(Raylen POV)
Inside one of the cabins Mr. Burgan paces around nervously running fingers through his hair. It had already been quite some time since Reese had left and nobody is back yet. She assumed they just got distracted and would be right up, but now it's honestly making her a bit worried. "What if something happens to them? The principal will be outraged."
"No offense but you were supposed to count the students prior leaving the field grounds."
"I don't need you to tell me how to do my job, Raylen!"
Everyone heads snap towards the door that Sonny suddenly busts open. An expected sight with the camp advisor flat out unconscious on the ground. The hunch feeling something happened definitely proves to be true. "We could use some help out here!"
(Brooklynn POV)
Mr. Burgan manages to carry the young man inside lying him down on the floor. Turning to the only two witnesses with crossed arms. "What happened to him?"
"Well we, um..." Brooklynn's cut off as he slowly sits up. His mouth gasps like a fish proof the shock clearly hasn't settled in yet.
"I-It's them! She's the third Felixa!"
"But we're not!-"
"Oh, I see what this is. We had realized everyone left and was already coming up ourselves. The moment Reese spotted us he came running full speed. Somehow had tripped and tumbled down the hill. He smacked into a large tree and knocked himself right out!"
"Huh? I didn't..." he mumbles, holding his head. Sonny is a good improviser just like when it came to the dorm room incident. This time making sure to back her partner up.
"Yeah, he must still be confused. There there, you'll come to your senses eventually," she hums, while gently patting his back.
"I'm not crazy! I know what I saw!" Mr. Burgan calms him down suggesting he rests for a while, and Jennifer lets out an amused snort.
"He must've really hit his head to believe Hira was the last Felixa of all people."
"And you must be brain dead if you can't take Josef hints he's not interested." Brooklynn retorts, placing hands on her hips. Both her and Nicole gasp storming to the otherside of the room. Those pests out of the way their friends come over to greet them.
"I'm glad you're both okay." Raylen and her exchanging a small hug.
"You wouldn't believe Mr. Burgan's meltdown while you were out." Kite starting his story and her and Josef eyes lock before looking away. She glances at the ginger who seems happy conversating with the others.
I wish that time could just stay still like this, but I won't break my promise. You held yours to me, Sonny.
🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
The orange colored sky lets you know it's between afternoon and night. Brooklynn has got done showering and is changing into her normal wear for plans this evening. Just finish dressing she takes a look at herself in the long mirror. "Another date today, huh." She never thought yesterday incident would've lead to him asking her out, but here she is getting ready for their movie date.
After Reese had finally calmed down the students went outside to roast marshmallows over the fire and make smores. Raylen and Brooklynn talked amongst themselves, until Josef walked up and cleared his throat. "Oh, Josef."
"I'll give you two your space." She got up as he sat down. It was silent for a while and then he spoke up. "About earlier in the boat...The two of them is always causing trouble for somebody else."
"Yeah, I mean who paints their nails while canoeing anyway."
"It may have been an accident but I'm not excatly upset that happened."
"You...seemed different back there. I thought with all your charm you kissed plenty of times, but you acted like it was your first. I'm not use to seeing you flustered."
He looked away with a mixture of annoyance and embarrassment. "Like it wasn't yours too? Look, I have a free schedule now. A lot of the stuff for student council has finally died down. Why don't we go see that movie when we get back tomorrow?"
This time he really was asking her to go. She contemplated for a moment and at Sonny who was still talking with the others close by. Brooklynn thought she felt his gaze her direction but maybe she was wrong. Aware he needed an answer the girl turned to face him with a small smile. "Yeah, sounds fun."
That is how it played out last night. Now in a few minutes she'll need to leave in order to make it there on time. She was worried about agreeing for it to be today, knowing good and well the final mission is too. Though the detectives were agaisnt it at first they changed their minds. Informing her it could be pushed to early tomorrow instead. She has to wonder if Sonny spoke on her behalf. At least without destroying the chest now he has a little more time. Perhaps they could go somewhere else tonight when she gets back.
...
Walking up to the theater Brooklynn lets out a sigh of relief when she spots Josef there waiting for her. The girl still hasn't been through town very often and feared she might've got lost. "There you are. You're a little ealry. I'm impressed."
"Says the guy who was here before I."
"I was in the area already. I bought our tickets so lets go before the good seats are taken."
Heading inside he offers to buy whatever snacks she wants, then going to find a nice spot to sit. After so many previews the movie finally starts up. The first half being mild before things start to get interesting. An intensely creepy scene plays and a lot of the girls cover up their eyes, clinging to the friends close by them. "If you're scared Hira, don't need to force yourself to watch. I wouldn't want you to cause a....scene." He's goes quiet after seeing his date on the edge of her seat magenta eyes wide open.
