~~~~~~~~~Aiden's POV~~~~~~~~~

We did it.

It took us hours, and much help from the police, but we were able to get every kidnapped victim to the hospital, where they were still unconscious, and slowly starting to recover.

We were thanked by everyone, being known as heroes, even though Iv was obviously the real hero. Still, we were all more than happy to see everyone, even if they were in a weak condition, they were all still alive.

And hey, I'm still alive, so everyone else should be able to survive too.

That is what we're hoping for at least..

After the tiring day we had, we all headed back to my house, including Iv who was still in that boiling condition. Even so, I think it's only fair my parents know she's alive.

Once I opened the front door, both of my parents looked over with wide eyes, rushing over to me and wrapping me in a hug as my mom cupped my face. "There you are!! We were worried sick!!"

"We told you to stay inside the house with someone all day!!" Dad continued, a glare as sharp as a knife on his face.

I couldn't be mad though, I understood why they were angry.

Mom then pulled away, tears visible in her eyes. "But is it true what we heard..? Did you find everyone, even your sister..?"

"We did, they're all alive.. But Iv's in a bit of a.. well..." I stepped back outside the house, my parents following me out, and their eyes quickly widened when they saw her.

Iv shrank in place, and the lava around her slowly dried out.

Seemed a little obvious now, but I guess her emotions control the heat above her body.

To my surprise, my parents exchanged a glance, and while my dad took off his jacket and placed it behind Iv's back, my mom began to glow a soft lavender, pressing her hands against Iv's face. It only took a couple of seconds for Iv to be back in her normal form, wearing Dad's jacket to cover herself.

My sister didn't even have a second to reach, everyone else wrapping her in a group hug, along with myself.

We just... needed some time to relax after the day we've had...

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

Iv passed out as soon as she entered the house. We couldn't blame her, God knows how much energy she's been using this entire time, she deserves a good rest.

Afraid that we might harm her in some way, my parents called a doctor to come over. They explained that she had no external nor internal injuries, and that she should wake up in a week at the most, which did ease our nerves.

Everyone else had gone home, and those who didn't went to the hospital to see those who they had lost.

I had gone Iv's room after my parents gave me a long lecture about not going on my own to a place I knew led to possible death, sitting beside her bed as she slept.

Mom had changed her into some proper sleepwear, and Dad carried her to the bed, now letting her sleep. Pale skin, tired features, barely moving at all.. If it were't for her chest raising slowly as she breathed, she could easily look like a corpse..

I couldn't help but feel responsible...

For most of the time, I just kept dozing off while I fiddled with my necklace, thinking of possible ways I could've stopped this earlier.

The main reason why I was here though, was that the culprit was still out there. All the victims were recovered, but there was no one specific who tried to stop us in the process, only their army.

So the question of 'Who did this?' is still unanswered.

The only one who knows is Iv, and she's in no condition to speak right now..

A knock on the door then pulled me away from my thoughts, seeing Ashley standing by it with a half smile. "Hey.."

"Oh, hey Ash.."

She walked inside, closing the door before sitting on the desk chair. "How's she doing..?"

"She's.. alive.. No signs of movement though.." I looked down at my sister, worry filling my chest. "She just needs time to recover.."

"I'm just glad it wasn't anything too serious.."

"That makes two of us.." I turned to Ashley once again, giving her the best smile I could put on. "But she's strong, I know she'll be okay.."

She let out a small laugh at that. "Well I see you still haven't changed.."

"Maybe.."

"Hey, how about we take turns watching over here..? You still need your rest, you know.."

"I'm not sure I'll be able to sleep.. But yeah, it would be a good idea.."

"If you don't mind though, I'd like to keep watch for all of today.. I just don't think my anxiety will let me do anything else.."

She gave a small smile at that. "It's alright, I totally get it.. Keep us updated on how Iv's doing, okay..?"

"I will.."

And with a small wave, she left the room, closing the door behind her. To be honest, as rude as it might sound, I didn't fully trust Ashley either..

Still, she was family, so I couldn't keep her that far away, right?

I just have to stay here and keep an eye on Iv to make sure she recovers.

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

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