Through the crowd, James watched Bella pushing past some of the people toward the front, where Cassandra stood on the wagon.

"What's she doing?" Esme asked, bouncing on her toes.

After getting healed, he still felt slightly dizzy. He knew he should probably be resting more, but he wanted to see who would be the chosen one.

"I don't know," James said.

Cassandra used an invisible force to throw Bella to the ground. It was surprising that Bella wanted to talk to Cassandra, considering she didn't exactly know the girl well.

"Who are you?" she demanded as all eyes were on Bella.

"You really are quite fearful," Bella groaned, slowly pushing herself up to her feet. "I guess I should have expected that from a mutant child."

"Address yourself, or I'll take that body away," Cassandra warned.

James watched Bella slowly sit down on her knees with a smirk.

"I selected a body, didn't I?"

"Divina," Cassandra said, her eyes directed at the girl who stood. "Why'd you pick her? She isn't a freak."

"I knew how much wrath you'd use if I made that choice," Divina said with a sly smirk.

Cassandra flicked her finger, landing Divina face-first on the hard ground. People took a step back because they were watching the standoff between two powerful foes. Divina attempted to climb onto the wagon, but Cassandra didn't move or help her.

"Fine!" Divina got fed up, turning to the crowd of people. "Yes, I chose Bella's body as the host. It's great on our part because there are a few more steps." She looked giddy in an evil way.

It appeared strange on Bella's face, especially given that it wasn't her. There were mixed reactions in the crowd. Most were shocked, while some seemed to already know the outcome before it even started.

"Unfortunately, we can't kill God until less than two months," Divina explained. "We must attack immediately because it is doing something."

This strange feeling wasn't from Divina at all. What more could she even add with Ashley's followers gone? Cassandra can always find a way to undo all the harm Ashley caused.

"It's rattled," Cassandra said flatly.

"Which means we'll send ambushes," Divina remarked, smirking.

"That's not happening because Ashley is probably coming to burn this place down," Cassandra said, jumping down from the wagon to face Divina. "If you expect to walk back here like last time, you're mistaken."

Divina still seemed amused but almost alarmed by Cassandra's wrath. "Then what do you have in mind, mutant child?"

James noted that Divina and Ashley only refer to Cassandra as the mutant child instead of her actual name. He wondered if that correlated to how powerful they saw her as compared to everyone else.

"We need a distraction that isn't power. We have to get some of this food delivered before Ashley burns it down." Cassandra rolled her eyes at her own words. "There needs to be some distraction."

Everyone around didn't know where to start. James could think of a lot of things, but Cassandra started pointing at people with their hands up.

"Do you want something like TNT?" Cassandra stared blankly, almost like she had never heard that word in her life.

"Explosions?" she asked.

Explosions would be a good distraction, but finding them would be difficult. James glanced at Esme, who looked like she would rush off at any moment.

James wasn't sure how this endgame would go. Divina doesn't have powers, but that wouldn't stop her from trying to kill Ashley.

Cassandra pointed at River, who had his hand up slightly. "Do fireworks work?"

Everyone stared at him now because there weren't any fireworks here. There was some at Foodland in the beginning, but some had shot those off already.

"I know where some are," River explained, gulping. "They're those really big fireworks that explode all over."

That could provide a target weakness because Ashley can't see that far away. The main problem was her powers and her resolve to still kill everyone.

"How many do you have?" Cassandra asked.

"Maybe three hundred?" River spoke with uncertainty.

"We have to get those fireworks. That means you have to use a boat," Cassandra said as she waved a finger at him. 'You'd need help, so James and Nevaeh can go with you. I think I know another way we can slow down Ashley... The sky has to go dark."

"Dark like during the storm?" someone asked.

People seemed unsettled, but James knew they had to do this. It's a direct exploit of Ashley's overall weakness of being nearsighted.

"We can produce light with fire, myself, or Highlighter," Cassandra said.

"I want to see this stupid god!" Divina laughed with a grin.

Cassandra stared at Divina but didn't say anything at first. "We'll be doing something together," she grumbled.

Two of the highest threats in this place were probably going to see Ashley. The three most powerful people in this bubble could unleash hell if they wanted to.

"We'll have a group managing food transport, which I'm not moving. That will get you loaded with food while I'm sending a team into Simcoe," Cassandra said. "We're finding more fireworks or distractions, if there are still any."

James knew Simcoe was in complete ash. When he went to get Greyson and Jason to bring them to see Cassandra, there was barely anything left except abandoned buildings and houses.

"Uden Academy will have things," Cassandra said, as she seemed surprised by her own words. "Yes, that will work. There will be four groups in total, but they have to be planned carefully. One more thing: do not go off thinking you can handle Ashley alone. I don't have the power to bring the dead back to life."

