13 Chapter ten: True power of light

Sonny drags the burnette over to the crowd and Raylen is the first to greet them. "Hi, Hira. Sonny invited me to get ice cream with you guys." She has on a short black dress with red and green butterfly design at the bottom half and sandals. Her white hair all tyed up in a ponytail with a large red bow.

"Your dress is really cute," Brooklynn compliments, forgetting her earlier anger.

"Thanks, I bought it not too long ago."

"It's nice to see you outside of school for once, Hira," Josef says, grabbing her attention. He's wearing a short sleeved orange checkered top buttoned up with a black shirt underneath and blue pants. Flashing a charming smile and she feels her face burning up. Only managing a witty reply as Sonny rolls his eyes.

"Now that we're all here let's head in." Kite taking lead as they all follow inside the shop.

The group of five takes a seat in a booth towards the back. Everyone grabbing a menu from the center of the table. "I'll go with the triple chocolate surprise." Kite choses first hardly looking the thing over for a minute. Brooklynn turns to the blonde who's sitting to the left of her.

"What are you ordering, Josef?"

"I don't know yet. It has been a while since I last came. It's your first visit, right?"

"Yeah, I've been around town a bit but not here."

"This is one of the best ice cream shops in Chadlen. I'm sure you'll like what they have to offer."

"I'll be ordering specials one, three, and eight!" Sonny exclaims, and she quickly flips through the pages to see what exactly he's referring to. On the very back are several special serves that cost way more than the rest of the menu. He's doing this deliberately because she's stuck paying.

"What! You're picking all the expensive stuff!

"No, I'm just picking what looks good. Oh, I guess that is all of the expensive stuff. Luckily for me it's your treat!"

"I can't believe this jerk," Brooklynn growls, the earlier anger burning inside her once more. However she won't allow him to get her worked up and Josef's here. It's the first time they're hanging out like this, so she has to make a good impression.

"Raylen, you aren't ordering anything?" Kite questions, her the only one without a menu.

"I come here all the time so I'll just have the usual mint chocolate chip." After everyone decides what they want gets in line to order. It's only a short wait until they recieve their ice cream. Brooklynn mouth watering at the strawberry shortcake bowl she picked. Giving it a try the strawberry flavor tingles her taste bubs quickly downing another spoonful.

This is so good! I should order another but I wouldn't want to look like a pig in front of Josef. I mean Raylen only ordered one bowl.

She hasn't had any in a minute but this is much better than the store bought back home. Contently eating her ice cream as Josef glances over with a smirk. "I would ask if you like it but it seems that's already been established." Following his gaze to her already near empty bowl.

"That's...what about you? I'm sure-"

But naturally most of his still remains and same goes for everyone else. Well besides Sonny who has made progress to reach his second bowl of cookies and cream. Causing her to unintentionally shoot him another glare remembering she has to pay for all of those.

"Hira, something wrong?"

"Huh, everything is fine." Brooklynn shooving another bite in a little too fast, causing the spoon to drop and hands fly to her head.

"Brain freeze? You should try eating a bit slower." That remark having her face beat red as she tries to make an excuse, but he simply laughs it off.

This is all his fault. Suddenly inviting Josef when I wasn't prepared. Then ordering three specials just to irritate me.

Looking down at his own bowl Josef ordered buttered pecan, and honestly that flavor kinda suits him. "I was never the biggest fan of that, but a friend of mine loves that flavor."

"Really? There's only so many flavors I eat when it comes to ice cream. This has always been my number one choice though."

"You were right about this place. The ice cream is delicious."

"I figured you would like it." The two talking a bit more as they continue eating. Just chatting here with Josef is nice but also different for some odd reason. She can't put her finger on excatly why though.

"Man that was good. I could go for another bowl." Kite being the next in line to finish his. The shorter girl watches in amazement as Sonny is almost done with his third one.

"I can't believe you ate all three..."

"What can I say? I haven't ever tasted ice cream like this before. I mean, I usually stay away from the specials, because they're so costly. Something about it though makes this so much sweeter. I wonder why that is...Do you any clue, Hira?" he asks dramatically, before having another bite. Now it's taking every ounce of strength not to blow up right then and there.

"No, but I have a feeling something unexpected might happen later on tonight back at school. A real strong gut feeling about that too." Her threats doesn't faze him as he continues to eat as if she said nothing at all.

When everyone is done it's finally time for the payment. Josef pays for his own and Kite insists on paying for Raylen along with himself. Apparently the two of them share classes together, so they already knew each other much to Brooklynn's suprise. With theirs covered it only leaves her and Sonny's bill remaining. Groaning she pulls out her pouch to see how much this is going to cost. When suddenly someone grabs her arm, the culprit being the ginger haired male.

"I'll be paying for us."

"Kite set a decent example for you? Your kindness isn't needed, I lost the bet."

"I really only did all that to get a funny reaction out of you, which I did. But I was clearly cheating and promised to pay for you, so I had no intentions of having you fit the bill in the first place."

"You seriously did this just to work me up? It doesn't matter, what you said about the deal was true. We didn't say powers were off the table so I'll be paying." Going to reach in her wallet once more and Sonny makes a face.

