Word count: 5066

𝐀𝐅𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐇𝐄 car on the street over (Lila was still unaware of their powers, so using a portal or teleporting was out of the question), the four of them snuck over to the consulate whose address was listed on the invitation.

They peered over the stone barrier that lined around the building, getting a good look at their surroundings.

The front of the building was where most people occupied, heading inside as they gave nods to the security guards that overlooked the door. The front entrance was quite fancy, with white pillars decorated by smooth grooves, and a flag hung on each of the front ones, one American, one Mexican. 

An oval sign was hung over the top of the arched entryway, with the symbol of an eagle, and the surrounding words announcing the Mexican Consulate. A yellow lantern-like light was hanging, although it gave no help to the light as it was still quite bright outside.

The rain had just ended minutes before, and the gloomy weather was evident as they approached beside a car whose body glistened with raindrops. Diego was at the front of the group, peering over the trunk of the car as the others crouched behind.

"So, what's the plan?" Lila breathed out as she came up behind him.

Diego whipped his head around to face them, leaning his left arm against his knee for support. His eyes were the most serious that Elizabeth had ever seen them be as he spoke softly, "We infiltrate, we identify, we extract. Double time."

As Diego turned to face the front once more, Lila turned to face the other two behind her. Her expression clearly showed that she hadn't understood a word that Diego had spoken. "What the hell's he talking about?"

"Find the old man and get out fast," Five answered, his eyes flickering from the building to her.

Diego turned to face them once more, his eyebrows knit together tightly. "That's what I said. On me."

With one last glance at the security guards who patrolled the entrance, Diego kept his head low and snuck over to the car that was parked in front of the one they were hiding beside.

Lila turned to the other two, a small smile on her face as she offered, "After you."

Five leaned forward towards her, his eyes narrowed as he scrutinized her face. His usually pale cheeks were tinged with pink from the cold, and his eyes were untrusting as he stared at Lila.

She raised her eyebrows. "What, I can't be polite?"

"Cut the crap. All right?" he scoffed. "My dimwitted brother might buy your bullshit, but I don't trust you for a second."

An amused smile grew onto Lila's face as she stared back at him and quirked an eyebrow. "O ye of little faith."

Five leaned forward, the irritation on his face now more evident than ever as he muttered, "Stick it up your ass."

With a little smirk, Lila turned and followed Diego to the car in front of them.

"Really?" Elizabeth whispered to Five, rolling her eyes. "You have to do that now?"

He glanced back at her. "Yes."

With a sigh, Elizabeth accepted his answer and the two of them hurriedly made their way to where the other two were crouching. Diego was looking over the trunk of this car, his eyes fixated on the security guards.

Once the coast was clear, Diego gestured for the three of them to follow him.

Rather than heading to the front and probably getting caught, the four of them rounded the large building and went to the back, where a big garden greeted them. It was covered in exotic flowers and towering trees, and a couple of guests roamed around as they savoured the sunlight.

Luckily for the four of them, the back doors were open, leading them inside what seemed to be a dining hall. It was filled to the brim with people of varying ages and size, with the ladies dressed up rather prettily, and the men looking sharp in their suits. Mariachi music accompanied their chatter, although the volume of the conversations was increasing by the moment.

Along with the sunlight, yellow lights hung from the ceiling to lighten the room, and further into the room was a large, glittering chandelier. Two flags that were similar to the ones that were hung on the pillars stood on either side of the doors, much greater in size.

They walked inside, going around the long table that was covered in dishes as they peered around at the waiters and guests.

Diego leaned towards them and murmured, "I don't see Dad anywhere."

"Just keep an eye out for the Majestic Twelve," Five instructed as he looked around, his eyes squinted slightly as he examined each passing face. "Elle and I've got the upstairs."

"Diego, try not to do anything too stupid," Elizabeth warned, receiving an eye-roll from the man and a giggle from the girl beside him. She gestured for him to lean closer, and once he did, she murmured into his ear with a small smile, "And hey, put those dance lessons to good use, okay?"

