The Glade and Its Glitch: Book 2 Allies or Enemies

Chapter 25

TJ lifted his jacket above his head to shield himself. The rain had picked up slightly, and TJ could barely see through it. The clouds had opened up causing a thick mist to hang over the Glade. As he reached the border, he got closer to Carrie, and she became much more visible through the rain.

"Carrie," he panted, "What are you doing out here? It's pouring!"

She looked in his direction. Water dripped off the tip of her hood, and the hair that was visible was soaked through.

TJ was wet as well, although less so since he'd used his jacket as an umbrella. His hair was plastered to the side of his face and rain dripped down his back causing him to shiver.

Carrie looked away from TJ and back at the border. She was still on the Glade's side of the line, for now. TJ knew she wasn't planning on staying that way. "I feel something. A pull."

"A pull?" TJ cocked his head, "A pull to what?"

"...I don't know." Carrie's voice sounded scared and weak. But not weak so much that Carrie wasn't strong. It had a softer note, different from the typical bold tone she used.

"Oh, can we go inside? Where it's dry and we don't have to talk in the pouring rain." TJ edged closer to Carrie, it was unlike her to be this quiet, it made him nervous.

"I think I have to go. Like how I left home to come here. There's something out there... or someone."

"Carrie you can't leave. The Glade needs you."

"You're the king now, remember. You have the right to lead."

"I need you. I can't lead on my own."

Carrie gave TJ the side eye, "False."

"Carrie," TJ said exasperated with her, "Come on you can't leave. Please?"

"It's important TJ, I can feel it."

"I-"

"TJ," Carrie said softly, causing TJ to break eye contact and stare at the ground. "TJ I trust you. You're Skylight, the elemental master of light and darkness, son of Tai and Niko King, brother to Kiki, and best friend to Skye and I."

TJ looked back up, his cheeks getting darker as he blushed. "Carrie-"

"What is it? Why do you think you can't lead on your own? 'Cause you won't be alone."

"Because... because... 'Cause I don't think I'm good enough. Why me? Of all the people in the Glade, why me? Wouldn't Skye be better? Or my dad? Couldn't Protector lead again?"

Carrie held up a hand to calm TJ down, "Relax. You're right, there are other people in the Glade who are just as good as you-"

"If not better." TJ interrupted.

"No comment. If I chose Skye, who would lead the troops?"

"I lead the troops too."

"Yes, but you lead in the strategies aspect. Skye leads in the training parts and actually leading them into battle. Strategy and giving instructions are basically part of what I do. You can do what I do, and you do it well."

"Okay, so I'm a good leader and strategist. But what about my dad? Why can't he do it?"

"If I chose your dad, who would look after Kiki?"

"I can. I do. Kiki would be fine being taken care of by me."

"Yes, but, TJ, your mom's not here anymore." Carrie softened her voice so it was bordering on a whisper.

TJ's eyes widened slightly and he jerked his head back a little way. Averting his eyes to stare at the floor, he blinked back tears.

"TJ," Carrie's voice softened even more, drawing out the syllables of TJ's name to sound tender. "Niko's the only leader of the family now. He's figuring out how to lead by himself too. Imagine how hard it would be if he led your family and the Glade."

He nodded weakly, "I get it. And Protector, she already led. It was your turn and now it's mine."

"TJ," Carrie lifted her hand and rested it on TJ's cheek, "You can do this. And don't worry I'll be back. I'm not leaving you high and dry. Protector will be here, and I'm sure Skye and your dad won't mind helping you out from time to time."

Lifting his hand to where Carrie's was, TJ smiled weakly. "Promise you'll come back? And that as soon as you come back you'll be the queen again?"

"Nothing could keep me away." She put her hand down, "Besides. Someone's got to keep an eye on you and a certain someone." Carrie wiggled her eyebrows.

"Hmm? Who?" TJ's expression switched to one of complete and honest confusion.

Carrie laughed, "Skye you idiot! Come on everyone sees the way you look at her."

Confusion switched to shock, "Everyone!?"

"Oh TJ, don't change." She patted his shoulder. "It'll be alright. But I've got to go. I feel it stronger now."

"Ok, be careful out there. Don't catch a cold."

"Yeah, you too. Now go on, get back to your family." Carrie turned to leave.

"You're family too." TJ took a step forward. "I'm staying here till you're out of sight."

Carrie smiled, "Thanks," she pulled her hood lower to block the rain. Stepping over the border, she took one last look at TJ before breaking out into a run.

TJ stood there for a few minutes watching. Once the thick forest blocked her from view, he turned. Making his way back to the King's treehouse, he pulled a large silver ring out of his pocket. It was a crown, much like the ones Carrie and Protector wore. He'd meant to give it back to her, as a way of saying he didn't want to lead. But it seemed that wasn't happening anymore.

Tucking the crown back into its place in his shirt TJ started a light jog back home. He was now fairly confident in his leadership skills. Although it wasn't perfect, he was pretty sure it was going to work out.

"I'm king of the Glade," TJ said, testing the words on his tongue. He let out a breathy laugh, now excited. Voice now a yell, TJ repeated the phrase at a higher volume. "Yeah, I'm king of the Glade!"