This one went a little differently than I had originally planned out, so I hope you like it!

Chapter 28: Family

The abandoned warehouse was quiet, secluded and far enough from the main roads that traffic couldn't even be heard.

The quiet was disrupted, however, by Jim's uneven breathing. His heart was pounding and sweat was making his clothes stick to him as he jumped between disbelief that he'd gotten away with what he'd done, and questioning what the hell he was doing.

"Dammit...dammit…" he hissed, pacing as he'd been doing all night. Not for the first time, he glanced to the man lying unconscious by the wall, and looked away just as quickly, running a hand through his thinning hair. Jim then looked down at his phone, waiting for it to buzz, to ring, for something to happen.

'You work fast. I guess that's the looming threat forcing your hand,' Fresno Bob had sounded impressed, and entertained, and a flicker of pride had boosted Jim as he stood in the warehouse he'd found earlier that day. A perfect hideout after kidnapping someone.

"Now what?" Jim asked, somewhere between nervous and excited. Fresno Bob had chuckled at that.

'Now you wait there and keep out of sight. There's going to be high alert for a while. We'll need to keep our heads down to make sure that the Rangers, or that former B-Squad, don't come sniffing 'round thinking we're to blame. I'll be in touch,' there was a click as Fresno Bob hung up, and Jim had stared at the phone in his hand.

"How long is that going to take?" he hissed, the excitement fading and leaving nothing but the nerves behind.

Jim shook his head, mentally berating himself. This was his chance. He was finally safe. No more skulking around under the shadows of the Cartels. He'd be set up for life with the Cartels, he could move out of his crappy apartment and prove to Olivia that he was a capable father.

"Patience, Jimmy," he murmured to himself, turning his back on Heckyl. "You survived under Venjix' thumb for months. You can wait a while longer here," Jim told himself confidently.

The moment he stepped out of the Scorpion Cartel's base of operations, Spencer took in a deep breath.

"I'm impressed," Sky commented as he walked past him, brow furrowed. "You held it together better than I expected," he confessed, turning to the Gold Ranger and surveying his frustrated look.

"Thanks," Spencer replied, somewhat dry. "I hate that guy. Every time he talks I just want to…urgh," he complained. Sky managed a small smile, entertained by Spencer's heated reaction. "Are you sure we can't arrest him?" he asked hopefully.

"Working on it," Sky sighed quietly. "But there's a reason he's been in charge for so long," Spencer calmed himself a little, seeing how tired Sky was. "Bridge," they turned to the empath as he stepped out.

"You get anything?" Spencer asked hopefully.

"It was hard to figure out. He's very...hidden," Bridge tried to explain, and received two blank stares in response. Not like that was any different from the norm. "He knows how to keep himself blank, it's hard to read," he elaborated further, thinking about what he'd managed to glean from Fresno Bob as Sky and Spencer kept him talking. "But..something did feel different. He knew that Heckyl was missing, but…" Bridge's smile turned apologetic. "He doesn't know where he is," he confirmed.

"Dammit," Spencer slammed his fist against the wall. "Of course not. He knew we'd come after him, makes sense to keep himself in the dark," he growled.

"He'll wait till things die down to even consider stepping in. There's a reason he's been in charge for so long," Sky shook his head. "He thinks these things through. We'll need another lead. I'll have Syd surveilling the Scorpions for any kind of activity," Sky pulled his phone from his pocket.

"I'm going to join Kendall. See if we have any better luck there," Spencer sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Keep me updated," he requested.

"Of course. Good luck," Sky told him as he headed off, before looking to Bridge, who looked just as concerned.

Not for the first time, Koda shot Teddie a worried look. The White Ranger hadn't spoken a word in over an hour, and she was clearly exhausted after searching all night, after performing on stage, after defending the city from an Attackbot.

Eventually she stumbled, and he caught her, only for Teddie to push him away.

"I'm fine," she mumbled, and when she looked up, guilt stopped her from snapping at the caveman only trying to help. She had a suspicion that's why they had him stay with her. Not including Arianna, if there was one person who Teddie could never fight against, it was Koda. "Sorry…" she sighed, running a hand through her hair.

"Maybe...take break? Others still looking," Koda suggested, dark eyes filled with worry, for both Teddie and Heckyl.

"I can't," Teddie shook her head, and her smile was helpless. Reluctantly, Koda nodded, and the two kept walking, weaving around the alleys of one of the more shifty sectors of the city. Teddie was only half focused on where she was going, trying to pick up any sort of energy that was out of place. And with Koda's nose, they were one of the best equipped teams.

