~

She stares blankly over to Jason, then gapes at me, her eyes blurring, unable to process anything.

"That can't be. No. There was an explosion, he- he's dead!" She yells in frustration, hands shaking gravely, as she starts to lose control of her breathing.

Jason stands up, hands going into his pocket, reaching for his phone. He eyes her for a second, then walks out of the room.

He's calling Damian.

Alina gasps for air, as her hands gripped my shoulders tightly, supporting her body. She's starting to lose control, I've seen this happen many times. Just not on her.

I wouldn't want to know what happens if she actually loses it, due to her state. She has dangerous abilities, she could do things she'll regret later on.

And there's only one person able to calm her down.

She starts sobbing quietly as she gripped my shoulders, her face hidden away by her strands of hair.

At this point, I don't know. I don't know what's about to happen. Her body starts shaking, and her breathing stopped.

For a moment, everything stopped.

Her body stayed limp, hands still gripping my shoulders. This is a deadly silence, and I fear for the worst.

Just as I thought, she screamed, one of the loudest I've ever heard. She screams, tears dripping onto the bed, hands still holding my body for support.

I feel the pain in her shrilling screaming, a non-ending pain.

Out of the moment, I feel hands pulling my body away from hers, and once I looked up, Damian.

I've never seen this look on him before.

He furrowed his brows, a whirl of emotions in his green eyes. He feels pain for her.

Damian sits on the bed, taking her hands, as she continued sobbing, and pulled her in for a tight embrace, showing protectiveness.

I breathe out, relieved, walking out of the room. Jason closes the door, and motions me to go outside. I nod.

~

a few hours later

[ a l i n a ]

"Soy?" I mumble softly, inspecting the packaging. Damian peeks up from my shoulders, frowning.

"You like soy milk?" He asks, and I shake my head. "I prefer Almond."

We were currently doing grocery shopping, for no reason at all. He'd asked me earlier, if I wanted to go out, and I gladly said yes. I desperately needed to clear my mind.

We went to the supermarket.

Damian held the basket, as I was busy choosing milk. I wore a hoodie, his hoodie, to prevent people recognizing me.

The media still thinks I'm in Valencia.

I found the almond milk, and put it in the basket. Damian stood casually next to me, eyes focused on mine. It was making me slightly uncomfortable, but I shrugged it off.

"What do we need next? Snacks?" I ask, and he shrugs.

"Right. You don't eat processed food." I mumble, attempted to roll my eyes. He smiles, and I found myself staring at him. It's been so long since I've seen a genuine smile on his face.

We found ourselves in the snack isle, staring at countless packs of biscuits.

"Sprinkles? Tea? Donut flavored? What kind of biscuits are these.." Damian muttered, flabbergasted. I laugh quietly, searching for the cheese ones.

Although I was having a 'relaxing' time, my mind was still chaotic. An unending mess. As soon as I had felt that everything was going on smoothly, they hit me with this news.

The Joker, being the lunatic that he is, had sent threats everywhere. They were talking about it on T.V, newspapers, everywhere. Nathan was furious.

The green haired psychopath had said it himself; "Find me before Monday or else.." And proceeded with laughing maniacally.

Today is Friday. I have two more days, two more days to find Michael.

~

4 hours later

[ d a m i a n ]

"Damian, stop this." My mother's voice trembles slightly, as she stands behind me.

"Where is he, woman!" I shouted, as she flinched, dark eyes staring back at me. My mother had been working together with the Clown, to get through Alina. She had been denying, but I know better than to trust her.

"Don't talk to me like that. I am your mother."

"You may have been, but as soon as you tried to kill me; you are nothing but an enemy." The light flickers, darkness starting to take over the room. It had been easy, finding my Mother's new hiding place.

"You were a threat." She murmurs, eyes not leaving mine.

"I was your son."

My mother sighs, her hand gesturing for the guarding assassins to go. She locked the door behind them. I know what's coming.

"Hand her over to me, son. You'll find plenty of other young girls." She proposed, hands getting ready to grasp her sword. "My answer stays the same."

"We both know what's coming. There will be a battle."

"You want battle?"
"I'll give you war, Mother."

~

[ a l i n a ]

"We'll try the next warehouse." Ariana mumbles, as she turned the car around.

I slumped in my seat, my hopes failing me once again. I looked at the time, 2:34 am.
My cousin and I sneaked out a few hours ago, in search for my brother.

At first, I planned on going alone, but Aria insisted in coming. "A girl like you shouldn't be out in the night alone. Besides, you were about to borrow my car. Nobody drives it but me."

The wheels rolled fast, as we approached the next destination. "Are you sure Damian isn't going to be mad over this?"

"Oh, I'm sure he will be. But Michael's my brother. I will not endanger his life."

"Just know, whatever happens, I'm with you." Aria sighs, the wheels of the Lambo slowing down.

Far away, in the grass fields, an old factory could be seen. The car came to a stop, and I immediately got out, slamming the door, Ariana following behind.

She was wearing sweatpants, a baggy t-shirt, which smelled like a man, to my surprise.

I woke her up hastily earlier, demanding her car keys. I did not expect her to come with me. I don't even know how she knew what I was up to.

Really, Alina? It's that easy to guess. Your brother held hostage by the Joker made the headlines.

We stayed quiet as we strolled in the night, a flashlight in between her grasp. We didn't really have anything to say to each other.

The air was cold, I mentally cursed, wishing I'd brought a jacket. The grass is wet, and the sound of crickets and frogs were loud enough to almost annoy me.

"The door's locked. Wait." I mumbled mumbled, as we arrived to a big metal gate. I kicked it with force. With one swift movement, the smashed the lock into pieces.

"Perks of having powers.." Ariana mumbled sleepily.

The door creaked open, revealing absolute darkness.

Luckily, the flashlight saved us.

Old machines, tools, and dust was everywhere, scattered chaotically. "C'mon. Let's get this over with." Ariana mumbled, and I followed her steps, as we walked inside.

Stairs, leading to god knows where, big, old and rusty. There was a big corridor by my right, but what interested me the most was the wooden door in the wall next to us.

Just as I suspected, it was locked. I gained my breath, and kicked it.

The door opens, revealing something I thought I'd never see..

A room full of maps, plans, folders, and..
Serums?

I think we found his lair!

"Ariana, I want you to turn around, and walk away from here. Go back to your apartment and boyfriend, whoever he is." I mutter, looking around. He might come anytime soon.

"Have you gone bonkers? No!" Ariana whisper yelled, pointing a finger at me. I sigh, staring directly into her eyes.

I opened my mouth, repeating my previous words. Ariana arched a brow, before a horrific expression plastered across her face, as she realized what I was doing.

"Alina don't you dare, don't you dare hypnotize m-" And just like that, after I finished my words, she blinked, regaining her normal posture, and walked away as if nothing is about to happen.

"I'm sorry, cousin." I mumble as she locked the metal door behind her.

And now, I'm truly alone.

Well, not exactly. I heard footsteps behind. My heartbeat sprang faster, and I could only pray.

"I knew you'd come back to me. Did you miss me, sweet cheeks?" A taunting yet familiar voice startled me from behind. I breathe out, composing myself, and turned around.

I gasp, unable to contain myself from screaming.

"David?!!"

________________

Aaand where is Damian when you need him?! Like, really.

By the way, there will be a bonus chapter posted not long after this! So, just stay tuned.

University is crazy so far, tons of assignments, and crazy teachers, so I'm trying my best to adjust to this new schedule. Sorry :(

OH, and thank you for 11k!!! I love you guys so much!

- Sophia ⚜️