He grinned as he straightened up and sent her a wink. "You got it, little sis."

"Shut up," she replied, although her tone was more amused than annoyed as she lightly slapped his arm.

With a nod, she followed Five into the next room and up the spiral staircase that neared the back, her eyes peeled for Reginald.

The top of the staircase brought them to a hallway, whose walls were painted a warm yellow, and had small, sleek stands that accompanied the sides. There were large windows that showed them the garden that they had just seen, and the sunlight strongly gleamed through the glass.

They cautiously walked through the hallway, glancing into every room that they crossed to make sure that it was empty.

As they did, Five quietly questioned, "What did you tell Diego?"

"Hm? Oh, nothing." Elizabeth gave a dismissive wave, knowing that he'd grow bitter over even the mention of Diego dancing with Lila.

Five furrowed his eyebrows but didn't persist.

Suddenly, her ears perked up as she heard the footsteps of multiple people approaching from the side. Quickly, she grabbed Five's arm and pulled him into an empty room, within the corner so that they would be hidden from view.

Only a few moments later did a group of men brush past the room that they were in and continue down the hall. 

Elizabeth swiftly peeked her head out and managed to get a glimpse of a man's face as he turned to say something to one of his friends that were trailing behind. 

It was them. The Majestic Twelve.

She looked at Five and nodded, gesturing for him to follow her as she quietly began to head in the direction that the group did. 

The men went through a doorframe that led to another corridor, and the two of them hushedly followed, glancing around them to make sure they weren't being watched or followed.

The men disappeared into another room at the end of the hallway, shutting the door behind them once the last member had entered.

"Dammit," Five muttered, craning his neck over to the room that they had gone into. He then slid his hand into Elizabeth's, and the familiar sensation of teleportation overwhelmed her and twisted her stomach.

They appeared in a dark closet, the only source of light coming from the slits in the wooden door that stood in front of them. Upon further examination, they could see that there seemed to be some sort of living room beyond the doors, most of which they were able to see through the slits.

It was quite lavish, with a long, leather couch that a few of the men occupied, and the tall windows that covered the back wall, which was draped in a translucent curtain. The room was warmly illuminated with the amber-coloured lights that hung between the windows, and the couple of lamps that rested on the nightstands in front of the couch.

Other than the sitting men, a few of them stood behind the couch, while a couple of others stood in front, the latter having their backs facing Elizabeth and Five.

Elizabeth stepped forward, narrowing her eyes to look through the slits and get a better view of what rested just outside.

One of the men, who was standing behind the couch with a smart Homburg hat and sunglasses that shielded his eyes, spoke to the group as he drew his cigar away from his mouth, "The president is continuing to make inquiries into Roswell and the other crash sites, gentlemen. And, as you know, we cannot allow him to get his nose into our business. I've confirmed the motorcade will indeed be turning left on Elm Street. We'll have our people in place."

A thin man who stood nearest to the closet replied, "Gentlemen, this plan of yours seems ill-timed."

Elizabeth's eyes widened as she immediately recognized the voice. How could she not? It was one that had reprimanded her almost every day for three years, after all. And it annoyed the fuck out of her.

"It's going to be a turkey shoot," added one who was lounged on the couch.

There was a small clatter as Five stepped on a hanger that had fallen to the ground, and the noise immediately caught the attention of the men.

The one nearest turned around, revealing his face to them and confirming Elizabeth's suspicions.

"Dad?" Five whispered, his green eyes widening as he registered the face.

Reginald, who seemed quite suspicious of the noise, grabbed one of the sharp fire stokers from beside the roaring fireplace and slowly took short strides to the closet. He peered at the slits, his cold eyes seeming to be seeking for what lay behind it, but clearly was unable to tell.

"Five," Elizabeth whispered in a panic as Reginald grew near. "We have to—"

Five grabbed her hand and teleported them to the hallway they had just been in.

