15 Chapter twelve: Mission Start!

Eventually the once blinding darkness begins to clear up. Now an open space with several blue flames giving off light. There's one single path across from them that leads further inside. According to her partner even if they've all been gone through before something with the barrier resets everything. There's sure to be a few puzzles later on, and monsters will have responded.

"If the chest is here it'll probably be in the deepest part of the ruins. Luckily this place doesn't look too big so it shouldn't take long," Sonny explains.

"Alright..." Brooklynn following behind amazed at the old path they're heading down. "This all looks so old. I heard a lot about these in school but I never imagined I'd be exploring one myself. I don't see any monsters around though."

"No, they're definitely monsters in here somewhere. Probably not as many since this ruin is so small. These only seem to be scattered around Chadlen. It was said to have been a gold mine during the days of old. Now the ruins are probably cleaned up, so don't get your hopes up on finding some ancient treasure."

"Well I wasn't planning on it. We have a misson to carry out. I watched the news a bit before coming here on all the destruction Duran has been causing. If only there was a way to deal with him now..." The reports of all the damage around town were no laughing matter. There's still stuff they're in the process of repairing that'll take time to restore.

"Yeah, but no one knows where he's hiding. Duran never shows his face but constantly sends monsters to attack in town. The incidents have went down a bit since he's focusing his attention on you now. Hopefully we can end all of this before they increase again," Sonny says. When a sudden noise is coming from behind interrupting conversation.

"What was that?" A scattering like sound is getting louder as whatever is making it drives closer. Large oversized ants come down the narrow pathway stampeding right towards them.

"Watch out, they're coming!" Sonny quickly readying his lance for battle.

"Those are ants?! They're huge!" It might not be as big as the monsters Duran summons, but quantity is more the issue.

"Here's your first battle. We should be able to take care of this without you transforming." Sonny does a fireball attack burning several of them at once to ashes. Not wanting to fall behind Brooklynn slowly lifts her swords into the air, having them slash some of the ants down to bits. The monsters turning into a black mist before fading completely. One however picks up a boulder rock off to the side and aims it right towards them. Normal ants are already stong so this shouldn't be too surprising. "Watch out!"

A flashback of the glob incident, Sonny protected them from the car by using one special move. Steadying her feet she acts fast with using her laser. Doing the same as it did back then and crumbles up the large rock before it can touch them. Lastly Sonny electrifies the rest of the ants away. Brooklynn letting out a small sigh of relief. "Good job on your first fight. I see you remembered some noteworthy tips from me."

"Didn't I prove that enough during the test? Don't underestimate me."

"Fair enough. This is monsters territory we're on so we have to stay cautious. Let's keep moving."

Taking off once more Sonny's phone starts to buzz. His pace slowing down to check it and Brooklynn taps her feet impatiently. "Texting now? Can't that wait till later."

"No, I had it set on emergency calls only. It's from Ron, Gores is-"

"And we meet again." The same guy with the jester hat and black clothing casually strolls up to them.

"It really is you!" She hasn't seen him face to face since her first night at school. The man that tried to kidnap her from her dorm room window.

"I knew it was only matter of time before you showed up." Sonny giving him a hard glare, but Gores ignores the boy completely fixating his gaze on Brooklynn.

"So the Felixa has gained the power of light. Trying to abduct you at school causes too much attention. It's easier to do this here and now. In fact, I'll give the exact offer I did that night. Come with me peacefully Brooklynn and I won't have to hurt you." Extending a large hand out to the girl that sends a chill down her spine. Sonny steps in between them aiming his weapon right at him.

"You attempted to do the same thing with Ryder too. To get to her you'll have to go through me first."

"Very well then, we have to do this the hard way. I should have dealt with you a long time ago. Oh, and no more child's play with you kids. Now that you've awaken to your powers I don't plan on holding back." His eyes look so much darker than before. This will be her first match against another person since the test. Even then Sonny was holding back a bit, though she can't start doubting her abilities now. Brooklynn also taking a fighting stance next to her partner.

