Fighting Us

Everything was normal for two days until that day in the cafeteria. You and Lucas were practicing your songs before you went to dinner. On the way out, Sophie asked you if you could work with her.

I could tell you wanted to help her but at the same time you were hungry. Sophie begged and you gave in. While the rest went to the cafeteria, you stayed to help Sophie.

You asked her what song she's been working on and she told you her song choice. It was about love. A subject you didn't like talking about but somehow it always managed to follow you.

Sophie said she got nervous whenever she looked at you and asked if she could face the wall instead. You told her to go ahead and Sophie began to sing for you.

She was doing good until her voice started to grow small. She was reaching the point she was having trouble with and she stopped singing.

"You can do it." You said. "Come on. Go for it."

She looked at you. "I can't do it."

"Yes you can. Take a deep breath and let it out."

She did and you told her if it helped her to close her eyes. She sang the same verse again and just when she was going to stop, you joined in. You motioned for her to sing a little higher.

Your hazel eyes shifted to mine while you were singing. I didn't think you meant to but you did.

What was I waiting for?

I had so many chances to explain to you again but in a better way yet I didn't take them. I was fool, I knew that. Reid and Lily knew that too. You probably knew also but the pain was blocking you from knowing how stupid I was. You were probably blaming yourself from my mistakes.

After informing Sophie to sing higher, you sang a piece of the song and Sophie repeated you. She hit the note for a split second before her voice squealed. But you were proud of her for at least touching the note.

Practice ended then and we walked to the dining room. You grabbed a plate and filled it up before taking a seat. I wasn't paying much attention to the conversation. I just knew it had something to do with Lily and Lucas' couple name that Danielle came up with.

When there was a loud commotion, I moved closer to you. Everyone's head turned in the direction it came from. It came from Steve and Kyle.

"What did you just call her! " Kyle yelled.

"You heard me, Ashton." Steve replied. "She's nothing but a no good, dirty, disgusting whore who can't her legs closed."

I didn't know he was referring to you. If I had, I would've went over there and made sure he had nothing else to say, permanently. I was surprised when Kyle slammed Steve's face onto the table and pinned his arm against his back.

"Apologize." Kyle ordered. "Or I'll make sure you have nothing else to say for the rest of you life."

We thought the same thing but I was sure he wouldn't have went through with it. Kyle was more bark than bite. Yeah, he had his moment when he did what he said he would do but they were little things.

"What was that, Johnson?" Kyle questioned, twisting Steve arm a little more. "I don't think I heard you." Steve didn't get the chance to say anything before Kyle spoke.  "Matter of fact, don't tell me. Tell her how sorry you are."

Like I said before, I didn't know Steve was talking about you. So when Kyle brought him over to you, stopping a few feet away from you, anger rushed through me.

"Say it." Kyle said.

"Sorry." Steve spat out, not meaning it.

You stood there, looking at Steve. You were confused as you shook your head, slowly, wondering why he would say something like that about you. I saw the tears form in you eyes and before anyone knew it, you ran out the dining room.

Lucas, Lily and Kyle went after you. I was going to but I had some words to say to Steve. I grabbed him by his shoulder and pressed down on, hard. He cried out in pain but I didn't release my hold on him. I dragged him away from everyone and threw him against the wall.

He grunted from the impact and slowly sat up.

"Who told you to say that about her?" I asked, narrowing my eyes.

He held onto his left arm with his right hand as he smirked.

"It was just a stupid joke, man."

"Do you really think I'm that dumb?" I asked him. "I know that wasn't a joke. You did to hurt her feeling. So I'm going to ask you one last time, who told you to say it?"

"No one." He lied still smirking. "I did it myself."

Right before I moved to hurt him, Reid appeared and stopped me from moving closer to Steve.

"Don't do it." Reid told me. "Go talk to Millie."

I walked around the corner and stopped when I saw you. My eyes shot down to see you holding Kyle's hand.  You noticed my gaze and you pulled your hand away.

"Did Steve tell you Ava is the one who started this?" You asked while you put your hair into a ponytail.

I shook my head. "No. All he would tell me is that it was a stupid joke and he really didn't mean it. But that dumb smirk on his face said otherwise. If Reid hadn't showed up, I would've wiped that smirk off his face."

"Thanks anyway." You told me and I nodded my head once.