"Oh, jeez," Elizabeth sighed. "I can't believe he—fuck."

She turned around to see the three Swedes that Five had described to her the day before, all of them disguised in a waiter's uniform as they leered down at the pair.

"Oh, shit," Five breathed out, his eyes widening as he looked to see what she had been surprised by.

One of them grabbed Five by the collar of his uniform while another pushed Elizabeth to the ground.

Elizabeth rolled over just as the Swede landed a punch onto the ground she had just been on, and she sprang to her feet. She raised her hands, her eyes glowing gold as she sent a blast of energy towards the one in front of her, effectively sending him to the ground.

She then glanced further down the hallway to see that Five was getting absolutely beaten by the other Swede, letting out grunts of pain as he got kicked and punched. 

Her heart dropped to her stomach as she watched, and she found herself momentarily distracted as her eyes fixated on him.

Taking her minute of pause to his advantage, the remaining Swede wrapped his arm around the front of her neck and put her in a chokehold position. She began to struggle for air as she grabbed onto the arm that was choking her and attempted to pull it off but to no avail.

She gave a cry of pain as the other Swede scrambled to his feet and punched her in the stomach. One glance down at his hand showed her that he had brass knuckles that were decorated in razor-sharp spikes, explaining why the hit had hurt so much more than a regular one.

He landed punch after punch, resulting in her cries of pain only growing stronger. She felt warm liquid as it slowly bloomed against her stomach from the piercing edges of the brass knuckle and could feel her energy as it rushed to save her.

At least her dress was red.

She tried to wriggle herself out of the man's grip, tugging as hard as she could on his arm but found herself only weakening in the process.

The Swede seemed to have decided that he had grown bored of punching her stomach and moved onto her face, settling blow after blow on each cheek. She let out a groan of agony as she felt one of the spikes cut deep into her left cheek, but that didn't seem to faze the attacker in the least.

Diego came running up the stairs, his eyes widening as he looked at Five and then to Elizabeth. He immediately ran towards her, and kicked the punching Swede straight in the stomach, sending him flying to the ground.

He was about to take down the one who was choking her before the other Swede got to his feet and grabbed onto Diego's shoulders. A fight ensued as Diego dodged and threw punches, the Swede doing the same as both of them let out groans and grunts.

Elizabeth remained trying to get out of the man's grasp, beginning to see black spots float in front of her. She gasped for air, kicking at the man's legs, but it seemed to have absolutely no effect on the man as he tightened his arm around her neck.

Diego was now on the floor, his Swede now kicking the ever-loving fuck out of him. He gave groans of pain as he got hit in the side, and was kicked back down every time he attempted to get back up.

Suddenly, Lila came up the stairs, an aghast expression displayed on her face when she saw what was happening. Her hands tightly clutched her skirt, her knuckles beginning to grow white as she tried to decide who to help.

"Lila!" Diego groaned as another firm kick was landed on his hip. "Help!"

She stared at him for a moment before looking back at Five, who was in the process of getting kicked around like a ragdoll. A few more glances between the two, and it seemed like she had made her choice.

Lila ran after Five.

Under normal circumstances, this decision would've been very troubling to Elizabeth. Why would Lila choose to save Five? Diego was the one she seemed to like the most, after all.

However, these were not normal circumstances. Elizabeth couldn't breathe and was overtaken by pain, and those two factors affected her thought process just slightly.

She squeezed her eyes shut, trying her hardest to pull the man's grip off of her. It seemed impossible. How many protein shakes did he drink a day? A hundred? He could give Luther a run for his money.

She tried everything she could: elbowing, kicking, head-butting, pulling, pinching, scratching, wiggling—but nothing was working. She would use her powers, but knowing that most of it was being used to fix all the damage the other Swede had done, she restrained herself from doing so.

She could feel her head grow dizzier and dizzier as her oxygen became more and more deprived. She was on the brink of passing out, and the fact that she was losing more energy didn't help in the least. But still, she tried to hold out.

