"I didn't want to snuff out your flame," Victor's words bounced around my head, a subtle tick from the wall of wires. He's going to kill us…kill us all.

Hands grabbing me, my feet tottered, I held on. The E in riddance appeared on the screen. My whole brain in a fog, I tried to steady myself. Snap out of it! You need to move!

The dark room burst into flames, the light suddenly warped away. The room faded, stolen by the rhythm. The air was ripped from my lungs, the icy darkness sending needles down my skin.

My heart was ready to burst. Memories flashed in my mind, a myriad of colours. It all went dark. I could hear my own breathing, shaking as my vision blurred.

Dust straurated the air, stuck on my tongue. Back on the ground of that cursed city, the colours faded. My lungs burned, head pounding like a war drum. Then I caught Luca's eyes.

Across the square, he fought to get to me. Limping as he stumbled over his feet. "Phyn!" his voice was cloudy, He scurried towards me, hands stretched out. "Phyn!"

I reached for his hand, something yanked me back. Our fingers slid past each other. No, not again. I fought to break away, clawing to stay. I want to go home, I want to be there. My heart ached, ripped to shreds.

His teary eyes burned with fire. "Hold on," his voice echoed in my head. "Hold on..."

My lips parted, those last words lost to me. I was ripped away, plunging back into the icy black. Twisting confusion rendered me useless. The sting was almost too much to bear. Such dreams are foolish.

The murky dark blacked out the light. I followed the song through, away from the echoes of his voice. Away from all hope.

My eyes flew open, the daylight pouring in between blinds. Birds chirped beyond the glass, aggravating my headache. My vision blurred, a wave of pain running down my spine. Deep breaths, I tried to focus. Where am I? What just happened?

I took a shaky step, crumbling to the hardwood floor. My head against the pastel striped couch, blues, greens, pink. It's an ugly couch.

I lifted my head up, tracking the turns of the ceiling fan. Was that just my imagination? I closed my eyes again, taking a deep breath. I really don't know anymore…I don't know...

Footsteps stomped through my thoughts, I peeked my eyes open. "What happened? Are you alright?" Oliver's voice muted, foggy, he waved his hands. We're fine...fine...we shouldn't be fine.

Sound rushed back, I leaned over. Murray and Raine sat on the floor beside me. We almost died. I blinked at their ragged faces. Raine pushed herself off the ground. "Kendall...tried to blow us up," she stuttered. "Nearly succeeded."

"Wait, what?" Oliver gaped, giving me a hand off the floor. "He did what?"

I opened my mouth to speak, pausing at the empty couch. "Is Max in the other room?" I murmured, stepping towards the hallway. Fear biting me, I pushed down the uneasy feeling.

Oliver tensed his shoulders. "He was getting worse." He slumped down on the couch. "Drake knows some paramedic who owed him a favour. We put him in a hospital, under a different name."

Oh. "Okay, that's okay." I sunk down onto the seat beside him. I buried my head in my hands, rubbing my face. Max is going to be fine, he has to be.

Oliver turned his head, taking a deep breath. "Are you going to tell me what's going on? Where's Gwen? Lewis?"

"We don't know, they were gone when we got back," Murray kept his voice low.

Raine looked up. "All that was waiting for us was explosives."

Oliver's eyes went wide. "Does that mean…"

"They're not dead." I darted my eyes. "I'd bet my life that Kendall has them."

"You don't know that." Murray gave me a cold glare. "We have to be prepared for the worst."

"No, we don't." I shook my head. "He would've left their bodies if they were actually-"

"Not if he didn't want to alert us to what was about to happen," Murray snarled.

Raine sighed, rubbing her head. "We don't need to fight about this…"

I ignored her, eyes on the general. "If that was true, why leave a message? He basically told us what was going to happen." I diverted my eyes, a weight in my chest. "Kendall could've killed us if he wanted to...he wants us to know that." My hands twitched, shivers up my spine. I'm not afraid

"Sure." Raine leaned her head back. "He's pushing us into a corner, cutting off our resources...forcing us to strike." Forcing me to face him. I nodded my head.

Oliver furrowed his brow. "Can we back up please."

Raine grinned. "But from what I can tell, we were successful in Vitriol. The files should already be circulating, Phyn even got in a national broadcast."

"Yet none of that matters," Murray growled, taking a breath. "With Alaric dead, they'll paint us as terrorists-"

"Wait, what?" Oliver raised his voice, "Alaric's dead?"

I nodded my head. "The Pacesetter too…she came after me, but Kendall showed up. He shot her dead, let me go..." I whispered. Wait…

Murray's eyes went wide. "He let you go?"