Gores creates large dark balls that are sent towards her charging past for Sonny. Brooklynn uses her blades just managing to cut away each before they can touch her. Further down the males weapons begin to clash. Gores having a long magic staff for his choice of offense. Creating distance Sonny throws a fire ball at him that's completely absorbed. "But how? You never able to do that before."

"Just a few tricks I've been keeping up my sleeve."

"Sonny, I'm-" Brooklynn doesn't get the opportunity to act when small glob monsters suddenly appear. If they already cleared the monsters out in this area than it must be the hand of Duran. Groaning as she refocuses her attention towards the new threat. Knowing fire is their weakness she should be able to take care of them quite easily. Hopefully Sonny could hold out against him in the meantime.

Gores running at him once more lands a good hit, sending the boy flying into the air. Just as he's about to shock the floor for a follow up attack, Sonny's body never falls down. Jumping just at the right time with his beyound gravity, and throwing several ice sickles his way he can't avoid. Before he can even recover Brooklynn comes up from behind. Hardly getting a chance to turn around and face her when a scorching heat nails his back. The man is knocked down forward and struggles to get up on his feet.

"This isn't over, I'll-" Brooklynn pointing her laser at the ceiling and heavy rocks fall on top of him. Now trapping him to the floor just like she did to Sonny using her blades. Gores left in a daze with clearly no more energy to fight.

"I must say I'm impressed," Sonny praises with a smile of satisfaction.

"I learnt from the best. We should hurry before he regains his strength. How much farther do we have to go?"

"We should be almost there!" The teens sprinting the rest of the pathway. Only encountering a few more feeble monster they reach the end. Just to find that there's absolutely nothing there.

"It's no chest here. This place is completly empty!"

"The old Felixa must of hidden it in another larger ruin. Even so this was a good warm up mission to prepare you for future trials. We'll have to try the next one tomorrow, well the day after actually. I'll have to explain to them the whole dance thing is tomorrow evening."

"Okay, I guess we should head back to the entrance then." Turning back Gores is no longer in sight from where he was originally trapped underneath.

"He probably figured it wasn't in this one and took off. He'll continue to try and take you away since you've gained the light ability."

"I see, at least no other FDO members attacked today-" Brooklynn's speech is cut off when her foot presses on something heavy. Her gaze dropping down where a stone sunken flatter than the rest on to the ground. Sonny eyes widen at the sight as the ruins start to shack and rumble. Dozens of more ants come up from nowhere, and all speed towards them at once.

"A trap! We have to get out of here now!"

"Great, this place is barren from any riches but a centuries old trap still works!" she exclaims, Sonny grabs her hand without warning as they dash for the exit. Throwing back fire burns a few off but they still quickly ecumalate. Sonny's feet comes to a sharp hault releasing her hand.

"Brooklynn, go! I'll hold them off!"

"But you-"

"Don't worry about me, I'll catch up! Hurry now!" Engaging in battle she hesitates to stay and help fight.

No, Sonny asked would I start trusting him in the future. I should just take his word on this.

"Okay, I'm going!" Freezing the last few in her path and soon safely makes it to the large door they came in through. However the minute her feet crosses the threshold the door slams shut. And no matter how much beating she does the door doesn't move an inch. "No, Sonny! What do I do now?"

Both detectives still waiting in the car now run up to her side. "Brooke, what's going on?" Jerry asks.

"Sonny is still trapped in there! I'm sure my laser can cut through!" Though even that is a failed attempt the red bean only scratching the front of the thing. "The laser isn't strong enough...Maybe my light beams will open the door then. Duclea!" Immediately transforming she gathers up her magic and aims the beams right at the frozen soild door. Luckily this move does succeed as a shocked Sonny is standing on the other side.

"Could've blown a hole through me with that you know."

