A/N: This is the final battle chapter. NOT the final chapter, but this is the chapter where things…get messy. So…read on!

*OH! And if you have any battle-like songs, I would suggest you listen to them in this chapter.*

Chapter 23

"You come with us?" Dan exclaimed, and I shushed him.

Vikram nodded. "The scientists, as well," he said.

"Why? You want to turn them into a Lucian army?" Madison snarled.

"Yeah! What-" Dan began.

"Silence, both of you!" Ian commanded, and the two of them shut their mouths.

I looked back and forth between Ian and Vikram. They were so alike in so many ways, excluding the looks. Their powerful aura, the leadership and bravery, the need to take charge…

"He's coming with us," Ian concluded. Dan and Madison opened their mouths to argue. "-whether you like it or not."

"Good choice, son. Of course-"

"But you have to fight by our side," Ian interrupted, and I smiled.

Vikram frowned. "Well, obviously, do you-"

"And I assume you have taken the shield and used some of its power for yourself?" Ian asked, a victorious look gleaming in his amber eyes.

"Now, let's not-"

"Haven't you?" Ian persisted.

Vikram narrowed his eyes. "I have raised you well."

Ian seemed to stand a little straighter.

"Thirty minutes."

"We have to go…now," I reported.

"Since this is no longer a stealth mission, can we…you know…?" Dan trailed off.

I nodded, a smile tugging at my lips. "Its go time," I said and began to morph.

I felt the familiar transformation take place as the ground seemed to shoot up at me. I looked around at the various animals and the frightened scientists. Then I noticed the large serpent. The creature's cold, amber eyes penetrated through my very being. I instantly knew who the serpent was.

Well, let's not just stand here. I believe we only have thirty minutes, correct?

No one bothered to answer.

We dashed off with the scientists on our heels. I felt the cold tile pound against the pads of my paws. The breeze tousled my silver fur. I caught a glance of Dan and Madison coming up on my left. I was soon joined by Vikram and Ian on my right. I grinned as best as I could manage when I saw the approaching door. The speck was slowly getting larger.

Just then, a worried and fast-speaking voice filled my ear along with the others.

"Find another exit! If you use that one you are going to be surrounded as soon as you get out! I repeat: Alternative exit is needed!"

I skidded to a stop.

We took a left and we bounded down the fluorescent-lit halls.

"All the other exits are blocked! Plan B, I repeat: PLAN-"

Then all went static.

Anyone hear them? Dan asked.

There was a chorus of worried no's. Some of my hope was lost. We had lost the Brain. I quickly unmorphed to send a message.

"Sinead! Jonah! Are you all right?" I asked.

"All is clear. We can see that the exits are blocked! Is everyone all right?" Sinead asked.

"No injuries but we've lost connection with the brain!" I panted, sprinting and talking at the same time.

"I'll see what I can do."

And the connection was cut.

We stopped at the closest door. All of us unmorphed and we formed a huddle.

"What do you propose we do?" Vikram asked, and I was surprised he was asking us what to do.

"The only thing we can do. It's time for Plan B," Ian said, and we nodded.

I pulled my gun out of my small pouch and loaded it. I took a deep breath and someone squeezed my hand. I looked into a pair of jade eyes that were identical to mine. I gave him a quick nod and a hug. Vikram turned to the scientists.

"Do you have any weapons of some sort?" Vikram asked.

"Do needles count?" One scientist asked.

Vikram's eyes narrowed. "They'll do," he said dismissively.

"Let's go kick some Vesper butt!" Madison said, grinning.

Dan smiled. "Agreed."

I managed to crack a smile as they shared a high-five.

"One…" Dan started.

"Two…" Madison joined in.

"Three!" I said, and we burst out into the cold air.

As soon as we took a step, bullets were flying from all directions. I rolled behind a trash bin and pulled Dan down with me. I peeked from around the corner and shot a Vesper in the thigh. He went down.

"Amy! Now is not the time for mercy!" Dan yelled over the noise of the firing guns.

