Dignified

Chapter twelve

Ryan chewed on his lip nervously, processing what she had said. "What did he look like?" He asked.

"I don't really know, I couldn't see him. He was wearing dark clothes, a hat, and some sunglasses, which is pretty stupid because we're indoors." He sighed, rubbing his eyes and pacing inside. "What's wrong?" She asked, putting a hand on his shoulder.

"Nothing." He said, rubbing the back of his neck. "Did he sound threatening?" He asked.

"I think he did." She said, remembering everything the man had said. "He didn't seem like a very nice guy. He scared me actually.."

"He stopped me earlier and said the exact same thing to me."

"Well, I have no idea what he's talking about. Nothing exciting ever happens at Brassford." Ryan's eyes widened as he realized he'd forgotten to tell her he wasn't going to the same high school this year.

"Um, Peyton? I've got something to tell you.. I forgot about it."

She raised her eyebrows at him. "Go on."

"I-um- we, actually, aren't going to Brassford this year.." Peyton's jaw dropped. "What-what do you mean you're not going to Brassford? Where are you going to go? Ryan, this is terrible." She said, her eyes sad. He grabbed her wrist, pulling her out of the elevator as the doors opened. "I know...I know. My dad transferred us and I have no idea why."

"Do you think maybe that's what he was referring to? Things won't be the same because you guys won't be at Brassford?" She asked. Ryan shrugged. "Could be...but I don't think so." She suddenly hugged him. "I can't believe you're not going to be there this year." Peyton said into his shoulder. He hugged her back, resting his chin on her head. "I know..I don't even know why we have to leave." He realized he still didn't know where Dom was, and he hadn't seen him since the day they arrived. "C'mon." He said, pulling back. "Let's go to the penthouse. I've...I've got to tell you something." She nodded, following him towards his apartment. Ryan gasped as he entered the penthouse. Trace was yelling loudly, his head looking back and forth between Zach and Clark who were each at separate ends of the building. He had each of them tied up in what appeared to be jungle vines. Trace looked up, panicking, and sighed in relief when he saw his brother.

"Help me!"

Ryan turned and began pushing Peyton out the door.

"Sorry, but I've got to go."

"No!" She said, fighting him. She pushed Ryan back and stepped inside. "I don't know what's gotten into you, but I'm going to help you." Zach yelled and burst into flames, tearing off all the vines. Clark finally managed to rip through, and stood up facing Zach. He dodged a bright, ball of fire that Zach had just thrown, and decided to strongly attack Zach. Clark pretended to punch him, from across the room, and Zach felt a strong impact against his face. He fell over, cringing in pain. Clark hadn't hit him, but the air had. Ryan worriedly glanced over at Peyton, angry that she had seen everything that had just happened. He ran over to Clark, standing in front of him so that he wouldn't see Zach. "Hey, stop! Clark, listen to me! You have to stop this!" Ryan yelled.

Zach got up, his head spinning, and crashed through the terrace door. He fell through the glass, laying half in the building and half on the terrace. He stood up again, gaining control of himself, and backed up against the railing preparing to shoot deadly flames at Clark. His older brother pushed Ryan out of the way, heading towards Zach. Trace ran up to Clark and attempted placing his hand on his chest again, but Clark only gripped his shoulders and pushed him back. He stepped outside, eyeing Zach closely. The younger boy smirked, deciding to aggravate his older brother. "He's a horrible man." He said pointing to his unconscious father. "He's stupid and he deserves to spend his life in hell." Clark gritted his teeth, his fist clenched tightly as he glared at his brother. "Why do you protect him so much? He LEFT us. He doesn't CARE for us, Clark! Why won't you understand that?" Zach continued shouting abuse at his brother, getting angrier by the second. Clark closed his eyes, trying to even out his breathing, but it was no use. "ENOUGH!" He yelled, punching the air upwards again. Zach yelled as he was hit under the chin, causing him to stumble back and fall over the railing.

"ZACH!" They all yelled in unison. Ryan and Trace ran over to the edge, trying to find their brother. Zach was dangling from a window ledge, his fingers slowly slipping away. "ZACH! Fly up here!!" Ryan yelled, looking down at him. Zach whimpered, trying to lift his foot onto the ledge. "I don't know how to fly!" He called out, grabbing onto the ledge fearfully. He moved his hand to hold onto the wall, but placed it wrong. He lost his balance, falling backward and yelling in fear. Ryan did what he never imagined himself doing. Without thinking about it, he jumped over the railing, falling face forward, and very determined to save his brother.