She was glad it was only Koda who accompanied her. Teddie was antsy and couldn't stop moving, with pressure inside ready to explode. Despite her exhaustion, she welcomed a fight. It had been a fear, since Corinth had been closed off and the Great Battle had ended, that someone would target Arianna or Heckyl, or her family and the former B-Squad. Dangerous people had settled in Corinth, rich and powerful, and the Cartels were just their runners.

A breath caught in Teddie's throat and her eyes started to sting. Cursing, she took a deep breath and willed herself to calm down, not letting it sink in. She couldn't stop, for risk of breaking down entirely. "H-hey Koda?" she managed to speak, and he looked around at her. "Thanks," she mumbled, taking another breath. Koda smiled warmly, reaching out and taking her hand.

"We will find him," he told her. Teddie just nodded, not trusting herself to speak.

Chase was just as quiet as his sister, and Olivia couldn't fault him for it. She held onto his hand as they searched another part of the city for any sign of Heckyl, searching for anything out of the ordinary.

"Why now?" Chase muttered, breaking the quiet between the two after Olivia had finished speaking with someone, having been asking if anything strange had happened overnight.

"Chase?" Olivia looked up at him, tilting her head a little.

"I just don't get why someone would go after Heckyl now," Chase sighed, stopping and looking around the industrial district. "We've been in this city for over a year now. Why now?" he wondered aloud.

"I guess...everyone's more relaxed now. The concert was the perfect time, and since Arianna is a Ranger now…" Olivia gave a shrug, not sure what to suggest. Chase gave a bitter laugh.

"Only those who don't really know them would think that made Arianna more of a threat than Heckyl," he said bitterly, and Olivia couldn't help but smile.

"You sure? Arianna packs a hell of a punch now. Training with Philip only made her stronger too, and she has Mercurian powers too," Olivia pointed out.

"I'm not saying 'Anna isn't a threat. Far from it. I wouldn't want to cross her," Chase said, reminded of when Jeremy had once angered the girl. "But I suppose from the outside, both are pretty non-threatening," he considered.

"Explains why they'd target Heckyl over any of the others," Olivia sighed. "We have to figure out a better way to find him than this. The city is too big to be searching like this," she shook her head as she complained.

"We're looking for anything out of the ordinary for now. Kendall and Dr. K are working on a better way to track him down. Kayden too," Chase tried to sound reassuring, but even he didn't feel entirely reassured by what he was saying. "We'll find him," he tried, squeezing her hand, before seeing a worker go by. "I'll try them," Chase let go, and jogged towards the man.

Olivia fidgeted as she looked around, seeing if anyone else was nearby to talk to.

"Teddie...I hope you're okay," she murmured, worried for her friend. She then jumped, letting out a cry, but the hand that had clamped around her mouth muffled it, and she was dragged away, struggling the whole time. But like the rest, she had been out all night searching, and her exhaustion left her weaker than usual.

"'Livi! Please, stop fighting me," she stopped, shock causing the fight to escape her, as her father hissed in her ear. He released her, pushing her through a doorway, and Olivia stumbled.

"Dad? What the hell are you doing?" she demanded, turning to stare at Jim.

"I was hoping to find you, but I didn't expect it to be this soon. I've finally gotten a chance, 'Livi," he smiled, oddly excited. "A chance to make something of myself, to be better. I can finally prove to you that I'm capable of providing and being there for you," Jim babbled on, and Olivia took a step back. There was a slight hysteria to the man.

"Dad, look, we can talk about this another time. Maybe somewhere with more people and less...creepy abandoned warehouse-like," Olivia took another step back. "Please, dad? I need to - Heckyl?" Olivia gasped, spotting him lying on the ground nearby. "Dad, what the hell have you done?" she demanded, sparing Jim a glance before running over to him.

"You...know him?" Jim asked slowly as Olivia rolled the young man over.

"Of course I do. Heckyl?" Olivia called, and cursed as she noticed the dried blood in his hair. "You hurt him?" she demanded, looking up at Jim.

"You don't understand, I-"

"You're working for the Cartels. That's your big chance?" Olivia was incredulous. "They're going to be the least of your worries when Teddie gets a hold of you," she muttered, turning back and shaking Heckyl. "Heckyl, wake up," she pleaded.

