~~~~~~~~~Iv's POV~~~~~~~~~

We had been walking for a short while now, I was starting to get worried. They've never been in here before, they'd easily be turned around.

I took a deep breath, not wanting to think about the worst; Aiden and Sage were both strong people, they can take care of themselves.

Granted, I wouldn't be surprised if they were in a closet making out, knowing them, so I could be worried for nothing.

I felt Noah tap my shoulder before pointing at an oddly glowing door. My eyes narrowed a bit, if Ashley's in there, it's a large possibility she's trying to distract us. Like moths to a light.

Before we could make any decision, a low growl made us look back. Three of those monster dogs were sniffing around, their heads pointing in our direction.

They're smelling sense couldn't be that good, or else they would've found us before.

I looked at Noah who had grown pale. Had he seen what these things can do already? Was it that bad?

I nodded, the glowing door as our only option. Quietly, we began to walk over, making sure not to step on anything; hearing seemed to be their most keen sense.

We were about to get inside when I felt something wrap around my arms, forcing me back as I let out a yell. Quickly looking over, I saw Noah being held by a large human-like ink blob, trying to struggle from their grip.

The dogs growled at us, though they didn't walk over. Instead, they followed as we were dragged into the glowing room. I tried to burn the creatures, but it was of no use.

My eyes widened a little at the sight of Aiden and Sage, each of them in a crystal tank, on their knees. With all my strength, I began to struggle against the creature's grip. They had already placed Noah inside the third tank, though it scared me to think there was no fourth one for me.

What did she want from me..?

"How sweet, you're all here!" A blue mist formed at the other side of the room, which soon turned into Ashley, a wide smirk on her face. "The party can finally begin now!"

"What do you want from us, Ashley, you already got the power you wanted!!" I yelled, still struggling to get out.

She tilted her head in thought, then let out a chuckle. "Wrong, I didn't get all of it."

Making her way to me, her smirk only grew wider, eyes flashing between colors. "I still don't have your power, Ivangelys.."

"Why would you want my powers?"

"I saw what happened days ago with my henchmen. You really did a number on them." She waved her hand, making the creatures loosen their grip on me. "I'd love to have that all to myself."

I scoffed at her. "You really think I'm gonna give it to you after all you've done?!"

"No, I don't. But you don't exactly have a choice." At the snap of her fingers, I heard Sage let out a scream, making me look back. The tanks were slowly starting to fill up with water, which made my eyes widen.

Ashley only laughed. "So weak, what will you do now?"

"Let them go, Ashley!!!"

She rested her cheek on her hand. "Only if you give me your powers, darling. Keep them, and this'll be the end for them."

I looked back over, the water already reaching their waists. I couldn't give her what she wanted, she'll destroy the Earth.

But I had to save them, somehow!

I-

...

I know what I have to do.

"Alright, fine, you win.."

One of the creatures let me go, allowing me to offer my hand to her as I heard the others scream for me not to. Her smirk grew wider as she reached for me.

However, I felt the energy I needed pulse in my fingertips just before she grabbed my hand.

"If you think I'm letting you win that easily, you don't know me at all."

Forming the fireball in my hand, I sent her crashing into the wall, along with the creatures that had begun to run to attack me. With another, I broke the tanks they were in, running over to help them. "C'mon, we gotta go!!"

Without hesitation, we all began to run down the halls, the strange creatures she had created following.

Unfortunately, we were forced to stop when a large pit of black tar covered a large part of the floor. There was no going back, not with the creatures that were hot on our tails.

I turned to face away. "Go, I'll hold them off!!"

Aiden was the first to jump, barely just making it. "I'm here!!"

He reached forward as Sage jumped after, helping her stand when she landed. However, before Noah could jump, the floor crumbled, part of it being covered by the tar. His eyes widened, looking at me. "It's too far, we won't make it!"

My eyes had already landed Ashley, who had just gone into another room.

I just-... I had to stop her.

I think Noah sensed what I was thinking, because he grabbed me by my shoulders, turning me to face him. "No, you're not going after her on your own again."

"Noah, I-!"

"We already talked about this, this isn't yours to fight alone!!"

His expression was serious as he looked down at me. Part of me knew he was right, but...

... I had to keep him safe, too...

I grabbed his face, catching him off guard as I pressed my lips against his. I didn't know if I could, or if I'd make it, so I'd like to leave something for him.

It was a short kiss since we barely had any time, his face red as I pulled away. But I only tightened my grip on his arms as I felt more energy coursing through them.

"I'm sorry, Em... But I have to do this..." Before he could argue back, I felt a sudden strength rise through me, sending him to the other side where the others stood, catching him.

He quickly stood up, looking at me with pure fear in his eyes. As I turned to run, I could hear him yelling for me to go back, to leave with them.

"I'm sorry... but I need to stop her, once and for all..."

Thanks for reading!!! 'Till next time!!!

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