The sky glowed with a display of fireworks, bursting into shades of orange and purple. Jason watched them from a distance, staring into an empty field with Greyson. Zane decided that it was best that they go together again, despite Esme's nagging to trail along.

"Is it a display or Ashley's location?" Greyson stated.

Jason didn't know, but he assumed James would know what the best course of action was.

"I'm guessing location. Cassandra's been hunting Ashley down with Divina," Jason said.

Just saying Divina's name sent a sharp pain through his chest. The thing who inhibited Bella's body now was not the same girl he and known and loved. Those once warm eyes had turned cold, always wearing some look of evil.

Jason glanced behind him as they travelled toward more of the broken road before seeing something. "Is Uden burning?" he pointed out.

From the distance, he could see flames lighting on outside of Simcoe. Though the front gates of Uden Academy remained intact, thick plumes of smoke rose from the roofs of the attached buildings, which were engulfed in flames. He knew for a fact that Ashley didn't go to Uden Academy.

"Those four shouldn't have been placed there," Greyson muttered. "People knew it would be coming."

They stared at the fire burning from a distance. Jason wondered if those on the outside could see Uden Academy being burned down slowly.

Despite the sharp pains coursing through his body, they rushed up the highway. As they approached the school's front gates, one of the first people they spotted was Will. The boy had green sunglasses on, twisting a bow in his fingers.

"Isn't it so cool? Eden gathered some stuff up before lighting it all up," Will said.

The building engulfed in flames was primarily located a the east end, which Jason had been in multiple times. This wasn't for simple visiting, but searching or being ambushed.

"Is she insane?" Jason exclaimed.

"Of course she is," Will replied casually. "Eden used to burn things all the time."

This was the same religious girl who had always appeared innocent, her face wearing that graceful smile. However, beneath the facade of faith and virtue lay a personality filled with deception and manipulation.

Just then, Mia came skipping out the doors wearing purple sunglasses and a blue bucket hat. In her hand, she swung, moving to a rhythm that she could only hear.

"Starships were meant to fly," Mia sang out joyfully. "Hands up and touch the sky!" She lifted her hands high above her head. "Can't stop because we're so high!" She started dancing around.

This girl wasn't the least bit concerned about getting killed at all. The flames spread behind her, and threatening to engulf everything in their path, yet she seemed lost in her own world. A dazed smile spread across her lips as she finally noticed them.

"Eden was intelligent and thought this could pose a distraction," she slurred out. "We got a lot of weapons. Oh, Bryce thought of something as well."

Jason spotted Bryce pushing out a stand-up table on the ground. The difference being it had been the grey platform only.

"Throwing a table at her won't work," Greyson spat.

"Why don't we try some magic carpet flying?" Bryce suggested with a smirk.

Jason looked at the table with knitted eyebrows, unsure of how it would work. The only solution he could think was using it like a surfboard. He had only used a surfboard once before, on a surfing machine at a water park during a summer trip.

"I'm controlling this, I presume," Greyson said bitterly.

"Then we can have the soldier shoot his beams off," Bryce snickered. "It's not like Ashley can see well anyway. It's like surfing in the sky. We could find Cassandra to make us fly, but she's off with those unhinged things."

Greyson stepped onto the table and faced his palms towards it. Jason watched as the table slowly rose, shaking back and forth in the air. It seemed like it would work, but for how long? He didn't want to think about what would happen if they went soaring off the table or started fighting. He just wanted to stop Ashley.

"It's like a hoverboard," Mia said in awe.

Jason looked at the burning building and saw Eden walking out with a lighter. The school exploded behind, like a dramatic scene in a movie.

"That was fun," Eden said.

In that moment, she wasn't the innocent Catholic girl, but the girl she used to be. How enlightened she seemed that she could burn one whole building down.

The explosion erupted, sending flames flying outward and igniting the dry grass surrounding the area. Shards of glass from shattered windows rained down like confetti, scattering across the the ground.

"You actually blew it up? How did you even do that?" Will asked.

"Secret," Eden said.