He was right. I pulled the trigger and another Vesper hit the ground.

And this time…for good.

I ducked and quickly glanced at the scientists who were scurrying around and throwing needles at any Vesper that was in range. They actually managed to get some, but I knew that wouldn't last for long. A loud gun fired and a scientist crumpled to the ground. He screamed along with a woman who buried her face in her hands.

Another man pulled her away from the dead man on the ground. I advanced and hid behind a rather large oak tree. I looked around the side of the tree to see one Vesper perched in another tree and one running away, both had their backs turned.

And before long, they had gaping wounds in their heads. The oozing blood filled the Vesper's wide-open mouth and dyed his teeth red. I bit back the nausea that had aroused by the sight. I caught a sight of Dan to my right and I breathed a sigh of relief. Vikram and Ian were on my left.

I almost smiled. It was a smart choice to have Vikram come with us. This man was a machine. No one could stop him. My ears perked up as I heard a twig snap behind me I whirled around and pressed the gun to the person's head.

But I didn't pull the trigger.

"Please don't shoot," the girl said, looking as calm as she could be in this situation. I picked up a slight foreign accent in her voice.

I pulled her behind a tree. "And why shouldn't I?"

"Well, I was kidnapped by the Vespers and someone had spread the word that the Cahills were breaking in, so here I am," the girl said. A strand of her long, red hair whipped in front of her porcelain face. "I was hoping you could come to my assistance."

Dang, news travels fast.

"Alright, but you'll have to keep up," I warned, shooting her a suspicious glance.

"It's not me you should be worrying about," she said, pulling out a gun of her own.

I gave her a questioning look.

"Snagged it off a Vesper. Frightened the little bugger, too," she said. A small smile tugged at her lips. She gave me a look. "Well, let's get going then."

I took a step forward to take off once more but paused for a second. "Your name."

"Excuse me?" she said.

"You never told me your name," I clarified.

She hesitated. "Anya."

I nodded. Russian…that's what the accent was. Suddenly, a shot rang out, and I automatically ducked. I looked over at Anya and her face was impassive. I noticed a scar around her wrist that looked somewhat newly formed. The white skin tissue, however, didn't stand out on her pale skin.

"It's time to move," I whispered, and she nodded.

The two of us crept behind trees and followed the gun shots. Not really an intelligent idea but that would lead me to Dan, Ian, and the rest of the Cahills. The shots soon became deafening so I knew we were close. We came to a clearing and I slowly walked to the center. And from then, the rest came in slow motion.

A large crack! sounded and I didn't have time to duck. I found myself getting thrown to the ground, and the world exploded. All I could hear was a high whine. Dust clouded the sky and pain coursed through my bones. I could barely open my eyes to see a pair of familiar amber eyes staring down at me.

Ian said something but I couldn't hear him. He shook my shoulders and kept repeating the soundless scream. I nodded just to show that my brain was functioning. The whine started to die down and I could hear guns firing. Ian picked me up and dodged another catastrophe. He set me down behind a tree as if that would keep me safe. I grimaced. Nothing and I repeat…nothing would keep me out of this.

I stood back up and sneaked behind a Vesper about to snipe Vikram from behind his hideout. I heard the click of the aim, and I grabbed the shirt of the Vesper and brought his head to the tree. Something cracked and blood oozed down his face and neck. I grabbed the Dragon sniper and aimed at the nearest target.

The Vesper didn't know what hit him.

I watched the battle play out. Anya was in the need of help, so I aimed, pulled the trigger, and down her enemy went. I smiled. It was almost too easy.

That's when a large hand grabbed me by the shoulder and threw me out of the way. I landed in a heap on the pine needles and groaned. A punch hit me right in my gut and my breath left me. Another fist nailed me in the side of the head and I clenched my teeth in pain. I was seeing stars and I tasted blood. I rolled over, missing the next punch and unsteadily stood up.