"They will probably put you on the search team," James remarked.

"I want to fight with the ambush group," Esme beamed.

James knew one thing about the ambush group, which was that Jason would have to be in that. He looked over to see that Jason's eyes were dark, and he was slowly walking away. Losing Bella is an overall weakness for him.

"Esme," James started. "Don't risk your life like that again because it scared me."

"I won't, but I'm going to show how fast I am," Esme said. "Since Jason is well..."

They had a two-month wait, but that meant more time for ambushes. Ashley could still gather them to kill them, but James remembered that Cassandra could take Ashley's powers away.

It all started to form a pattern. Those over the age of fifteen vanish from the bubble Ashley created. God and goddess had already fallen to Earth by then, which explains where the supernatural abilities come from. God seizes Ashley as a host body, gaining followers to assist her in slaughtering everyone.

However, it was about completely destroying followers, sacrificing a soul, and eventually reaching an endgame. All the questions they had at the beginning vanished because they knew the overall truth. The only way to get out into the real world is by killing Ashley.

Zane sat on a plastic picnic table, a pen in hand, staring down at a blank sheet of paper. Deciding how these groups should be created will be harder than defeating followers. He wrote down those who would be heading to the island to grab the fireworks that River owns.

"Ambush needs strong fighters," Yara implied, tapping her finger on the sheet.

"That puts Greyson, Esme, Angel, and Jade," Zane stated.

"Shouldn't Jason be the one in that role?" Yara asked.

"I doubt he has the proper mindset right now."

Jason wouldn't have the mindset to see Bella go from one personality to another. It's still insane that Bella would be chosen out of anyone or even want to make the choice.

"We're slowly losing more freaks," Yara mumbled.

They lost three in the recent battle, which made the grouping part difficult. River, James, and Nevaeh are making their way to the island. Bryce's legs were still broken, and he wasn't sure if Angel had fully recovered.

"We know for food, it's going to be me, you, and Conner," Yara implied.

"We're going to help others when we create one of those holes in the ground," Zane said. "For Uden, I thought of sending those four again."

Yara cracked a smile at the mention of them. "It's strange how they were all into drugs but worked like some powerful team."

Zane couldn't blame Yara for being taken aback by the four crackheads. They enjoyed being referred to by that name, because that's how many saw them.

"Mia ended up saving the day for all of them," Yara implied.

Mia isn't the one you'd expect to save the day because of how her mind exists in space. If anything, she'd be the one who'd record the video and post it on social media.

"We'd have to ask Emma how Bryce's legs are, which leaves Simcoe," Yara said.

This was leaving Zane stumped. There were people to send to find things, but this death rate may decrease.

"Cindy should be one," he said, writing down her name. "We could do Scarlett and Mallory. I'll add Mark as well, which he'll be their leader. I'm putting Jason at the side for now. If he can fight, I'll put him in ambush instead of Angel. Most people here could help with the food, but the three problems overlap with Divina, Cassandra, and Ashley."

"What about the pervert?" Yara asked with a sickly frown.

"He's injured with a burn, but he'll help with food. How often did he steal from Foodland?" Zane stated.

Preston stole from Foodland many times when food was beginning to decrease. It started discreetly when the shelves were still stocked until people started guarding the inside, since he informed people he was sneaking around to get food.

Hanna came walking toward them, glancing between the two. "You should be good with Bryce for tomorrow, but Preston's arm is still severely burned," she said. "I don't get much of this crazy stuff going on, but I'm good at hanging back for the infirmary."

Zane considered sending Emma with the ambush team, but he didn't think that would be the smartest choice. If they lose Emma, most of them will become handicapped or dead.

"Nelson started making a grave area because we don't know how much remains in Simcoe," Yara said, jerking her thumb near one of the empty fields.

From the picnic table, he could see sticks being placed as crosses. These weren't the deaths of those who died in Simcoe, but those that died since they relocated.

Zane had spent a decent amount of time with Bella. It did hurt that she actually ended up choosing that road, but he had to prevent those sacrifices.

"In the end, the golden boy and golden girl sacrificed themselves for someone. I didn't know them well, but it's almost bittersweet," Hanna said.

"They got their redemption; Stick saved Mallory's life while Bella risked her life, I assume for Jason," Zane explained.

"They did something good, but it cost them their lives. It's not noble, but courageous. It's not what I'd expect from those two," Hanna remarked, rubbing a tired eye.

"We're getting closer to getting out of this place. Simcoe's probably not going to be a town anymore," Yara said.

Simcoe has been reduced to ruins because buildings collapsed, and houses were torched. The plaza lacks even a straight walkway or road, but pieces are burned or missing. The only safe place in Simcoe had been the hospital or Paradise Hotel. He didn't want to think of what Uden Academy looked like, but he assumed it was destroyed like most places inside.

