A/N: This is the sequel to 'Path of Destruction', but you not have to read the first one.

Chapter 1: 109 hours, 58 minutes

(Lana)

I watched my son as he attempted to surf. He was much like his father: the looks, personality, and hobbies. Those thoughts made fear engulf my heart and mind, but I wasn't the only one. All the others who had survived the days of hardships had the same fears, too. I'd first noticed it a couple of weeks ago when Chris slammed his hands on his surfboard after he fell off. Anger shone in his eyes as the water around him began to rise higher. Something in my brain sent sheer panic throughout my body. A single word burned in my memories- FAYZ.

(Sam)

"Astrid, have you seen Matt lately?" I asked my wife. The two of us became married after we had our son, Matt, but we stayed in Perdido Beach. So, the three of us lived in a small house in the middle of town. Even though we don't have a lot of money, we were living life to its fullest.

"No, what about him?" Astrid asked as she washed the dirty dishes.

I shrugged, "That's the point. I haven't noticed anything because I can't find him."

"He's probably playing hide and go seek with you." She replied, unconcerned.

"Matt hasn't played that game in years; he said he was too old for a kid's game." I remarked, but Astrid just shrugged. I started to walk away, thinking, hide and seek? Come on, Astrid! I've looked in every place a twelve year old can fit! Why don't you try to find him? I bet you can't!

"Hey," A voice said. "I can see you!"

I was stunned, "Uh, where are you?" I listened for the disembodied voice.

"Here, right in front of you." The voice said, and then appeared. "You have a funny look on your face." Matt stated. He was just standing there smiling at me.

I turned around and forced a fake laugh, "Astrid… Astrid!" I ran into the kitchen, "Our son just went invisible!"

She sighed, "Sam just because you can't find him doesn't mean he's invisible."

Frustrated I yelled, "Matt, come show your mom!"

He stood in the kitchen doorway, "You want me to show mom my new trick? Okay!" He disappeared.

"SEE!" Sam yelled and pointed while Astrid just stood there in shock. "I'm not crazy! Matt, stop that, okay?" I felt the air for him, but my hands hit nothing.

Matt laughed, "That tickles."

Now, I was worried because I couldn't even touch him. "Matt." I used my mean, parental voice, "How are you doing that?" I looked at Astrid in horror and realization. I breathed one word… FAYZ.

(DJ)

I loaded the gun and looked in the ceiling to floor mirror. The reflection disgusted me, so I simply shot the mirror, sending it into tiny pieces. The bruises and scars that covered my body made me think of the mother that abandoned me a few months ago. She always said I was just like my father- whoever that was. My name doesn't matter, but if you mess with me, I'll mess you up. Pain shot through my arm as I was about to walk out the door. I didn't know what the pain meant, but it's done this for as long as I can remember. The voice in my head, however, only started a few weeks ago. I took another step forward when it happened. A stupid, invisible box trapped me inside. Then, it disappeared. Junk like that happened all the time though, so I just continued on my way.

(Chris)

I secretly closed the bathroom door and pulled Matt to the water-filled bathtub. "Mom told me to never do this, but watch this." I pointed my hands at the water and moved my fingers until there were small ripples breaking the even surface.

"Dude, that's just a trick. Your fingers are touching the water." Matt remarked and I growled in frustration. Then, he stood in awe as the water rose from the tub. "All right… now that is definitely not a trick. How do you do that?"

I didn't loose my focus, "I don't know brah. It just happens sometimes." The water swirled around the tub until it formed a wave. A kettle dropped from the kitchen making me jump. I looked at Matt for approval as the wave grew bigger. He wasn't answering, so I splashed some water on his face.

"Hey!" He yelled, "No fair!"

My focus slipped as I smiled. The wave came crashing down and slammed us against the door with so much force the door opened. The water pushed us out of the bathroom. Once it spread out, I groaned and got to my knees. That was when I saw my angry mom.

"Chris… what did I tell you?"

I glanced at Matt, "I was just…"

Mom glared at my friend, "Go home now!" When he didn't move, mom bellowed, "NOW!" She sent him scurrying downstairs and out the door.

"Mom… what's the matter?"

"Shut up!"

I felt small, "I'm sorry."

She glared at me, "Nobody can know what you can do. Alright?"

"Why?" As I asked, I looked at the floor. "Matt has some, too."

Mom stiffened, "What are you talking about?"

"He can go invisible. He showed me."

Fear covered her face and she grabbed the nearest phone. After dialing a few numbers, she waited then spoke. "Sam, we have a problem."

I walked toward her, "I don't understand-" And then I was at the school with over a hundred other kids. "What the- what just happened?"

Matt was standing a few feet away, so I went to him. "Dude, what just happened?"

Confusion covered his face, "I don't know, man. I was going home… now I'm here… Am I crazy?"

"If you are, then so am I, brah."

