Tensions were higher than the island. His heart was pounding faster than a swing of a blade. Gill, the other Blaze Rods and a few guards accompanying the Founder were walking to where she kept the Eversource.

Which was also where they were going to watch the New Order of the Stone get (according to what Aiden believed) what they deserved. But Gill was concerned about Maddie. He thought she didn't deserve this. In fact, he thought none of the New Order deserved this. Gill discussed this with Maya on the way down and she agreed with him. But what other choice did they have? Aiden had total control over the two and he had the Founder's trust was wrapped around his finger.

Gill's thoughts were pounded away when he heard grunting and a few "Whoa!"s. The Founder was in a martial arts pose, ready to strike the New Order.

"I knew it! I knew you couldn't be trusted!"
She growled.

"Just like I told ya, Founder! They're here to steal the Eversource! Classic Order of the Stone!"
Aiden lied through his teeth. Jesse had to hold Maddie back to keep her from tackling him to the floor.

"Argh, would you shut up already, Aiden?!"
Jess barked. The brown-haired Blaze Rod was taken aback by Jess's sudden outburst.

"What makes you believe I should believe common criminals like you?! You were clearly about to steal the Eversource! The one thing Sky City depends on!"
The Founder yelled. Gill noticed Aiden rummaging through a chest marked "Creepers."

Wait, CREEPER?!

"Well, now when you say it like that, I almost feel bad."
He sneered, flipping a spawn egg like a coin.

"BOOM! PROOF RIGHT THERE!"
Maddie pointed at Aiden. The Founder was shocked at his treachery. Although, Gill couldn't say the same for the New Order.

"Aiden, don't do this..."
The Founder begged Aiden. He simply flashed an evil smirk.

"I'll be taking that chicken now."
And with that, the fight began. Aiden threw the spawn egg at Jess and Jesse, who jumped to the side and dodged the egg as it hit the stone wall, a Creeper appearing in its place. The green, suicidal creature ran at the Founder... And Maddie! Both drew their swords, Gill surprised by the Founder's dual-wielding, but it was too late. The Creeper ran at them full speed, exploding and sending them flying back towards the now broken wall.

"THE FOUNDER!"
Captain Reginald exclaimed. Forcing himself not to run to Maddie and the Founder's aid, Gill rammed himself into Reginald to keep him from doing the same. The Founder and Maddie were struggling to keep a grip on the ledge.

"Jess! Save the Founder and Maddie! I've got Aiden!"
Lukas got into a brawl with Aiden as he shouted. Jesse immediately ran over to Maddie. Gill could feel a burning jealousy rise in his chest. Jess froze, looking between the two. She darted for Aiden, pulling him away from Lukas and punching him in the face.

"Yeah, get him, Jess!"
Jesse cheered. But he will probably regret it. He lost his grip on Maddie's hand, sending her falling and screaming.

"MADISON!!"
Gill cried, running to the edge and jumping down after her. Outstretching his arms to grab her, he could barely hear Aiden say something about Gill being an idiot. But he didn't care. He just wanted to save Maddie. Just as he was close enough, he wrapped his arms around her tightly. Maddie was completely stunned by Gill's bold act.

"What're you doing, are you insane?!"
She exclaimed.

"Yeah! FOR YOU!"
Gill tightened his hold into a hug as he held her close, his face now as red as a beet. He could feel Maddie's face heating up against his chest. She returned the embrace as they fell. But Gill saw something. There was--

"LAND!"
He gasped over the wind rushing around them.

"AIM FOR THE LAKE!"
Maddie commanded, breaking the hug and paddling in the air like she was swimming. Gill shook off the Scavenger's quirky ways and did the same. Unfortunately he forgot to dive into the water instead of on top of it.

"AGH! IT BURNS! IT BURNS!"
The bearded (and probably former) Blaze Rod cried out.

"I'm quoting Petra here, but you're supposed to dive into the water, you don't land on top of it!"
Maddie swam over to him. At least she thought she was swimming to him. Her dirty blonde hair was blocking her eyes. Gill chuckled, brushing aside her hair so she could see. The problem there was that he was blushing from his dramatic scene earlier and now even more as he saw her sparkling sky blue eyes. Maddie's face was reddening as well. The two swam to shore, soaked to the bone.