"It's weird that I'm so used to people dying. Are we haunted?" Yara asked, looking at Hanna.

"We've become accustomed to it because it's normal. If we survive, some of us will suffer from PTSD in the future. Not even some, but all of us," Hanna gulped.

Zane knew Hanna was right. They were used to death or seeing people die in front of their eyes, but it's been about survival.

"The fire station started with at least ten of us, but we're down to two. Well, three if you count Xander, but he's always helped with the graves," Yara rambled, twisting her thumbs around.

"It's survival, they say. Maybe if we get out of here, we'd do some haunting reunion if we aren't in jail," Hanna remarked.

"Like meeting up?" Yara asked.

"Pay our respects, or even do it every year," Hanna suggested.

Zane smiled at the idea, but it faltered after a moment. "We have to stay alive," he started, looking down at his paper. "Let's hope this all works as well."

"Why are we at the police station?" Heather asked.

Roger Bolton, who drove her to downtown North York, handed her a piece of paper from his pocket as she cocked her head.

"Cassandra uploaded a memory in my mind. Not my own but River Dunlop's," Roger explained as they stopped at the lights. "Did you know Cecile Dunlop sexually assaulted her son?"

"Are you sure the boy isn't lying for attention? Cecile has said River does that," Heather said.

Roger shook his head, driving forward down the busy street. "It doesn't, because it was vivid in my mind."

"Anything new about the situation?" Heather asked.

"Reporters have been searching the area for anyone willing to speak up. I don't know who the main resource for information is," Roger sighed.

Heather pulled out her iPhone and searched the internet. Yes, cellphones still worked on the outside. They had all the social connections, such as hearing broadcasts on the radio or television.

It was just how most of them were still alive the day it happened. One moment, she had been typing about Greyson before she ended up sitting on the sidewalk in Collingwood.

"Most of the same reports about the incident or interviews with the police. People all over know about Cecile's arrest," Roger said. "It's groundbreaking because she's always donated to charities. I'm not taking sides, but River isn't lying about this."

Roger pulled into a cramped parking spot at the large police station. Police cars rushed in and out quickly. There had been some news reporters lurking around the parking lot, but staying in their cars.

Heather walked with Roger to the front doors as a police officer stood at the front doors. Roger held up his badge, pulling open the glass doors.

They stood at the front desk as the lady glanced up. "Second room," she stated, picking up the phone.

Walking down a narrow hallway, Roger knocked on the white door. It was opened by a police officer, who nodded at the two. Cecile was sitting at a grey table, wearing a fake smile. The officer shut the door as they sat in front of her.

"Isn't it wonderful having your own son exploit you for something?" she spat, her face twisting bitterly.

"How did this happen in the first place?" Roger asked, folding his hands. "I'm the investigator on this case."

Cecile almost seemed to jump. "You'll get me out of this?"

"No, I'm gathering facts," he stated.

"And you?" Cecile spat with her eyes directed at Heather.

"Helper," Heather said.

"River said this happened when he was thirteen," Roger stated. "Why did this happen?"

Heather couldn't wrap her mind around all this information. How was this the same Cecile she'd seen on television? She always remembered her speaking with such enthusiasm about her fashion lines, like with Willow Cabot, Emma Cabot's mother.

"I don't remember much, but I think I was intoxicated. See, River always twisted the story with everything," Cecile sighed, shaking her head.

"Were you sexually attracted to your son?" Roger asked.

Heather could firmly believe that this had been the true facade Cecile Dunlop hid from the world.

"No, that's sick. River is good-looking for the girls out there," Cecile snarled, letting out a long sigh.

"When that bubble comes down, they're having a court session with your son," Roger said.

"That could be for months. Ashley has been causing them harm," Cecile spat, glaring at Heather. "Your own daughter."

Heather knew that it couldn't be Ashley that caused all this chaos. It wasn't possible for her to cause a fire that burned down the entire town of Simcoe.

"That's not what we're talking about," Roger reasoned.

Heather has seen some videos of her own daughter burning fire from her hand. Nevaeh had said she's the main villain they're fighting in that twisted place.

"That's possible, but you'd be on house arrest. You wouldn't be able to attend your next fashion show," Roger explained.

"No, I have to attend those!" She spat, trying to stand from her seat, but she had been tied down.

Roger's phone rang as he stood to take the call in the hall.

"Aren't you worried about your son?" Cecile laughed at Heather's question.

"I don't think you did any better than I did, Heather," Cecile snarled as the door opened.

"We're going," Roger breathed.

Heather stood as the police stepped back inside the room. "Are we even allowed to leave?" she asked, rushing to catch up with him.