Kyle left us alone and I tilted my head to the side, looking at you.

"Are you okay?"

You shrugged. "Been better. I just can't believe he would say something like that about me."

"Don't worry about it. You know who you are and what you are." I told you.

You nodded. "I know."

"Good. As long as you know those two things, nothing else matters."

"I don't want to go back in there." You informed me.

"Understandable." I said. "Come on. I'll take you back to your room."

We headed to your dorm and when we reach your door, you faced me.

"I know I keep telling you this but thank you."

"Don't ever thank me for something any human being would do." I said."Goodnight, Princess."

Princess?

That didn't sound right coming from my mouth. It was your title but it wasn't who you were. You didn't grow up being a princess. You were a normal girl with a normal life. You were boo.

My boo.

Before I could walk away, you grabbed me and pulled me into a hug. You wrapped your arms around my neck and brought me closer.

You coughed. "Goodnight."

You slipped into your room and closed the door and I stood there, smiling. You hugged me and that was the first time in awhile. I wished it had lasted longer but I was lucky you had even touched me.

On the way to my room, Selena informed me to have you in her office in the morning. There was something that needed to be discussed. I could only guess what that could be. Words travelled fast around. Especially, at this school.

The next morning, I went to go get you and brought you to Selena's office. It didn't take long for you to understand what was going on. Steve and Vance were in the office as well.

When you took your seat, Selena spoke.

"Do you know how lucky you are that your scene from last night reached me before it got to King Abe? I don't care if it was a joke, a dare, whatever, you do not and I mean do not disrepect a princess or anyone ever in your life. Do you understand?"

Steve didn't answer and Selena continued.

"You have two choice. One you write a three page essay to Princess Millian telling her how deeply sorry you are and if it's not done by Monday, you will be seeing King Abe or two you go to detention for two weeks and I don't think Guardian Lynn would be happy if you miss his classes."

Vance clapped Steve's shoulder as he spoke. "He already knows the consequences if he decide to misses."

Vance chose for him. He picked the essay and told Selena it would be on her desk bright and early on Monday. He also told Steve about his work out he had in store for him. I could only imagine the torture Vance planned for him.

"But it was a prank." Steve argued. "I didn't mean it. If I'm getting in trouble so should Kyle and him." He said, pointing to me.

I could get in trouble for putting my hands on him but I knew Selena would see it as what my job required. I was defending you.

"I don't care. You should not had said it. And as for Mr. Ashton and Guardian Cipriano, I see no reason to punish them for doing the right thing. " Selena said before looking at you. "Princess Millian would you like to add anything to his punishment?"

You shook your head as you said no.

Guardian Lynn looked at you. "You don't have to pity him. If you feel like he deserve much more let us know."

"I have nothing to say." You told them.

Steve sighed and you shot him with a glare. This was the first time you spared him a look.

"Just because I didn't add anything to your consequences doesn't mean I like you. You deserve everything that comes your way and much more."

After you finished, you walked out and Vance told Steve how lucky he was that you weren't like Abe. I followed behind you and we headed to your first class.

We were halfway through the day and Sophie had questions about last night. You filled her in.

Sophie smiled. "Way to go bro." She said, pushing me a little. I glared at her and she only widened her smile. "Millie, heads up, here comes your Superman."

You faced the direction she nodded her head to and I looked too. Kyle was walking over to the table. He sat next to you, smiling.

"What Hayes isn't saying anything." Lily said, grinning.

"Superman my ass." I muttered.

"You're always gonna be her hero." Reid told me.

I didn't know that day Sophie heard Reid and I. That's the day she hooked you and Kyle up.

"So Kyle now that you convinced Lily that you're not a bad influence on Millie, are you gonna ask her out?" Sophie asked.

Daniella wanted you two to date. She already made up your couple name that she promise you would like.

Kyle chuckled. "It's up to Millie." He faced you. "So what do you say, do you wanna go out with me?"

Everyone looked at, awaiting your answer. I looked at you, hoping you wouldn't say yes. I didn't want you to say yes. I needed another chance to explain myself. If you would say no, I would pour my heart out to you that day. But you I didn't because you yes to him.

Prying your eyes from me, you looked into Kyle's eyes and you smiled as I nodded you head.

"Yes. I will."