"That won't work, 'Livi. The sleeping pills I gave him are strong enough to keep him knocked out for at least a full day," Jim warned. Olivia didn't reply, terror making her mind go blank. She couldn't believe that her father was doing this. She didn't know what to do. Her heart jumped, when Heckyl stirred, letting out a groan. His eyes slowly opened, unfocused and heavy.

"Olivia?" he mumbled, looking confused and barely able to focus on her.

"What? No, no no, no, he shouldn't be conscious," Jim scrambled over, shoving Olivia aside. He then yelped, practically throwing himself backwards, as blue lights flickered in Heckyl's hand. However, they faded, and with a groan, Heckyl slumped again. "Okay, that's good," Jim was back to his feet and taking deep breaths. "I guess the water just...diluted the pills too much," he muttered to himself as Olivia checked on Heckyl.

"Dad," she turned to him, tears in her eyes. "Please, don't do this," she pleaded with him.

"Don't do it? Do what? Secure my safety and provide a better environment for my family?" Jim demanded, shaking a water bottle in his hand.

"Family? If you think that selling my friend will make me want to be a family? You were always a bit mental but this...that Venjix camp clearly messed with your head!" Olivia snapped at him. Jim stopped what he was doing, scowling.

"I've told you not to speak to me like that," he warned, approaching. "I am still your-"

"Enough!" Olivia snapped. "If you do this, I want nothing to do with you," she warned him. Jim gave a quiet laugh, and pushed her aside.

"You're too young to understand," he told her, crouching.

"No!" seeing him open the water bottle, Olivia threw out a hand without thinking. The water exploded out, making Jim cry out.

"Dammit...nothing is going right," Jim laughed bitterly, dropping the now empty bottle of water. He put his hands to his head.

"That's it. I'm going to get Chase," Olivia got up and stormed towards the exit. She almost reached the doorway, when her father's vice-like grip on her wrist stopped her.

"No, you're not. You're not going anywhere," Jim growled. Olivia stared at him, her heart slamming against her chest. She willed her magic, the same magic that had caused the water to explode, to appear, but nothing happened. She was too scared.

"Chase…" she whispered to herself as she let herself be pushed back, away from the door.

Chase was pacing by the time Teddie and Koda reached him.

"What happened?" Teddie demanded as she reached her brother.

"I-I don't know. I...she...it happened so fast," Chase rambled, not stopping as he spoke. "I went to speak with someone, find out if there was anything weird was going on around here. I turned around and she was gone," he finally stopped as Teddie grabbed his arms, blocking his path.

"Slow down bro. We'll find her," she soothed, staring up at him.

"How? We haven't even found Heckyl yet! I-" Chase stopped himself as he saw the hurt in Teddie's eyes. "Ted, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to…" he trailed off, feeling guilty. Teddie's arms went around him, and Chase relaxed a little.

"No, it's not your fault. This is all a mess," she sighed, hugging him tightly.

"We find her. We find them both," Koda threw his arms around the pair of them, making them laugh a little.

"Right," Teddie agreed, smiling a little. "Koda. Any idea what happened?" she asked as they stepped apart.

"She was right here," Chase led them over to where Olivia had been standing, and Koda sniffed the air.

"It hard...to tell. So many smells," Koda complained. "Olivia was here...wait…" he frowned, sniffing again in confusion.

"Koda?" Teddie tilted her head.

"It smell...like Olivia. But...different? Bad," he frowned, confused. Chase's curse made him jump, looking around with big eyes.

"Her dad. He must have grabbed her," he realised, and Teddie put her hands to her mouth. "Dammit. Can't we have any kind of quiet?" Chase demanded, and Teddie grabbed his arm.

"Chase, focus. Please. You can find her," she pleaded, trying to get him to calm down. "Use your magic. You're way better at it than me, or Spence. You can find her," Teddie insisted, making him look at her. "Please, focus," she pressed, and Chase closed his eyes.

"Okay," he murmured, and she stepped back.

"What he doing?" Koda asked quietly.

"Location spell," Teddie whispered back as Chase uttered the spell. Lights flew from his fingers, hovering where he remembered Olivia standing. They floated there for a moment longer, before darting back into the alleyway. "It worked," they followed the lights down the dark alleys, twisting and turning. "Koda, can you go find Spencer? We're going to need people more in charge than a Ranger to deal with this mess," Teddie whispered as the light stopped at a warehouse.

"Right," Koda nodded, turning and sprinting off.

