A Portal To Truths...

Confrontation Is Bliss

"Well?"
Ivor looked fascinated but impatient. I shared a glance between the others before facing him. "This".
I reached into my pockets and pulled out the flint and steel which was surrounded by an illuminous blue glow. Ivors mouth dropped as well as Petra's and Lukas' which was acceptable - we all did the same. "Why! That's incredible! I can't believe you found it!" Ivor gasped excitedly. Petra furrowed her brows "Wait what? You just asked what it is, how.." I had the same confusion too.. Apparently, so did the other 3. Ivor rolled his eyes "I didn't think it was THIS flint and steel!"
"I'm so confused. It's just an enchantment on a flint and steel right?"
He glared at me like I was stupid "No!! This particular glow.. I recognise it from one of my books, you see how it glimmers an electric blue in the light?"
"Uhh.. yeah?"
"Well that glow.. this enchantment.. It's the work of some very old builders. So old they existed before the Order Of The Stone!"
Woah. Gasps and murmers were heard all round. Lukas cleared his throat "So what does this flint and steel do?".
"I'm not 100% sure. But that's the exciting part! We must get back to the temple and discover more!" Ivor exclaimed.
"But Jesse already did that.. didn't you?" Petra looked at me. It felt too weird to look at her now, even if it was just in normal conversation.. not after what happened 1 month ago. But nevertheless, life goes on.
"No. I was stopped by Maya, I said that."
"Oh. Yeah. Just didn't know if you got there or not.."
"I didn't"
"Oh"
....
Ivor must've sensed the tension as he cut in after a moment "Then what are we waiting for? Lets go!"
Before anyone could reply, Ivor walked past me and up to his belongings - which roughly translates as his potions.
"I guess that means we're going then" Petra shrugged. I didn't recall inviting her but I guess this was a given considering she told us about Aiden.
"Well I'm gonna stay here." Olivia said firmly with Axel nodding in agreement "Same".
"What? Why?" I asked. It wasn't like Olivia to pass up adventure nor Axel!
"Because we need to keep an eye out on Aiden and his gang in case they follow you guys" Axel replied with Olivia adding on the end "Plus someone needs to take care of  the city. Don't want any more lava houses showing up"
"Oh ha ha very funny" Ivor spoke from afar.
"Then I guess its just us 3 then. 4 including Ivor" Lukas spoke.
Oh great. First I was stuck with Petra and now Lukas too?
"Great. I'll go get my things" I spoke monotonously to clearly suggest I wasn't happy about it. I began walking back to my room when I felt an arm touch me in the hallway "Wait".
I turned around to see Lukas standing there. He didn't look happy.
"What?"
"About the flint and steel.. Do you think maybe it could ignite a portal or something? That's maybe why it's enchanted?"
"I.. I don't know" I shrugged and continued to walk.
"We need to talk Jesse" He protested sighing making me stop.
"We're kinda busy now Lukas"
"Look, I don't know what went down with you and Petra but it must be bad for you guys to have not spoken for a month"
It was bad, of course it was. I'm just surprised Petra didn't tell him about it.
"....What's your point?"
"Well my point is that you guys may be able to keep fighting but I can't. Especially if we're all going on this road trip"
"You don't have to. You could've stayed with your friends"
"They're not my friends anymore Jesse. They aren't the people I thought they were.. Aiden.. He's not who I thought he was"
"Damn. I guess that makes you wish you'd have just not abandoned us huh?"
Dead silence. He knew I was right. I shook my head slightly in disgust before continuing walking.
"Jesse I'm sorry!" He called after me.
I said nothing and continued to proceed into my bedroom. There, I grabbed my enchanted sword for protection and some other bits and bobs. When I returned, Lukas was still stood there. I sighed "What?". He walked closer to me "Please can we be friends again? I'm sorry I abandoned you but I was worried my friends were in danger from the Witherstorm. I know you would've done the same Jesse"

Funny thing, I would've yeah. But now, I'm not so sure. The question is, did I have it in me to keep a friend?

"... I.. I'm still pissed at you for leaving but I guess we can be friends again"

He smiled "Thanks Jesse". I nodded and smiled slightly "Just promise you won't leave again?". He nodded back "You have my word. Now lets go and find out what this flint and steel does.". We walked back down the hallway together when he looked at me "Also it wouldn't be a bad idea to make friends with Petra. I can tell she misses you"

Yeah, I hardly believe that.