17 Chapter fourteen: Friends in need

The sun shines brightly welcoming a new day. Though painfully aware she should be getting ready for school, part of her can't modivate herself to move. Flashbacks from last night resurfacing once again.

I can't believe yesterday. How awkward it will be to see Josef after last night. The date was going so well up till he had to just ruin it! It might look worse if I skip out but...

Rolling around in bed a knock is heard from outside her door. "Brooke, we're going to be late! Are you even up?...I'm coming in!" As stated he slowly opens the door, seeming to learnt his lesson from last time. She turns away from him with the covers still over her head. Refusing to answer when he tries shacking her awake.

Maybe if I play sleep long enough he'll go to school without me...

"Come on. It's a shame I'm going to have to do this." The last part more a mumble him disappearing out the room. She catiuosly peeks from under the covers to see Sonny nowhere in sight.

"Is he really gone? He didn't even close my door back."

A few minutes pass by and footsteps are heard in her room once again that stop directly in front of the bed. This time she's ready to just protest for him to leave her alone. But before she can hot water soaks the teen from head to toe. Brooklynn yelps jumping up to see an empty bucket lying on the floor next to her.

"Good you're up now. Hurry up and get ready before we're late," he orders, turning to leave.

"You idiot!" Quickly throwing the object so hard the impact causes him to fall foward on his face. "Who dumps a bucket of scorching hot water on someone?!"

"Ow, that's going to leave a bump. You were the one who didn't get up when I came in here the first time! Besides it wasn't that hot, I tested it."

"If you were going to be rude enough to give me a shower in bed you could've at least did it right. People usually use cold water!"

"That'd been boring. I wanted to see how you'd react using hot. Can't you get dressed? We're wasting valuable time."

"If that bucket was still over here I'd throw it at him again," she grumbles, dragging herself out of bed.

By the time she is finished the dorm housing is completely empty. "Now because you took forever changing your sheets, we're even later than we were before."

"I wouldn't had to do that if someone didn't dump a bucket of water on my bed."

"I wouldn't did that if you got up the first time I came to your room."

"I'm not in the mood for this back and forth today, Sonny."

"Did something happen at the dance yesterday? You never had a problem getting up before. It looked like you two were having a good time. Josef didn't do something to you, did he?"

"No, it's nothing really...I noticed you dancing with a girl there."

"What? Oh, that was Kaleigh from my seventh hour. Neither of us had a date so...Kite and Ralyen seemed happy."

"Yeah, we spoke a bit. They did look nice together." An awkward silence falls into the air again, and remains that way the rest of the walk to school.

...

When second hour does arrive they reach the classroom and Josef still hasn't entered. Letting out a sigh of relief she flops down in her chair. Only for the blonde to stroll in moments after. Her head drops low as he makes his way over to her desk. "Good morning, Hira. Thank you for accompanying me yesterday. I had fun."

"S-Sure, I did too." It's weird for her seeing him put on this act with knowing how he really is. The class points and whisphers at their small exchange, and just when assuming she's in the clear he leans down close. Talking lowly in her ear where only she can hear him.

"It was an amusing night for me. Best look foward to another one in the near future." Her face flushes red but he only chuckles to himself, and Sonny eyeballs the male as he goes to take his seat.

I can't believe this guy! He does things to irck me and yet...ah I'm contradicting myself.

"It seems the dance went well for you two."

"Oh, yeah I guess. How was the dance for you and Kite yesterday?"

"It turned out to be pretty fun...Actually I had my first kiss last night."

"He kissed you?!" It comes out a little louder than expected. Raylen's blush deepening as the burnette clears her throat. "I mean an actual kiss on the lips?"

"It was only a peck but it was really sweet. I can't stop thinking about it," she admits, with a soft smile and Brooklynn sighs.

"Wow, lucky you. Wish I could say the same for myself."

"What?"

"It's not important."

...

When heading back to the dorms later Brooklynn does little things to pass the time being homework free today. Sonny informs the detectives will be there soon to pick them up. The first ruin honestly wasn't so bad, but apparently they'll be getting bigger and more dangerous.

While writing in her diary Brooklynn's cellphone starts buzzing. Reaching for it off her vanity to answer the incoming call. "Hello? Ashely!" It definitely isn't someone she was expecting to hear from today. She's chatted with the girls a bit here and there. But life has been so hectic lately it's hard to return their calls.

"I'm sorry. I've just been so busy...Huh? What?! You're both coming right now?! No, that's not it...Yeah, I'll see you then." Hanging up the call with a sigh. Since her friends decided to spring a suprise visit at the last minute, she can't go on a mission now. Guess she'll have to explain to Sonny the predicament. Dragging her feet over next door as she braces herself for a lecture.

