Haha, Landon FTW. Got any story plot ideas? I'm kinda running out. Maybe a Landon's past dream thingy next time. Idk.

I also think a Clandon would be cool but maybe not for this story. She's more like an accident-prone little sister to him.

Landon heard a quiet knocking on his door. The door opened, and Claire poked her head in shyly.

'Uh, hi, Landon.' she gave a small smile. 'Thanks, for, like-'

'You're welcome.' He gave Claire a curt nod.

She took a few unsure steps forwards slowly, as if trying not to aggravate Landon.

'So. I was...uh. Wondering. Um, where did you get that...that scar?' The words came out akwardly. 'Cos, you know, Cameron was aiming for a similar place, and...'

She trailed off as Landon stared stonily at her. A bitter smile lifted his lips, and a frosty silence filled the room. Icy blue met grey in a prolonged staring contest. Claire thought she could see more pain and hatred than she would ever understand in those eyes.

'I'm not willing to discuss that.' He said quietly. 'Claire, you should go back to your room. It's getting late.'

'No.' Claire crossed her arms stubbornly and set her jaw.

Landon's expression hardened and he laughed harshly. 'It's no use. You can run back to Massie and Cam and tell them this: they'll never find out.'

Claire swallowed uncertainly. 'Why...why did you do it? I'm sure if Cam were in that position, you would'nt have saved him.'

Landon's expression changed, and Claire thought she could read pity in his face.

'You're young,' he mused,'inexperienced. Easy to manipulate. I don't want to see this happen to you if I can prevent it. Just...stay away from Josh. And be careful of what you do, and who you talk to.'

Claire laughed, the sound tinkling and reverabrating off the walls of the room.

'I'm not like you, Landon. Not everyone is out to get me.'

His face resumed its former expression.

'You can never be too careful.'

He waved his hand.

'Go, Claire. Pretend we never had this conversation. You'll be in trouble if the others want to know about what happened. I won't tell, but maybe...maybe they'll try to force you to. Don't worry, I'll be there.'

His lips curved up in the slightest hint of a smile, and he ushered Claire out of the door, closing it quietly behind her.

'Claire!'

Alicia jogged up the narrow winding path behind her, her face full of relief.

'I see you made it out alive-what did he say?'

You'll be in trouble if the others want to know about what happened. I won't tell, but maybe...maybe they'll try to force you to.

'Um, nothing much. you know how he is.'

Alicia nodded sympathetically.

'Claire? Where have you been? We've been looking all around for you!'

Three more figures walked up from behind Alicia. Massie looked angry, Kristen looked bored, and Dylan's fiery hair was tangled with leaves.

'Um.'

'It's okay, Mass. She was visiting Landon.' Alicia gave her a sly smile, as if to say Look who just got into deep, deep shit.

Claire glared at her.

'Uh, yeah. Visiting Landon. trying to find stuff out about him. You know...'

Massie's eyes narrowed suspiciously.

'I know a liar when I see one, Claire. And you know more than you're letting on. Come on, spill.'

Claire mumbled something quickly.

In one quick step, Kristen was next to her, her arms raised threateningly.

'What was that, Claire?'

Dylan's eyes were alight with a fire, and a tiny green sapling shot out of her hand.

'You were saying...'

Massie smiled devilishly.

'You might want to think twice before betraying us, Claire. So what do you say - you tell us, or we pulverize you.'

Alicia laughed.

'So, do you think he's going to come swooping in to save you this time? Remember, I'm here. He shield will be useless against Mass, Kris, and Dyl.'

All of them advanced slowly.

Claire backed away, holding up her arms in a placating gesture.

Kristen lunged - and stopped halfway, growling.

Alicia ran towards Claire, shuddering slightly as she neared the shield. Claire took just the right opportunity- at the point where Alicia's ability began to fade, but just before she had touched the shield - and struck. She sent an icy dagger flying at Alicia, and pinned her against a tree.

'Still trying to find out?'

Landon's voice pierced the silence. His stance was casual. He leaned against a tree a few feet from Claire, looking utterly bored.

'Landon.' snarled Massie.

Unthinkingly, she hurled a few pieces of rock and debris at the shield, and Kristen flew at it at top speed.

SMACK.

Kristen lay on the floor in a crumpled heap.

Claire looked in a panic in Alicia's direction. She'd recovered from the attack and was running full tilt at Landon.

Landon locked gazes with Claire.

Run into the trees. Stay hidden. Don't make a noise. He mouthed.

Claire nodded, flying into the dense cover of the trees. Massie and Dylan tried to follow, but a pure wave of force slammed into them, sending them sprawling backwards.

Alicia connected with Landon, sending them both onto the ground. Landon rolled over so that he was on top, then grabbed Alicia's wrists and smashed them against the ground.

By the time Massie, Kristen and Dylan had recovered, Claire was already gone. Landon slowly released Alicia's wrists and disappeared into the night.

Stupid girls. I want to stab Leesh and Mass with a butter knife right now.