Alek stared in shock as Dylan collapsed in the snow. He was strongest person he knew. How could he faint from a mere cold? Bauer had picked him up, and sheltered him underneath a nearby tree. Dr. Barlow had insisted she take care of him. They made a make-shift tent, and she tended to him while everyone else stood guard. The anticipation was slowly eating up everyone's spirits. Finally, Dr. Barlow came out of the tent. Her brow was scrunched up, and she looked extremely worried.

"How is he?" Alek asked. She shook her head "He shouldn't have caught a cold that fast. And I have never seen somebody as sick as that. We need help. Let's pick up our tent, and try to find a nearby village. I am pretty sure Medley is somewhere around here."

They slung Dylan around Bauer's neck, seeing as he was the strongest. They spent the whole day headed north, not even stopping for lunch. Once night has fallen, they found some lights up ahead. They rushed to the nearest building, and pounded on the door. A short lady answered with a surprised face, but when she saw Dylan, ushered them inside.

She put the boy on the couch, and introduced herself, her husband and her daughter. "My name is Maria, this is my husband Bennett, and this is my daughter, Isabella. Excuse my prying, but what happened to him?" Dr. Barlow quickly introduced everyone, and explained what had happened to Dylan. Maria slowly nodded.

"We have some extra clothes he can use. Izzy, could you please go get them?" The girl nodded, and rushed out of the room. Dr. Barlow whispered something in the other lady's ear. "Oh, I see!" she exclaimed, and they scooped Dylan up, and sped him out of the room. At their questioning looks, Bennett shrugged. He and Alek began to chat, while Volger and Bauer admired the decor.

The man explained this was a military town. He was the Admiral. When he asked why they were here, Alek glanced at Volger. The man began to describe their mission. Bennett nodded his head. "I will ask my troops what they think of your request. But we will have to take this to the government. I'm afraid you crash landed in the wrong province. As for the girl, I'm afraid I can not help you." While they were discussing more pressing matters, Maria came in and said they could see Dylan.

Alek hurried out of the room, and followed her up a narrow stair case. The walls were decorated with pictures. Everything was colourful, and cheerful. He turned right, opened the door, and gasped. Dylan was lying in bed, extremely pale. Maria pursed her lips together. "The cold has not been very nice to your friend. He has a fever, and isn't going to recover fast. You might have to stay here a while." Everyone else filed in behind him. The family offered for them to stay for a while, as they were on the outskirts of town. They all happily agreed.

The house was large. Even though the bed was very comfy, Alek had trouble falling asleep. He couldn't get Dylan out of his mind. The boy had looked so weak, and kept on waking up, then falling back asleep. He couldn't take it anymore. He got up and went to Dylan's room.

Alek watched the boy sleep, a strange calm flooding over him. Normally Dylan was bouncing off the walls, on some crazy adventure or teasing Alek. Now, he seemed peaceful. It pained Alek to see his friend like this. It reminded him of a few books his mother had read. They had always been super sappy, and the hero and heroine always died. He had always found those books funny. Now, it made him feel the character's pain and sorrow.

He looked out the window, and judging by the blackness of the night, decided it was around twelve. But since he was in a strange, new country, he wasn't so sure. While star gazing, he noticed a strange glow in the forest. He glanced at Dylan, before heading out the front door. He didn't think he would need one. He was so wrong.

By the time he reached the strange glow, he regretted not getting a jacket. The closer he got, the louder a humming got. When he was close to the light, he hid behind an old Evergreen. What he saw shocked him.

In front of him was a girl. But not just any girl. It was Isabella. And there she was, singing her heart out. Alek hadn't seen her hair before that. It had been concealed underneath a winter tuque. It was cut like Dylan's, and was a multitude of colors. When he looked for the glowing source, he saw that… it was her hair! He gasped, and slowly went back to the house. His mind was racing. No wonder Bennett didn't want to help find the human fab! It was his 'adopted' daughter!

He shook his head, and refused to think about it until morning. Without even noticing it, he had walked back to Dylan's room. He resumed his place by the bed.

He was on the verge of sleep when he heard a few desperate cries. Beside him, Dylan was screaming into the pillow. Alek only heard a few words, but could tell it was a night mare. He gently shook Dylan awake. The boy stared at him. He was surprised to see that the boy was… crying.

Trying to ease the tension, Alek gently asked "What was your dream about"? Sobbing, Dylan described how everyone was burning. And in the midst of it all, his dad was telling him to save himself. Once Dylan had calmed down, he asked "Who are you"?

He then began ranting about the Leviathan, his brother (or was it cousin?) and finally his mom. Alek began to panic. His best friend was going insane. He wasn't acting like himself at all. His voice was squeaky, and he was acting like a little girl. Alek got up to get Maria, but the boy grasped his hand, begging him to stay and live. Not knowing what else to do, he obliged, and fell asleep holding the other boy's hand.

This is the longest fic I have ever written. Yay!