The burnette knocks on Sonny's door and after a minute he opens. "What's up? It's still a little time before they'll be here."

"Actually I need to tell them it's a no go for exploration today."

"What? But we already missed yesterday for the dance. They won't be happy about cancelling again so soon."

"I know but my friends from back home are coming to visit this evening. I would've rescheduled if the girls told me beforehand."

Those words have him let out a groan pulling out his cellphone. "Fine, I'll take the heat on this one. Let me explain the situation before they get here."

"Thanks, Sonny. I promise we'll for sure go tomorrow."

Little do they know a certain someone is spying on their conversation...

(Gores POV)

Turning off his power the male makes his way to the exit of their little hideout. Grabbing the elderly man's attention as he goes to leave. "Just where are you running off to now? That girl won't be going to one of the ruins today."

"I know, I just want to have a little fun with them is all. Feel free to join in if you please."

...

Heading towards the train station, Gores made sure to turn off his Duclen form. It's never been that he can't remove it, but chooses to embrace the darkness than reject the magic like some others. Though for this task he must look normal as possible to blend in.

When reaching the station many people rush around to and from. He has no idea what Brooklynn's friends look like but no matter. That will only be a minor setback. "Okay, time to get to started."

Clearing his throat he starts to call the girl's name repeatedly. Acting skills needed here to appear distressed and frantic. Walking back and forth up the street he blows off any passersbyers that try to help. Simply waiting for a particular pair who will come and question him. Sure enough two young teens eventually exits the next train. When noticing him they exchange glances before slowly approaching.

"Um, excuse me. Are you by chance looking for Brooklynn Daniels?" The shorter female asks. He might've just hit the jackpot.

"Why yes actually. I turned my back for a moment and completely lost sight of her. I'm really worried something happened...Who are you girls excatly?"

"Friends of hers. I'm Ashley and this is Dena." The taller blonde gesturing to the female beside her.

It takes a lot of willpower to stop the smirk from forming on his lips. Quickly being replacing with a sigh of relief. "Oh, I know now! You're Brooklynn's best friends! She talks about you girls all the time, but I've never seen any pictures. What luck! I could definitely use the extra pair of eyes in my search."

"Wait, you haven't said who you are yet," Dena objects, this girl a little more alert.

"How rude of me not to introduce myself sooner. I'm...agent Ron of the SP unit. I was tasked to assist Brooklynn on her mission."

"You mean of those guys she mentioned. Don't you have a partner named Jerry?" The blonde questions.

"Yes, but he was feeling ill and couldn't make it. I guess our enemies took advantage of that. Even her guardian Sonny has disappeared as well, though I'm not so worried about him. The FDO won't pay much attention to that boy, but who knows what kinda trouble she's in at the moment."

"What can we do then?! How long has she been missing for?" Ashley asks, seeming to take the bait.

"Not very long but I just have a bad feeling. Come now, I'll take you to where I had last seen her." Gores taking off ahead as the girls cautiously follow behind. He leads them through a dark alleyway making another sharp turn. The deeper they travel down the lesser noise that can be heard from the plaza. The girls are starting to whisper and he can faintly make out what's being said.

"Ashley, I really think we should turn back around. Something just feels off here."

"But he's one of the agents and Brooklynn is in trouble. We can't possibly abandon her. Though thinking about it, I did imagine him a little handsome. I thought Brooke said they were younger."

"That's right. This guy doesn't look in his twenties, or that he works for the government." With that remark their walking comes to a hault. Gores turning to face them with a quite innocent expression.

"Hmm, what's the matter?"

"Actually I think it's best if we head to the school instead. Maybe Brooke got there safely somehow, and even if she didn't we can call for help. Anyway, we'd be much better off waiting there just in case. It's not much we'll offer in battle against people baring magic and weapons."

"That's true, we'd both only get in the way." The blonde nodding as they slowly back away. However it's much too late for that as Gores teleports in front of them the moment they turn around.

"Just where are you girls running off to?" Using his magic he wraps them up in elastic back to back. Then changing from his casual wear into his Duclen form.

"I should've knew something was amiss sooner..." Dena mumbles. The mixture of regret and fear clearly written on her face.

"You're one of the members from that organization!" Ashley accuses, causing him to let out a small chuckle.

"Don't struggle now I'll only make it even tighter. You want to see your friend, right? Well you'll be reunited with the Felixa very soon."

...

(Brooklynn POV)

With everything settled all that's left is to wait for their arrival. In the meantime she tries brainstorming on hotspots to take the girls. Only being in town a handful amount of times herself. Still they can't just sit around in her dorm room the whole evening.