"Ready?" Chase muttered to his sister.

"As I'll ever be," Teddie shrugged, and he pushed the door open.

Jim looked up sharply, having been fiddling with his phone, when the door clattered open. To his horror, Chase and Teddie stepped in.

"Chase! Teddie!" Olivia gasped.

"No...no!" Jim shrieked.

"Oli!" Chase ran over to her, helping her up. His gaze darkened when he saw the bruise by her cheekbone.

"Heckyl!" his eyes widened as Teddie ran past, throwing herself to the ground beside Heckyl. He groaned as she pulled him into a sitting position, slumping into her.

"Ted…" he mumbled. Tears stung at her eyes, and her anger grew. Hearing a noise, she turned to see Jim scrambling for the door.

"Oh, hell no," she threw out a hand, and the door slammed shut.

"I'm sorry," Olivia was sobbing into Chase's chest as Jim banged on the door, which refused to open. "I couldn't stop him," she managed to say.

"No...this was my chance! The Cartels will ghost me for this," Jim was still banging on the door.

"Heckyl?" Teddie tried, healing the injury on the back of his head while the man on the ground was too hysterical to notice.

"Sleeping tablets," Olivia sniffed, managing to calm herself a little. "He's been dosed, but it's wearing off faster than...than he expected," she wiped at her eyes.

"Now this," another voice rang out through the warehouse, and Teddie's eyes widened. "Has got to be my favourite scene yet," Siren stepped out of the shadows.

"What, you can see though that thing you call a mask?" she snapped, glowering warily at Siren. Olivia and Chase turned to her, frowning, as Jim didn't even seem to register their company.

"I can see more than you realise," Siren gave a condescending smile. "Chase Cameron Bly, former Black Dino Charge Ranger. Olivia Bridget Emily Murphy, former Forest Dino Charge Ranger. And I assume that heap at the door is James Murphy, with a bounty on his head of...oh, quite a lot really. I can see why he was helping the Cartel kidnap a rather dangerous alien," Siren laughed.

"Okay, I'm bored now," Teddie was on her feet, glaring at the Attackbot.

"Bridget Emily?" Chase snickered, and groaned as Olivia slammed her elbow into his gut.

"I'm Irish, shut up," she grumbled as they stood by Teddie.

"Guys, stand back," Teddie warned them.

"Not this time Ted," Chase shook his head. Her exhaustion was obvious. "The three of us can take her," he said confidently. Siren smirked.

"Oh, really? Can you take me on while dealing with them too?" she snapped her fingers, and Grinders burst in through the doors. "Get them!" Siren ordered.

"Dr. K, Siren's at my location. Can you send the rest of the team?" Teddie called into her Morpher as the Grinders rushed her.

'Ranger White, your energy levels are dangerously low. I would advise against Morphing right now,' Dr. K warned.

"Doctor, please," Teddie groaned, and there was a brief moment of silence.

'The closest to you are Dillon and Summer. They'll be with you in a few minutes,' she finally said as Teddie shoved a Grinder backwards.

"Thank you," she muttered, pulling an Engine Cell from her pocket. "RPM, GET IN GEAR!" Teddie Morphed, drawing her Nitro blaster and firing at the Grinders rushing her. "Chase!" she shouted, throwing it to him before calling on her hammer. It felt heavier than usual, but Teddie was fueled by her anger, slamming it into any Grinders that got too close to her.

Nearby, Olivia took a breath, willing her magic to work. This time there was a small tremor, and water burst from the pipes, slamming into the Grinders. They sparked and flailed, before lying still.

"Sure, now it works," Olivia muttered. Chase reached out and took her hand for a moment to squeeze, firing more blasts at the Grinders.

"There's nothing wrong with being scared, Oli," he told her carefully. Olivia huffed as she realised what he meant.

"Can you people ever make sense?" she complained, continuing to manipulate her magic.

"You're one of those people now, you know," Chase grinned, and she rolled her eyes. They looked around as they heard a scream, and found Jim being surrounded by Grinders. The pair exchanged looks, and sighed, before turning their attacks on those Grinders to free the man.

'Ranger White, your energy levels are falling steadily. You cannot keep this up for long,' Dr. K warned as Teddie dropped her hammer, breathing heavily.

"Just...until Summer and Dillon get here," she replied, before a shiver ran down her spine. Recognising the energy that suddenly filled the air, Teddie whirled around, and dread made her go cold.