"That was... Unexpected..."
Gill took off his jacket to wring it out, revealing his blue and white tank top and beefy arms (I CAN'T BELIEVE I TYPED THAT XD) underneath. He couldn't see it, but Maddie took one look and blood was already dripping from her nose. When Gill noticed, his brow raised. Maddie gasped and clasped her hands over her face to hide her nosebleed.

"Are you alright...?"

"TOTALLYFINEYEAH!"
Maddie replied a little bit too quickly. She facepalmed at herself for being so awkward. Gill was about to put his jacket when he noticed the Blaze Rod cross on the back. Anger bubbled up within him as he ripped it off and threw it in the lake, just as Jess, Jesse and the Founder fell in.

"JESS! JESSE! And... The Founder?"
Maddie asked. The trio climbed out of the lake.

"Maddie!! You're alright!!"
Jess grinned, engulfing her best friend in a hug.

"Yeah, as I can be... Jess... I can't breathe... Let me go..."
She wheezed. The brunette released her and chuckled sheepishly.

"Sorry..."

"Wait, what is he doing here?"
Jesse scowled at Gill.

"Hey hey, he's cool! He tried to save me!"
Maddie stood between the two.

"Yeah! And in case you hadn't noticed, I don't think Aiden will be taking me back anytime soon!"
Gill reminded. Jesse glanced at Jess, who nodded.

"Fine..."
He grumbled, crossing his arms. Maddie grinned gratefully at Jess. The Founder could be seen checking out her surroundings. Jess and Jesse walked away to speak with her, leaving Maddie and Gill by themselves. There was an awkward silence between the two.

"So... About what I said while we were falling..."

"It was a lie, wasn't it?"

"What?"
Gill gawked as Maddie hung her head sadly.

"When you said you were insane for me... You only said that so I wouldn't be scared, didn't you?"
Maddie asked as she stared at her reflection. It took Gill a bit to process it when he shook his head rapidly.

"No! N-No no, I meant it! I am insane for you!"
He grabbed Maddie by the shoulders. Her eyes widened and she blushed hot pink.

"Would I have hurled myself off a freaking sky island who knows how high up if I wasn't? Would I have risked my life for you? Would I have even been nice to you at every Endercon Building Competition? No! So this proves I do like you, Madison Bergotta! As in like-like!"
Gill blurted out. When he realized what he just said, he was so flushed that even his ears were cherry red.

"I-- I mean-- I, uh-- Um--"
He was at a loss for words. Maddie placed a finger on his lips to make him stop stammering.

"You're cute when you're flustered, you know that?"
She smirked. Gill felt his cheeks heat up even more. He couldn't believe Maddie actually thought he was cute!

"Well I'm about to get real adorable after this."
Maddie was now confused. Up until he slammed his lips into hers. Both of their faces were redder than Petra's hair. Maddie's eyes were wide, but she closed them and relaxed, wrapping her arms around Gill's neck.

"WHOO! GET SOME, MADDIE!"
Unfortunately Jesse just had to ruin the moment...

Maddie and Gill immediately jumped back from each other as they tried, and failed, to act like nothing happened, still blushing wildly.

"What the heck was that?"
Jess snickered.

"NOTHING!"
Gill and Maddie replied in perfect unison just a bit too fast.

"Didn't look like nothing to me. Looked more like you two were close to tongue wrestling each other."
Jesse slyly grinned.

"SHUT UP JESSE!"
Maddie blushed more, getting yet another nosebleed.

"We don't have time, we've gotta get back up! Let's go, guys! We've got some nerd-stacking to do!"
Jess started to walk off.

"Actually... I think it'd be best if I stayed down here... Aiden won't exactly be happy to see me..."
Gill rubbed the back of his neck.

"Yes, that seems like a good idea. Madison, are you coming with us?"
The Founder asked. Maddie shook her head.

"No. Where Gill goes, I go."
She stated firmly.

"Hang on. This may be a bad time to ask but... Are you two a thing now?"
Jesse asked. Maddie and Gill glanced at each other. She intertwined her fingers with his, smiling.

"Yes. Yes we are."