"I got the door opened, didn't I? Why would you do something so reckless?! You could have been trapped in there." She may not know a lot about the ruins but he does. Sonny shouldn't have stayed behind to begin with.

"My number one priority is-"

"I know protecting me but what would happen if you were gone? Who is suppose to help aid me then? Besides, I don't wanna see any harm come to a friend of mine." Brooklynn's aware on how important his job is, but she doesn't like the way he carelessly puts his life in danger because of it. She wishes the male would just see things from her point of view sometimes.

Looking at him now he's wearing such a fragile smile on his face. Somewhat like the way his mood changed a while back, and yet still feels different at the same time. "You're right, Brooke. I'm sorry."

"Sonny..." Again she finds herself at a lost for words as he usually doesn't show any signs of vulnerability. But for that split second looked like he was consuming some much strength just to force a grin.

"Come on, we can take you to the next ruin tomorrow. There isn't anymore time today." Jerry breaking the awkward atmosphere as he heads for the driver's seat.

"Actually...there's a school dance tomorrow and we already bought our tickets," Sonny slowly confesses, and Ron lets out a sigh.

"You know this mission is urgent business."

"Oh, come on, Ron let them enjoy their fun. It's only one day plus I'm sure there're no refunds."

"Fine. We'll resume the day after the dance then." Getting into the car the red head glances back towards Sonny with a knowing look.

"What?"

"Should've known how having a male guardian around the same age would turn out to be."

"Oh? I assumed they were going as a group of some sort. I didn't realize you two had that kind of relationship," Ron follows up, and she can't believe they're getting the wrong idea too. Sonny's cheeks flush scarlet turning his gaze out the window.

"I-It's not like that! I'm just going in case something happens. Brooke has a date."

"Really? Well hopefully you have a good time." The shorter man replies, buckling up in the passenger seat. Jerry however reaches back giving Sonny a small pat on the head.

"Missed your chance, huh? There, there it will be other nice girls at the dance."

"What are you consoling me for?! I said it isn't like that."

"You can be honest with me, Sonny. Who'd you lose to?" He leans in to whisper too low for her to hear. Brooklynn eyeing them suspiciously and the ginger grunts pushes his arm away of him.

"No one! Will you knock it off."

"Okay, alright. Don't tell me...Did you not ask her being polite?" His blue eyes widen for a moment then simply dropping to his lap with no reply. Jerry expression softens sitting back right to start the vehicle. "I see, sorry about the teasing. You know how I don't think sometimes." With that they take off the direction of their school. The whole ride in mostly silence as Sonny barely speaks at all.

Sonny isn't usually the type to lose his cool like that, but he did seem agitated by Jerry's nitpicking. And the end of their conversation...What was that all about anyway?

🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟

The evening sky shines brightly in Brooklynn's room with only a few hours left until the big event. She paces around back and forth checking under the bed then along her shelves. "Man, where is it? I couldn't lost that stupid thing. I don't need to have anymore fees for the agents to worry about."

A sudden knock at the door puts a pause on her search. Opening up to be greeted by the blonde with a smile. "Evening, Hira."

"Josef, hi! Do you need something?" It's still quite a bit of time before they're supposed to leave out. The boy extends to her a medium sized box she just realizes that he's holding.

"Here. I stopped by to drop this off. I didn't know if you had something to wear to the dance tonight, and I believe this dress really suits you."

"I don't have anything to wear! I've been so busy lately I forgot to buy something. Thank you, Josef."

"No problem. I'll see you tonight," he adds, with one last charming smile before taking off down the hall.

Closing the door she can hardly contain her excitement as she rips open the package. If it wasn't for his kind gesture she would've had to worn something old. Pulling it out the dress is a pretty blue with a red floara design covering it and ruffles at the bottom. Finishing off the look with matching heel sandals also in the box. A big grin spreading across her face as she clutches the clothing with a spin. "Ah, this dress is beautiful. He's such a sweetheart! I know the dance is in just a few hours, but I want try it on now."