"You're so stubborn. It's fine, I have more than enough to cover yours. Though of course a shopping trip was never apart of the original agreement," he insists. It doesn't make sense to try and argue anymore. Really with how upset she was this outcome should make her happy.

"...Alright." She finally agrees and after he pays they quickly catch up with the others waiting outside.

The group heads back for the school it already getting pretty late. With their current location and walking distance from Langfield they should have no problem making it before curfew. One person in particular is lagging behind the crowd holding his sides with a moan. "Ahh, my stomach!"

"It's your own fault for chugging three bowls of ice cream." Brooklynn says simply, a lack of sympathy with all the teasing he's done to her. Raylen and Kite seem to be fine talking amongst themselves, but Josef stares off into the evening sky in deep thought. "Hey, is something-"

"I shouldn't even be considering this. Why her out of all people? What is about this girl that actually intrigues me..." Josef mutters lowly to himself, and it's hard for her to fully make out what he's saying. She starts to call him again but the blonde stops dead in his tracks.

"Hira." Turning to face her his emerald eyes have Brooklynn's heart skip a beat. Anxiously awaiting what she only dreams he'd ask.

"Yes!"

"There something I want to ask you...Would you like to g-"

"We better hurry ahead back to the dorms. There's a lot of homework for us to do." Sonny practically teleporting right next to her as he quickly grabs her arm.

"W-Wait, Sonny!" But he ignores her pleads dragging her along with him. The three stand dumbfounded as they soon watch them walk out of sight. Brooklynn yanks and pulls until finally a good step on the foot frees her from his grasp. Though he acts as if nothing's wrong, and starts once more towards the school.

"What's wrong with you?! He was probably going to ask me to the dance! You invite him to come along and then drag me away before he can even get the question out!" she snaps, not being able to contain her anger this time. Was this all apart of his game too since he likes picking with her so much? Brooklynn silently waits for an answer as Sonny is now frozen in place.

"Maybe... I don't want you to go to the dance with Josef." Back still faced towards her and voice a faint whisper. The mood has changed in the snap of a finger, and her anger leaving in the flash of an instant. Why is the air so heavy all of a sudden? He's upset Josef was going to ask her out but why? One thought pops into her head for just a moment.

"Sonny, um-"

"I-I mean if you go I have to also, and I don't really like dances." Cutting Brooklynn off as he turns to look at her with crossed arms.

"You're saying a three way date? Why do you even have to play chaperone? The test proved I can take care of myself now. I mastered all the powers but my light magic." A sudden loud noise stops their small argument as they frantically search around for the cause.

"What was that?"

"Could it be another monster?!" Looking down the teens see the shadow of a huge figure growing bigger. Slowly peeping behind them a large dark lizard with a long tail is approaching them. "I just had to say something."

People scattering about try to flee to safety and Sonny looks around nervously for a next course of action. "We have to lure it away somewhere! It's best we avoid fighting out in the open like this."

"R-Right, but where?" She questions, as they put on their masks.

"I think I can find a place but you need to get on my back."

"What?!"

"I'll move much faster. Come on, no time for complaints." Him kneeling down for her to hop on. With the monster now in attack range she immediately obeys grabbing on tight. Sonny has no problem lifting her up, and jumps past the snake using his special ability. Getting the lizard's attention he begins running across the rooftops to stay out of people's sight. It is a little embarrassing being carried like this, even if nobody can seem them. Brooklynn's so close she can feel the heat radiating from his body. Though tries to push such thoughts away having more important things to focus on at the moment.

The monster continues in hot pursuit as Sonny makes another turn into a dead end street that's free from civilians. Now jumping down and setting Brooklynn on her feet, as the lizard appears right at the opening. "Alright here should be good. Let's take it down!"

"Okay!" Yet another battle they'll have to manage with no weapons. It's not like they can excatly carry them around and expect people not to notice. Still if they managed once they can do so again.

Sonny is first to attack using fire and the lizard turns it's attention towards him. The thing attacking with his tongue several times, but he dodges each strike with his beyond gravity power. Brooklynn does a follow up attack as well attempting an electric shockwave, but to no avail as it's immune to that. "So those won't work then."

For some reason it's attention remains on the ginger and out of nowhere the tail swings. Smaking Sonny so hard he hits the brick wall behind them.

"No!" Brooklynn exclaims, as his body collapses to the ground. It's going to be hard for him to just recover after an attack like that. Now standing alone to fight she tries an ice attack this time, but it doesn't do much damage. She struggles to avoid incoming attacks next using her laser, however the lizard simply absorbs this. "It's resistant to that too?! Even with the fire not doing much good I'm running out of options here..."

Already proving to be a step up from the slime battle last week. Maybe the final test getting her a little cocky as she slowly backs away. The burnette only takes a few steps until realizing she can't create anymore distance with the wall right behind her. Forming fire she throws another ball that seeming to be the single thing making a little impact. The lizard flinches a tad hissing some in pain as the hit lands dead on. Unfortunately recovering just as quickly and snatches her up fast with it's tongue. Squeezing Brooklynn tightly and the more she struggles the stronger it's grip becomes. Cutting off air circulation by the second her body isn't going to be able to handle anymore of this treatment.

