A/N

Why haven't I finished this shit yet...

Chapter 20: Dusk before the Dawn

Running into the commons was like walking into the middle of a nuclear blast. It was mesh of fighting, shimmering of golden blades against cobalt scales. Screaming, crying, the metallic clinks of sword against sword echoed across the open room. Somehow the noise seemed to excite Mitch and Jerome as they grinned brightly. They wanted to join in the mess, you could see the glimmer in their eyes. It was like holding back dogs from chasing a squirrel.

"This is chaos…" whispered Ashley, surveying the damage. "What are we supposed to do?"

"Fight!" cheered the two, glancing to me.

"Go on then," I sighed, rolling my eyes.

The two jumped over the railing of the balcony, taking out a few enemies on the way down. They entered the fray, cutting a path through the mosh of people. Ashley and I exchanged looks. I was not surprised by their eagerness but rather their efficiency. Ashley seemed mostly shocked let I let them join.

"Now what?"

"Now…" I muttered. "Let's find Dawn."

Ashley grinned, brandishing her bow. "I've got you covered."

We descended the balcony stairs, seeping into the conflict. I had no weapon, mostly ducking behind Ashley when things got too sticky for me to proceed. I would peer up at her, watch the strands of stray hair in her face swish in the wind coming from the bow's string when it fired, the focus in her eyes like computerized targeting systems, and that slight grin that would form when an arrow successfully embedded itself into the chest of a clone. Hardly a drop of sweat on her brow. How could I have not seen how amazing she was before?

"See her? Is she even in this mess?" gasped Ashley as we pressed forward.

"She's like a general," I instructed. "She has to be giving them instructions. She hasto be here somewhere."

"There!"

Ashley redirected her bow, taking out the squid directly in front, revealing Dawn standing near the corridor leading to the kitchen. She stood, chin slightly raised as she watched Sky fight his doubleganger directly in front of her. It was like an emperor watching gladiators fight for her amusement. It burned me to see her treat either in such a way. Both were so devoted to her, and she treated them like toys, made to be played with until broken and then scrapped.

"Move!" Ashley ordered.

My legs rushed forward, mind working out what to do once I reached them. Would I aid Sky in defeating his twin or do I stop Dawn from escaping? If I did one, would the other end poorly? Approaching them, I made the quick decision. I slid under Sky and his doubleganger, jumping up and standing before Dawn.

"My, my, aren't you a surprise," she hummed, shaking her head. "I expected nothing less of you."

"What do you know about me?"

"More than you think…"

I was getting tired of people knowing more about me than me. I charged her, but she dodged without so much as a glance. It was as if I was a bug pestering her. She began walking away, apparently done with the conversation. I chased her. My first instinct was to tackle but thought that she'd likely dodge the same as before. So instead of going straight for grabbing her, I decided to kick her out.

Sliding forward, I kicked my leg out, slipping my foot between her steps. She stumbled as I leapt back to my feet. As she regained balanced, I grabbed her, wrapping my arms around her and lifting her slightly. She kicked, growling at me. I felt each hard beating against my shin, but with the amount of adrenaline running through me, I could hardly feel the pain. It was numb.

"Jane!"

Peering around Dawn's head, I spotted Cliff running down the hall. She held a potion bottle filled with a darkened liquid. Upon her approach, Dawn grimaced, struggling to pull away. My grip was as tight as I could manage but I could feel it breaking. I wouldn't be able to hold her for much longer.

"Cliff, what's that?"

"The cleansing potion," grinned Cliff, lifting it to Dawn's mouth. "Now hold her still…This should work."

"Should?" I snapped. I didn't mean to snap at her, I suppose I was just tired of this mess.

"Let me be, witch!" cursed Dawn, shaking her head as Cliff raised the potion.

"I said…" Cliff used her spare hand to grip Dawn's jaw, squeezing to open it and pour the liquid in. "Hold…still…"

Once the liquid was gone, Cliff threw the bottle aside and shut Dawn's mouth tightly, covering it and her nose. Dawn squirmed, gurgling on the water caught in her mouth. After a while I heard the gulp and her whimpering breathes. Cliff stepped back, removing her grip. I slowly released Dawn as she had stopped struggling. We figured it had worked.

"Witch!"

Dawn stepped forward, plunging a dagger from her side into Cliff's stomach. Cliff screamed, holding the handle as Dawn ran away. I held onto Cliff, guiding her to the ground. She was panting and whimpering, eyes focused on the wound will blood pooling. Her fingers shook around the handle, debating whether to grab it or leave it.

"Don't move! Don't move!" I begged. "We'll find someone to help!"

"Potion…" whimpered Cliff, looking up slowly. "In my quarters…"

"I can't just leave you…" I mumbled.

"Jane! Cliff!"

I peered up, seeing Ashley running up to us with Sky not far behind her. Ashley stood over us as Sky knelt beside me. He placed a hand on Cliff's shoulder. She looked up at him. She was starting to cry.

"Don't worry, Cliff, we've got you," he offered. He turned to me. "Where's Dawn?"

"She ran off…toward the pool."

Sky looked back to Cliff. I could almost see the cogs in his head working. He turned back to me.

"You get Dawn. Ashley and I will take care of Cliff."

"But Sky…" I whispered, leaning in. "This is Dawn…You…"

"I know," he spoke softly. "But right now, there's more important things…"

I nodded, getting to my feet. Ashley gave me a nod. I looked between the three and then I ran down the hall. This felt wrong. Sky should be the one to catch Dawn, right? I understood what he was trying to do. He wanted to be the bigger man. He wanted to focus on his team than a lost love. He realized now what was more important. I just wish Cliff didn't have to get hurt for him to see that.