Elements: Rise of The Destruction (Book 1)

Scars Don't Heal (Chapter 7)

Alex jumped down from the treehouse, a wobbly landing, but quick recovery. He dashes through the forest, trying to go faster. Over the past few days, Ku had been teaching them how to control their magic, some battle moves, and parkour. The 5 of them had managed to keep up with the beginners' mode parkour, so they were in pretty good shape for teens who just started training.

I have to get home fast! Alex willed his legs to move faster. Moving fast, dodging trees, Alex picked up his pace. Sweat trickled down his forehead, with each passing second Alex looked more scared. Please, faster, FASTER! Alex practically begged in his mind. Reaching the neighborhood, Alex slowed down, dodging people and wandering cats and dogs.

He reached the front of his house, taking short, deep breaths. Alex checked his watch, 6:59 pm. He bit his tongue to keep himself from cursing as he unlocked the door. He silently entered the house, locking the door behind them. Alex did his best to stay silent as he made his way to his room. Alex stepped on certain spots of the staircase, to prevent any creaks. Once in his room, he opened the door slowly. Then, he closed the door, as slow as a snail. Once he closed the door, Alex let out a sigh in relief.

"Where have you been?"

Alex's eyes widened as the voice sent a chill down his spine.

"Your mother asked: where have you been?!"

Alex didn't want to turn around, the fear kept him standing still. But, he knew better than that. Shaking, Alex forced himself to turn around...

His parents didn't look happy. In fact, they never looked happy when Alex is around. Alex wished that he could just disappear, or that Sensei was here...or anyone for that matter was here...with him.

"Answer the question," his mom demanded. On the outside, she is a very pretty woman. Dyed golden blonde hair, stunning brown eyes, the dimples, and the freckles. But with her face smushed up in anger, she sent a chill down anyone's spine.

"Well, it doesn't matter where you've been, you're still in trouble," his dad says, looking angry. This man wasn't any less good-looking. He too had blonde hair, sky blue eyes, and freckles, but he was also muscular. Smart, and strong.

They both started to show what was hidden behind their back, and Alex pressed himself against his door. Hoping it would just swallow him up. He wished he could be anywhere else but here...Alex closed his eyes shut, bracing himself.

---

Alex tugged at his sleeves, hoping it covered up his entire arm. He spots Brenton and jogs over.

"Heya Brenton," Alex smiles, coming up to him.

"Hey Alex," Brenton replies, noticing the long sleeves.

"What are you even doing lately? You always show up with bandages and what not every day," Brenton confronts.

"I practice on my own...and well, it doesn't always go according to plan..." Alex's voice trails off.

I hate lying...

But I can't let Brenton-or anyone else for that matter-find out.

But...it hurts...

--

It's lunchtime. Owen and Urana were talking about the homework they had gotten from science. While having a conversation, they end up at the table with Alex, Ava, and Brenton.

"About time you guys finally showed up," Brenton mumbles, in between bites.

"Ew. Manners." Urana states simply.

"You're not my mom," Brenton states back.

"Still, proper manners will make everyone feel more comfortable," Owen backs up.

"More like pressured," Ava laughs.

"She has a point," Alex adds.

Owen and Urana both roll their eyes.

"Say...when did we start sitting together at lunch?" Ava questions, looking confused.

"Well, I usually have lunch with either Ava or Brenton...mostly alone though.." Alex thinks.

"I usually eat alone...when..?" Brenton asks himself.

"I guess we all found people we're comfortable with?" Urana guesses.

"I think I can speak for all of us when I say that we have grown closer as a group," Owen adds. "In about a week."

"Hmm, you're right about that," Alex mumbles.

"Come to think of it, we even wait for each other after school to head over to Sensei's," Ava remembers.

"Yeah, I remember! Huh, we started hanging out a lot without even knowing it," Brenton agrees.

"That's something...we became friends without even realizing it ourselves," Owen says thoughtfully.

"I'm glad we consider each other friends!" Alex exclaims. Ava joins in on his excitement.

--

Brenton and Owen were waiting outside of the entrance of the school for the rest of their group.

"Hey Owen, did you notice that Alex's been getting more bandages?" Brenton asks, genuinely worried.

"Now that you mention it...I have noticed. Did you ask?" Owen questions.

"I did. He said that he practices on his own sometimes and it doesn't always go by the plan."

"Could you tell if he was lying?"

"No..." Owen's actually talking, but his hood is still on...what's up with this guy?

"Well, it's not like we have a lie detector or anything."

"True. But I'm kinda worried.."

"Trust me on this: Alex would never do anything related to self-harm if that's what you're worried about."

"It did cross my mind...but I was thinking that maybe he was getting into trouble..."

"Ha. That's a joke, they only person who picks fights with everyone is you."

"I don't pick fights with everyone!"

"Lia-"

"There you two are!" Urana sighs in relief, cutting off Owen.

"Hey Urana," both boys say at the same time.

"Don't you ever feel hot with that hood on?" Brenton asks, raising an eyebrow. The closer it got to the end of the year, the warmer it got. Everyone has started wearing half-sleeves and shorts and skirts...and then there's Owen. Who always wears a hood, except in school because he can't. Owen shakes his head 'no'.

"Where are Alex and Ava?" Urana questions.

"Probably finishing up their last gig," Brenton answers, half sarcastic, and half-serious.

"And don't you have a competition soon?" Urana asks.

"Yeah," Brenton replies flatly.

Alex and Ava came up, waving.

"About time," Brenton mumbles.

"Well, let's go then. Sensei and Coach are waiting," Urana leads the way.

It hurts...so much...

Someone, please...

Save me...