DISCLAIMER: Since this is a serious story, I'm not going to pansy around:

I do not own the 39 clues or any of the characters. And you know that.

AMY POV

I was having so much fun. If you call getting chased by ruthless competition fun, then I was having a blast! My long auburn hair whipped behind me as I ran with Dan beside me.

"Turn right!" He shouted over the wind and we both turned a sharp right. I could still hear the frantic footsteps of our cousins in pursuit. The Kabras: Isabel, Natalie, and Ian. They were the only ones that figured out that we were hiding the clue under the noses the whole time. Dan and I just acted like we hadn't found it yet. We hadn't realized it was the clue until Dan actually looked at what he was holding, a bone. A human bone to be exact. So basically the Kabras were the only ones that noticed when we snuck out of the graveyard.

"We have to split up!" I realized.

"Are you nuts? Then they will just split up too and corner us!" Dan said keeping his eyes where we were running.

"Better than three against two!" I retorted.

"Left!" He cried and we turned. Dan had memorized the way back to the hotel. We were using small allies instead of main roads.

"I still don't think it's a good idea!" He shouted.

"Please, it's our only chance!" I begged.

"How are you so sure?"

"I don't know! It's just a feeling!"

"Great, were going to win the hunt with the power of feelings!" He said sarcastically.

"I'm serious Dan!" He thought about for a second and realization passed over his face.

"You're right. Here I'll give you the clue but act like you gave it to me. I'll stuff some rocks into my pockets to make it look like I have something in there. Left!" He said and turned sharply. He started to take the bone out of his pocket but I put a hand on his wrist to stop him.

"No, keep the clue. I'm sure Isabel or Ian or both will come after me, so you need to take it." He nodded stiffly and I stopped to catch my breath and to put rocks in my pocket. He started to sprint again and I followed. I heard the faint footsteps of our competitors growing louder. We reached a fork in the street allies and Dan turned to me.

"Please don't get hurt." He said sadness easily detected in his voice. What had the clue hunt done to the poor kid? I thought remembering the rambunctious little kid that annoyed me so much. Now we were worrying about if we would ever see each other again.

"You shouldn't worry about me, dweeb! Just be careful." I said smiling sadly. He returned the smile.

"Ok, dork. Meet me in the hotel later, ok?" He asked, wanting to grasp onto a little bit of hope.

"I promise." I said, trying to sound confident. He took a step forward and hugged me quickly. I gaped at him. The only time he hugged me was when…when…I can't even remember! He withdrew from the hug but I pulled him back in.

"Please be careful, I can't lose you." He whispered. This was so unlike him. I started to tear up, but nodded my head.

"I will be, and don't worry; I will be at the hotel in a little bit. I can hear the Kabras, we should leave now." Usually, he was the one that was telling me not to worry, not the other way around. Dan started to jog away and gave me a sad look over his shoulder. I returned his look with a small smile and started to jog away myself. Please let this be a good idea…please. I prayed and broke into a sprint.

Author's Note: Now that wasn't too bad was it? This will definitely be a multi chap so don't get all worried. Comment and tell me how I did.

~Luvlessgrl