Jason shook his head and turned away, not wanting to know the details of how the explosion occurred. No, it wasn't that, but the fire that began to spread around from the giant explosion.

"Alright, you find your own ride," Greyson said, lowering it so that it still hovered.

Jason attempted to climb onto the unstable surface of the table. He settled into a kneeling position, gripping the edge of the table. He knew if he stood, he might end up going flying off the table.

"What! I want to go for a ride!" Mia whined.

"No," Greyson spat.

As the table began to ascend higher into the sky, he wondered why they hadn't thought of this earlier. Then again, avoiding death from Ashley, along with Bella's death, had left his mind distraught.

All of them stared before Mia and Will started laughing, considering everything that had happened. The four got smaller as they went up, like an airplane. It wasn't exactly smooth, considering Greyson wasn't even balancing the long table well. However, from high in the sky, you could see the fireworks and the lake.

Jason wasn't sure how long this would last, but Ashley had to die.

"Wow, look at the fireworks!" Yara exclaimed, her eyes sparkling.

Zane glanced over from his task of loading various types of cold medicine and remedies for stomach aches that he gathered from the new Foodland.

Hanna actually felt like she might faint from seeing all the medication. Months without much food, water, or proper medication had left their bodies unwell. Despite the terrifying battle occurring, she knew she couldn't step up and fight. However, she could help with those who were wounded or with all the supplies people had been bringing in.

"I'm guessing they found Ashley," Zane said.

Hanna stared down at the different brands of medicine, sorting through what they had to use. They had a choice between Advil or even cough medicine that targeted the throat. With the storm passing, they didn't exactly need that yet.

"We're ready to go!" Esme beamed, bouncing on her toes.

Jade stood nearby, holding a small bag of food. Inside, Hanna could see protein bars, fruit snacks, and a plastic bottled water.

Emma had been yelling at Esme for five minutes straight, telling her not to ditch those she was going with. It may have been longer since Hanna walked away at one point.

Conner started pulling her away, almost tripping."What's up? Are we not allowed to talk with people around?" she asked.

He narrowed his eyes as he sat himself down on the cot in the new infirmary.

Hanna stood with her arms crossed, gazing down at her older brother. They were identical twins with the same nose, green eyes, and large amounts of freckles on their faces.

"I figured it out," Conner blurted.

Hanna didn't have any clue what he meant. Was something about Ashley finally solved? They had learned most of the information from others, but Conner wasn't very involved in the process.

"Why I'm confused," he said.

Hanna was confused about all the information that had been unloaded, like a waterfall. She hasn't physically gone to the edge of the bubble that reveals the real world, but police officers wanted to talk to them all. What's to tell? That someone screwed up, who could be in jail for life?

"I'm gay," Conner admitted. "I don't understand it at all."

Hanna blinked because she didn't expect those words from her brother. If anything, she thought it was going to be about their mother and if they should see if she's at the bubble.

"Are you sure? It's not just a regular attraction?" Hanna asked.

Conner nodded, running a hand over his face before clenching his jaw. They never really talked about who they were attracted to because of the homeschooling and living in the countryside, which made it difficult to make first.

"Mia knew she was bisexual by the sixth grade, but doesn't care," Conner rambled, his voice filled with frustration. "Jade knew she was a lesbian by the seventh, and she's younger than us. I know we weren't those crazy ones performing delinquent activities, but still. Why couldn't it have been something different?"

People say Uden Academy taught about sexuality or wrongdoings. That's where all the danger comes into play. It wasn't just the danger of the storm, but much more. How drug use can lead to overdose or unprotected sex can lead to pregnancy. Simple concepts they're taught, but some don't realize.

"That's why you started to be more moody? Was it because of baseball?" Hanna asked.

Connor played baseball in the summer, while she played soccer league in Simcoe. The baseball league he was involved with was one their uncle had once played for, located just outside or Simcoe.

"Maybe? I don't understand all of it," Conner replied with a groan. "I don't even look like someone who would be gay."

"You have to accept it," Hanna said.