Why would he do that? I swallowed my spit, my mind reeling. "If you stayed in Vitriol...so would you two. What if he wanted all of us back in Avarice."

Raine's face turned pale. "He's going to take us all out."

Oliver darted his eyes. "But we can find a way around him, right? I mean with teleporting-"

"This is different than before...I don't think we can win." I stood up, straightening my shirt. "There's no outsmarting him."

Murray shook his. "I don't care, I won't admit defeat, not till I'm dead."

"I never said I was admitting defeat. We're just stuck playing a rigged game." I walked over to the window, peering out to the street. "If he can find the bunker, it's only a matter of time before he finds this place."

Raine pursed her lips. "Then we better get moving. I'd rather deal with Kendall's instructions, than the man himself."

"True." I slipped the USB drive from my pocket. "Anyone want to head up the malware project?"

Murray sighed, holding up his own USB drive. "As much as I'd rather tear Kendall to shreds, I'm the best man for the job." He scraped his heels on the floor.

"Alright." I tossed the second drive to Oliver. "Just in case. I don't think I will be stealthy today."

Raine snorted, "I see how it is. You trust the Quack over me."

I nodded my head. "I trust you're going to cause a lot more chaos."

Raine rolled her eyes. "Ya, whatever." Oliver snickered at her.

Murray locked his eyes on mine. "So are you saying we should just stick to the plan?"

A heaviness in my shoulders, I took a breath. "Kendall's going to expect us to divert from the plan." I squinted back over at the window, the tower standing in the distance. "Maybe he won't expect us to stick to it."

Oliver pointed between us. "So Murray's dealing with the malware, you're planning on confronting Victor. What about me and Raine?"

I spun back. "Raine can do what she does best." I smirked. "Do you want to cause a bit of a disruption?"

She slammed her fist in her hand. "Okay, now you're talking. Yes, I'm in."

"Great." I grinned, turning back to Oliver's blue eyes. "Do you still have the syringe?"

"Yes, that's right!" His eyes went wide, racing back to the other room. He came back, holding it up.

"The more you can know about it, the better," I said, clearing my throat. "This whole plan is on shaky ground. I don't expect this to work, but that's all I got."

Murray nodded."I understand-" he reached out his hand "-We'll follow you to hell regardless."

Wait...follow me? I stood stunned, his gaze steady. He's letting me take the lead. I gave him a firm handshake, my smile breaking out. Murray trusts me.

"Then we head for the Tower, and we end this before Kendall can," I said, holding out my hands to the group. Nodding heads, we stood as one. However this would end, we would face it together. Oliver took my hand, and I grabbed Raine's. We formed a circle, one last stitch effort.

I fought that nagging voice, you're out of your depth, you don't have a plan. I focused on breathing, on the moment. I know survival isn't enough. The beat of blood pumped through my veins, fire beneath. I locked onto the rhythm, sifting through. That one thing Kendall didn't have, a song, something woven within my soul. Call it tenacity...that was one thing he could never take from me.

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

We reappeared within the walls of the Tower. A deep breath, I let go of their hands. We stood in front of six empty seats. The panel where I once met the council members looked almost abandoned. The room was quiet, no legislation in progress, no bickering over laws.

My voice echoed back, "From here on out, communication will be nearly impossible. Take calculated risks. If I can, I will come back for each of you." I slowed my steps. "But don't wait for me. If I never come back, act as if I'm dead." I walked away from the podiums.

Oliver's jaw dropped. Raine stomped after me, growling, "Not a chance, I'll do whatever I want-"

Murray raised his hand."We won't take unnecessary risks." He turned his head. "Will we, Raine."

She hung her head. "Fine, I'm not going to risk my neck to save yours."

"It's settled then." Murray took a step. Raine pulled her hand from behind her back, waving her crossed fingers.

"I mean it," I mouthed.

She gave a toothy grin. "So, do I."

I scowled, shaking my head. It's not going to come to that. I won't let it.

"Don't take unnecessary risks either, Okie." Oliver patted my shoulder, walking past me.

I kept my mouth shut, eyes on the floor. I'm a hypocrite…because my next step is a big risk. I turned back, walking backwards. "Stay alive everyone." I whispered. Oliver's worried face was the last thing I saw before I disappeared into the rhythm.

Moving through space, I locked onto one target, a weak link in the chain. I needed answers and I needed them fast. I relaxed my shoulders, steadying myself. I need to get through to him. I opened my eyes to the room. Back in the white office, surrounded by green succulents.