Deciding on some places she does a few other things to keep herself occupied. As patiently as she waits her friends still haven't arrived yet. Glancing at her phone for the millionth time with no response from either as it's getting late. "Ash said they'd be here soon. Shouldn't of they made it by now?"

Brooklynn picks up her belongings and heads to her guardian's room once more. After quickly explaining the situation to him they head out to go look for them.

...

The two begin their search close by the station, splitting up to cover more ground. Even after countless looking and searching she's comes out empty handed. Sonny rolling up on his skateboard as they meet at the corner. "I tried asking around with the picture you lend me but nobody's seen them."

"I didn't see them anywhere either. I really hope they're not lost or something..."

I can't shack this bad feeling...

They start to check another direction nearby when Gores suddenly emerges from a dark alley. "I was awaiting you kids arrival. Are you by chance looking for your friends? Just like me and Duran are searching for the Erebus chest. It's not a good feeling, is it?"

"You...did something to them, didn't you?!" She knew it had to be him. This can't be a coincidence but he only scoffs at her accusation.

"You're automatically blaming me for something the moment I appear. I'm hurt."

"Answer me!"

"On a different topic I can't believe you're still siding with them, Sonny.

Oh, how disappointing. You're blind to the truth aren't you, Brooklynn? You don't know who Sonny really is."

"What's...he talking about?" Brooklynn's anger subsides momentarily as she gives her partner a worried look.

"Don't listen to him, Brooke."

"So full of lies but to answer your question...follow me." Smirking as he disappears into the darkness. The teens throw on their masks before hurrying after him through the narrow alleyway. Faintly hearing her name being called pushes Brooklynn to run faster. Looking up her friends are tied up on top of a building with monsters surrounding them.

"Ashley, Dena!"

"Is that you, Brooke? Please help!"

"Let them go! They have nothing to do with this!" she yells, anger rising once again but he simply shakes his head

"I'll let them go if you release all the barriers to the remaining ruins."

"Like we'd ever do that! If Duran ever gets ahold of that power everyone will suffer regardless," Sonny snaps.

"Then set your sights as her little friends here will become monster chow."

"I had a feeling it would come to this," she mumbles, both of them preparing to fight. No weapons for them again but they should be able to manage okay. Just use their spells wisely and if

push comes to shove transform. She won't let any harm come to them.

"So you prefer to do this the hard way? Very well then. Let's wrap this up quick and Brooklynn will be coming with me. Bells!" Large black bells suddenly float in the air around them. A loud ringing prevents either from being able to move a muscle. Both struggle to stand on their feet under the pressure as Gores runs straight for Brooklynn. Forcing a hand away from her ear she puts up the refletive shield, and successfully blocks his incoming attack.

Sonny uses his ice to freeze every last one of them. Destroying the bells which allows them to move freely. Brooklynn continues to go back and forth in a magic battle with Gores. He really isn't leaving any opportunity for her to reach them. "Sonny!"

(Sonny POV)

"I'm on it!" Not even needing to hear instructions as the ginger heads towards the rooftop. Jumping up the wall using his beyond gravity he reaches the top. The girls are left hanging on what appears to be some sort of satellite stick. Duran's wolves trying to snap at their feet is causing the girls to squirm. In turn having them slip down even further. Running up he activates an electric shockwave over the whole ground instantly killing them all. Then putting his hand on the elastic to burn it to pieces. "Don't worry. I'm here to help you guys."

(Brooklynn POV)

Having him throw her back one too many times she finally transforms. Not the minute she does black birds surround the girl blocking her field of vision. Pecking from every direction she freezes them first before burning them all away. Once they do clear up the jester immediately attacks at her again.

This is nerve racking. Gores is one thing but Duran keeps on summoning monsters to join battle. It's like fighting them both and he's not even here!

Staying on the defense she quickly douches his attacks waiting for just the right opening. Once he's close enough unguarded she doesn't hesitate. "Light beams!" The spell blasting him far back.

Sonny jumps down from above carrying the blonde. Dena already saftey rescued as he comes up to join her. Duran's summons seem to have stopped now, and Gores grimaces dusting himself off. "You kids may have won this battle but not the war."

Using his teleportation to disappear in the snap of a finger. Paying no attention to his flight she runs over to hug her friends instead. "Are you girls alright?!"

"We're okay now. Your clothes.." Ashley mumbles, looking down to realize she didn't change back yet.

"What's going on over there?" The voice of a woman questions. A few people drawn to the area being curious about the loud commotion.

"Is that the Felixa?" A young boy excitedly follows up, and even with the masks they shouldn't hang around much longer.

"You can talk later but we have to get out of here," Sonny orders, as they all take off towards the station.

...

After the quick sprint they all take a moment to catch their breathe. Brooklynn's made sure to change back and not bring anymore attention.

