The heavy rain was coming down hard, and the slick mud was everywhere - immovable. Mira struggled to keep her balance. She could feel her heart pounding in terror. "We can't stay out here!" she yelled above the storm's din.

Victor nodded grimly. "There is a barn over there! We can take shelter inside!"

"Lead the way!" Lila urged, looking back to Kintz, still tied. "We can't leave him behind!"

"Forget him!" Mira snapped, looking toward the barn. "We need to survive first!"

They ran towards the barn, dodging a lot of slipping branches and debris falling over the yard. They reached the door and tumbled inside, pushing the door shut behind themselves.

Inside, the barn was dark and musty, with old equipment and hay. "This should buy us some time," Sophia said, catching her breath. "But we need to come up with a plan."

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Kintz glared at them, eyes narrowing. "You think you can hide in here? The storm is only the beginning. The Collective will come for you.

"Let them try," Mira shot back, her determination unwavering. "We'll be ready for them."

Lila started scanning with her device, trying to get a read on the storm and any incoming threats. "The weather patterns are changing rapidly. I am unable to get a fix on its source."

Sophia frowned. "We need to find a way to disrupt their control over the storm. If we can get into that facility, we might have a chance."

We need a diversion," Victor said, turning to Kintz. "What do you know about the facility?"

Kintz smirked, the glint of humor dancing in his eyes. "You really think I'd help you? You're just as much a target as I am."

Mira felt a surge of frustration. "We'll figure it out without you. We've come too far to turn back now.

Suddenly, the barn door was in a fierce shake; something slammed against it. "They're coming!" Lila shouted; her voice was rising in panic. "We gotta go!" The door flung open, and armed men with guns drawn. "Get 'em!" the leader shouted, and Mira felt her heart go down as they were cornered.