It's such a tight grip I can hardly breathe. My disappearance isn't even working. I'm completely defenseless at this point...

(Sonny's POV)

"Brooke!" Sonny forcing himself to shakily stand on his feet. Executing fire after fire attack the monster still won't let up, and she's starting to look faint. If he doesn't do something at this rate she'll end up dead. Pondering what to try next one idea comes to mind Sonny was hoping not to even consider. "Should I? But after the last time with Ryder...I promised it wouldn't resort to this again. No, I don't have a choice. I'm out of options and I can't just let it kill her."

Reluctantly reaching out his hand he takes a breath to calm his nerves. No matter what happens there is no going back now. "Ducl-" Though cutting himself off when a bright light starts to shine. The source coming from Brooklynn as her whole body is glowing. "Could she be..."

(Brooklynn POV)

Brooklynn's conciousness slipping away she descends further into the darkness. When a sudden soft voice echoes through her mind.

Can you let things end like this? There's people depending on you Brooklynn, and I can now give you the power to fight. If you wish to accept this task no matter what hardships you'll face.

Who is this speaking to me? Could it be the light deity? Her voice is so calm and soothing, like whatever fears I had melted away. All I have to do is accept the offer, right? I wasn't sure if I was cut out for this mission before. Honestly, I still don't know if I am but I can't just back down now. Especially when Sonny is still fighting all by himself. I was chosen for a reason so it's time to turn the tide!

Opening up her heart the burning power sets her free of it's grasp. Brooklynn's body shinning as her clothes slowly transforms and Sonny stands in awe. The girl landing gently on her feet now dressed in a pink and blue dress. Also having matching leggings along with shoes and her once violet eyes glow gold. "My outfit..."

There's not much chance to process the situation with the lizard coming in for an attack. She easily flys out of the way shocking herself by such action. As if her body is moving on it's own and already aware of what spell she needs to cast. Forming a ball of light in her hands she fires several beams that erratic Duran's pet into nothing.

(Duran POV)

In a usual dark room Gores turns to Duran watching from the typical magical ball. The jester male ending the spell after seeing their final result. After this countless attacking the Felixa has finally awaken to her light powers. Very soon that chest would be in his possession. "The first step is complete. I guess the real battle begins now."

(Brooklynn POV)

Sonny watches the whole thing stunned as she walks back over to join him. "I can't believe I actually used the power of light! It was all like you said and the spells just came to me!"

"You got it, you definitely earned this." She can picture his relieved smile under the cartoon mask, and Brooklynn's about to say something else before her legs give way. Collapsing to her knees and clothes going back to normal. "Brooke!"

"I'm okay. Just really tired..."

"Using your light magic for the first time can take a toll on your body. Let's get you back to the dorms." Sonny kneeling down once more seemingly to offer her another ride for the trip back. Though as drained as her body feels she doesn't want to weight him down after that last hit.

"Are you sure about this? What about that last move it did on you?"

"I'm okay now, really. Better hurry up before I change my mind." A teasing tone in his voice, and she doesn't hesitate. Getting on his back as Sonny takes off on the rooftops.

"That form I was in just now. What was it excatly?" If she's remembering right Cheryl said something similar just before she transformed back then too.

"It's called your Ducelea form. That's how you activate your light magic, though you can only stay in it for so long. With this, you can do a variety of light based spells. Also the rest of your magic abilities strength is doubled. Since you've awaken now all you have to do is say the magic words."

"I think I get it. I definitely didn't expect this outcome today. Can't wait to reach the dorms and get some rest. You basically have the power of flight too, considering how high you can jump." Taking the chance to look at the gorgeous view down below.

"Afraid I'm going to drop you? You are pretty heavy for a girl."

"You're the one who ate three bowls of ice cream, besides you saved me lots of times. I trust you," she mumbles, letting her heavy eyelids fall shut. The peaceful silence remains the rest of the way there.

Finally reaching the gate he softly calls Brooklynn's name getting her to wake from the short nap. "Hey, we're here."

"Oh, we got back so much faster this way. I guess we can start searching for the chest now." The two taking off their masks and heading towards the dormitory.

"That's true. I'll let Ron know first thing tomorrow. About the dance..." Sonny trails off struggling to find the right wording. After what just conspired maybe she shouldn't have lashed out like she did.

"I understand. I'm the Felixa and you're worried about my safety."

"Yeah, but you are stronger now. Much stronger that you've gained your light magic. I mean you kicked that overgrown lizard's butt with that last move...If you want to ask him out you can. You don't have to worry about me either. I'll be there but still be sure to give you two your space."

"Sonny, thanks I will." The words sound genuine with earlier thoughts of his downcast face resurfacing, but he looks completely fine now.

Don't be stupid, Brooke. That can't possibly be true. He just doesn't like dances and was being lazy about having to tag along. Sonny wouldn't be crushing on a dork like me.