Roads And Maps - Aru Shah

Aiden and Aru

Aru's POV

I knew my dad had said that he wanted to leave knowing someone was dead. He wouldn't give up until someone was. I had to make sure that someone was me.

Kara stood next to me and I handed her Vajra. "Take care of this lightning bolt, Kara. Take care of everyone for me."

She took it, not knowing what was going on. I brought her over to Mini and Rudy. "Kara, stay here. Don't move whatever happens."

"Aru, what are you going to do?"

"Kara, promise me you won't move, and you will take care of everyone!"

"I promise?"

I walked back over to the Sleeper, and I caught Aiden's eye on the way. I stood in front of my dad.

"Kill me," I said, loud enough only for him to hear.

"What?"

"Kill me. Kill me so that you won't hurt my friends anymore."

He glanced around. "Ok. Deal."

He got out a bow and arrow and walked backward a few yards. He drew back the string right before Aiden came running up behind me and hugged me.

"Don't do this, Aru."

"It's my only choice, Aiden. Please just let me go."

My father aimed the arrow up in the air.

"Whoever it hits, so be it," my dad spoke.

He released the string, and the arrow flew through the air. It was heading for me, but Aiden covered me, and it hit him instead.

"Aiden!" I yelled. "No, no, no!"

Brynne ran over, and Aiden groaned. Kara and Boo went to go fight the Sleeper again.

"That was so stupid of you, Aiden! Why would you do that?" I cried.

Mini ran over as well and inspected the wound.

"Isn't it obvious? I like you a lot. I would risk my life for you," he smiled. I could see his pain.

I hugged him and cried into his shoulder. "I swear, Aiden. If you die before we get married one day," I said. It was muffled because of my face on his shoulder.

"I heard that," he whispered.

My eyes widened, and I pulled away to look him in the eye.

Keep him distracted, Mini said telepathically.

What, why?

Don't ask questions.

"Aiden, I have a very important question for you."

"What is it?"

"You have to be completely honest with me," I said.

He gave me a worried look. It also had pain in it from the arrow. "When am I not honest with you?"

"Plenty of times, but that's not the point."

"Ok. What is your point, Shah?"

"Our whole relationship depends on your answer to this one question."

"You're starting to worry me. What's up?"

"Do-"

"Do I what?"

"You-"

He raised an eyebrow.

"Know the muffin man?" I quickly said, trying to hold back laughter.