"Man she's so screwed. That woman should've never got off the train. The monster going to get her now," she whispers to herself.
"Hira..." Sharp screams fill the theater as she is killed and even Josef jumps. All but Brooklynn who huffs sitting back in her seat with crossed arms.
"Why didn't she just run when she could have?" Shaking her head before letting out a small chuckle. "The way it took her down in one strike was impressive. Josef?" The blonde having his head buried in one hand, rather than focusing on the movie. "What's up, you aren't scared are you?"
"Honestly I don't know what's scaring me more, the movie or you."
As the movie soon ends the two exit the theater together. "That was an awesome movie. I could definitely go to watch it again sometime. Did you like it?" she asks.
"Yeah, and your reaction was most...intersting. You weren't scared in the slighest."
"I told you I watch them all the time." Though even she'll admit the whole experience was more relaxed than usual. Brooklynn hardly jumped but maybe it's because of all the monsters she's been facing in real life. The movies ones just don't seem so scary anymore.
The burnette is startled when Josef suddenly grasp her hand. "Why don't we go for a little walk? It's still plenty of time till curfew."
"Alright." Taking off walking side by side together a special spark is missing compared to back then. She looks down at his hand holding her own, and a flashback of the warmth from Sonny's comes to mind. Frustratly shacking her head to drive away such thoughts.
Why am I thinking of that right now?
"Something wrong, Hira?"
"No! I'm fine."
"Don't let something simple as this make you nervous after what happened yesterday. Though you are fun to tease when you're flustered."
"I'm not nervous," she replies, with a grunt. Moving their stroll through the park it's a nice view of the sunset over this beautiful flower field. Birds are singing in the air as people go about their evening. Taking a short break they rest at a nearby bench.
"I use to run down this path all the time you know."
"Really?"
"Back when I was trying to get my weight down I'd come run here early morning. Things changed drastically once entering middle school. The sudden popularity that hit at the academy isn't what I really wanted. All I did hope for is somewhere I felt I belonged. This perfect role model is only me acting as the principal son. Even now who's to say if I turned everything off if they'd have anything to do with me. All people do now is suck up because of my name." It isn't often she's hears Josef be honest about his feelings like this. Only touched the topic a little during the dance, so it's not something he can easily discuss. Brooklynn gazes up at the clear skies.
"I can understand what you mean. It must be hard when you feel being yourself isn't good enough. Though around them you don't have to put on those airs."
"Around them?"
"Kite, Raylen,...and even Sonny too. I actually believe you're similar just like you said that day. You don't have to be accepted by the whole school, or put on this facade just to please your parents. If people don't like the real you then they aren't worth your time. But you don't need to put on an act out of fear of being alone again."
"Hira...maybe you have point." A smile crossing his face having the girl return her own. Checking her watch she leaps up from the bench.
"It's getting late. Shouldn't we head back?"
"Already? We still do have some time unless you have other plans?"
"That's..." Brooklynn doesn't exactly have any but she does want to hang out with Sonny again tonight. If they hurry now there should be a chance to go before curfew. Studying her face the blonde takes a stand.
"Is this is abo-" A yell cuts him off as they look around to see people running all over the place. Dark magic getting thrown at them and monsters suddenly appear.
"This magic! It's-" The Felixa spots Gores red handed who smirks when she sees him. Forming another he fires it right the direction of the boy standing beside her. His green eyes grow wide as it comes speeding towards him. "Josef! Duclea!" She just changes in enough time to put up her light shield, and blocks his attack protecting them both.
"Huh, Hira, you're..."
"It's time we finish this last Felixa. I want you and you're guardian to be at the final ruins now. There is only one remaining and you must go to destroy the Erebus chest. This is just a small way to motivate you." The sky begins to turn pitch black blocking off any sunlight. It's just like what Sonny spoke on would happen if he gains his total power.
"A little taste of what Duran's magic is capable of, and very soon this will be covering all Chadlen. Then after the whole world."
"Stop attacking the people! Tell Duran this is between him and me!"
"Very well then, I'll have him to call them off. We'll meet you there," Gores replies, before flying off.
I never imagined him going this far. I have to hurry back to the school and let Sonny know everything! Firstly...
The burnette slowly turns around to face Josef who's shocked expression turns into a pondering one. "I can't believe I didn't put this together sooner. The new transfer student Hira Collins was just a cover up. I'm assuming that partner the news spoke of then is Sonny?"
"Yes, my actual name is Brooklynn Daniels. Sorry I've been lying to you but I was strictly ordered to keep my identity under wraps."
"I knew there was something unique about you. That would explain the closeness you two seem to share. Though I'm sure your feelings go beyond partnership?" Josef questions, and her heart sinks at words. Still she just can't deny these true feelings anymore. Brooklynn dug this hole so she'll have to own up to it.