(Sonny POV)

In the room next over Sonny is stretched across his bed while Kite is sitting in a beanbag chair close by it. Both pressing away on buttons as they vs each other in a fighting game.

"It's hard to process the fact me and Raylen are actually going to the dance together. I was surprised to hear she has been interested in me for a while now. I assumed when you dragged Brooklynn away the other day you were going to ask her out. But you didn't and now Josef beat you to it."

"Why'd you think I would do that?"

"Don't pretend. It's obvious you're crushing on her, so why didn't you ask her?"

"What's the point? She likes Josef not me and besides I'm her guardian. My only job here is to protect her," Sonny says, while smashing at the buttons on his controller with more force.

Kite lets out a sigh not sounding pleased with his reasoning. "That's no excuse to had let a perfect opportunity pass you by. With love you just have to take the plunge."

"And with games you just have to stay focused."

"Huh?" Kite's character slowly falls to the ground as K.O pops on the screen. "You got lucky. I would've had you if I pulled that last combo. Whatever, it's better I lost. I need to start getting ready soon. Well, I'll see you there." Kite letting himself out as Sonny cuts the system off. Only to spot Brooklynn's math book still laying on his dresser. They were studying together earlier and she must've left it by mistake. Picking up the book he can't help but release a sigh. He knows Kite is trying to be supportive, but he doesn't understand the situation. Even if Josef wasn't in the picture it wouldn't change anything.

Maybe that's why I'm so envious of him. It's my own fault for getting so attached. I wonder how Brooke will feel when all of this is over. Would she...

Shaking his head and pushing away any further needless thoughts. He has to keep focus on protecting Brooklynn so a third death won't be on his hands. Even if that means having to lie to her.

(Brooklynn POV)

Stripping down she wonders is the dress going to be the right size. Probably being best to test walking around in the small heels as well. After hearing a light knock on the door she doesn't get a chance to move before it opens. "Brooke, I have your-" Sonny cutting himself off as the item drops from his hands to the floor and his whole face goes red.

Brooklynn herself stands dumbfounded for a second before eyes growing wide in realization. "What are you doing?!"

"I-I um..." he stutters, gaze dropping down lower only infuriating her even more. She snatches decorative pillows off the bed aiming them at his face.

"Get out!" she screams and Sonny's mind seeming to finally work quickly slams the door shut. Brooklynn feeling her own cheeks start to burn as refute apologies come from the other side of the closed door.

"I'm sorry! I swear that was on accident! I honestly didn't think you would be changing so early!"

"I was just trying it on and aren't you suppose to knock first?!"

Nor did it help that he just stood there after seeing me practically naked. Why do these things always have to happen to me?

"I'm really sorry..." he adds quietly, and she quickly throws on the dress which fits just right.

"W-What do you want anyway?" she mumbles, avoiding eye contact cracking the door back open a bit. He fumbles with the math book awkwardly handing it to her.

"I only came to drop this off."

"I was looking everywhere for it, thanks."

"Your dress is nice. Where'd you get it?"

"Um, Josef gave this to me."

"Oh, I see." A silence falling into the air and Brooklynn plays with one of her pigtails.

"...Do you have any clothes to wear to the dance?"

"I have one semi-formal outfit that should work."

"Really, that's good..." Yet again more awkward silence hangs in the atmosphere. Before she can fully get her sentence out Sonny speaks up in unison. "I need to finish my homework up so-"

"I should probably get back to my game-" Both replies trailing off falling quiet once more.

This is all his fault things are so weird right now. Though him walking in on me doesn't feel like the only reason for this awkwardnesss between us.

"I'll leave you to do your homework then. Like I said before you and Josef will have space on your date." She doesn't get the chance to say anything else, as Sonny already disappears in his room.

A/N The very first mission with many more exciting ones to come. What do you feel Sonny is lying to Brooklynn about? The ball dance next update!