Serena pushed and prodded her way through mound of partygoers, her emerald green eyes darting about anxiously for any sign of Vanessa. She stumbled into yet another pool of clear, freezing liquid and put a hand to her forehead. Clenching her teeth at the chill that was now creeping its way upon her ankles, she wrapped her arms tightly around her bare shoulders, protecting herself from the cold. The unanswered questions in her mind created an agonizing frenzy, much like the chaos that she had encountered when attempting to explore Vanessa's thoughts. What exactly was the Fusion and when would it reach its full extent? Did Stanton know about this? Would he have enlightened her if he did? She groaned and pressing her back against a cold, stone apartment building, stared up into a dark oblivion, the glitches flashing across the sky like twinkling stars. Her eyelids soon became restless and suddenly rest didn't seem like such a bad idea. After all, she hadn't slept in days now and her body hadn't been restored to its full health. Closing her eyes, she began to drift off. That is until she caught a flicker of gold disappearing into a nearby alleyway.

"Vanessa", she croaked from her half sleep state. Completely alert now, she pushed herself from the building, across the crowded street and through the alleyway. She paid no mind to the numerous curses and angry scowls that she had received in doing so. All that mattered is that she reached Vanessa in time to uncover the cause for her strange behavior. She prayed that it was nothing serious. A person in Vanessa's state could bring more harm to herself than the Atrox could ever manage. Serena grimaced, suicide crossing her mind. No, she thought to herself. Vanessa wouldn't. She had too much optimism. Too much pride. Still Serena, bit her lip, her tongue ring clicking worriedly over her teeth. She remembered that gaunt, empty stare in Vanessa's usually bright eyes. She remembered the sacrifice. Would Vanessa go through with it without her? She swallowed hard. She wanted to do it, but she didn't want to do it alone. "Vanessa!" she called again, bewildered by the fear wavering throughout her voice. They were running out of time. She wished for Catty and hot tears stung her eyes. A scream arose from the distance and Serena glanced up, alarmed by the sudden cry in her wake. There standing before an awestruck Vanessa, moved a string of people, each of them chained to each other, as if tied to a prison line. Various teenage followers danced around them, laughing, taunting them, and dosing them with cans of paint and other less desirable substances. Serena averted her attentions to the living chain, her eyes narrowed in concentration. She watched as a young girl, no more than sixteen, sobbed freely, her cries piercing into the night to blend with a chorus of other ghastly screams. Serena flinched at the combination of screeching wails. Were they followers? Wrenching her attentions from the twisted orchestra, she saw a little boy weeping softly, strings of dry tears staining his pale features. His innocent eyes were full of pain and confusion, no doubt having been ripped away from his mother. Stumbling, he fell to the ground, clear liquid splashing up from the surface. At this he began to sob harder, unable to lift himself up. Serena's eyes widened, realizing that he would be trampled. Without haste, she ran towards the chain when cold, slender fingers took her by the shoulder. She immediately spun around in surprise. "Vanessa!" she gasped. "What are you-"

"Shhh", Vanessa put a finger to her lips and pointed back towards the line.

"But-" Serena silenced as she watched a young woman pulling the boy up from behind and whispering something softly into his ear. At this, the child's cries were immediately stifled and he continued to walk on, feebly, but unwavering. The woman winced as the shackles cut deeper into her skin, yet she still smiled down on the boy, determined not to show him fear or uncertainty, a mother's burden. Serena gave a half smile, both joyful and sorrowful as she fought back burning tears. No, they weren't followers. These were her people.

"I don't understand", Vanessa whispered as they both gazed on wistfully at the chain. "Why did they bring them here?"

Serena could sense the anger steaming in her sister's voice and felt it building in her own. "Slavery no doubt".

Vanessa scowled, her torn fingernails biting into her palms. "We have to stop them". There was an excruciatingly long pause at this before Serena finally broke the silence.

"There's only one way".

"I know", Vanessa stared dejectedly down at the wet, dirt foundation.

"So?"

"I will", she sighed. "If it means protecting them I will".

Serena nodded. "I feel the same way". They sat in silence for what seemed to be forever. Serena tilted her head after a while, realizing that she had forgotten her purpose in being there. "Where were you going?"

Vanessa gradually looked up from the ground, her azure eyes quivering with tears. "I heard him. He called me"

Serena cocked an eyebrow. "Who?"

She raised a hand to wipe her eyes with the back of her palm. "He-" She suddenly ceased in mid- sentence, her eyes wide.

"What is it?" Serena turned to follow her expression, when a hand took her roughly by the mouth.

"Mmmph!" she struggled to scream, unable to spin around to face her attacker.

"Relax", a familiar voice whispered into her ear. "It's only me".

Recognition filling her eyes, she let her body fall limp. "Collin?" She wrenched from his grasp and spun around to see her older brother staring down on her. He nodded and without hesitation, she embraced him, long withheld tears flowing down her cheeks. "I thought you were…"

"I know", he whispered, his voice hoarse. He pulled away, obviously weakened by the strength of her grip. He had obviously endured his share of obstacles, judging from the various mars and bruises tarnishing his legs and arms. His jeans had been slashed and ripped as well as his black T. His person was lame and wilted, no doubt due to swollen tendons, and where hope and cocky humor had once shined, were red and tired pools of grief. "I escaped", he muttered and them motioned towards the human string in blatant disdain.