Ahead of me, Jude walked beside Ingrid. Backs facing me, they both headed towards his office. Whispering in hushed tones, I stalked slowly behind them. This is stupid. A slight tremor in my hand, I hesitated. Jude spoke to Ingrid,"I told you not to worry about it, I-"

I latched onto his shoulder, pulling him back. Ingrid's eyes went wide. "Phyn!" she shouted. I waved at her, taking him with me. We vanished, reappearing into the archive, archive B.

Shelves of boxes loomed over us, artifacts stored beneath the dim lights. Jude pushed away from me, his eyes wild. "What the hell are you doing?" he hissed. "Are you insane?"

My mouth stuck shut, I stayed still. What do I say?

He kept his glare. "Are you going to kill me, like you killed Alaric?"

"Do you really think I did that?" I lowered my tone. "Do you think that little of me?"

Rage fading from his eyes, he frowned. "I don't know, I don't know who you are anymore."

"That's why we're here." I motioned to the room, rows of shelves of housed artifacts. "If you want the truth, I'll give it to you."

"And what is the truth?" His voice strained. "You've lied to me before, I can't believe a word you say."

"Name one lie I've told you, go on." I raised my chin.

Jude opened his mouth, shutting it. He rubbed his face. "I don't have to justify myself to you."

I took a breath. "You're right, but you have to listen to me." I snarled at him. "First off, I'm not out of control, I'm not a mess, and I'm not in need of saving."

He rolled his eyes. "Phyn-"

"No, you don't get to say anything." I shut my eyes, tightening my fists. "I asked you to be my friend, my friend, and all you've done is doubt me, betray me. If you can't see what Kendall's doing-"

"Kendall is here for me, he lets me in," Jude hissed.

I laughed, "Ya? You really think he's told you everything?" I pivoted, walking back towards the display cases. "He only wants you to think he has."

Jude chased after me. "And all you want is for me to distrust him."

"Because he's worth distrusting," I growled. "Listen, there is stuff you don't know." I caught sight of my atlas. The ink lines pulled at my heartstrings, I slowed my steps. "Has he told you who I am?" I stopped in front of the book, my fingers on the glass.

"Who you are…" He froze, his eyes going wide. He looked between me and my face in the book. "What is this? How is this possible- Did you do this?"

"I met his glare. "I found this here myself, on display, flipped open to this page. Do you think that's a coincidence?"

"You're atlas?" Jude laughed, "What do you mean your atlas? This book has been in our collection since I was a child-"

"I'm not saying it wasn't." I stepped back, slipping my fingers back. "I'm saying it was mine first...five hundred years ago."

Jude blinked at me. "What…? No, that doesn't-"

"I ended up here, in the future, five years ago. I'm not sure how exactly, but that doesn't change the fact that it happened. It’s how I have natural powers, why they want me for their experiments."

Jude shook his head. "Phyn...you can't mean. He would've told me."

"Ask him." I raised my chin. "That is, if you're not afraid of what else he's hiding."

Jude clenched his jaw, stepping closer. "Don't act like you haven't been hiding things from me either, you broke the contract, spied on me, abandoned me."

I took a breath. "Murray bugged your office, and whatever else you think I did." I waved my hands. "All I did was break in here, and if I abandoned you...why would I come back."

Jude's eyes dazed, the anger left his face. "It was Murray?" he muttered.

I nodded my head. "He was gathering files against Kendall, I only found out after it happened. We've been working to expose him."

Jude squeezed his eyes shut. "Why would Kendall...it doesn't make sense." He shook his head again. "I don't know what to think."

"I'm not against you," I said, "I never wanted to be."

His hands shaking, his eyes searched mine. "Are you saying you haven't abandoned me?"

"I haven't." I kept my gaze steady. "I'm still here." I'm actually getting through to him.

He gave a dull nod. "There's so much to think about...I just...I don't know."

I stepped closer, putting my hand on his shoulder. "You don't have to let him use you. Your people need you, not a mouthpiece."

"But, do you need me?" Green and blue, his eyes stared back into my soul.

Oh... I stared up at the wild worry across his face. I parted my lips. I don't know what to say, I don't know what to say. Air leaving my lungs, I stayed frozen.….because I don't...

I cleared my throat. "I need you to stand up to Kendall, to fight for yourself-" A sharp prick on my arm, I looked down as he emptied the contents of the syringe into my arm. Jude? I gagged, my head spinning. I don't understand.

He kept a tight grip on my arm, his eyes icy. "Uh huh, really, that's just another way of calling me pathetic."

"Why...?" I whimpered, trying to pull back. His fingers dug in stronger. "Why would you do this?"

"You think I bought a single word you said?" he hissed. "You're a weakness I can never trust."

"Let me go!" I kicked at him, the rhythm fading, slipping away from me. No, no, no. My heartbeat alone pounded in my head. The silence was terror, losing any hope of escape.