My friend shook his head and closed his eyes, "Okay. I'll open my eyes and be playing video games." He opened his eyes.

"Well, you're still here." I remarked, making him groan in disappointment. "Dream on, brah. Maybe it'll eventually happen." I looked at another kid, "Hey Travis. Any idea what happened?" The kid just shrugged and walked away.

"At least I'm not the only crazy one." Matt remarked.

I walked outside and saw Brietta. "Brietta!" I ran over to the nine-year-old.

"Chris! What's going on? Where's my mom and dad?"

"What? Your mom and dad…" I looked around, but I saw no adults. "Well, they're probably around here somewhere."

Tears started to form in Brietta's eyes, "You promise."

"Yeah. I promise. I'll find them." I said and she hugged me.

"Okay, I believe you."

I hugged her tight, "Just stay around here until I come and get you." Then, I let her go and started to run home. Minutes later, I stood in front of my house and started to run straight for the door.

"Mom!" I ran through the house and soon admitted my mother was gone. Then, I was outside looking up at the sky.

(Matt)

Where was my mom? I walked around the house, searching for someone I knew was not going to be found. I walked out of the house and saw Chris walking up the street. He was alone, so I ran to him. "Well, I've always wondered what my life would be like without my parents. Guess everyone in PB will find out."

"Dude, it's not one of your video games." He sighed, "Let's go check on everyone. I told Brietta I would be back."

We walked further up the street which dozens of kids roamed. Some crying while others tried to make a joke about this whole catastrophe.

I shrank low, "Every adult is gone."

"Great. A town without adults. A terrorist attack will probably come next." Chris stated.

"Shut up! Don't talk about that!"

He threw up his hands, "Well you never know! It could happen right now!"

"Dude!" I went invisible.

Chris closed his eyes and opened them, "Okay I can't see you. What's wrong? Are you afraid?"

"No!" I yelled, "I'm doing this for my health." I walked right through him.

Immediately, Chris shuddered. "Don't do that!"

I made myself solid again, "I want somebody to get me a Coke, video games, and my mom and dad."

Chris shook his head, "I'm not going to be your slave, but I agree with you on the mom part."

I started to jump around a little bit. "Maybe you did this. After all, you're the freak with the power to make waves."

He glared at me, "At least I can't go invisible or intangible."

"Shut up." I shoved him, "I'm not a freak!"

He fell on his butt, his shorts soaked by the puddle he was sitting in. "Dude! Look what you did!" He attempted to glare at me, but I was already invisible. "I see how you are!"

I mumbled, "I'm sorry."

"Right, I bet you are. You idiot." He stood up.

Wounded pride made me become visible, "Hit me with your best shot."

Chris picked up a rock and clumsily threw it at me. "Missed. Why not drown me with your waves?" I taunted. Ripples formed at his feet. "You're a wimp, just like your dad!" Then, I instantly regretted the words once they were said.

A hurt look shone in Chris's eyes. "Don't. Say. Anything. About. Him." Then, I watched him turn and walk away.

"Dude, I didn't mean it." I ran until I caught up with him.

He swung his fist and hit me in the nose, sending me backward. "Yeah," He said. "I didn't mean that either."

I held my nose, "I know I messed up, brah and I'm sorry."

Chris glared at me but it faded and a grin replaced it. "You sound funny with your fingers holding your nose shut. Just don't say anything like that again. Oh, by the way, I'm not sorry for nearly breaking your nose."

"Guess I deserved that." I rose to my feet. "Look, I've never met your dad."

He started walking again, "I know, me either."

"Do you miss him?" I asked as I went beside him.

"How can I miss him when I've never met him?"

I laughed, "Well, I miss my parents and my board."

"Well, I just miss my board. Mom was mad at me anyway." My friend said.

How can you not miss her even if she was mad at you? The shock of Chris's words left me thinking. I know she was a smoker with a temper, but she's still his mom. There's something he's not telling me and I intend to find out.

(Chris)

Brietta came over to me, "Did you find my mommy and daddy?"

My heart sank to my stomach, "Not yet. I'm still looking. They're probably just out on vacation somewhere."

He blue eyes looked into mine, "Without me? Why?"

"Perhaps they just need time away for others."

She started to cry, "But I'm alone."

I hugged her, "No you're not. You have me and everybody in Perdido Beach with you."

The little girl hugged me, "My Chris."

I picked her up and swung her in circles, making her laugh. "Remember when I told you I can always make you laugh." After a few turns, I set her back on the ground.

"Mommy told me you were like your daddy." She remarked. I agreed with her. Then, she said, "I'm hungry."

"Well… go home and raid the cookie jar." I joked.

"Okay!" Brietta started to walk back toward her house a few blocks away.

