Ravenclaw Tavern [2]

Nic

I bolt around the room, turning over furniture looking for him. Someone my age or older appears int he bathroom doorway and I jab my hand out, sending them back with a gust of light before tackling them, "Where's my--"

J-Jae?

Jackie

Rayah's face palens and I swallow, sighing. so confusing!

Nic

His eyes are full of fear and misunderstanding as he looks up at me. I apologize and get off of him, helping him up and looking him over.

"Jae, s'you?" I ask.

"What happened to me?" he whispers, his eyes watering.

Jackie

Rayah buries her face back in her knees, balling up her hair, and I keep behind her.

Nic

I touch Jace's hair before retreating and pulling him into a hug, not wanting him to cry. Looking back at the two girls, I take a deep breath, "Please tell me one of you can explain things..."

Jackie

Rayah doesn't say anything, scared, and I shrug, "I have no idea."

Nic

I set Jace's face against my shoulder and close my eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath. Please let this be a dream. I'm not ready for him to be this old. I'm not ready to be anything but what I was...

Jackie

Rayah starts shaking, her skin ice cold, and I shudder before taking a deep breath, still holding her.

Nic

I take another deep breath and look at the two girls. D*mn you, Alyx. If you were here... you could told all of us what's going on.

Jackie

I look at Rayah, "What else happened in the dream, babe?" I ask quietly.

She swallows, talking to me through her knees, "Love...kid..." she tries to explain and I take a deep breath, not understanding.

Nic

Jace looks at her, confused, "That... wait. You saw that too?"

Jackie

She nods, head still in her knees, "Lo...Rye..."

I look at her, confused, "What are you talking about?"

Nic

I watch as Jace moves closer to Rayah, cautiously.

"Lightning and nature..." he whispers.

Jackie

Rayah nods and stands quickly, her eyes red as she breaks down the door and runs downstairs. I swear and run after her.

Nic

Jace jumps back and curls up, lost in deep thought. I hesitate before bolting off after the two girls, knowing he'd be fine.