Fight or Flight

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After about five minutes of staring at the snow globe, contemplating the universe, I decided that my time would be better spent looking for Landon again. Break time is about to start anyway, and he, with the others, will most likely be in the Periculum. 

I make my way back through the halls, past the chamber room, and finally to the outside. The light reflecting off the white marble columns blinds me for only a couple of seconds, and when my eyes adjust, I continue on my walk.

When I reach the Periculum, the first thing I notice is that there hardly isn't anybody here. Usually, most trainees gather here during break time to snack and talk. One of the concession stands has lemonade, which I can't resist. I grab a drink and make my way over to our usual spot. 

Ari and Hunter are already there, and I spot Chelsie talking to some of the Castor kids on the other side. Sadly, Landon is not anywhere to be seen. I just have to hope he comes so we can talk.

I practically throw myself onto Hunter's lap but careful not to spill the lemonade. He starts in surprise, and Ari laughs lightly.

"So, did you ever figure out why Landon was acting weird during archery?" Ari asks.

"How did you know about that?" I lift myself off of Hunter.

"Please, the whole session knew he was acting weird. Everyone heard him scream: 'This isn't a game, Ridley,'" Ari answers. They don't know I went to see Pollux. Good. I don't want to open another can of worms.

"I was going to talk to him, but I haven't seen him since," I reply.

"Well, have you heard the rumors?" inquires Hunter. The look he is giving sends a chill down my spine. "Keira said that the Scarlet Clan ran into the swamps."

"Wait, what? The Scarlet Clan is in the swamps? Why? What for?" I ask. " Landon wouldn't go into the swamps without reason." As I look around, I realize the pavilion is so empty because both the Scarlet and Orin Clans are missing. "But the Orin Clan isn't here, what about them? Where'd they go?"

"Hey guys, I heard you say my name." My muscles relax when I hear Landon's voice draw me out of my panicked state. I turn around to face him and see him standing in an athletic stance, feet aligned with his broad shoulders. He struts towards us. If he has his swagger back, maybe what happened earlier was nothing. I shoot up to my feet.

"Landon, we need to talk," I say as quietly as possible. His face goes dark, his eyes and smile drop.

"Yeah, we do, don't we." He gently clutches my wrist and pulls me to one of the corners of the courtyard.

"So what was the scene this morning about?" I ask as he helps me into one of the alcoves. Nobody comes here, so it's the perfect place to talk secrets, among other things.

"Um, yeah...about that, there is something you need to know about Pollux. I think he is not who he says he is."

"Uh-uh, sure," I say sarcastically, "And who else could he be."

"He is in league with the gangs, and if we don't get out of here or stop him, this whole Rotunda plan will fail spectacularly," Landon utters.

"I don't believe you. Pollux has done nothing but go-"

"But he lied to you. He was upset that they were unloading boxes the other day because they are filled with weaponry imported from the gangs. He wanted it to be done already." I can feel Landon's breath on my face; it's short, hot, and desperate. He is getting a glimpse of fear in his eyes, and if he is afraid, it must be true. However, I still can't believe a word he is telling me.

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