We all froze at the loud roar that came from deep within the forest, and the harsh footsteps that shook the ground kept getting closer and closer. In the distance above the dead trees, I could see something strange sticking out, a weird shape of bones connected together.

Mabel now stood beside me, eyes wide. "What is that?!"

"Don't know, but we need to move, and fast." (y/n) ran to the front of the boat, trying to find anything that could make them go faster down the river.

Whatever was out there finally got close enough to see, my eyes growing wide. It was some sort of bird, a hawk? Maybe an eagle? But it didn't have any skin nor muscles, or even organs, the only thing there was its skeleton. How it lived, I didn't know.

The creature then turned to us, and another roar escaped its beak, causing my blood to run could. Starting to panic, I ran over to (y/n). "Any luck?!"

"No, this boat's only source of movement is the current!"

"What about any paddles?"

She shook her head before looking forward. "The mountains aren't to far ahead, we can make it if we buy some time."

"What do you mean?"

Lifting her hands a bit, a small flame lit up in her palms. However, I noticed it seemed weaker than she was normally able to make, and that did worry me.

"I'm able to use a bit of my powers here, I should be able to distract that thing for a little while."

"Are you sure you can do this? You don't have all of your magic yet!"

She could sense my worry, and placed a kiss on my cheek for reassurance. "I'll be fine, Pine.. Just get to the mountains, and make sure you and Mabel stay unharmed."

Before I could protest, she turned into her bird form and flew towards the best. I couldn't stop the rush of fear that started flowing through me; it's not that I didn't believe in (y/n), she was the strongest person I've ever met, but knowing that she only had a portion of her magic did worry me.

Not only because she had much less to defend herself with, but she also wasn't used to having less, and it could be dangerous.

Still, I had to trust she'd be okay. Mabel and I were sitting ducks here, and the only thing we could do is wait to get to the exit. I could see (y/n)'s small form flying around as a glowing light, doing a good job in keeping the bird's attention.

However, the fear soon came back as we heard a loud shriek coming from the creature, followed by a splash. I turned around to see a large wave coming our way, and in a panic, I grabbed Mabel's arm and pulled her over to the back of the boat, hiding under the walls as the waves crashed against it.

I let out a sigh of relief as no water touched us, though I did feel this tiny sting above my wrist, but thankfully it was just that. I then turned to my sister. "You okay..?"

"Yeah.. you..?"

"I think so.."

We stood up once the boat softly bumped against the edge of the gray sands, the two of us hopping onto safely. Just then, (y/n) zoomed over, turning human as she landed beside me. "Quick, before that thing realizes I'm gone."

She didn't have to tell us twice, Mabel and I following her along the side of the mountain, trying to ignore the splashing of water that emanated from the far distance.

Finally, we reached a certain wall that was less ashy than the rest, and taking out the skeleton key, (y/n) stabbed it against the wall. Just as before, a doorway slowly formed, and a passageway was revealed. Without hesitation, we all ran inside.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A groan escaped my lips at the strange feeling that coursed through, gripping my head at the odd pain. I guess I feel and hit my head during the landing.

I looked around, Mabel and (y/n) were in the same conditions, but I didn't notice any wounds, thankfully.

What made my eyes grow wide was where we had landed, and a smile quickly grew into my face. We were back in Ford's lab.

We were back home..!

"Kids!!" We heard Ford's family voice yell out to us before seeing him running over. "You're okay!!"

I let out a small chuckle before standing up. "I told you we'd come back.."

His eyes then landed on (y/n) as I helped her onto her feet. There were a few moments of silence, and then a warm smile grew onto his face before wrapping her in a hug. "I'm so glad you're back, (y/n).."

"Heh, that makes two of us.." She replied with a smile.

Finally, after a long journey, we had some peace. (y/n) was back, we were all together again, everything was okay.

...

Little did I know, this was only the start of it all..

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

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