"That daughter of yours is at the bubble," Roger said.

Heather felt her heart skip a beat. She would get to see her daughter she missed dearly and be able to confirm if the rumours were true about what Nevaeh said.

Roger drove so fast that Heather thought they'd actually be arrested. North York to Simcoe can at least be less than two hours.

When they arrived at the location, Heather noticed that it wasn't exactly what she expected to see. Her daughter did not resemble how she saw her before she sent her to school that day. Her face was covered in impact wounds, as if she had been stung by bees. Her long ginger hair had bald spots, as if someone had pulled them out.

Ashley shot that blue light directly at the bubble in front of them with fury. It glowed with flames on the ground as she spotted her eyeing Heather, but her expression didn't change.

"You're that pathetic mother of this human," she growled.

People around them were staring as her voice bounced off the outside as if she were talking into a microphone.

"What have you been doing to everyone?" Heather asked.

"Killing people because I'm God, not some stupid child that gave me this feeble body," Ashley sneered.

This wasn't Ashley, nor may this ever be Ashley again, but some monster eyeing them all with fury.

"When I kill all the remaining humans, you are all expected to die or be cowards. What better way to honour the idiot who created me?" Ashley inquired with a devious grin.

Heather felt fear wash through her body. Not because of the threat of being killed, but because someone created that thing.

"Charges will be laid against this person," Roger said.

"Why are you doing this?" someone asked.

"Shut up!" Ashley yelled.

Suddenly, Ashley fell to the ground by an invisible force. Heather watched Cassandra floating above with Bella hanging from her legs by a hand.

"Oh, you've come to have one of your humans killed?" Ashley snarled.

Cassandra wore a frown as Heather watched Ashley fire those blue beams from her hands before they reflected back on Ashley.

Bella had a smile on her face and was holding a shovel in her other hand. It happened so quickly that Heather wasn't even sure if it was true. Bella had let go of Cassandra's leg, swinging the shovel like a bat at Ashley's head. It sent her flying a few meters as she wobbled in fury.

Heather watched Bella laugh scornfully, turning on her heel with a feral grin.

"Still a weak god. Aren't you glad we're reunited?" Bella snarled.

"No! It shouldn't have happened that early!" Ashley barked, pointing a finger at Cassandra. "What'd you do?"

Bella kicked Ashley hard in the stomach. "She's smarter than you," she sneered with a laugh.

"You don't even have your powers back," Ashley sneered.

"Yes, but look, God," Bella pointed at Cassandra. "You know what she's going to do, right?"

Seeing Ashley in this condition hurt Heather's heart. She should be comforting her, stopping Bella from trying to injure her.

Cassandra turned her head to eye the bubble, but her calm was replaced by fury. She went to the ground gracefully, her eyes narrowing directly at Heather. She kicked the bubble as Heather felt herself kicked in the gut. Her sharp eyes returned to Bella and Ashley as she firmly cemented the two of them in place.

"I hate outsiders," she spat without looking at any of them.

Heather held her stomach, which ached as if someone had physically kicked her. Cassandra jumped up to float in the air above Bella and Ashley. People had their phones out, including Roger, as she glared down at the two.

"Your speed is going goodbye," she spat.

Heather watched a white light glow from Cassandra's left hand. It shone on Ashley like a light, but she let out bloody screams. Trying to roll around out of the grasp of an invisible force from the air.

"Stupid god," Bella snarled, trying to lift her own body up.

Heather did not know what she had been witnessing, but it seemed like something out of a science-fiction movie.

"Don't you know what happens to idiots?" Bella spat.

Cassandra pulled her hands back as her own body slowly floated to the ground, stumbling back. Ashley and Bella looked unable to stand as both of them attempted. It didn't work, as Ashley screamed out in frustration and Bella glared at Cassandra.

"Ashley deserves to die, and Divina isn't my boss," Cassandra said acidly with crossed arms. "Look, adults, you're staring at a god and a goddess. However, I'm a mutant child. Father has informed me that these innocent lives will be charged. Imagine you idiots getting stuck here without food, hydro, heat, or water. Do you selfish adults think of anything besides yourself, like them?" She pointed at Bella and Ashley.

"We're doing as the rules apply, but scientists are looking into this cause," Roger stated.

"Someone here in Simcoe created it. Someone who could use medication, along with being an idiot! Maybe do something smart for once," she snarled before facing her palms at them.

People didn't move, but everyone was interested in what had been happening. It seemed like a performance from a movie or TV show, but Heather knew Jason was trapped in this mess in Simcoe.

"I don't see justice done to those I care about," Cassandra spat as some glowing white light shot from her hand directly onto the bubble.

It felt like the gravity from underneath was cut as Heather smacked her head on the cement road.