DISCLAIMER: I DON'T OWN THE DARKEST POWERS SERIES

I haven't been on Fanfiction in forever but I've decided to make a comeback. Anyhow, this is the first story I decided I loved too much to watch end. Here's a continuation of The Darkest Powers. Read, Review, Remember ;)

Thanks!

"Chloe…"

I rolled onto my side, face to the wall, and pulled the blankets up tighter. Why was it so cold in here? Slowly, I began drifting back into a dreamless sleep.

"Chloe…"

The foggy mess that was slowly becoming my mind began to separate. Did I hear something? I lay there, unmoving, just listening. Nothing. I closed my eyes and begged sleep to take me but there was a nagging feeling in my gut tugging me awake.

"Okay. Okay." I mumbled, flipping over and sitting up. I peered around the dark room, looking for any sign of, well, anything. There was obviously some reason I couldn't fall back asleep. The hotel room was dark. The only shapes I could make out were the lamp beside my bed, Tori's sleeping form in the next bed, and the recliner in the corner under the window. I could hear Aunt Lauren's slow breathing coming from the chair and I knew she was asleep as well. So then, what had woken me?

"Chloe!"

I jumped. I'd definitely heard something. Part of me wanted to huddle back under the covers and wait for whatever ghost it was, to leave. But then another part of me knew I needed to investigate. I stood, bare feet against the cold hard floor. I tried feeling around for my shoes using my feet, but after bumping the stand beside my bed, and having to catch a toppling lamp, I gave up on them. I didn't need to wake Aunt Lauren or Tori. I crept to the door and opened it slowly, hoping to avoid any noises. The door stayed quiet, not one creak. I slipped out into the hallway and shut the door softly behind me, praying the lights in the hall didn't wake Tori or my aunt. I stood there a moment, listening for any sign of movement from in our room. Naturally, my eyes slipped over to the next door, and my heart thudded against my chest. Wake up Derek before you go exploring. I hushed my conscience.

I knew he'd be upset with me for trying to handle this on my own but the fact of the matter was that I'd have to learn someday. I couldn't always run to Derek for help. I turned on my heel and began to go down the hall but a figure stepped in front of me. I skidded to a halt.

"Chloe?" Simon looked at me confusedly. I did my best innocent-surprised look.

"Oh… S-Simon," I mentally kicked myself, "W-What are you d-doing…" I stopped. Come on Chloe! Get it together! "What are you doing out here in the middle of the night?"

"I could ask you the same thing." Simon retorted, looking concerned. "Was there a…?"

"No", I answered quickly, "I mean, I don't know. I was…"

"On a ghost adventure?" Simon's face lit up, all smiles. He was genuinely excited. He always seemed to miss out on all of the other adventures.

"Uh, yeah, but…" I spared a glance back at his door and Simon seemed to catch on. He tugged at my arm and led me down the long hallway. We made a right turn and went down a couple flights of stairs, all the while listening for Derek's heavy footfalls behind us. When we stopped, we paused to make sure he hadn't heard us and followed.

"Coast is clear." Simon pronounced proudly. I couldn't help myself, I laughed.

"Now what?" I asked. He shrugged.

"I don't know. What do you normally do next?" he asked.

"Get attacked, witness a murder, the usual."

Simon laughed. "Okay, what did you see?" he asked, giving us somewhere to start. Only…

"Nothing."

"But I thought you said…" he started.

"I heard something. My name…"

"Who was it? Anyone we know?" he asked. I shrugged.

"I couldn't tell. It was more like, shouting maybe?" I rubbed my arms, remembering the sound.

"You're shivering. Where's your jacket?" Simon asked.

"I forgot…" I looked down at myself. I was in my rainbow and unicorn pajamas. I felt my face flush. I really needed to replace these. Not only were they embarrassing but the person that had bought them for me had tried to kill me, but that was a completely separate issue.

"Well", Simon said, "do you want to try contacting whoever it was?"

"Okay." I looked around the room for any sign of a ghost. No shadows or shimmers or anything. "Um… Is anyone there?" I asked.

"Chloe?" The voice was confused sounding, and almost sounded male, but other than that, it was too quiet to make out.

"Yes. I'm here. Who…?"

"Help… Chloe… can't…"

"I can't understand." I frowned. I looked around and caught a glimmer to my right. I tried concentrating on that form and tried to pull it through.

"Chloe…" The voice grew deeper; definitely male.

"Who is it?" Simon asked excitedly. I waved him quiet, concentrating on the ghost. I closed my eyes and gave a stronger tug.

"Chloe?!" The voice was clear now and I instantly knew who it belonged to. My eyes flew open. My heart would recognize that voice anywhere.

"D-D-Derek?" I shook. Simon jumped.

"What?!" Simon's face grew dark as he stared at me in disbelief. I could only imagine the same look as his being plastered on my face. Horror.

Derek's sad eyes looked up at me, almost glowing emerald, contrasting his black shirt. I took a shaky step forward.

"Can you see him?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

"What?" Simon asked, in shock, eyes searching the area.

"I said, can you see him?!" shouting now. Simon looked around frantically. I turned to him.

"Who?" he asked, eyes resting on mine. I saw fear in them.

"Derek!" I shouted, taking my frustration and panic out on him. "Do you see Derek?" I pointed to him in front of me, but as I pointed he shifted forward and my finger went right through his chest. I stared at that finger.

"Chloe!" Simon was shaking me. I couldn't move. Couldn't breathe. I turned my head slowly to face Simon, but wasn't seeing him. "Chloe, please! I don't see anyone. Did you say you see Derek?!"

I nodded slowly. The weight of the situation sinking in. Simon let go of my shoulders and bolted to the stairs, taking them two at a time. I turned back to Derek's ghost but it was gone. Tears filled my eyes but I needed to follow Simon. I needed to find Derek's body. I stumbled up the stairs, unseeing. When I reached the top I bolted to the boys' room and found Simon had already gone inside.

"What?" A voice boomed. My heart sank. Had Derek realized he was dead now that he'd seen his body? I felt like my heart was exploding and I couldn't seem to move. I collapsed to my knees, crying uncontrollably. I heard a few heavy footsteps running toward me, Simon's voice off in the distance, a commotion, but none of it made sense or even mattered. Derek was gone… just… gone.

"Chloe?" A hand cupped my face and lifted it. I looked up and found Derek standing there in front of me, holding my face in his hand, worry painted all over his face. I blinked a couple times, unsure of what was going on. Before I could help myself I tried poking through his chest again. A thud. Flesh. He was flesh. He wasn't dead. I jumped into his arms and hugged him tightly, him returning the embrace.

"I… I… I thought you were d-d-d-d…" I couldn't say it. After a moment, Derek pulled back, eyes searching mine, concern clear on his face. I looked around and saw Mr. Bae standing behind him and knew without looking that my aunt was to my side.

"What did you see?" He asked.

What indeed.

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