You said it and I knew you wanted to try to move on from us, from me. So instead of you telling you how I felt, I stayed silent and looked anywhere but at you.

The day went on and soon we were in the last class of the day. Your assignment was due today and you and Lucas went to perform your song. Your voices sounded amazing together. There was no surprise there. I was pretty sure you could make anybody sound good.

Just as were leaving, Selena stopped Lucas, stopping all of us.

"Mr. Carter." She called out. "I've just been informed that you need to pack your bags."

Lucas frowned. "Why? Where I am going?"

"King Abraham would like to see you."

That was a surprise for everyone. Abe usual kept me informed. The same question was on everyone's mind.

Why did he need to Lucas?

That question extended when Kyle walked out, holding his bag. He placed his bag with Lucas' in the back. Lucas asked you and Lily if you knew why Abe wanted to see them. You didn't and you smiled at Kyle.

He asked you why you were smiling and you told you him you found the situation funny and joked about him peeing his pants.

Lucas and Lily were confused. Lily asked why would Kyle pee his pants and you told her it was inside joke. She called you weird and you said if you were weird then so was she.

"I don't think that's how it works." She argued. "We're two different people. You're the weird one and I'm the sane one."

Lucas rose one eyebrow. "Sane? This morning you wanted to burn someone."

"It was reasonable at the time." She defended herself before noticing the radio isn't on.

"Reid, why isn't the radio on?"

"You were talking so I thought you didn't want it on." Reid said, reaching his arm out to turn the music on.

"Nice try but I know the real reason." She replied.

Reid looked at her, smiling. "And what's that?"

"You just didn't want me to listen to my favorite band."

His smile dropped as he realized what song was playing and Lily grinned. Reid looked at you then back to Lily.

"You two better not-" His warning was cut off by your singing.

He groaned and leaned his head against the seat. Kyle and Lucas were laughing and I smiled, watching you two, through the mirror.

When we arrived at the headquarters, Abe was waiting for us inside. He glared at Lucas and Kyle. They were visibly shaking with fear.

A small smile made its way across my face. If they only knew Abe wasn't a scary as most people made him seem. He was a pretty laid-back person. Of course there was a side no one wanted to see from him but that side hardly made an appearance.

My small disappeared when I saw you grabbed Kyle's hand.

"Okay, Dad." You said. "You can stop now. We don't want them to run away from us."

Abe looks at you."I'm joking with them. Anyway, you two gentlemen follow me."

"What are you doing?" Lily asked.

"They need to pass a test." Abe anwsered.

You crossed your arms. "What test?"

"They must fight for you love." He said in a serious tone. "They have to fight against two of my best guardians." He pointed at Reid and I.

Fighting for you love. That didn't sound like a bad idea. In fact I was more than willing to fight. Especially with Kyle. The first little fight we got into didn't do much justice. It was cut short since Lucas stepped between us.

"Seriously?" You rose an eyebrow.

Abe looked at you. "Dead serious." He said then a smile broke across his face. "No. I'm playing." I heard Lucas and Kyle sigh in relief. "I just want to talk to them."

Kyle gave you one more look before following Abe into his office. I really hoped Abe would change his mind about fighting. I needed to release built up tension.

Half an hour past by before Lucas and Kyle emerged from Abe's office. They looked better, I guess you could say. They weren't as scared as they were before going in.

You demanded for answers but they didn't give it to you. They just told you it was about you and Lily.

Abe told you to show Kyle his room and I was happy when we walked away from your side of the house to the other.

He walked inside his room. "Where's your room?"

You smirked. "On the other side of the house."

"I guess I won't be sneaking into you room, then." He responded.

"You wouldn't be sneaking in there even if it wasn't." I told him.

Kyle walked out. "Dude, relax. I was just joking."

I heard that before.....

Lily informed us that dinner was ready. I knew that was code for we have to sit down now or else we wouldn't be eating tonight. Reid tend to eat a lot and so did the rest of the guardians.

During dinner, I noticed you and Lily exchanging glances. You two were up to something. I knew it was something big when you decided to stay in Lily's room than stay in yours.

It was late and I was still up. I was looking at my parents' file. It still had the same information on it. Nothing changed. Abe hadn't noticed it was missing and I hoped he wouldn't anytime soon. I still needed to figure out how to find them.

