Chapter Nine

Just three words can change everything.

Tam hates me.

Sophie shook her head and reread the note, but it said exactly what she had thought it said. Which meant that her relationships with everyone she loved were in serious danger. But this wasn't about her. This was about Dex, and Fitz, and everything they were facing. And she was determined to help them.

Sophie scribbled a note on a stray piece of paper for Grady and Edaline before light leaping to Everglen, where she had no doubt she'd find Dex. He knew where his true friends lay.

"Dex!" Sophie called, running through the gates and through the grounds of Everglen. "Fitz!"

"Over here!" He responded, and she ran towards the sound of his voice. She found Fitz sitting cross-legged under a massive tree. Dex was stretched out with his head in Fitz's lap, his eyes wide and empty. "He won't tell me anything," Fitz added.

"Dex," Sophie said softly, reaching out and putting a hand on his forehead. "Dex, please tell me what happened." Dex rolled over, and his eyes met Sophie's.

"I hate him," Dex whispered. "I hate Tam Song."

"What happened?" Fitz asked anxiously, taking Dex's hand in his own. Dex started and looked at their joined hands, but he seemed to draw strength from this show of affection. Finally, finally, he began to speak.

"You said we should get our friends on our side, so I decided to start with Tam and Linh. I figured they would be pretty easy to ally with, because they hate discrimination. You know, the whole twins thing." Fitz and Sophie nodded in agreement. "Linh was fine with it, but Tam…" Dex shuddered. "He said I was a weirdo, a freak that shouldn't exist, a horrible sinner, and to stay away from him and Linh." Dex's voice cracked. "He hit me."

"What?" Fitz and Sophie yelled. Dex lifted the side of his shirt, and Sophie gasped when she caught sight of the smarting red knuckle marks above the fingerprint-shaped burn given to him by Brant a year ago.

"I'm going to kill him," Fitz growled. "I'm going to kill that stupid-"

"Don't," Dex interrupted harshly. "I never want to see that jerk again, and besides, I don't need you to fight my battles for me." Fitz looked angry than ever, with a touch of hurt.

"I want to protect you," he replied. Dex shook his head, standing up and turning to face Fitz.

"Guys, I have to go," Sophie told them with a pained expression, waving her Imparter at them. The name "Grady" was flashing hypnotically on the screen. Neither Dex nor Fitz took any notice of her, and after a minute of anxious hovering, she leaped away.

"Why do you even care what that stupid jerk thinks?" Fitz yelled, rising to his feet angrily. To his surprise, Dex colored slightly and looked away.

"I don't care what he thinks," Dex mumbled, but he wouldn't meet Fitz's eyes. Fitz shook his head in disgust.

"I knew I shouldn't have bothered with you," Fitz snarled, turning and running backing to Everglen.

"Fitz, wait!" Dex called, but he was already gone. Dex hit at a tree angrily, which did nothing but bruise his fist as much as his heart. With an angry sigh, he held up his home crystal and leaped away.

A/N: Ooh, major drama! Well, it turns out people posting rude reviews on my story can inspire me. Who'da thunk? :) Thanks to K.J. also for inspiring the little bit at the end about Dex and Tam, it was a good idea.

Yourfriendlylocalbookworm: We've already spoken, but again, thank you! You are very sweet, and your advice has been super helpful. I expect great things from you! ;)

Glittery-Icecream: FINALLY SOMEONE WHO UNDERSTANDS MY DEEP LOVE FOR SOKEEFE! Thank you for your support. I'm sorry too. I'm not sure if I ship it either, but I had the idea and HAD to write it! Thank you! I'm trying.

I love you, my darlings! Have some mallowmelt, and please review!

(But, FOLLOW THE RULE.)

You guys are the best!

Love from,

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