Just like my father… I only wish I knew exactly who he was. His name… face… and if he likes to surf. My thoughts were interrupted by Sarena Martin's voice. I saw her running toward me and my heart thudded in my chest.

"Let me guess, you're probably like the others, but I'll ask anyway. Any idea what's going on?"

My voice started to fail, "Uh… Uh… I'm not sure…"

She looked at me with beautiful brown eyes. A grin broke out on her face, "Did you wet yourself?"

"What?" I looked down. "No! I fell into a puddle."

"Oh." She smiled at me, "Can I hang out with you."

Sarena Martin wants to hang out with me? Oh, man, please let this be reality! My brain felt like it melted, "Sure."

"Great."

Matt was standing there, jaw dropping as he pointed to Sarena. I grinned and gestured for him to leave, but he refused.

He came over and put his arms around the girl's shoulders. "Hey Sarena." Matt looked at me and laughed, "I see you had an… accident."

Sarena frowned and pushed him away. "Dude." Matt said.

I just grinned.

He left and me and Sarena began discussing our opinions about what was going on. Next thing I know, Sarena was laughing as my heart designed boxers were being shown to the world. Matt had gone intangible and done it. Quickly I pulled them back up and I looked over at the grinning Sarena. "You're blushing." She remarked as her fingers brushed my cheek. I knew my face was red, but I was savoring the moment. Then, she giggled and kissed my cheek.

I heard a growl from behind me, "That's definitely not right."

She kissed me on the other cheek and whispered in my ear, "The last one was to tease Matt." Then, she walked off to talk to another group of girls that were still laughing about my boxers. I waved at them, making them laugh harder. One of the girls walked over to me and touched my shoulder. I just stood there, confused. Then, she ran off yelling something about her touching my shoulder.

Matt became visible, "Dude, you could make a lot of money for letting people see your boxers."

"Oh yeah," I said. "Thanks for… you know, but don't do that again."

"No problem," He grinned. "Hey, do you think they would like blue boxers?"

I laughed as Matt and I walked away.

(Xavier)

I looked at my sister and sat down proudly in the Coates Academy principle's office. "You have to admit, life is pretty sweet."

"It could be better."

"I rule over Coates now, so shut up before I make you." I snapped.

My sister grinned, "Good luck with that, brother,"

I stood and walked over to her, "Be a good girl and find me these two kids." I dropped the piece of paper in front of her.

"What's so important about these two?" She asked.

"Just do it!"

She mocked a salute, "Yes sir. Adrianna Soren at your service."

"Good." I mused.

(Adrianna)

I stood up. Who does he think he is to boss me around like that? My brother sat back in his chair as DJ bumped into me.

"Watch it." He growled and I realized I was stuck by some kind of invisible box.

"Hey! Quit! Let me out!" I yelled as I pushed on the barrier blocking my way.

"I don't know how. Lucky you." He laughed bitterly.

"Why you little-" Then I was out. "Don't do that again."

"I could always do worse, remember that." The boy said. I shuddered and ran out the door. From what my dad told me, Coates had been relocated to Perdido Beach, where it was now. So, here I was. Right in the middle of the town's streets. Kids were running everywhere. One small kid came up to me, crying. "My mommy's gone and dad's working. I want them."

A teen came and got the kid, "We'll find them. Don't worry."

Marcus, a Coates kid, came up to me. "Let me guess, Xavier's acting like he's better than everybody else." Even though I would never admit it, Marcus was my secret crush, but I found it easy to talk to him.

"You're right, as always. My brother doesn't care about anyone else other than himself." I replied.

The boy shook his head, "Well, I'm tired of him telling us what to do. So, I'm not coming back here again."

"I'm about to go walking around, you want to come?" I hoped he would say yes, but things don't usually go my way.

"No, thanks anyway though. I have to go find my little brother." He laughed as I looked at him in shock. "Yeah, I have a brother. A good one at that, not a screw-up like me. I guess finding my brother would be my good deed for a lifetime."

I nodded my head and watched Marcus go further away from me. My hand went in my pocket and touched the paper, reminding me of my mission. Xavier is going to owe me big time. He actually thinks he can take over PB, right. He's only thirteen. Nobody will listen to him. But, regardless of my doubts, I continued on my way.

(Daniel)

Not again! The barrier went down years ago! How can it be back now? I paced around, trying to come up with a solution. Little Pete caused it the first time, but the Darkness controlled his power and Little Pete and the Darkness is dead… how can it be happening again? It was exactly like the first day in the old FAYZ, but there were fifteen year old teens. Everybody sixteen and over was gone this time.

I stopped in my tracks as I saw a familiar face, but I realized it was Chris Lazar, Lana's kid. Beside him was Sam and Astrid's son, Matt. They were both silent and they walked around as if they were inspectors. I walked over to them, "Hey! Chris! Matt!" A few seconds later, I was in front of them. "Look, I need you two to come with me."