"What's wrong, Ranger White?" Siren asked innocently, standing behind Heckyl, who was back on his feet. Blue lights danced around his fingers, and he gave a smile that screamed danger.

"What have you done?" Teddie hissed.

"Reminded him of a much more interesting part of himself," Siren smirked. "Go," she ordered, and Heckyl threw out a hand. His power lashed out towards Teddie, who dove aside. The Grinders surrounding her were hit instead, turning to dust.

"Oops," he drawled, and attacked again. This time it hit Teddie, who screamed as she slammed into the last of the Grinders, and her suit shattered as she hit the ground.

"What the-"

"Heckyl, stop!" Chase shouted as he approached the fallen girl. Teddie breathed heavily, pain burning her shoulder, and she looked up at him.

"You never were strong enough to stand up to me," he chuckled darkly, and with a flick of his hand he'd pulled the blaster from Chase's grip and tossed it aside. Teddie didn't speak, and instead she scrambled to her feet and sprinted away.

"Teddie!" Olivia shouted, but the door burst open and Teddie was gone in an instant.

"How human. Pathetic," Siren laughed. "Go after her and destroy her. Leave the Morpher, I'll bring that back to Venjix as a present," she ordered. Heckyl nodded and ran out after Teddie. "Have fun with that," she taunted the two still standing nearby, and vanished back into the shadows.

"What just happened?" Olivia asked, turning to Chase with a baffled look.

"Nothing good," he muttered, grim.

By the time Teddie stopped in the forest, her legs were shaky and weak, and she all but collapsed as she gasped for breath. She slumped back against a tree, trying to wrap her head around everything that had happened. Heckyl missing. Olivia missing. Olivia's father revealed to have taken both. Siren appearing and using her powers to manipulate Heckyl and turn him against her. And most of it happened in a matter of minutes.

Teddie's hands went to her head as she willed herself to keep calm. It was too much for her to handle. She was ready to explode, and she had no idea in what way.

"This is insane," she couldn't stop the hysteric laugh from bubbling free. "How much crazy do I have to put up with?" she complained to herself, before hearing noises nearby. Immediately she went on guard, slowly pushing herself to her feet despite her legs protesting.

"Teddie?" she heard the call nearby, to her relief.

"Over here!" she shouted to Ivan, who followed it until he came into view with Arianna. Immediately the Mercurian wrapped her arms around her, and Teddie slumped, letting her bear the brunt of her weight for a moment.

"Chase told us what happened," Arianna said softly, not pulling away as Teddie didn't indicate she'd be moving any time soon.

"Any sign of Heckyl?" Ivan asked, his hand on his sword as he cast a wary look around. Teddie shook her head.

"Not yet. He's stronger, but I'm faster," Teddie's smile was wry as she finally pulled away from Arianna. "How did you find me?" she asked.

"You always go to the woods when it's getting on top of you," Arianna said, and Teddie sat down again.

"Of course," she muttered, and both started as the tears started to pour down the White Ranger's face. "I can't do this," she buried her face in her legs, and Arianna crouched beside her. "I never wanted to be a Ranger again. The first time was hard enough. I can't do this anymore," she confessed through her cries. "Now I even have to fight Heckyl again. I can't!" she shook her head wildly at the thought.

"Teddie," Ivan crouched on her other side. "You can," he said firmly, putting a hand on her shoulder. "You can do this. You've never given up so far, I don't think you have it in you to give up now," he smiled confidently as she lifted her head.

"Ivan, I can't. I can't fight Heckyl again. I spent so long afraid that we would have to fight before he and Snide split," she admitted, voice shaking. Ivan smiled, putting a hand on her head.

"And don't you think he was afraid of that too?" he asked, making her eyes widen. "You two have a connection that makes me miss what I once had, and you can't give up on that now. You're the only one who can get through to him," Ivan encouraged. Teddie was quiet for a moment, before sighing and leaning her head back against the tree.

"I hate you and your wisdom," she complained, making him chuckle. "You're right," she agreed.

"Will you be okay?" Arianna asked, and Teddie forced a small smile.

"Always am," she said, which didn't entirely fill Arianna with confidence. Teddie shrugged. "I have to be. We're out of time," her words made Arianna frown, confused, before energy lit up in Teddie's hand and she hurled it. It exploded as it collided with the attack coming towards them.

"Stopped running?" Heckyl asked as he approached the three. Ivan drew his sword, looking reluctant, but Teddie put her arm out and took a step forward.