"Yeah, actually it does. I'm so sorry I agreed to go on this date in the first place. It wasn't fair to you at all. I really did enjoy myself today though not quite in the same way like at the dance. I was confused about my feelings and...shouldn't have used you to sort them out."
Josef is quiet for a minute then letting out a small chuckle. The opposite reaction on what she was expecting from him. "Who could've thought I'd lose to him. I can't hold a grudge against the very person who just saved my life. Especially when I'm guilty of the similar things myself. I still appreciate what you said earlier."
"Thanks for understanding." Tons of people have gathered around now pointing and staring at the young teen girl.
"Shouldn't you be heading to where you need to be? This pitch black sky doesn't seem to be leaving any time soon." Luckily all the monsters have vanished though it is still dark.
"Don't worry, we're about to go and end all this. Everyone, please find somewhere safe to go until this is over!" she shouts, to all standing nearby. People begin running off to find shelter wishing the girl good luck. Now turning to the blonde next to her. "You too, Josef. Find somewhere to hide just in case something else happens. I'm going to head back to the school."
"Wait, Brooklynn! Make sure you and carrot top both come back here alive." Glancing back in suprise she can only force a smile at his encouragement.
"...I will." With this she flys off into the sky towards Langfield Academy.
(Sonny POV)
Back in his dorm room the male sits with his brother who dropped by for another visit. "We have an extra day until the final mission now. Where is it that you want to go? Could be the amusement park or your favorite restaurant."
"Hmm, let's go to the arcade!"
"Seriously? Out of all things you pick more gaming. Didn't you get enough of that here?"
"Hey, you guys!" Sonny and Finely both yelp to the girl beating outside his window. He montions for Brooklynn to back up before opening it wide so she can fly inside.
"What the heck are you doing? You scared the living daylights out of us. Anyway, shouldn't you be with Josef?"
"The date got cut short. Duran had summoned monsters and Gores was attacking people in town. They're trying to provoke me to go to the last ruins right now."
"Look, Sonny. The sky..." He joins his brother moving the curtains to see a dark loom over the entire town.
"Just like the old prophesy..." he mumbles, quickly pulling out his cellphone. On the third ring Ron picks up the call.
"Sonny, what's going on?"
"We really need to head for the ruins as soon as possible."
"Well I'm stuck at the office right now. Weren't you the one who insists Brooklynn had the day off because of some important make up test?" Ron questions. The boy bites his lip completely forgetting he told that fib. He just wanted to do something kind for her after his earlier jealousy got in the way.
"S-She took it already and besides this is more important!" Trying to ignore the strange look the burnette is giving him. "Did you notice how the sky looks outside? Duran is putting us in a situation where we are forced to go today."
"...I see what mean. I'll get ahold of Jerry and we can pick you kids straight up."
"No, just tell us the location and we can fly and meet you there. That saves us much more time."
"Alright, I'll send the information to you shortly. We'll get there soon as we can and stay sharp you two. Duran could be waiting once you arrive."
"Understood, we'll be extra careful." Just before he hangs up he hears Ron say one last thing.
"I truly appreciate all your help, Sonny." The simple thanks bringing a small smile to his face.
Honestly I'm really scared going on this final mission. Knowing after she destroys it I'll be no more. Still at least now I've atoned for my previous sin of killing Amethyst, and no longer hold any regrets...
Once everything is settled it's time for them to get a move on. His little brother staring at them with determination the ginger knows what he's about to say. "I'm coming too."
"No, I don't want you involved again. Not after what happened last time with Akira."
"I want to help! Brooklynn, please." Now turning to the Felixa for assistance. Brooklynn seems conflicted for a minute, then patting the boy on his head.
"Finn definitely wasn't a hindrance. I know how you must feel but we could use all the help we can get." Of course Finely gets her on his side. Sonny just wants him to rest easy and not face anymore of their family. Though it's certain all the remaining FDO members will definitely be there, so if Finely does come they'll be evenly matched. If his brother wants to fight he has every right to join them.
"...Okay, you can come with us. I'll lead the way." Both brothers transforming as they take off out the room towards their destination.
(Brooklynn POV)
Reaching the ruin in the distance the agents still haven't arrived yet. It's a huge ruin similar with the two before, and the dark sky brings an ominous atmosphere to it. Changing out of their forms none of their enemies seem to have made it either. "I thought for sure Duran would've been here by now."
"I did too but we need to stay on guard. It's best you wait for doing the barrier release until they come. We can't go in without our weapons anyway."
It's not a long wait before the limo pulls to a stop right in front of them. The two handing them their weapons and Finely had brought his along too. The air feels so heavy knowing for sure this is her last mission. "No matter what gimmicks they pull you have the power to overcome them. We all have upmost faith in you, Brooke," Ron says, with a calm smile.
