The Academy Of Time - Complete

Heading For A Fight

North

Shit! How had the bastard slipped by me? Between Vic and I we had a good observation of him and I had a feeling I knew where he was heading. Fuck! I pushed the bike harder, accelerating dangerously on roads damp from a previous rain. No way was I letting this Volto bastard get his damn hands on my family! We had known he was pissed and looking for Sang and Gabe but we had him watched so well and he still managed to slip by me. I couldn't seem to move past that fact as I took the curves in the road dangerously tilting the bike. If anything happened it would be my fault. I had no idea if he was using normal means to get there or if he had blinked but he had a head start for sure. Fuck! Shit! Damn! I couldn't think. I could barely breath, fear choking the air from my lungs. The rain started coming down again, hard, obscuring my vision. It didn't stop me, barely slowed me down. I didn't care about anything but getting to my family now. Lightning lit up the midnight sky and I watched as it seemed to hit around the area the house was, or perhaps that was my fear making it seem that way.Either way it was a lance to my heart and I screamed into the night in frustration. Speeding up the bike again only one thought was repeating in my mind please let them be alive and okay.

Sang

I was trembling on Gabe's lap, my anger from a moment ago transformed to an all consuming fear. I could feel Gabe's fingers digging into my waist but I couldn't find the strength to care about the bruises he would probably leave. Victor's words had stolen any strength I might have had left in me. I knew what he was going to say next.

" He's gone, slipped by North somehow. I'm pretty sure he's coming here. He was pretty intent on finding Sang and Gabe and getting them back. " Victor's eyes held the fear his voice failed to betray. I could feel the tears streaking down my cheeks and Gabe's hand furiously twisting and tangling in my hair. I burrowed into Gabe's shoulder, embarrassed by my tears and fear, wishing I could be stronger, as strong as these boys seemed to be.

" Let's take this to living room everyone. " Owen's voice was a point of calm in the room. Gabe stood, not botheing to let go of me, and we followed the others. As we settled on a couch i could feel the fear and tension in air as though it was a tangible thing. I lifted my head to glance around the room. Everyone was gathered around, except of course North. Most of them standing, shifting and shuffling like it was too hard to stay still. Rain pounded against the porch outside and lightning flashed and crashed. i jumped as a bolt of lightning hit somewhere nearby, startling me. I felt a large hand on my back, rubbing in comforting circles.

" It's okay Aggele Mou. " My head swiveled till I met Silas' gaze. I hadn't realized he was seated next to us.

" What now?" He asked the room at large. I remained quiet. This was our fault, mine and Gabe's. We shouldn't be here. We knew better. These wonderful, brave family was going to suffer for our selfishness. I turned back and met Gabe's eyes. i knew he could feel my guilt as i felt his. I knew the moment he made the choice and he knew I agreed. It was the right thing to do. It scared both of us and I knew we would suffer but it was the only choice. Gabe drew a deep breath and I gripped his hand tightly, trying to send him reassurance.

" Now, we go. Father wants us. If we leave now, no one else gets hurt. Thank you for trying to help us but there is no out for us. " I was proud of how steady his voice remained even when I could feel him still trembling. I felt him tap my butt and hopped off his lap without letting go fo his hand. suddenly the room erupted in protests.

"BE QUIET!" The commanding voice of Owen rang out across the room and silence descended. " Mr. Coleman, please sit back down." Another bolt of lightning cracked nearby and I jumped again. Gabe's arm snaked around my waist as he shook his head.

" We have to go, If we leave your family is safe. " I could hear the determination in his voice and I knew he was right. We had to go, it was the only way to keep their family safe and whole. So why did I have the unsettling feeling that if we left, we'd be destroying it? Kota stepped forward and grabbed Gabe's hand.