2. H O L Y W A R : Peacekeepers

CHAPTER X

For a full week, D'kala and Kia planned and carried out campaigning events with the help of their friends (namely Addison, Damian, Sahara, Autumn, and even MacKenzie at times), debated Zill and Jack as well as Ruben and Christine (mostly good-naturedly with Zill and Jack, mostly heatedly with Ruben and Christine), and argued with each other about what would be best for the school.

There were no further attacks from dark forces outside the haven during the week, giving Zechariah, Zill, D'kala, and Kia a bit of peace and rest. Zechariah was working double-time trying to build back Safe Haven's law enforcement division, but so far had no such luck.

Then, at last, Friday rolled back around.

-

D'kala and Kia were unusually quiet as they made their way to school. Both had the results of the election on their minds—and the attacks from the past week had kept them on edge since last Friday.

The schoolyard, on the other hand, was louder than usual.

Students hurried about, speaking with each other excitedly about the results of the election. Upon noticing D'kala and Kia, some of them offered words of encouragement while other launched playful banter in Ruben or Zill's defense.

"We've electrified this school, man," Kia murmured, shaking her head in wonder as she and D'kala walked through the doors. "I never saw other kids actin' like this—not even back in Chicago." She looked at D'kala, her eyes practically glowing. "We're doin' something here, DK," she said in a hushed voice. "Somethin' big. Can you feel it?"

D'kala nodded slowly. "Change is coming to this haven," he responded, his voice equally quiet. "There is no doubt about it."

-

In art class, Addison and MacKenzie were now much more amicable than they'd been the week before. They'd moved their art spaces next to each other and were chatting avidly with Gustav when D'kala came in.

"Hey, DK!" Addison said, waving to D'kala. "You ready for today?"

"As ready as I'll ever be," D'kala answered modestly. "Thank you for agreeing to be my secretary, by the way."

"No problem!" Addison replied, beaming. "I think it'll be fun."

"I must also offer my gratitude to you, MacKenzie," D'kala went on, turning and nodding to MacKenzie. "Your advertisement artwork was nothing short of incredible."

"Oh, it was nothing," MacKenzie said, blushing. "I'm grateful for the opportunity to help!"

D'kala smiled and turned to Gustav. "And you, my friend, are an absolute lifesaver," he declared. "Kia and I were drawing blanks in terms of campaigning ideas before you offered your assistance."

"It was the least I could do after you helped mend these wounds," Gustav replied with a warm smile, putting his hands on Addison and MacKenzie's shoulders.

"They did the mending." D'kala cracked a grin. "I just handed them the bandage."

"And we are ever so grateful that you did," Latika said as she slithered over to D'kala, clasping his hands in hers. "I'm pulling for you, D'kala—and Kia, too."

D'kala nodded to her. "I'll let her know we have your support."

-

In all of her classes, Kia had begun to offer her services as a tutor to the other students. This had not only changed their annoyance toward her into admiration, but had increased her popularity among her classmates. She had even requested permission to change seats so that she sat next to Camilla in an attempt to forge a friendship with her.