"Thanks, I refuse to fail after coming this far."
"That's the spirit. Remember what you're Grandpa threaten to us if something happens to you," Jerry jokes, having her giggle.
"I'll be alright so he won't end up doing anything crazy."
The red head then turning to the brothers standing beside her. "Sonny, Finely, thanks for all you've done. You're both really brave."
"I'm glad you trusted in me. This mission will be a success," he insists, his brother nodding in agreement.
After they finish their pep talk Brooklynn does her final barrier release spell. The burnette can feel her heart pounding despite the earlier confidence. Sonny seems to notice grabbing her hand gently. "You can do this, Brooke. I know you have it in you. Plus there's no way you could fail with us protecting you."
"That's true. With you by my side the light shines brighter," she says. A warm smile on her face and the ginger blushes slightly.
"Come on, let's go." Finely bringing them back to reality as the three all head inside the entrance together.
The interior is large and gloomy being covered in a thick black mist that can be felt. No monsters in this room but she can hear a lot of noise coming from the depths. "It's kinda hard to see..."
"The Erebus chest is definitely in here," Sonny states.
"And we're going to be the ones to claim it." None other than Gores himself followed by his daughter and a third figure standing among them. She knew they would arrive at so point but didn't expect it to be this soon.
"Duran?" Sonny mumbles, the man dressed in black stepping foward.
"So we finally meet in person, Felixa. You're the last stepping stone in our path. I must thank you for opening the ruins for us. We couldn't got in here any other way," he says. Just the vibe she gets from his presence is chilling. The old man having on a long black cloak and matching pants. His dull red eyes piercing at her behind the round framed glasses. It's weird and anxious feeling to see the man who started all of this face to face.
"We won't allow you to pass. This ends here!" Brooklynn immediately getting her swords ready, and Gores lets out a snort.
"Duran, you needn't waste your time on these children. This ruin is quite large so go off ahead. We'll keep these two busy."
The old man smirking before throwing a dark ball at her. Only a minor distract as he runs off further inside. She quickly blocks it with her reflective shield going to give chase. "I have to stop him! I'll leave the rest to you two!"
"Okay, just try your best to hold out until we can catch up!" Sonny replies, both brothers taking a battle stance.
"Remember what they did to your brother, Isabelle. Use that hatred to your advantage and help me cut them down."
The girl's eyes flicker at the word 'hatred' but alas she pulls out her chain and sickle. Casting the enlarge spell she prepares to fight beside her father. "...I'm sorry I couldn't keep that promise Aki. I was only playing around before but now I won't hold anything back."
Brooklynn pushes with all her might to try and close the slight gap between them. Both moving fast and striking every monster that gets in their path. Thinking about it this scenario was probably set up from the very beginning.
I bet they were lurking around when we first got here. Though if they had chose to confront us outside would've started battle right there. We'd be able to work together and he didn't want that. Instead Duran waited for me to release the barrier. Then he could make a run for it while only I'm left to stop him. The brothers now stuck behind fighting against his allies.
If her theory is correct and Gores has been really holding back, then she very well might have to deal with Duran all on her own. Regardless Brooklynn made a promise she doesn't plan on breaking. That in mind giving her the boost she needs as light can be seen in the distance.
As they get farther down the horrific pack of monsters is finally easing up. With very few remaining gives both the opportunity to fly now. Reaching a long bridge the darkness begins to clear as dim lights give off a faint glow. There's many short paths to go down however only one that clearly leads to the inmost part of these ruins.
In front of the large sealed door is four strange mechanics. Obvious that they must all be pushed in order for this to open.
Duran presses his hand against it the smirk on his face widening. "Yes, I can feel the power. The Erebus chest is just beyond this door."
"Too bad you won't be retrieving it. This is far as you'll go."
"Do you honestly think you stand a chance against me? If you value your life at all you'd leave now."
"And let the world be succumb by darkness for all eternity? I don't think so. This happened all because you were hungry to hit it big. Was it worth it?"
"Oh, but it was. Now having magic people only dream to posses, and I will shape this world into the way I see fit." His eyes are lifeless and her partner's previous words come to mind.
"Of course you don't have empathy for the civilians you're hurting. Just as Sonny said you are nothing but an empty vessel."
"That's a rude thing for him to say about himself. We're both the same beings under this same curse."
"He's nothing like you!"
Growing tired of their pointless back and forth Duran pulls from behind him a large sword. "If you have a death wish allow me to grant it for you. The dark and the light cannot resonate together. People believe these entities are to keep balance in this world. Now it's time to see which of us is truly meant to reign. Let's settle this once and for all."
A/N And it's gonna end here. The final battle will be on the second part of this chapter. Hope you enjoyed the read.