Faults

Chapter 46: Klaus

Aster has been almost nonexistent these past two weeks, disappearing from the house and coming back late at night. He's always dismissing conversations and when he is home, he stays inside his room with the door locked.

My best guess of what's going on is that he's still upset over Trey's death. I know I'm still grieving Marshall's death, especially since I was the one to kill him. Knowing that it was for the greater good helped me get past the thought that I'm a heinous monster that goes around killing his friends. Not only that, but Dakota has been consoling me whenever he can.

Maybe his healing ability extends into the psychological territory, too. I know he said it's only for superficial things or fractures, but it sure seems like he can heal the mind. He's washed most of the pain away with his kind and reassuring words. He tends to give me a hug whenever he sees me, and it always makes me feel better. The only thing he expects in return is for me to hang out with him.

He's a very cool person, so I have no qualms about spending time with him. As sad and fucked up as it is to say, I think I've found a new best friend in Dakota. He could never replace Marshall, but he's still a wonderful friend to me.

The only problem I have is that it's the worst time to become friends with someone. I could die anytime. He could die. The worst part about that is that he has a higher chance of dying than I do. He doesn't have any means of protecting himself other than a weapon.

Do I need to protect him? I suppose I should. He's my friend now, and we're part of a team.

It seems like the right thing to do, but what if he feels like he doesn't need protection? It's not like he ever partakes in the battles. I guess I'll have to see how the events play out.

But, protection is protection, right? I'm sure he wouldn't mind someone watching over him a little bit. Besides, we're all in this together. As a healer, he might be the most important member of our teams. It's pretty much our duty to protect him at all costs because he protects us.

I let out a sigh and shake my head. We're going to get through this–all of us–alive. My thoughts are cut short when Aster appears at the foot of my bed.

"Get up, little brother. This is an emergency," he tells me.

In less than a second, I'm on my feet. "What happened? What's wrong?"

"Archie's gone, according to Aydin. Apparently Archie had talked about going after Taylor, but Aydin told him to wait for Taylor to come to us. I guess Archie didn't listen," Aster explains.

My brother and I leave the house, finding Aydin standing on our porch. "He must've gone back to the shack in the woods," Aydin remarks.

"No doubt," I agree.

"We need to go after him. It hasn't been long since he left, he couldn't have gotten very far," Aydin tells us, his brow furrowed with worry.

"Should we take Dakota with us just in case?" I ask.

Aster nods. "Go get him, but be quick."

I dash off in the direction of Dakota's house while Aydin and my brother head towards the woods.

Archie, what are you thinking?