In the Heart of the Fire (a KOTLC fanfic)

III

Alden's voice cuts through the dark. "Stop it! Now!"

When the darkness pulls bacl like a curtain, I see him walking towards us along with Della, Tam, Linh, Biana and Sophie. So that's where they went. To tattle. Sad. I was ready to kick Wonderboy's butt.

Alden looks disdainfully at both of us. "Both of you. Pick young Sencen up and carry him to the gate. Elwin will meet you there. No reason to worry for his health. He will be fine."

I turn my head to hide my smirk. No reason to worry. Alden's catch phrase. I look at the ground as I walk to Keefe. If I see Fitz's face right now, I can't guarantee my calmness. I grunt as I take Keefe's right side. I make a mental note to stop giving him my custard bursts and other assorted food at lunch.

As promised, Elwin is at the gate. Fitz and I set Keefe down and I turn away. I didn't see the blood on his face until then. It makes my stomach churn.

A hand catches me on the shoulder. It's Fitz. "I'm sorry." His brow is creased in what can only be worry. "That was dumb. I'm just so upset...and yeah. Jealous too. As much as I'm Keefe's best friend, he's just as much mine. This makes it so difficult to let go."

Wow. I'm stunned. Fitz being sincere? Alright. A turn for the best. Maybe we can build on this. I nod.

I see Alden give us an approving nod. He probably told Fitz telepathically to fix this. Doesn't matter. At least it's fixed. For now at least.

I walk over to the twins, brushing aside the fact that both Dex and Sueanna still have not turned up.

"Hi!" Linh squeals, hugging me. It's a miracle that she can be happy during this time. "Happy birthday!"

My mouth forms itself into a smile more wobbly than Sophie in the crowded halls. "Thanks, Linh."

She breaks the hug and pulls Tam over. "Say hi, Tam! Don't stand there on the edge of the group like a loner!"

Tam waves sarcastically, if that's even a thing and offers up a brief, but sufficient "Hi."

"Oh my gosh, it's Bangs Boy!" The most delightful and delighted voice carries across the lawn. It's followed by a blonde haired blur flinging itself at Tam and squealing like a five-year-old. I can't help but smile for real. He really is okay.

After he finishes annoying Tam, Keefe thanks Elwin, talks briefly with Linh about the similarities between Hydrokinesis and Empathy, the dorks, then makes his way back to me.

"Absolutely sure you feel okay?" I can't help but ask.

He smiles, shakes his head, and mimics Alden. "Yes. No reason to worry, poppet." His eyes gleam with mischief. "Sophie  taught me that nickname."

My smile mirrors his and I hug him. Before he can hug me back, though, I slip under his arm and gently feel the back of his head. He laughs and turns around and hugs me this time. "I'm fine! Stop it!" He picks me up and swings me around. "Now, we seriously need to leave."

"Why so anxious to go?"

"Because."

"We both know that's not an answer."

"Because...I said so."

I huff. "Okay. Fine.'

He looks up and raises his voice. "Everyo-" His face falls. I look around. Everyone is gone. Everyone but Alden.

"What the..." I say.

Alden speaks. "Go ahead, Keefe. Leave us."

Oh crap. At least Keefe doesn't leave. In fact, he pulls me closer. But Alden isn't having it.