Vylad's POV:

Zane and I have walked for about a day now. It's exhausting in this environment. The toxins in the air make everything so hot. Not to mention, Zane told me we were in high altitude. Colorado is known for that...physically and quite literally.  I digress. What I'm trying to say is, that I can't imagine myself living here.  I don't know if it's because of my power's senses overreacting or just my human functions just not capable to handle this.

"Vylad, stop."

"What?"

"You're pale. Sit down for a while," Zane insisted

I rolled my eyes and said, "Not until we find Garroth."

Zane at this point tugged me back and forced me to sit on the ground. He bent his knees down enough so he was in a squatting position. He felt my head with his hand and I swatted it away immediately.

"Zane, I'm fine."

"No you're not."

He sat down next to me on the ground. His arms rested on top of hims blended knees.

"How are you feeling?"

He looked at me, directly this time. His face looked so menacing with the mask over his mouth and nose but, I could still see my brother.

"I'm fine, I guess. I'm just worried for you two," He says. "I have a decent way to protect my health but, you two don't. Garroth didn't even bring anything..."

I looked down to my covered hands. The gloves made them feel snug.

"I understand but, it'll be better if we find him first and make sure he's okay," I say. "Then, we can talk about how much of an idiot he is."

Zane chuckled and said,

"He does get into this type trouble of trouble often. He did do the right thing though."

"Yeah..."

We sat there in silence. We were sitting in grey and black rock, surrounded by metal boxes that I assume humans used to get around with. It was larger than the other...trails we've been on? It was separated into there sections with white paint.

"How much farther is this Denver?" Zane asked.

"The local said it was about a day's walk."

We went silent again. I just needed to time to process everything that was going on around me. We were seeing everything for the first time and I didn't think it was this bad. I could tell Zane was about to tell me something before we shot up hearing bangs going off in the distance.

"Do you think-"

"Let's at least check," Zane interrupted, running off.

I followed behind him and we saw the scene. Our friends and brother were all standing in a line, holding hands. Their eyes were closed shut waiting for something. A group of men with one woman stood in front. All of them had the same weapon that Katelyn had strapped around her waist but, pointed towards them. I knew what was happening immediately. I summoned my spear and Zane summoned his double blade. I felt anger boil inside me. How dare they...give up like that!

"Don't. You. Even. Dare," I threatened, pointing my golden spear at the enemies.

The man, who I assumed was the leader turned slowly towards me. It took him awhile for him to say something and when he did, it was hard to take him seriously at that point.

"Great. Two other robe wearing nerds," He groaned. "Katelyn, where do you keep finding these weirdos?"

The others' eyes were opened and seemed shocked to see us. Garroth had a smiled across his face. I was thankful for that knowing it was a sign that he was proud of us or happy to see us at least. Safety assured, he doesn't want to drown us.

"You heard me, sir. You need to back away," I said, my spear pointed mainly at him. I looked over to Garroth and tried to signal him to find a way to help us or the others out of the situation. The man only chuckled at my response and told his gang of...I don't even know to remain to their position.

"Why should I? There's no way you two could defeat my team and I."

"You have no idea...," Zane mumbled under his mask.

•••

Katelyn's POV:

You have got to be kidding. Now I have these two? Great. Lovely. I quickly let go of the others hands and pulled out my knife. Zenix responded by keeping his gun right on me. Laurance made a side glance to me, showing the signs for me to stop. I slowly and hesitantly lowered my knife. I looked to my left to see Garroth, giving me a reassuring look. He had a plan.
Or should I say, they had a plan. It's like Garroth and his brothers can just make eye contact with each other and give each other a thanksgiving meal worth of information. Impressive. But, I mean. They are the only people they truly have known their whole lives.

"You know," Aaron said, pointing his gun straight at Vylad's head. "I'm sick of people bossing me around. Why do you think I have this team?"

"Because you're selfish and can't handle the idea of people ordering you to do things like a normal human being should be able to do," Zane answered. 

"Can it!" Aaron shouted, still aiming the gun at Vylad. "You both have five seconds to get over their with your friends or I'll kill you first."

I wanted to rush over their and help those two so badly. It hurt seeing Aaron pointing the gun at Vylad. The image of Aaron pulling the trigger and Vylad falling kept repeating in my mind. 

"Five."

They didn't move.

"Four."

They just stood there, holding their ground.

"Three."

At this point, I took every bit of my strength to hold myself back.

"Two."

I saw a small spark in Garroth's hand but, I ignored it. I didn't want Zenix and Ivy to spot him.

"One."

I placed my hand on my knife again.

I heard a gun firing and a bright flash came from Zane and Vylad. In an instant, the bullet came flying, hitting a car. The two must've used their magic to stop the bullet but, my heart was still racing fast. Just the sound of that gun made my skin break out in goosebumps.

"How...?" Aaron asked, unable to find words.

"Easy. You counted to five," Vylad shrugged. "Gave me time."

A rumble came from the ground, causing everyone to stumble backwards. A huge tree like vine came shooting through the highway bridge, catching Aaron in the mess of it. His weapon fell to ground allowing Zane to catch it.  Zenix and Ivy, after a few moments of utter comfusion, came to reality. Zenix was the first one to shoot. He aimed at Zane knowing that he was a big threat at that point. Zane simply waved his hand and a gust of strong wind, whisked Zenix into the air then, land on a car causing the ceiling to cave in.

Ivy seemed to have fell down during the small earthquake. She got up quickly and pulled out her knife. The hot-pinked hair girl charged at Zane. She was able to stab his right calf causing Zane to shout in pain.

"Zane, get out of the way!", Garroth shouted

Zane took the random directions from him and hobbled back to a safer area. With a a quick motion with Garroth's hands, a large wave of water came crashing down on Ivy. When the liquid dispersed, all you could see was a wet mole rat. She made slight coughs, regaining her breath.
In a matter of moments, the three men were able to stop Zenix, Ivy, and Aaron. Each one suffered a different element. All I could think of at that moment was how much strength each of these elements could hold. It was like a breath-taking show on a stage or a scene you could only see in movies.

Once they saw that the coast was clear, Vylad let the vine shrink, releasing Aaron onto the ground. Seeing one team member unconscious while the other struggling to regain her breath must've made his mouth shut. He looked up to Vylad in fear. The next thing that happened made me gasp.

He raised his hands in surrender.

Word Count
1396
Okay. I can explain. I know that it's been a month but...I don't know. School has been stressful and draining my energy and my personality basically. Yeah, I know. It's a lazy excuse but, guys! This book is taking me FOREVER! I was suppose to finish it in July. JULY. Now it's almost October. Well, at least I'm taking my time on it. BUT THIS WAS A CRAPPY CHAPTER! I promise the next chapter will be better.

Again I'm so sorry for the lack of updates on this book but, I've been super busy. Anyways, I love you my foxes!