"I'm glad you did", she sighed, holding on tightly to his hand. Now that he was there, she would protect him to the best of her abilities. She wouldn't lose anyone else. She had lost too much already.

"Are you alright?" he asked, running a pale finger through her dark, scarlet curls.

She nodded. "Of course".

"I knew you'd be, kiddo". They both gave a painful bout of forced laughter at his attempt to rekindle their former life. Serena closed her eyes, more tears rising to the surface. It would never be the same.

"So", he started, his tone becoming more serious. "How's Jimena?"

Serena tensed, her throat tightening. He didn't know. Of course he didn't know. He wasn't there when… She trembled, helplessly struggling not to let her tears run free. Why was he doing this to her? Why? Why? Why?

"Serena…"

Collin.

"Collin", she spoke, her voice wavering.

She's dead.

"She's…" her voice trailed off.

"Oh…" he mumbled as if entranced. His eyes were gazing over the twinkling stars, but she doubted if that's what he truly saw there. No. He saw Jimena. He saw her laughing. Dancing. Giving him that annoyed look that he adored so much. At least he held fond memories of her. Each time Serena struggled to revive a recollection, she received cruel images of her best friend laid out, blood spilling upon the pavement. And there were those eyes. Those blank, empty eyes, staring into nothingness. They would never sparkle again.

"Collin", she put a hand to his shoulder. "I'm sorry". At this, he turned away from her, his arms folded. She sighed as he tried desperately to veil his emotions.

"I'm fine", he breathed, barely a whisper. She highly doubted that.

"Collin", she began, deciding to move on to more important matters. She would no longer dwell in the past. "Vanessa and me-"

"Vanessa?" Collin spun around to face her. "Where is she?"

Serena's eyebrows furrowed. Then, turning around, she realized that Vanessa had vanished. "Not again", she moaned.

"I'll take the right. You take the left".

"No", she spoke determined and unwavering. "You stay put. You're wanted, remember?"

"Serena-"

"Collin, please"

He paused. "You sure you'll be alright?"

She nodded. "Stay here", she warned and with that, she gave him a small hug despite his flinching and grimaces and hurried off towards the chain. The sound of tortured moans and wails tore at her ear drums once again and she couldn't help, but to curse at the headache it was giving her. She finally spotted Vanessa near the line. Serena's eyes widened when she realized that she was talking to someone.

"Vanessa", she called, but the golden haired goddess took no heed to her shouts and continued on. Serena, growing closer, could finally make out the person that she was talking to.

"Michael", she whispered in awe. No wonder she had disappeared.

"He was calling me", Vanessa smiled, tears in her eyes. Serena smiled back. Vanessa finally had some hope that she wasn't alone in the world.

"Vanessa?" Michael coughed, his eyes frightened and scared. His usually soft, dark tresses were in disarray over his head. A La Brea High football jersey hung limp on his body. "I-"

"Don't speak". Vanessa put a finger to his lips and turned desolately to Serena. "They've drained him".

"Drain?" Michael asked, confused.

"I missed you". Vanessa threw her arms around him, tears spilling from her large, blue eyes. "I missed you so much".

"Vanessa?" he muttered again, trembling at her touch.

"We have to get him loose", she pulled away and stared at Serena, determined.

"Right", she agreed. "But how?"

Vanessa didn't respond, too busy examining the shackles. She finally pointed to a symbol engraved into the iron steel, snakes curving about a large staff. "What does this mean?"

Serena cocked an eyebrow. She had seen the symbol before, no doubt scanning through Collin's numerous books of mythology and ancient runes. "I think it means magic oriented".

Vanessa frowned. "So we need to use magic to release him?"

"No", a voice came from behind them. "You just need a password".

"Collin", Serena scowled at him. "I thought I told you to stay put".

"What am I? Your dog?" He scowled. Serena just grinned at him, amazed at how he could even think of using humor under the circumstances. "Besides you looked like you needed some help", he countered, examining the mark. Then as if speaking in his native tongue, he casually parted his lips to say "Liberum". With that, the shackles fell from Michael's arms. Puzzled, he stumbled for a moment before slumping over Vanessa's shoulder.

"It's okay", she whispered into his ear, running her fingers through his tangled tresses.

"Vanessa", he breathed in the scent from her long, white T and rested his head against her bosom. Then, before they could make another move, Collin grabbed Serena by the arm.

"They're coming".

She looked up to see an angry mob of followers headed their way. "Come on". They all began to sprint across the muddy ground. Serena finally hit the side of a stone building, her breath ragged.

"We've got trouble", Collin murmured. She turned to see Vanessa struggling to support a wayward Michael.

"Vanessa", she called, but before she could run to her side, Collin took her by the shoulders.

"If you go out there, you'll be killed".

Serena wrenched from his grasp, but it was too late. She gaped as four followers: Kelly, two hardcore punker guys, and a tall brunette in a thigh high mini, approached them. The brunette kicked Vanessa from Michael's side, a viciously wicked smirk playing on her lips. "Another escapee?" She took Michael by the neck and pulled him to his feet. "How did you escape?"