Then, out of the corner of her eye, she saw Lila sprint after Five as he went down the stairs. It seemed as though everyone else noticed this too, as they paused in their brawl to watch.

Taking this to his advantage, Diego sprang to his feet and kicked his attacker backward. He rushed over to Elizabeth and managed to get the man's arm off of her, and she let out a series of coughs as she doubled over.

Hearing the scuffle of Diego and the choking Swede behind her, she looked up to see the remaining Swede, his swept-back hair now a little messed up. He had a challenging glint in his eyes as he straightened the white blazer that was meant for the waiters, and he took a taunting step forward.

"Could you give me, like, a minute?" she asked pleadingly as she coughed once more. "I just gotta . . . catch my . . . breath . . ."

He gave her a questioning look but didn't approach any further.

At least he was a nice attacker.

Ish.

Once she was done coughing, she straightened up and inhaled deeply. "Cool. Now, I'm gonna kill you."

He charged towards her, his arm prepared for a punch, which she then ducked. She kicked him in the chest, forcing him to stumble back towards the window. 

She blasted her energy towards him, but he dropped to the ground, avoiding the hit as it flew over him and shattered the window behind.

He quickly got up and lunged at her, throwing both of them down to the ground. She struggled to move as he pinned her down with one hand and began to repeatedly punch her in the stomach with the other.

She let out a few groans of pain as the brass knuckles cut into her skin once again, and she soon managed to slip one hand out of his grasp. Knowing that she was going to regret this in about ten seconds, she blasted him with energy as intense as she could endure, sending him flying backwards.

She sprang to her feet and grabbed a glass vase that was resting on a stand next to her and smashed it over his head as he tried to get up. The Swede dropped to the ground, the edge of his forehead bleeding as he was knocked unconscious.

Immediately, she collapsed forward, grabbing onto the nearest window sill as exhaustion flooded her body. The pounding headache that she had felt the day before was back, except it was now about a million times worse.

Needless to say, she regretted it.

Diego came up from behind her, panting heavily. "You good, Goldie?"

"I'm fine." She instantly straightened up, ignoring all the pain she was feeling as she folded her arms over where the blood was staining (although it was difficult to make out from the colour of the dress anyway). "Where—where's Five and Lila?"

"I'd love to know," he said roughly, glancing over to the side where the other two had previously been. He then peered out the dark window, and his eyes widened as they took notice of something beyond them. "Dad. We've gotta go down there."

With one last glance at her, he raced down the staircase, skipping every other step as he tried to make it to the bottom as quick as he could.

Elizabeth trailed behind, trying to keep her pace as her head grew dizzier and dizzier. At this point, her stomach was barely even hurting, and the cut on her cheek was gone, and she was sure that her energy was doing a wonderful job at healing her.

Too bad it completely drained her though.

They reached the bottom, then straightening themselves and slowing down as they merged with the people who were dashing out the door in a panic.

They went out the back and around to find Five, who was watching the cars leave with frustration.

Lila was quick to join them, brushing her hair behind her shoulder as she regained her breath.

"Dad?" Diego questioned Five, a hopeful look on his face.

"Gone." He shook his head, disappointing the others. He gave a small scoff as he put his hands into his pockets, "You know, I'm starting to get the feeling Dad's avoiding us."

"Hate to be the boring one, guys, but, uh" —Lila rubbed the back of her neck as she crossed in front of them and made towards the stone barriers— "it's time we get the hell out of here."

"When you say 'we,' who exactly are you referring to?" Five cut in with a miffed smile, clasping his hands behind his back as he took a few steps towards her.

She let out a nervous breath as she turned to face them. "Not a lot of ambiguity in that sentence."

"Listen, I don't know who you are or where you came from," Five seethed, "but whatever it is, I'd advise you return posthaste."

"She's right, Five," Diego murmured as he looked around at the rushing guests, becoming a little unsettled. "We gotta get outta here."