She found this whole thing confusing herself because she was surprised by his confession. She's known about other people around here with different sexualities, but most of them embraced who they were.

"I don't want to be this way," he admitted. "But I know I am. It feels stupid for worrying about this when we're all facing death. I know I should be focusing on the fight ahead, but my mind is all over the place."

As Hanna listened to him speak, she realized how little she truly understood about his feelings. It's not that she knew exactly what liking the same gender had been like. That's why she stared with her lips pressed together as she searched for something supportive to say. She sat down across from him and pulled him in for a hug. She would be there to support him, even if they were all trying to avoid death.

The tarp quickly opened to Zane, looking toward where Simcoe would be. "There's an explosion," he gasped.

Without hesitation, both of them rushed out. As they emerged into the chaotic scene before them, the y were met with a fire illuminated in the distance, but it was clearly not in Simcoe. No, it looked farther than it should be, which resulted in one place it could be.

"Did Ashley burn Uden Academy down?" Hanna asked in disbelief.

The scene felt surreal, like a wildfire. The fireworks still glowed vibrantly over the water, creating reflections on the surface. For months, they hadn't had light but this gave them some sort of relief.

This did remind Hanna that this was an endgame moment. Where the final fight between either the government or monster they had to beat. That's what all of them are attempting to do, even when it is difficult to fight the creature that was created.

"We're in the final endgame," Zane stated.

People around them gathered, their eyes fixed on the chaotic inferno consuming Uden Academy. The flames sparked wildly, casting an orange glow against the darkened sky. Among the crowd, some past students seemed giddy that it was burning, even if they lost laptops or other electronic devices.

"What if Ashley comes to burn camp?" Hanna asked.

Zane didn't look at her. "We escape, even if we lose food or anything. If we want to get out of here, we have to fight through everything," he replied firmly.

Hanna pressed her lips together before letting out a sigh. "Sometimes the strongest heroes don't always survive."

"Even seeing the real world hurts, " Zane continued. "We're just people trying to survive a war worse than any veteran had fought."

Hanna tucked some loose strands of her hair behind her ears, her heart racing as she gazed at the blazing sight. She couldn't shake the feeling that this wasn't how it was suppose to end. Ashley didn't want them surviving, but dead. That substance that entered her knee that Emma had told her about, all seemed like a possession from some alternative place.

"I hope the rest of us make it out okay," Hanna remarked.

Nobody felt they could move because the burning building meant this might be over soon. It could be that, or something might finally release them early.

Esme bounced on her toes as Jade stared in the opposite direction. The sting of rejected lingered in we mind, leaving her frustrated, but she had to focus on the bigger picture.

Despite the emotional turmoil swirling with her, she had never considered herself a sensitive person when it comes to pain. Instead, she often was straightforward with her answers. If anything, she always feels left in frustration or annoyance.

"We'll keep her down with your ice while I shoot," Esme said.

They walked along one part of the highway, making their was towards Paradise Hotel. Emma had yelled at Esme not to run, fearing that her reckless behaviour might trigger an explosion or lead to some sort of injure.

Despite Emma's warning, the colourful burst of the fireworks began to fizzle out in the sky. That meant two things: they had run out of fireworks or Ashley did something.

Jade wasn't sure, but she knew that it could be something deadly. It wasn't about their powers, but all three highest ranks could be settled around like the final fight.

"We don't know who's there. Emma might be there or even River," Jade said.

Esme let out a groan before swinging the pistol in the air, its metallic glint catching the light from her flashlight. Jade reached out to grab it from her hands, their fingers briefly brushing hers against each other. The contact left her feeling her heart racing, but she didn't show it.

"We aren't having a bullet shootout before we get there," Jade spat.

The wide highway had some pieces that were paved, while others were missing or uneven. It hurt Jade's long legs, but she didn't say anything. It's not that she should be complaining, because they couldn't complain anymore when they were nearing the end.

"I can't believe someone had the guts to burn down Uden Academy! I wish I could have seen it!" Esme exclaimed.