I wiped the sweat out my eyes and hissed. The Vesper had a monstrous scar along his face. We were both frozen in place for a second before he dove to grab another gun. I sprinted as far away as I could before I took cover. Fire shot out of the M32 Hammer and the ground shook. A blast of hot hair almost knocked me over and the smoke got in my wounds, resulting in me recoiling from the fiery pain.

I unclipped a grenade from my belt and focused in on the Vesper. I cocked back my arm and let it fly. The Vesper caught sight of it a second too late. He opened his mouth to warn his fellow fighters.

"Gren-"

I winced at the sight of him being blown to bits. I took a look around the battlefield. Ian and Vikram had corned four unarmed Vespers. Madison was fighting off a couple by herself. Dan was sneaking behind a few Vespers and prepared an explosive. There were only a couple scientists left. Bodies littered the forest ground.

All of a sudden, another small army of Vespers poured out of the trees. I bounded towards them and in my stride, I morphed. I pounced and tackled the nearest Vesper, growling and teeth snapping. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Dan loading his explosive. I bit the Vesper and took off in the other direction.

Dan lit the fuse and a racing ball of fire launched at the twenty or so Vespers. The trees exploded and the small army went flying. They were all down. I held my breath and unmorphed.

All was silent. Well, except for the crackling of the burning trees.

No one dared to move a muscle. Then a grin tugged at my lips. Not a Vesper was left standing. It was too good to be true. I raised my gun in triumph. Madison, Dan, Anya, and Ian followed suit.

Vikram did nothing.

"Don't claim victory just yet," he warned.

And an explosion shook the silence. Smoke filled the air and I could barely see two feet in front of my face. A red, blinking light landed next to my foot and I ran as fast as I could away from it. The bomb detonated and it knocked me right off my feet. My face hit the damp ground. I spit out pine needles and slowly got up.

Just then, I felt a major blow go to my head. I cried out in pain and clutched my forehead. A Vesper looked down at me and grinned, showing off his teeth. I felt blood run through my fingers. I tried to get out of his grasp, but had barely any energy left.

"Now, don't struggle sweetheart," he purred, and attached some kind of explosive to my back.

I felt it slowly heat up and I gulped.

"Ten," the mechanical voice counted down. The Vesper took off but not before shooting me a wicked grin. "Nine."

I caught a glance of Ian desperately fighting four Vespers.

"Eight."

Vikram launched a bomb, and a good quantity of the enemy was destroyed.

"Seven."

But they just get coming back. There were too many.

"Six."

I didn't want to fiddle with the bomb on my back. That would just make it explode. I saw Anya being tied to the ground by a Vesper. Then…they pulled the trigger. I felt a large pang of guilt. I never got her to safety.

"Five."

Madison morphed and pounded a few Vespers, but I saw one take out a dagger and stab her in the shoulder. She roared in pain.

"Four."

Dan was racing around shooting random enemies. He caught a glance of me, and began to sprint towards me.

"Three."

I shook my head, tears streaming down my face.

"Two."

It was too late. "I love you," I mouthed, and closed my eyes.

"One."

I felt someone tackle me and something being ripped from my back. I looked up, astonished that I was able to.

"I thought you needed some help," Jonah said, a smile stretching up to his eyes. I heard the bomb explode in the distance.

He held a hand out to me and helped me up.

"I thought I had things under control," I said softly, and breathed a shaky laugh.

Jonah rolled his eyes. "Says the girl that had an explosive strapped to her back."

I shuddered. "Don't remind me."

Hamilton, Reagan, Alistair, Natalie, Ted, Ned, and Sinead poured onto the field.

Just in time, too.

I joined the fight once more, and watched as the Vesper force was being slowly pushed back by our little militia.

"We have to get out of here! Now!" I yelled.

"Back to the starting point!" Sinead shouted.

We each fired one last shot and took off. Suddenly, I saw Alistair stumble, and I turned around and screamed. A Vesper was on him before we were. Dan shot the man out of pure rage. Sinead ran back to Alistair and cradled his head in her lap.