Elizabeth let out a soft moan of pain, reaching her hand up to the side of her head. Luckily, no one noticed as she took a couple of steps backward and crouched down, holding her head in her hands.

"I just saved your life, you kinder-shit," Lila exclaimed angrily. "If I hadn't stepped in, all that would be left of you is a blazer and some bloody socks."

"And that's the problem," Five answered immediately, his eyes unmoving on her face. "You're too good. You ask too many questions. You know too much. And you fight like you know what you're doing."

Diego cocked his head as he stared at the girl, his eyebrows raising. "He's got a point."

"So I know how to handle myself, and that makes me the bad guy?" she scoffed, an incredulous look upon her face as she shifted her gaze between the two.

"Whoever you are, you're in my way." Five watched her carefully, shifting his weight from one foot to the other. "If I see you again, I will kill you."

Lila pleadingly gazed at Diego, but he only shook his head in response. She swallowed, shaking her head before turning and briskly walking off, the click of her heels echoing.

"God. We've gotta go," Five told both of them. 

He and Diego began to walk forward when they seemed to notice that someone was missing. He turned around, his eyes confused as they searched for the girl. 

"Elle? What are—shit. Are you okay?"

Both of the boys dashed over to Elizabeth, who was still crouching in the same position as before. She glanced up at them before giving a big smile that didn't reach her eyes.

"I'm fine! I—I'm great, no—no need to worry."

"Elizabeth," Five chided.

"What?" she asked innocently, wincing slightly as a sharp pain hit her head. "I'm okay. No pain or injuries here."

Five scoffed as he gestured towards her eyes and pointed out, "Then why the hell are your eyes glowing?"

" . . . Because?"

"Goddammit," Diego muttered. He nudged Five out of the way before scooping Elizabeth up into his arms, carefully holding her as they began to make their way towards the car. "What happ—is that blood?" His eyes widened as they finally took notice of the deep stain that surrounded her stomach. "Elizabeth! Why didn't you say anything? Holy shit, are you okay?"

Five, who had become alarmed by the outburst, leaned over and his eyes copied Diego's. "Elizabeth, are you kiddi—"

"I'm okay," she murmured. "That's okay. My healing . . ."

"Are you sure?" Diego questioned, only glancing away from the wound when they had to cross the stone barrier. "What if—"

"I just used—used too much energy," she reassured them quietly. "Head hurts a lot. But that—my stomach—is healed."

"Jesus . . ." Five breathed, rubbing his forehead so carelessly that it caused his hair to become dishevelled.

They got to the car only a few minutes later, and Diego carefully laid Elizabeth in the back seat, her head resting on top of Five's lap as the boy took the seat on the right.

Diego, now in the driver's seat, turned around in his spot to view the girl. "You should've told me while we were up there."

"There are other important things . . . ," she murmured. "Just go home . . . Food and water'll help."

With a sigh, Diego turned back to face the front and started the engine. He began to drive, the headlights switched on so that he could see clearly in the dark night.

Five worriedly gazed down at Elizabeth as she breathed slowly, his hand caressing her shoulder. He shook his head, muttering something so softly to himself that she couldn't hear. Although, she caught the words 'stupid' and 'dumbass,' so there was that.

She pulled his hand down from her shoulder and wrapped it tightly inside her hands, giving it a small squeeze. She closed her eyes, praying that this thirty-minute nap would restore her to full health.

—✩—

It didn't.

But she did feel better, so . . . that counted, right?

Five's arm snaked tightly around her waist, she got out of the car, and the three of them headed back inside Elliott's place.

They went inside, Diego flicking the kitchen lights on as Five carefully closed the door. The boy brought Elizabeth to the table, instructing her to sit down before heading towards the fridge to find something to give her more strength.

Diego sat on the other side of the table, leaning forward as he searched her face. He gave a great sigh as he noticed that her eyes hadn't changed from the prominent gold; her self-healing wasn't done just yet.

He grabbed her hand, causing her to look up from the table and to him.

"I'm sorry," he murmured, his eyes apprehensive as they gazed down at the fingers he had begun to play with.