Among those who remained, Eden probably caused it. Many people were beginning to see through her facade she maintained through her religious behaviour. The crackheads had kept this secret from everyone, preventing her from suspicion.

"You'd like to be charged for arson and locked up?" Jade asked.

"Aren't we all already?" Esme replied dramatically.

Esme started jumping on her toes while Jade let out a long sigh. If they had gotten to Ashley before Greyson and Jason, they may be screwed. It wasn't about power, but Esme still has injuries, even when they are closed. Jade felt fine since her last injuries were stopped.

"I want to shoot off some fireworks at her! That would be so cool!" Esme beamed.

"Depends if they are doing it at a different location. Divina might be off with Ashley when we get there, or Cassandra may have sent her flying," Jade said, smiling.

She actually felt fear for both Esme risking death and her own. Cassandra can't save them from everything, and neither can Divina.

Cassandra needs sleep like any of them, but Divina would torture Ashley until she had no limbs left. It's quite possible that has happened, considering her body looks crispy.

Jade heart raced as she caught sight of the rushing wind that swept past them. Cassandra had gritted teeth and narrowed eyebrows as she pinned down Ashley to the ground. Suddenly, Cassandra was thrown backward towards the two of them.

Nearby, Divina's manic laugh could be heard, and she had gashes all over her body.

If this had been Bella, she would never have looked this way. She appeared with a feral grin, her eyes lighting at the sight of Ashley. There was no fear that death was staring right in front of them, but the fulfillment of torture.

"Try all you want, but I won't let you two stop me," Ashley growled.

Jade watched something that made her want to vomit. Divina took the shard of glass and began to physically pick through Ashley's crispy skin. The charred flesh began to burst and bleed all down her face. Ashley threw Divina with Greyson's power, sending her flying on the highway.

"Let's do it!" Esme called, circling around with the sounds of gunshots going off.

Without hesitation, Jade froze the ground beneath them, creating a slacker layer of ice that glued Ashley in place. Ashley struggled against the icy grip, her eyes widening as she glared at Jade before Ashley fell onto the ground.

"Idiots, get out of here!" Divina barked, marching back over.

"Are you intending to kill more victims, goddess? That is how it seems," Ashley taunted.

Suddenly, Esme was sent flying backwards to the ground by an invisible force. The impact knocked her gun from her grasp, leaving her rolling on her side.

Divina went charging for the weapon, but Ashley threw her like a dishrag. However, Cassandra used an invisible force to hold Ashley in the air. It wasn't high because she appeared exhausted, staring with gritted teeth.

"Not even you can stop this, Cassandra," Ashley snarled.

Ashley had smoke burns all over her body, along with Divina. Jade assumed the fireworks were aimed directly at them, setting fire inside the hotel.

Cassandra slammed Ashley to the ground before she stumbled backward. However, Divina quickly grabbed the gun and began shooting at Ashley.

Jade dashed to find Esme through the slight light. Seeing her stir, blinking multiple times to eye Jade directly.

"She has my gun," Esme pouted.

Meanwhile, Divina was laughing maniacally while shooting at Ashley, aiming directly at her temple. "This might cause a coma again," she taunted with malicious glee. "I think that'd be amazing because I can't wait to kill you."

"I can keep going," Esme insisted. "Superheroes stop at nothing."

Jade softly placed a hand on her shoulder, shaking her head. If both of them ended up dying, it would be a bitter fate for both.

Suddenly, Ashley fired that bright light at Divina, causing her to yelp at her burned wrist. The gun had fallen to the side, leaving Ashley to point it around at the four of them.

"You all will be leaving with injuries," Ashley taunted.

In an instant, Jade felt herself thrown to the ground, her body slamming against the grassy area. The fall made her head spin, and she briefly wondered if she hit her head against something beneath the grass.

"Leave them alone," Cassandra spat, narrowing her eyes.

As Ashley started laughing, Divina yanked her shirt, and threw her forcefully onto the highway. "You've been crying like a baby over my gunshots. All it shows is how pathetic you are," Divina taunted, bloodstained all over her clothes.