"Why?" Matt asked.

"I'll tell you when we get there." I replied.

Chris glared at me suspiciously, but nodded his head. I gestured for the two kids to follow me and they obeyed.

It took a while to get to Clifftop, the place where the old barrier cut right through. I tried to look for it, but I figured out it wasn't even in Clifftop. "That's weird." I said, then lead Matt and Chris outside. Confused, I started running.

That was when I saw the adults standing nearly fifty feet away. "Mom? Dad?" Matt said.

(Astrid)

I heard somebody say the words 'mom' and 'dad'. Quickly I turned around and saw Matt, Chris, and Daniel. My son was running toward us like an unstoppable force. "No! Don't come near here!" I yelled, but I was too late. I watched as Matt ran into the barrier, then he just disappeared. Fear engulfed me. Where was he? What happened to him?

(Xavier)

I sat back in the chair after DJ left and sighed. Well dad, you were right. The FAYZ did come back after all. Almost none of the other kids will know what to do in this place. Now your plan is going to unfold. I will take over Perdido Beach, no matter the cost. I'll follow in your footsteps and become the well-known leader of the FAYZ. In fact, I just sent Adrianna to complete the first task. I put my hands behind my head. This is the life.

(Kate)

I remember when my dad would go to work and be away for a few days. Every morning, I would ask mom if dad was home. Finally, I asked her where he was all the time. "He's at the army place." She would say, "It's his job. He'll be back here soon."

Now, mom and dad was gone and they didn't even tell me where they were going. I just know I miss them like crazy. This is the only time I didn't have a babysitter to watch me. I stepped out of the house and looked back at it, searching for a hint of my parents. Needless to say, I saw nothing. Tears came out of my eyes as I started to walk down the street, looking for a companion.

(Max)

Everybody was at the plaza, so common sense told me to head there too. Teenagers and kids roamed around like a swarm of ants, but none of us knew what to do. Most people were yelling while some prayed and I didn't blame them. I wanted to do both. A gang of teenagers acted like idiots while announcing somebody's birthday. Then, there was a gasp from the crowd. I tried to see what happened, but I ended up hearing it.

"What happened?" One girl asked.

"He just disappeared…" Another remarked.

I didn't know what was going on, but I knew none of it was good. All of this was hard to believe. There was no way people could disappear like this unless it was act of God. Okay, that made better sense. Yet… I still didn't understand any of it. I watched as teens and kids looked at the spot where the teen disappeared. I didn't want to hear or see anymore of this confusion, so I left it all behind me as I walked back home.

(Daisy)

It was now a strange world, but it didn't scare me. I was used to seeing bizarre things like this in my head, like monsters and death. Sometimes, it would all become reality. These monsters and scenes of death terrified my parents, but they couldn't grasp the fact that I had no control over them. They told me numerous times to quit, but I couldn't. Soon, they ignored me. My life became lonely and I told myself it would all get better. Yet, deep in my heart, I knew I was living a lie. There was no purpose for me in the old world… but now… Maybe I could find a way to fit in. After all, it was a strange place and I was a strange person. This is where I belong. Forget the old world and live through the new.

(Matt)

The only thing I saw was my mom and I ran to her. She was yelling something, but I couldn't hear what she was saying. I came within a few feet from her when I felt something block my way. Waves of electricity surged through me as I pulled my hand back. I glanced at my hand, but I realized I couldn't see it. My whole body was invisible and I had no control over my own power. Chris and Daniel stopped in their tracks and looked at where I was. Only then did I realize my back was on the ground.

"Matt?" Chris asked.

I was too weak to talk. A blanket of darkness covered my mind and I couldn't see. My ears started to ring, my head throbbed, and the electricity never dulled. None of my senses was responding and I soon lost everything. I couldn't think or even move, but I wandered around in the darkness of my mind.

(Chris)

I didn't understand what happened, but I was terrified. My best friend just disappeared into thin air after stopping in his tracks. Desperate, I tried to follow Matt's footprints and I saw where they ended. Daniel grabbed me by the shoulder, "Don't take a step closer."

"But-his footprints end… Where is he?" I asked, still in a state of shock.

The older boy pulled me away, "I don't know. Come on, let's get back to the town. Matt's gone, there's nothing we can do."

"No… he's not gone." I said and pulled away. "Matt, come on man stop playing games… Please…" Daniel grabbed my shoulder again and dragged me away. My eyes focused on the spot where Matt should be, but I saw nothing. I turned my head and looked ahead, but I still refused to accept my best friend was gone.

(DJ)

Xavier and I made our way to the plaza, ready for what was about to come. The boy beside me seemed so confident it made me sick. Nobody should act like Xavier does, sure of themselves and what they were doing. Yet, this boy was so sure of everything that came his way. I already knew his whole plan, but I had a plan of my own. One where Xavier Soren was going to die.