Ramadi's last order was to find out how your voice sounded when you were mad and to keep him in the loop about any surprise attacks. I didn't want to make you mad. Because you still didn't know how to control it yet. But I could not not listen to Ramadi. He had my parents and I worked for him.

I left my room and walked over to the other side. I quietly opened Lily's door and when I didn't seen anyone figures on the bed, I knew you two were hiding something.

I didn't know where you two were so I walked around for awhile until I saw you two, hiding behind a wall, listening to Monica and Nathan's conversation.

"What are you doing?"

Instead of falling this time, you two shot daggers at me.

"Who is that?" Nathan's voice is heard through the door.

"Come on." You grabbed mine and Lily's hand and we managed to get into a room and close the door in the nick of time.

"Who's out there?" Monica asked.

"No one but we might need to cut the meeting short."

You were quiet for a few minutes before you looked at me.

"Way to go." You said, sarcastically. "What are you doing here?"

"I had a feeling you two were up to no good when you offered Lily to stay in your room. I guess I was right." I replied. "Why were you listening to Nathan and Monica's conversation?"

"It's none of your business." You told me.

"What are they hiding?" I pushed.

"They're not hiding anything?" Lily replied.

"If they're not hiding anything, then why are you spying on them?"

You looked at Lily and I knew you were lying.

"Thought so. What are they up to?"

You sighed, not wanting to give me anything.

"We think they're working for Ramadi."

When you said that, my eyebrows shot up. You two thought they were working for Ramadi. I knew for a fact they weren't working for him but I needed to know why you two thought they were.

"Why?"

"They keep asking for our necklace and I drew a picture of a girl wearing them." Lily explained.

I didn't know why they wanted your necklaces or why Lily drew a picture of a girl them. But I did knew, something wasn't adding up.

Monica and Nathan were Abe's most trusted friends. They would never work against him.

"If there are insiders, Abe needs to know."

"Wait! No." You stopped me for opening the door. "What if we're wrong?"

I looked at you. "What if you're right?" I countered. "Then everyone is in dangers. He needs to know."

I was the only one working for Ramadi and yet I was putting everything on Monica and Nathan. It was wrong of me but it wasn't like I could tell Abe I was giving Ramadi information.

I was going to be the reason why were we going to be in danger. All because I wasn't strong enough to hold my ground and stopped him.

As soon as Abe knew about Nathan and Monica, he was furious. Of course he was. They were his closest friends. He trusted them. He told Reid and I to take them to Xen.

On the way there, they repeatedly said, they weren't working for Ramadi. Obviously, they weren't, but maybe I could use them to keep the target off my back, if needed. Abe would keep a close eye on them and I could get my information without any problems.

It was wrong but I needed to help my parents. They needed to get away from Ramadi as soon as possible.

"Xen is keeping them occupied but they swear up and down they're not working for him." I informed Abe, walking back into his office.

Abe nodded his head. "Don't let them out your sight and keep your ears open."

He walked out his office to go question Nathan and Monica.

"What happens to them, if they are working for Ramadi?" Lily asked.

"They either rot in their cell or get beheaded." Reid said.

"Abe might let a lot of things go by him but he hates traitors. Especially, if they're plotting his daughters downfall. Messing with his daughter or his people is like playing with a great white shark. Stupid and dangerous and it'll cost you your life. Abe will take you out in a heartbeat." I said.

If he were to found out about me, I would be dead. No question asked about it.

"And now that his lost Allison, he shows no more mercy." Reid added. "He will kill you without thinking twice about it."

"Then why hasn't he killed Ramadi?" You questioned.

"Two reasons." I answered. "One. No one knows where Ramadi is. He doesn't leave a trail behind him. If you want to get to him, you have to be working for him and even then, some of them, don't even know where he is."

I was working for him and yet I didn't know where he was. For all I knew, he could be in the same state, same city, as us.

"Two. He's dangerous. He isn't like taking out a traitor or something like that. We don't know his weaknesses. We don't know what he's planning until he tells us. But none of that matters."

You frowned. "Why not?"

"There are things better off unsaid." I told you. "But trust me when I say, Ramadi is not getting anywhere near you two."

He wasn't. I might be working for him but that didn't mean I would let him get any closer to you. At least not without a fight.

And trust me, there would be a fight.