Tears streamed down her face as she brushed aside his hair. "Uncle A-Alistair? Can you hear me? Wake up! Please wake up!" she shouted and pounded on his fragile chest.

He didn't move a muscle.

I covered my face and the tears overflowed.

"Wake up! Uncle Alistair!" Sinead screamed, with her equally as hysterical brothers by her side. Everyone else remained silent.

Vikram cleared his throat.

"I know you love Mr. Oh, but we must get going or we will all end up like him," he said.

"I'm not leaving him!" Sinead said.

Jonah went to her and took her face in his hands. "Please, Sinead. We have to keep going. Just…please…"

She shook her head, tossing her auburn hair. "No! No…no…"

Jonah picked her up and Ned and Ted stood up uneasily.

We silently continued on with our journey, and we picked up the pace as the sound of the enemy became louder behind us. They were getting closer…much closer.

"F-Fiske? We're close,"I said into my tiny microphone.

"Are all of you all right?" he replied.

"N-No…"

"Who is hurt? How bad are their injuries?"

"Alistair. Alistair is dead," Ian replied for me, and squeezed my hand as we ran.

The line was silent. My eyes blurred as we weaved in between the trees. The Vespers were getting thunderous behind us.

Then a shot rang out. Just one, but one was all it took.

Everything was in slow motion. I saw Madison crumple to the ground, clutching her stomach. I saw the blood pour between her fingers. I saw the Vesper behind us aim again. I whirled around and stopped him from firing.

Hamilton and Reagan cried out and ran to her side. Madison was trembling and groaning. She removed her hand from the wound, revealing a bullet hole in her abdomen. Many of us gasped.

"R-Reagan? H-Hamilton?" Madison whispered.

Reagan gripped her hand, along with Hamilton. Both had tears running down their rosy cheeks. "Yeah, Rea?" Hamilton choked out.

"I'm sorry," Madison said.

"Why? You have n-nothing to apologize for! C'mon, Mads, we h-have to keep going!" Reagan said.

"You know all those times that I teased you about dancing? I'm sorry. I love you guys," Madison said, closing her eyes.

"No! Don't close your eyes! C'mon, I forgive you!" Reagan said, pleading to her twin to stay with her.

Madison didn't say anything.

"Stay with me…Madison! You remember when we made that time when we said we'd be sisters forever! Forever doesn't end now, Madison! You can do it…push through! I can't live without you! Please stay…please…" Reagan buried her head in her hands.

Hamilton just stared down at his sister, who was slowly slipping.

"Keep dancing, Rea…" Madison whispered. "I never told you that you were good, but you are. You're really good…"

Reagan nodded. "I will…just stay with me…"

Just then, I heard the Vespers approaching behind us.

"We have to go," Ian said, looking down at the ground. Natalie was attached to his side. "Now…"

"No! I'm not leaving her!" Hamilton and Reagan cried.

Déjà vu...

"You have to," Vikram said. "She's gone now."

Jonah and Dan tore Hamilton away from Madison and Natalie took Reagan. They dragged the siblings away from her, who were screaming and putting up a desperate fight. Everyone was almost out of sight.

I looked down at Madison and I had an unknown feeling in my gut. I swiftly leaned down, picked Madison up, and took off to find the others. I caught up with them and I saw the van. Fiske flashed the lights and we got in our separate vans.

I gently put Madison on the floor of the van and put pressure on her wound.

That got Fiske's attention.

"We need to get her to a hospital…now."

Hamilton gripped my hand.

"Thank you."

Author's Note: And the battle comes to a close! How did you like it? I'm sorry about Alistair and Madison! I was just in the…mood. Anyways! Also I'm sorry about the late update…and that's about all. Oh…P.S. sorry Hamy fans…that doesn't count as Hamy…sorry to get your hopes up. :) Hmmm…I've been apologizing a lot…interesting.

Oh and new record!

LONGEST. CHAPTER. EVER!

I think that deserves some reviews!

~Nataliya

New chapter up soon!