"Put him down!" Vanessa threatened.

Kelly rolled her eyes. "And who are you? His mother?" They all seemed to think this was funny with the exception of the brunette who stepped forward to face Vanessa.

"The fallen goddess, I presume?"

Vanessa winced at this, but determined not to falter, she kept her eyes strong and challenging. "I haven't touched the ground yet"

The girl gave a chilling high- pitched giggle. "Cute".

"Don't hurt her".

They both slowly spun around to see Michael pulling himself from the ground. "Vanessa, run. You have no idea of what you're up against".

The followers snickered at his confusion.

"I do", Vanessa whispered, stepping towards him. "I-"

"Vanessa, you have to get out of here!"

Another giggle arose from behind them. "Why don't you listen to him, Vanessa?" Smirking, as if daring her to a challenge, she slipped a pale slender arm around Michael's shoulder and raised an eyebrow. At this Vanessa's eyes glowed red.

"Don't touch him!" She reached for the girl's arm, but apparently she was too fast. Instead the girl sent a searing blow across her face, sending her flying into a liquid pool.

"Vanessa", Michael yelled before turning to scowl at the girl. She only tilted her head and lifted a hand to beckon him. Narrowing his dark eyes, he ran at her, his fists, his only defense.

"Michael, no!" Vanessa called from her place upon the ground, but it was too late. Serena stared in terror as a thread of dim light pierced through his chest. Stumbling back, he fell to the ground beside Vanessa. She immediately cradled his head in her lap and attempted to revive him. The followers simply laughed, a mirthless sound, and walked off in the other direction.

"Stuck up bitch", Kelly spat at Vanessa as they vanished into the distance.

"That's like the hundredth one today", one of the guys laughed, tossing a long, blue ponytail over his shoulders.

Serena scowled in disbelief and disgust. How was it possible to poke fun at death and misery?

Vanessa leaned down to plant a kiss upon Michael's forehead, blonde wisps falling over her distressed eyes. "Michael, please".

"Vanessa?" He choked out her name, a few speckles of blood dotting his lips.

She started to sob as a pool of looming red mingled with the clear liquid, creating the appearance of rose colored crystal. Holding him tighter, she bowed her head in prayer. "Alma mater dirige nos. Alma mater dirige nos".

Serena trembled at her feeble attempts. Been there. Done that. She watched as Vanessa's tears streamed down her cheeks and onto the dying Michael. But this was no fairytale. Regardless of heartfelt tears and soul shattering cries, things would remain the same and Michael would be just another victim to fate's cruel scheme.

"Michael, please", Vanessa sobbed, rocking him back and forth. "Don't leave me".

"I'm sorry", he whispered frailly, his eyes growing bleaker each moment passed. "I only meant to protect you".

She gave him a warm, yet trembling smile. "And you did"

He gave a weak grin in return. "Did I?"

She nodded, unable to suffice her whimpers. He raised a shaking hand up to brush her hair and she took hold of it gently to steady him.

"I'm glad I got to see you one last time"

"Don't say that"

"Even if it was like this"

"Michael"

"I'll love you forever", he gently took a tear from her cheek with his fingertip and kissed it. "I want you to have this". He motioned to an amber Native American medallion hanging around his neck.

"Michael, I can't"

"Vanessa-"

"It's yours"

"It's ours". He took it and tenderly placed it around her neck. Then groaning, he took his spot back upon her lap. "I love you".

"Michael, wait"

He clutched her hand tightly. "Promise me. Forever".

"Michael". She was sobbing now.

"Promise me"

"Forever", she whispered, and with that, his grip loosened, his eyelids closed.

"No" Vanessa's cries ricocheted throughout the night, ascending over the tortured chorus or the malicious glee of the Atrox. It slit through the darkness, halting every shadow dead in its tracks. For this was what true suffering was, and not even the darkest shadow could shroud it.

Collin turned to Serena, his eyes so emotional, that it almost hurt her to stare directly into them. "Is this how she went?"

Serena stared out at Michael spread upon the muddy ground, swimming in his own blood. She moaned as flashbacks surged through her like bolts of electricity, each one more powerful than the last. "Something like that", she choked through tears.

"Serena". He was trembling now, tears rimming his eyes. She wrapped her arms around him and he fell into hers, deeps cries arising from his throat. Serena wept even harder. She had never seen her older brother cry before. Even when their mother had left them, he still remained strong and unwavering. And now here he was sobbing like a baby. She gave him a half smile as a lifetime's animosity and remorse poured out onto her shoulder. She lifted a quivering hand and patted him on the back as he had comforted her so many times before.

Don't worry, kiddo, We'll be okay. More tears burned her eyes at the memory, but this time for a different reason.

"We'll be okay", she whispered into his ear.

He looked up.

Are you sure?

"Are you sure?"

She nodded. "Mmm hmm".

And then facing the right, they turned just in time to see Vanessa praying over Michael's dead body as his soul rose to the sparking heavens to discover a peace that he had never found there on Earth.