Esme attempted to assist Jade, but she felt the world spinning uncontrollably. It was like being trapped on a carnival ride, and she staggered unsteadily, struggling to maintain balance. She lowered herself to sit on her knees, holding her head in her hand.

Ashley aimed the gun at Divina."You're being a bitch with your nonsense," she growled.

Divina started laughing, holding her stomach, and looked like she'd fall over. However, Ashley's pleasure grew into fury, as she pulled the trigger of her gun to pierce Divina right in the chest.

"Oh no, what ever shall I do?" Divina mocked, and she used her bloody fingers to take out the bullet with gritted teeth, holding it in her fingers. "Gasp! It seems like I'm going to die. Hah, got you!"

Jade spotted the wound in Divina's chest still bleeding, but it barely seemed to affect her energy. If anything, it caused an evil grin with eyes lighting with greed.

Suddenly, Esme went speeding towards Ashley, sending her flying to the ground as the gun skidded across the highway. Jade narrowed her eyes because part of her vision was blurry from everything around her.

"Stay out of this, Esme! You'll get killed!" Cassandra exclaimed, throwing Ashley into a tree with an invisible force.

"I'm fine! See, I took her out by myself," Esme replied firmly.

Jade knew Esme wasn't going to be okay. She refused to stop and wanted to defeat Ashley on her own. The first time when the storm stopped, while the second she went off running.

As Jade struggled to focus her ice power, finding it nearly impossible aim it in the proper direction. The world around her spun wildly, and she gripped tightly onto a fallen pine tree for support.

"These humans are quite idiots. Did they get that from you, goddess?" Ashley snarled.

Divina laughed as viciously slashed at Ashley's face, the piece of glass cutting deep and leaving a trail of blood dripping down her face. She didn't even look like a proper human anymore, but a character from a horror movie.

As Divina charged to find the gun, Ashley fired that blue light. Jade wobbly stumbled towards the scene, hoping to try to get out of this problem. If they ran back, they might actually end up dead.

With extended palms, Jade created a patch of ice that seeped beneath Ashley's feet. She growled in frustration, melting the ice with Jason's light.

Ashley aimed a palm at Divina, who jumped away from the burning light. She took the gun in her hand, narrowing her eyes at those around. Right, it didn't help because she couldn't see the best.

"Here, I'll do something," Esme whispered, tiptoeing toward Jade. She felt her own heart racing, closing her eyes to try to decrease the pain.

Jade looked at Cassandra, who was attempting to stay on her feet but looked like she might pass out any minute.

"Who's going first?" Ashley taunted.

Divina charged forward with a feral grin. "Are you going to shoot me? I can throw those bullets at you," she taunted.

Ashley gritted her teeth, pointing the gun at Divina before using an invisible force to throw her into a tree.

"Shut up," Ashley spat, still holding the gun still and pointing it side to side.

Cassandra held out her palms towards Ashley, causing Cassandra to stumble slightly. Her weakness was overall exhaustion. She had been using her powers all day, which leaves her body drained. That means she didn't even have the capability to speed them back to camp.

"I can hear you," Ashley taunted. "You can't do everything, Cassandra. That's why I'm a god, while you're just a stupid mutant child. I can defeat anything, even with this stupid body of mine."

Jade heard multiple gunshots, some aimed at them. She suddenly felt a tightness in her chest and looked down to see two bullets in her chest.

Esme started to panic, holding her hand to her chest before freezing in place. Jade watched as Esme slowly turned her head, revealing a bullet in the back of her head and her spine. Tears filled Jade's eyes as she felt darkness creeping in at the edge of her vision.

"Let's share our fate together." Esme trailed off before falling smack on the ground.

Jade wanted to move, but she couldn't. This wasn't what she meant when being together with Esme. She heard Ashley laugh, closing her eyes. She felt as if she were floating somewhere, with images from her life flashing before her eyes. She wished at least Esme could have lived on, but this became the end of their lives.

Two deaths in one chapter... Their death was painful to write, then again I've been saying that about most of the deaths I've written so far.