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Chapter 8: Strengthening Bonds


I turned to see that it was in fact, Team Kratias. “Hey guys!” I called meeting Curstan half way. “What’re you still doing here?”

“Well, we were gonna ask you and Ashley to give us a little tour of the school but you left so quickly!” she explained.

“Ah! Sorry about that! We ran home to take care of some stuff,” I replied scratching my head. “I don’t think Ashley’ll be joining us either. Too busy packing!” I added.

Curstan waved it off, “Believe me, I understand!” she answered. “So what’s there to do around here? We’re pretty bored.”

“Yeah we saw some interesting stuff on the drive to the hotel,” Nathan said. “But shouldn’t we ask Mr. Carson if it’s ok?” he asked his partner.

“No, as long as we get back at a reasonable time, we should be fine,” she shrugged.

“Good,” he mumbled. “And who are you?” he asked Anthony.

“I’m Dyron’s cousin, Anthony. By the way you act, I’d definitely have to say you’re Team Kratias!” he introduced. “I’ll help out my little cousin Dy entertain you!” he teased.

“Little?” Nathan wondered. He couldn’t tell. No one could really, so you couldn’t blame him!

“Two months and two days! That’s it!” I snapped at Anthony.

“Ok, I know! You’re so touchy about that!” he teased.

“Oh, alright. So where are we going?” Nathan asked, for me and Anthony had begun to walk.

“Hey! Let’s eat! Where’s somewhere good?” Curstan suggested.

“Well, I ate before I came so I could go for some sugar,” I admitted.

“Sounds good!” she agreed happily.

“To The Shop!” Anthony announced throwing a fist into the air. He then explained that The Shop is the place to go for desserts and snacks of all kinds. The place has been in business since my parents were little kids. It’s been a popular after school hangout for about just as long. The old guy who owns the place now has been in the hospital for some time now, so his family took over for the time being.

As we entered, we saw a few familiar faces. Team Kratias had nothing to worry about since Anthony and I were with them. No one would start a fight with us unless they really wanted some trouble. We took our usual seats and the other two joined us. Today, Kimi’s best friend was working. “Hey guys, what’s up today?” she asked. Kimi and her were the same age and their birthdays were even in the same week! Her name is Mary, but we call her Mimi.

“Well, we’ve been taking care of Demox business as always, Mimi!” I told her.

“Isn’t Ashley your partner? Least that’s what Kimi told me,” she asked.

“Yeah, she’s at home, getting ready. This is Nathan and Curstan, Team Kratias!” I introduced.

“Dyron, you’re the nicest kid I ever met y’know that? So what is it today?” she asked again with had her pencil and notepad poised and ready. I liked Mimi! She was always way nicer to me than my sister, even when she says to treat me wrong. Anthony and I ordered chocolate cake, Curstan got a milkshake, and Nathan got a huge, hot, fresh blueberry muffin.

Mimi did her job and did it well, and as we enjoyed our treats, they learned more about my cousin. “So what’s your specialty?” asked Nathan.

“Most blades. Dyron’s taught me the basics of the chain scythe, but I wouldn’t use it in a fight,” he explained.

“To have mastered, all those you must be good! Why didn’t you get into the race?” Curstan inquired.

“I did. I’m the alternate! Ashley and me fought for partnership since Dyron was guaranteed his spot,” he revealed. We spent most of the afternoon with them, but at about 5:30, Curstan’s cell phone rang.

She closed the phone and reported, “Looks like we have to go! Sorry, but something just came up!” she apologized. Her naturally cheery expression had faded a little.

“Ugh, this sucks! I don’t even know how to get back to the hotel from here!!” Nathan said loudly, but not enough to be a yell or anything.

“I’ll assume your in the big one with all the lights at the top and the screen?” I asked, though not needing an answer. “Follow me!”, and with those words, I took off down an alley, adjusting the blade for perfect running. Anthony waved to the others as he followed and they came along. I knew every way to get there, plus a bunch of cool shortcuts, so we got there in about half the time. We ended up about a block away from the front door. We walked up to the revolving door and they entered.

“Thanks dude!” Nathan called.

“Yeah, bye guys!” Curstan said disappearing through the revolving door.