"That was one of the members from the FDO, right?" Dena is the first to ask.

"Yeah, there's quite a bit I never got a chance to tell you..." Brooklynn elaborating more about her mission and the organization after her life. Over the phone she's only shared minor details at most. The girls listen silently until she's fully finished.

"I see, so that was the main guy who's been attacking you all along." Ashley finally getting a grasp of the situation.

"I knew this mission had to be dangerous with the deaths of the two previous Felixa, but I didn't know things were like this," Dena mutters, sounding a bit hurt.

"I'm sorry, I deliberately left out details because I didn't wanna worry you guys." Same goes for when talking with her grandparents too. She just doesn't want them stressing about her.

The group falls silent a moment before Sonny lets himself into the conversation. "Hey, I don't mean to interrupt but how did Gores find you anyway?"

It's true he's never even saw them before, so how did he manage to kidnap them? "Right, I wasn't focusing on that. What exactly happened?"

"Well we got off the train like so when we overheard a man calling around for you. We went to investigate and he claimed to be the agent Ron, tasked with assisting you on your mission. He acted like you were abducted and wanted us to help look for you," Dena answers.

"I can't believe he actually posed as Ron to trick you two..." She can hardly process the skill to plot something so cunning that quickly.

"That's when he led us down that creepy alleyway far from civilians sight. Not only that but he didn't seem like a detective at all. You mentioned Ron had glasses before but he didn't," Ashely further explains, with Dena finishing the story.

"Yeah, also if he lost sight of you there, why was he searching around the station? Still, we were so worried neither of us was thinking straight until it was too late..."

"I'm so sorry for everything. He did this just to lure me into another one of his schemes." Brooklynn doesn't want to imagine what could've happened to her besties. She should have put her foot down about them coming in the first place knowing the dangers. But didn't because she selflessly wanted to see them too after all these weeks.

"It isn't your fault, Brooke. It's because of you we got out of this unharmed," Dena insists, and Ashely nods in agreement.

"I'm just happy to be alive right now. You kicked butt back there, girl!"

"Well it took a lot of practice to master my powers. I'm glad you're both okay."

"So, who's the cutie?" The blonde whisphers leaning in as her eyes go to the boy standing among them.

"Oh, this is Sonny. He's my guardian and partner on my mission."

"Nice to meet you both."

"Thank you for saving us too," Dena says with a smile.

"Right, we appreciate it." The taller adding on and he shakes his head.

"It wasn't any trouble really."

Ashley leans in pulling the burnette closer. Speaking in a hushed tone where only they can hear. "Sure he isn't your boyfriend too? See Dena, this is the real reason why Brooke has been so busy."

"T-That's not true! Anyway, if you don't hurry and catch the next train it's going to be a long wait."

The statement is true with only a few minutes remaining until the train for home departs. "Bummer, we couldn't spend anytime together today." Dena says, letting out a sigh.

"It's okay. We'll see each other again soon after she completes her mission," Ashely assures, giving the burnette a pat on the shoulder. Then turning to face the ginger placing her hands on her hips.

"I hope you keep our friend here safe. We'll track you down if anything happens to her." Giving him an intimidating gaze, and the boy chuckles.

"I definitly will."

"Try to call us more so we'll know you're alright. Good luck with your mission," Dena offering one last words of encouragement. Whatever doubts she ever had before on her success is long gone now.

"Thanks, I'll be home soon."

"Nice meeting, Sonny. Keep us updated, Brooke. See you!" Ashley shouts with a wink, before heading after Dena to the ticket booth.

"Updated?" Sonny questions and glances at her with a raised eyebrow.

"Um, I have no idea what she's talking about!" The girls boarding the train they wave as it rides off into the distant. "There they go..."

"At least they're alright. You don't have to worry because this mission will be over soon enough. It's not many people around now so why don't you transform and fly back? We can make it before curfew that way."

She transforms once more as Sonny leaps across the rooftops alongside her using his power. "Um, Sonny?"

"Hmm?"

"You would never hide anything from me, right?"

"...Of course not."

"I guess I'm still thinking about what Gores said. Nevermind, forget I asked." Brooklynn hates she ever brought it up. Isn't that she doesn't trust him, just another feeling she can't shake. Hopefully he is telling her the truth.

(Sonny POV)

When they get back he tells her they don't have to share the details of this incident with the detectives. He's sure like with Kite her friends will keep quiet.

After saying goodnight Sonny's face falls as soon as he enters his room. Every fib is hurting him even more, but it's too late to come clean now. "I'm sorry for lying to you, Brooke. I don't have a choice."

A/N Hopefully you enjoyed the chapter. First time doing POV for Gores. I'll be updating very soon.