Mina wished she could fly.

“Oliver should have been the one for this job,” she groaned, craning her neck to look at the high towers of the palace.

Noah fidgeted beside her, then smirked slightly. “Yeah, but he would have messed everything up completely. One way or another.”

Mina laughed, though even she could tell it was forced. Immense fear was building inside her and she immediately reached for Noah's hand. Noah grabbed her hand and squeezed back.

“We're going to be okay,” he murmured. “We just need to get in and get up to the top tower.”

Mina nodded. Easier said than done, she thought.

“How do we get in?” Mina asked hesitantly. She looked around for any way of getting in. Noah sighed.

“We don't have much time, but I think it's best to try climbing into a window and then making our way in.” he suggested.

Mina nodded. That was the only plan they had, so they would have to make do with. Noah walked around the side of the castle until he came upon a window.

“This will do,” he grunted, shoving the tip of his foot into the stone walls and hauling himself up. Noah slipped almost immediately. Mina rushed over as he fell to the ground.

“Careful!” she warned. “Haven't you ever learned to climb?” she asked.

Noah groaned, rubbing his back. “Sorry. I haven't done anything like this in forever.”

Mina sighed, examining the walls. All around her, battle raged, and she knew she had to hurry before more deaths occurred.

“Come.” she gestured for Noah to get up and walked over to the building for a better look. There were strange cracks in that walls, making footholds and ridges. Mina stepped on a ledge and hoisted herself. Slowly, she climbed higher and higher until she reached the window.

Luckily, the room was empty. If not, Mina would have been in great trouble. She stumbled onto the floor, Noah mounting in after her.

“I'm so not in shape for this,” he moaned. Mina snorted.

“Dude, you've got, like, abs, or something! You're in perfect shape!” she retorted.

Noah shrugged, sitting up. His Water outfit consisted of an open sky blue vest and dark blue shorts that matched his eyes. Mina blushed, tearing her eyes away from his chest.

Mina's Fire clothes made it hard to climb, but for some reason, she could fight perfectly in them.

Noah fixed her with a serious look. “You might want to change from your Element getup. Someone could easily recognize you.” he explained.

Mina shook her head, getting to her feet. “I can't risk getting caught in battle not ready. If someone spots us, we'll just have to do something to keep them quiet. Whatever the solution.” she replied darkly.

Mina could sense Noah's discomfort, but he didn't object. Instead, he got to his feet, and slipped his arms around Mina. “Let's go,” he murmured into her hair.

Mina's heart pounded, crashing against her chest as he let go of her gently and quietly walked to the door. She followed, still slightly woozy from Noah's hug.

It was time to get things fired up.

***

It was surprisingly quiet in the castle.

Mina had expected rush and bustle getting ready to fight. Instead, there was complete silence everywhere.

Noah and Mina slipped around corners, and ran through hallways. Mina had no idea where she was going, but she was just aiming for up.

“Hush!” Noah gripped her wrist suddenly, pulling her behind a wall. Mina stumbled into him, tripping over her feet.

Voices drew near them, growing steadily louder.

“I'll do it. I know who their military leader is. I'll wipe her out. Along with the traitors.” a voice cackled.

Someone else responded, but Mina wasn't paying attention. She knew this voice. It was the guy who had been there at Karen's camp! The lightning user!

She clamped her hand over her mouth to stifle her gasp, relying on Noah's sanity to keep her from doing something crazy. Mina knew she herself wasn't that sane, and would probably end up doing something crazy if she didn't have someone to back her up.

She waited as the voices disappeared around the bend, then stepped out of the shadows.

“We need to hurry,” she gasped. “I know the guy. He's going to go after Karen.”

“We don't have time to worry about them.” Noah told her. “Oliver and Amber can protect everyone outside. Not to mention, Karen can take care of herself.”

Mina stared at her feet, knowing what needed to be done deep down, but not wanting to voice her opinion.

“You know...” she started. “They need help. You need to go.”

“What?” Noah cried. “I'm staying with you! There's no way-”

Mina grabbed Noah by his vest and pulled him close. “I'll be fine. And so will you. I know you can defeat them.”

Noah stiffened. “I-”

“I'm scared too. But we have to do this,” Mina murmured. “We have to be brave.”

Noah stared at her. “I can't just leave you!”

“Be strong, Noah!” Mina kissed him quickly then pushed him away.

She turned and kept running up the stairs. She didn't look back, knowing she wouldn't be able to go on if she did.

She had to trust he would arrive in time to help, even though the rational part of her didn't believe it.

' Mina's job was to take down her dad, destroy the amulet and stop the Element Users before they could ruin her life.

She knew the only thing she could do to help was the job she had been given. No matter how much pain it caused her, she would only face more pain if she failed.

Leaving her faith in Noah, she climbed up to face her foe.