"I'll deal with him. Knowing Siren, she'll be lurking nearby. Keep an eye out for her," she warned tiredly, taking a few steps towards Heckyl as he smirked.

"You look tired, Teddie. Are you really willing to take me on alone?" he challenged as the air crackled with the power twisting around his hands.

"Of course. Didn't stop me before, and I was sleep deprived then too," Teddie's honest, quiet words seemed to catch him off guard, making his smirk fade a little.

"And you lost then too," he reminded her, making her laugh quietly.

"I got my Energem back. That was a win," she said, and threw an energy ball at him. He threw out a hand to hit it with his own powers, and Teddie shot forwards with more speed than her tired air had originally allowed. Using the power gathered in his other hand, he lashed out at her, but Teddie dodged it, pushing herself to get in close. He knocked her fist away as it got close to his stomach, and she pushed back quickly to dodge his retaliation.

"What, no powers this time? You are tired," Heckyl taunted as he saw Teddie already breathing heavier than usual. She didn't reply, rushing at him again.

"Heckyl please, stop this!" Arianna shouted over as Teddie flinched, a burn ripping through her jacket sleeve from his powers wrapping around her arm. He ignored her, dodging Teddie's punch, but her leg came up and slammed into his side, making him stagger to the side.

"Please don't make me do this," Teddie sighed as she stayed in a fighting stance.

"Do what?" he gave a laugh as he recovered. "You know you're no match for me," Heckyl let his powers charge up again. Teddie just sighed, blinking back tears.

"Heckyl!" Ivan shouted as Teddie kept close, hitting out to try and knock him off balance. The Knight glanced to Arianna, and back over as Heckyl grabbed Teddie's wrist. "Your pocket!" he pressed. Heckyl blinked, as if finally hearing him. He released his grip on the White Ranger, who stumbled backwards as Heckyl put one hand on his jacket pocket, and the other to his head as it throbbed.

"I-" he stopped himself just abruptly, shaking his head. "Nice try," he rushed Teddie with a snarl.

"Trying to distract him won't help, you know," Ivan and Arianna whirled around to see Siren nearby. Her mouth was twisted into a feral smile as she clearly enjoyed the show. "He's under my control. It'll take a lot more than that. Are you really content to sit on the sidelines and watch your sweet White Ranger be destroyed?" she taunted the pair.

"Such a lack of honour, seeking to have those who care for one another destroy each other, while you are content to sit back and watch," Ivan spat, disgusted as he raised his sword.

"You think I care for honour, Sir Ivan?" he was a little taken aback by her calling him by his name and title.

"She has the Ranger files," Arianna muttered, and his face turned grim again. "You're not sitting on the sidelines this time, Siren," the Mercurian vowed, lifting an engine cell from her pocket.

"Perfect. Two Morphers in one go, and I get to take down the Princess myself," Siren flicked her hair out of her way.

"RPM, GET IN GEAR!" Arianna Morphed, and she ran with Ivan at the Attackbot. Siren dodged their attacks, lashing out with her fists as she didn't lose her cocky smile, which only annoyed Arianna more.

"Lady Arianna," Ivan caught her as she stumbled backwards. "Do not let anger cloud your mind. We can stop her," he encouraged her, and Arianna nodded as an embarrassed blush burned her face. Not wasting time to berate herself for letting Siren get to her, instead Arianna pushed forwards again, focusing and dodging Siren's kick.

Well aware of the fight going on nearby, Teddie tried to keep her resolve and focus on fighting Heckyl. He was slower than usual too, which she put down to the last of whatever he'd been given, but he was still much stronger than her. She couldn't stop the cry as she was knocked back, tripping over a root coming out of the ground and falling over.

"Too bad all that power doesn't guarantee the skill to use it," Heckyl's idle words made Teddie's eyes widen. She looked up at his smirk. Teddie arched an eyebrow, keeping her face impassive.

"I guess the same can be said to you," she said quietly, and the root that her foot was resting on suddenly grew. It shot up and hit Heckyl, knocking him to the ground.

"Would you stop messing around and destroy her already?" Siren snapped as she saw him fall. She then jerked backwards, and saw some of her black hair flutter to the ground as she narrowly avoided the swing of Ivan's sword.

"Your opponents are Lady Arianna and I. I would advise you to focus on us," Ivan warned her as Siren's mouth twisted in a snarl.