"For what?" she questioned softly, her eyebrows furrowing. She thanked Five as he gave her a tall glass of water and a bowl of leftover soup that he had reheated in the microwave, and soon turned her attention back to the other man as she earnestly waited for his answer.

"I should've come sooner," Diego continued quietly as Five sat down at the side of the table. "I would've been able to help you before you got hurt."

"Yeah, too bad you were dancing with the Devil," Five muttered, casting a dirty glance towards the man.

"Hey," Elizabeth chided before taking a sip of her water. She looked back towards Diego, her expression softening as she told him, "It's not your fault, Eggo. I should've been more careful."

"No, I—I didn't—I couldn't—" His voice faltered for a moment before he continued, "I didn't keep my promise."

"What promise?" Five questioned, his eyebrows then furrowing as he looked between the two.

They ignored him as she responded, "Diego, I'm fine, aren't I? Besides, you did keep your promise. You saved me from continuing to get beat up by that one Swede."

"You shouldn't've been getting beat up in the first place."

"Diego." Elizabeth grabbed his hands, interlacing her fingers through his as she disregarded Five's scowl. "Listen. You've been protecting me ever since the day I got back. It's okay. I'm okay now, aren't I?"

He remained quiet, his eyes locked on her fingers that were fused through his. Slowly, he nodded before murmuring, "I won't let it happen again."

"I'm sure you won't." She smiled as she leaned forward and kissed his forehead. "You should get to bed. It's been a long day."

"Goodnight," he muttered, giving her hands one last squeeze before letting go. He gave a nod to Five before getting up from his chair and heading off towards his room.

"Well, that was a lovely moment, wasn't it?" Five gave a miffed smile as he leaned forward on the table, his hands clasped together tightly.

"It was." Elizabeth overlooked his mocking tone as she spooned some more of the warm soup into her mouth. 

She looked up towards him after taking some more soup, then furrowing her eyebrows as she noticed his clenched jaw and hardened stare. 

With a frown, she put down her spoon and gently laced her fingers through his. 

"Hey," she said softly, "you okay?"

His expression relaxed as he glanced down at the hand before looking towards her. "I just . . . Sometimes, Diego . . ." He let out a small groan. "I don't know."

She let go of his hand and quickly finished the last of her soup before putting her hand in his again. "Don't worry about it. Let's get to bed."

He heaved a heavy sigh before getting up, swiftly wrapping his arm around her waist to support her after she got up. After flicking the lights off, the two of them headed to the bedroom.

She sighed as she sat down on the edge of the bed and took off her shoes, just as Five sat down next to her and did the same. He looked up at her, his eyes wandering over her face as he took her hand in his.

Her gaze met his, and she gave him a small smile. "Five?"

"Yeah?" he answered, his eyebrows raising slightly.

"Can you take the necklace off for me?"

He nodded, and she turned to her left as he shifted closer. She could feel the warm brush of his fingers against her skin as he unclasped the necklace and took it off of her before reaching over and placing it on the nightstand.

"Thanks," she said softly before sliding off of the bed and grabbing her pyjamas from her dresser. It had been a couple of days since she actually wore them to bed, and they were a whole lot comfier than her uniform.

She laid the set down on her bed before undoing the zipper at the side of her dress, letting it fall to the ground as she checked her stomach.

Five seemed to be doing the same, his eyes narrowed as they searched for any sign of harm. He reached his hand out, grazing it against the soft skin that was painted in dried blood, though it seemed to show no indication of what they had been worriedly looking for. 

He watched her as she quickly cleaned her stomach with a wettened rag before slipping her pyjamas on. 

His eyebrows furrowed in worry as he asked, "Are you sure you're okay?"

"I'm fine." Elizabeth gave him a small smile as she straightened the bottom of her shirt. She leaned forward and kissed him gently before she told him, "I just need to sleep."

He nodded. "Then let's get to it. We've got a long day ahead of us tomorrow."