Fight With Fire

1

I'm watching the boy again. He's sitting a few tables away ignoring his lunch in front of him. His small, concentrated eyes follow the conversation around him through his long bangs. He is sitting at a table a few rows away with the other kids a few years younger. Just as he's been doing all week, he keeps his palms flat on the table.

I raise my finger and point to the boy, "Go get him."

James rolls his eyes, "Can't I finish my lunch? I just sat down." James and his twin, Josh, sitting next to him look identical with their short brown hair and eyes. The only noticeable different is Josh's bigger muscles showing his strength Aerdell.

Everyone turns to James giving him mixed looks of horror and surprise. I smile slightly amused as I slide down the bench so I'm sitting practically in his lap. I wrap both hands around his neck and pull him towards me. I lean towards him enough that his gaze drops to my lips and he leans in as well.

When we are only inches apart I call over James' shoulder, "Josh, would you mind?"

It is common knowledge that although Josh's painless Aerdell is strong, his Drell makes him very sensitive. The hurt is obvious on his face as he stands before his brother has a chance. "I'll go get him."

I turn away feigning disinterest while I take another bite of my salad. I know James has brought the boy to me when I hear him clear his throat. I turn to the boy noticing his discomfort. "Show me your iae."

I know I'm right about him when his eyes grow huge. He swallows and mumbles, "It is not visible."

I give a quick laugh shaking my head. I know everyone at my table is giving me curious glances wondering what I'm up to. James is trying to look bored while holding the small boy. I speak loud enough for everyone to hear me, "Let me rephrase then, show me your palms."

He quickly clasps his hands together looking thoroughly horrified. "How did you-" He shakes his head quickly looking like he's going to cry. He swallows and meets my eyes again.

"Show me your palms or I'll get Josh over here to help you." I lean in a bit closer, watching the boy study Josh's iae identifying his Aerdell as strength. As if on cue James' twin stands straighter behind me. The boy swallows again and shows his shaking palms. They are cut and callused with thick skin but what interests me is the black circle on his right palm with three diagonal lines faded away. I can't help the smile that covers my face. "I see I have found a Phiar. A strong one too considering how visible it is. What's your Aerdell?"

"I don't know yet, it's not fully garnished." He stands his ground and I can't help but admire his composure.

"Now I know that's not true." I reach out and grab his hand not caring that my nails dig into his skin. "Look at the size of it. You have learned to use your Aerdell very well considering it should be tiny with how much you hide it."

"I can't show you. It's a useless Aerdell. Nothing that would interest you."

I let his hand go and lean back into the table crossing my legs. "Okay."

The boy's face fills with confusion as says, "Thank you."

"Finn." I call over my shoulder. "I'll do one more thing for you." I say turning back to the boy trembling in front of me. He has clearly heard of Finn and what he can do. "No point in suffering under your Drell if your Aerdell is useless."

He backs up shaking his head. James steps forward and stops the little boy from running away. "No no no. I- but- wait-"

"You've heard of Finn? Oh he's a sweetheart with his Aerdell of giving. But unfortunately his Drell outshines his Aerdell. When he touches you, instead of giving, he takes. Some of your energy, some of your Aerdell, who really knows what he's taking." I make a show of grabbing Finn's arm and pulling him towards the boy. He looks over at me with his deep green eyes as my fingers wrap around his wrist. His dirty blond hair falls in front his face at he movement.