"Oh I will. And you'll regret challenging me when she is destroyed," she warned.

Teddie bit back the groan of pain as she found herself shoved against a tree, looking up at Heckyl as he watched her, no longer smirking.

"I told you that I'd win," he said softly. Teddie was quiet for a moment, before suddenly breaking into a smile.

"Well in fairness, you don't have anything of mine to for me steal back," she said, and he chuckled.

"I suppose it can still end the same way…" Heckyl's voice grew quiet as he leaned in and kissed her.

"What?!" Siren let out a shout as Teddie grabbed his shirt and pulled him closer. "No! How?" she demanded, and turned to Ivan and Arianna, letting out a shriek that threw them off their feet.

"You did say it would take more to break your hold on Heckyl," Arianna laughed as she pushed herself to her feet. "I guess Teddie did just that," she taunted as Siren let out a frustrated scream. She turned to the pair, just as Heckyl and Teddie used their powers. The combined attacks threw her several feet away, and she landed in a heavy heap.

"You'll...regret this…" Siren warned as she slowly pushed herself to her feet, and ran off. Teddie then slumped, and Heckyl caught her, as the last of her energy seemed to fade.

"Thanks," she smiled up at him, relief bringing tears to her eyes.

"I'm sorry, attacking you was-"

"Are you okay?" Teddie cut him off, not letting him apologise. Heckyl didn't speak, staring at her, and then pulled her up into another kiss.

"I'm fine, are you?" he breathed before she kissed him again.

"I'm okay," Teddie insisted, despite having to hold onto him to keep herself from falling over.

"How did you break Siren's hold?" Arianna asked as she and Ivan approached, having made sure that Siren was gone.

"The shouting helped," he gave a small smile to the pair. "And once you have to compete for control with another being in one body, something as distasteful as a petty mind control doesn't stick too well," he shrugged.

"Maybe I can finally get some rest," Teddie muttered, making the others laugh.

"Yes, let us be done with this place," Ivan nodded, leading the way back through the forest.

"Hey, Heckyl?" Teddie spoke as she walked slowly, keeping a hold of his hand. He made a humming noise, glancing to her. "What did Ivan mean, about your pocket?" she asked, and immediately he stopped, eyes going wide.

"I…" he started, glancing to Ivan and Arianna as they turned around too, wondering why they'd stopped.

"What's wrong?" Teddie asked, worry starting to make her stomach churn again. She wasn't sure how much more she could take. Heckyl was quiet for a moment longer, before sighing.

"There's a tradition, or well, there was a tradition, on my planet," he started as he let Teddie's hand go. Making sure she wasn't about to collapse, he then turned to face her. Teddie was quiet, watching with tired eyes as he seemed to consider his words carefully. "It involves the eldest family member of your partner's family, and their closest friend," he glanced to Ivan and Arianna briefly, and Teddie remembered Chase's comment about Heckyl wanting to speak with Ivan. She tilted her head, confused. "One part involves returning to where you first realised you cared for each other, but, well, can't really do that," he shrugged.

"What are you talking about?" Teddie was confused, and couldn't understand why her heart was pounding so hard.

"I suppose this forest is an acceptable replacement," Heckyl glanced around, and took a deep breath. "You asked what was in my pocket. Well…" Teddie's heart suddenly felt like it stopped as he went down on one knee and pulled a small box from his pocket. "Marry me," he whispered as he opened the box to reveal a beautiful ring, the silver shaped like a vine. Teddie's legs immediately gave out and she fell to her knees in front of him, eyes wide.

"I-you-I-this-"

"I don't think I've ever seen Teddie this speechless," Arianna giggled to Ivan.

"She is as flabbergasted as Iris, when I asked her. It's interesting to see how similar they are, after so many generations," he whispered back, which made Arianna giggle more. They looked back up, as Teddie suddenly threw her arms around Heckyl, knocking them both to the ground.

"I think that might be a yes," Arianna giggled. Having long forgotten that they had an audience, Teddie pulled him up to her by his collar to kiss him.

"Is that a yes?" Heckyl chuckled against her mouth.

"Of course it is, you idiot," Teddie laughed. Laughing too, he got up, lifting her with him.

"As happy as I am for the pair of you," Arianna started as she was suddenly on Teddie, hugging her tightly. "Can we please get back now?" she requested, making Teddie laugh more, giddy.

"Sure," she agreed.

At least he thought to talk to the best friend first, unlike a certain someone .

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