He pulled me closer, hissing down over me, "I would've saved you from Kendall, from being a lab rat. I would've given you the world," he breathed, his eyes switching. "But nothing's ever good enough for you. You won't let yourself be happy-"

"Is that what you can't get past," I laughed, my voice quivering. "That giving me the world isn't enough to make me love you? You only have yourself to blame for that, you and your putrid heart."

"Bold words for such a little woman. No one's coming to save you, you are at my mercy-."

I slammed my heel into his shin. He yelped, letting go. Freeing my arm, I swung my fist at his throat. He faltered back, wheezing. "I'm at no one's mercy," I growled, scattering back. I broke out into a run.

My feet pounded against the floor. The displays blurring together, I fought to catch my breath, not looking back. I could hear his steps chasing after me, trying to break through this haze. I can't lose like this, not now.

I skidded down another row, something taking my gaze...A broad sword. Behind the glass, mounted on the display, the metal shone. Jude scampered after me, I knew I couldn't out run him.

I paused in front of the glass, staring at the sword. This is my only hope. Backing up, I barrelled towards the glass. I bounced off the case with a thud. It didn't budge. I moved back, ramming my heel at it. I kept hitting it, Jude swooping at me.

I ducked around him, giving another kick to the glass. It cracked. Jude pivoted after me and I charged back. I hit the break again, glass shattering across the floor. Surface cuts in my shoulder, my fingers tightened over the hilt. I swung the sword off the rack. Jude flew back.

I tightened my grip. "You're going to stay away from me," I huffed, throwing a piece of hair from my face.

Jude's eyes wide, he inched back. "Just calm down, don't do anything drastic-"

"Drastic?" I laughed, "You're the one coming after me."

Jude locked down a scowl. "Only till you're capable of seeing sense."

"Oh, I'm seeing sense." I stepped forward, raising the sword. I should've never trusted you.

Jude crawled back, fear behind his smug grin. "Kendall knew you'd try this, he knows what you'll do next."

"Sure, but do you?" I laughed, circling. "I...just watched him kill the Pacesetter, Alaric. How long till he kills you?"

Jude clenched his teeth. "You know nothing. He has Avarice's best interest at heart, my best interest-"

"Really, huh?" I tilted my head. "What would happen if I agreed to his plan, on condition that he kills you?"

Jude's face fell, terror in his eyes. "You wouldn't-"

"But he would, wouldn't he?" I tightened my stance. "Without hesitation."

Jude shook his head. "I know Victor better than you, he's been here for me from the beginning...he-" Jude shut his mouth, gripping his head.

"You can't be that naive," I bit. "He doesn't care about costs."

"You're wrong," Jude growled, his eyes lighting with rage. "You're wrong about everything." He lunged at me, chasing to grab the blade. I stumbled back, avoiding his reach. Just strike back. My hands, stiff, slow. I swung at him. The blade hit the corner of the case.

Bleeding heart...you don't have it in you...I tightened my grip, stepping back. The taunts swirling around my head, I couldn't think. I swiped at him, giving a warning strike. "You better run," I shouted, giving another clumsy swing. I sliced his arm, his eyes wide. "Run!" I roared.

Stunned, he stumbled to his feet. I followed behind his steps. He scattered for the door, I stood back, letting him struggle with the handle. The door burst open.

Startled attendants waited on the other side, peering back at me. I spun the blade around."You better get your Commander to safety," I called.

They pulled Jude through the door, as I ran after them. I'm not getting locked in here. The door swinging shut, I ripped it back open.

Shoving people aside, I ran through. Barreling down the grey hall, sword in hand, I refused to slow. Teleporting or not, I can't let Kendall win. Elevator in view, closer in as my feet stomped down the linoleum floor.

I pushed the button repeatedly, looking over my shoulder. No one followed, I took a breath. Good.

I darted inside the elevator. I pushed the close button, the doors rolling shut. Safe, I'm safe. I pressed the highest floor. Leaning back, I hung my shoulders.

I shouldn't have been so stupid. My hands shook as I held onto the sword. I've put everything in jeopardy, and for what? To hope that Jude wasn't really a monster? I was a fool. The quiet clawed at my fears, my breath short.

The elevator slowed, coming to a stop. My heart raced. Someone's getting on. I backed up, holding the blade steady. The door creeping open, I readied my stance. Just try me. I wasn't going down without a fight.

The door opened, Oliver blinking back at me. "Phyn?"

"Oliver?" I muttered, lowering my sword.

He scratched his head, stepping inside. "What are you doing?"

I bit my cheek."I've made a terrible mistake."