86OJ3MC
“Jack-” Alicia started. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNGYIvTyGT
“Go, Luke.” Jack interrupted. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhZCFh9ayx
“You don’t tell me what to do.” Luke retorted. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNLWoWB4zM
“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. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡulekEsv4U1
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. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKhdEytGtFB
“Luke.” Bethany said. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZh1b1VFI1U
“Alright fine.” Luke replied. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZN216AdU5X
“Jack.” Bethany said, turning to look at him. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDeHPrfMFQj
“Fine.” Jack muttered.
“Luke, go quickly because we have to head down soon.” Alicia told him. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0tYgKhLp9
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. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc4GEZti38N
“What happened?” Bethany asked before Alicia could. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi25GVAuBdU
“No.” Jack said. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTqXW4y9SC
“We have to go anyway.” Alicia said, looking surprised at Jack’s tone. They all stood. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxh9nX1fdo4
“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. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYbNDmEah4
“Hey, you look upset.” some said, walking beside him. It was Raven. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDkfw7goGe
“I’m fine.” Jack replied. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPAEEa5IuP
“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. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIh5ehc1OuM
“Well, where are the other Selected?” Raven asked. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2NPXRrEFs
Jack noticed they were being followed by her usual group. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7LdBb8mDna
“I got a head start.” Jack muttered. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJySDF5KFM
“Did you get into a fight with them?” Raven guessed.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwd4Vn1utMK
“No.” Jack replied. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbiJrmZzXw
“If you don’t want to talk to them, my invitation still stands.” Raven said. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDIQRuteTnr
“I’m sorry, but I’m still not interested.” Jack replied. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6r78FPCxKV
“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. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0nFEDUt8va
“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. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVmZH9vfad
“Don’t say a word about it, please.” he told them. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7lIkKr2DY
“What were you and the popular girl talking about?” Luke asked. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5J1gKmQdd9
“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.395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4WEFKpGuB
“She did?” Alicia asked. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡarxD4Gl3wK
“Yeah.” Jack said. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5GUb17TUSw
“So what do you guys think dinner will be?” Bethany asked after a few moments of silence. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgdVc5kkmvK
“Probably something Jack’s never had.” Luke teased. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5nSllbqIf3
“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. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOK1HjXvN1U
“Did you just agree with Luke?” Alicia asked. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScsE30iI65
“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. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAIGzrWh7ee
“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. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpGvUIDIBbq
“Yes.” he replied. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wvBBmdkkh
“Let’s make a deal. All of us.” Bethany said suddenly. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbRJ5nYrw7h
“What?” Luke asked. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkixIgaaekp
“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. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxta9su3tHC
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. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25iPw6skZb
“This is so stupid.” Luke muttered, but he put his hand in. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUchpburxsa
“So cheesy.” Jack said, unable to suppress a smile as he put his hand in too. 395Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn9YNvFZg0j
“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.
ns 15.158.61.48da2
