A/N First off, I just really wanted to shout out to shovelgirlERB000. She's been reviewing frequently, which is really helpful and motivating. Thanks to everyone else who reviewed as well as those of you who followed this story :) This chapter is where the real drama begins *Cue dramatic music*...

Disclaimer: I don't own Darkest Powers or the characters

Chloe's POV

That night, none of us slept. None of the kids, that is. Andrew was in bed before 10, although Derek said that he usually doesn't go to sleep until after twelve. Which really put Simon in a bad mood. Derek was in a bad mood, too. Tori wasn't all too cheerful either. So it fell to me to lighten the mood. We were all sitting in the living room, the TV playing a soap opera that no one was watching. I poked Simon in the arm, trying to ignore his writhing muscles. He jumped up, before turning to scowl at me.

"What was that for?"

I gave a cheeky smile. "Fun."

He seemed to catch on to what I was trying to do, because he poked Derek.

"What?" Derek snapped.

Simon grinned, though anyone could see it was forced. "You've got the...uh, Chloe touch. You have to pass it on."

"No."

"Aww, come on. You always have to be the party pooper, don't you?"

"This isn't exactly the ideal time for a party, Simon."

Simon sighed, his grin fading. I struggled to think of something to say, but luckily Tori stepped in.

"How about we just go outside? The tension in here is so thick you could slice it with a butter knife, and I'm getting tired of just sitting here."

Surprisingly, she didn't say anything mean or condescending about any of us. Equally surprisingly, Derek and Simon agreed with her idea to go outside. So we did. Derek led the way, insisted on having me behind him and Simon behind me, and left Tori to pick up the rear.

Sometime during the walk, Simon started sweating. A lot. Derek dind't turn around, but he must have picked up on the smell, because he walked faster. Meaning that the rest of us had to jog in order to keep up with him. When we arrived at the clearing, he just stopped, and, being the idiot that I am, I plowed right into his back. To my credit, though, I wasn't the only one. Simon walked into me, and Tori walked into Simon with a half-hearted noise of disgust at his sweat.

Derek dragged Simon into the clearing and ordered him down onto all fours. That's where I came in. I knelt beside him and Derek, and all too soon, the convulsions started. He retched up the little food that he had in his stomach, and then started dry-gagging. He averted his face, just like Derek did, but I could imagine the pain in his eyes. I whispered encouraging words to him, like I did for Derek, but I couldn't help but notice how much more awkward it felt.

Derek's POV

I watched as Chloe comforted Simon, talking to him, re-assuring him. I watched, but I couldn't really see. Because seeing is believing, right? So if I didn't see my brother spending his last moments going through hell, then I could just pretend that the last thing he ever did was win that basketball tournament the day Dad dissappeared. Only I couldn't. I couldn't ignore the fact that he was right here in front of me, yet there was absolutely nothing I could do. I was a failure. Now, being a social failure, I could handle. Being a complete and utter failure in the department of appearences, I could also handle. Hell, I can even handle being a failed subject in a science experiment. But this was completely different. I wasn't just letting myself down this time. I was taking my brother down with me. One of the only two people I've ever opened up to. In sixteen years. But none of that mattered anymore.

"Derek!"

Chloe's voice snapped me out of my thoughts. I focused back into reality to see her ushering me over to where Simon was. I almost wanted to pretend that I couldn't see her, but not even I could be that shallow. So I got to my feet and trudged over to her, bracing myself for a sight of extreme blood and gore.

But Simon was fine. He was still on all fours, panting. I realised that this was the worst moment, that dreadful stage mid-change where you feel as though you'd rather die than have to go through that. So close to finishing. I could feel the hope swell in my chest as I claimed a spot next to Chloe.

"He's going to make it." I whispered to myself. I closed my eyes, and willed him, just be strong. Almost there. Just a few more-

Crack

I opened my eyes to a pool of blood. Coming from Simon.

"No." I croaked. "No! Simon, you can't just die!"

Hearing this, Tori ran over from her spot under a tree.

"What?! He's dead?!"

"No." I told her firmly.

Chloe was in tears, her eyes following something that I couldn't see.

"Yes." She whispered.

I looked at her sharply, unintentionally trying to intimidate her. Tori did too.

"Yes what?" I asked hesitantly, if not slightly roughly.

She tore her eyes away from whatever she was looking at, and scanned my face before moving on to Tori's. Just when I was about to hurry her up, she said the two words that made my heart stop.

"He's dead."

A/N Please don't kill me.I know it's really sad and all, but Chloe will stil be able to see him. Sucks for Derek though. I feel kinda bad writing this, but it's already done anyways, so yeah. I know a lot of people are going to hate me, and I understand that...you're allowed to have an opinion too. Just, please, no flames. I'd like to hear what you have to say though, so review! :D And before anyone asks, I do not hate Simon, nor do I think he should have died in the books. I just wrote this for entertainment's sake, and the reason it wasn't detailed is because it's really hard to kill of someone who doesn't deserve to die, and I didn't really have time to make it perfect. Anyways, I'm saying it again: REVIEW...please :)

-darkestpowers-hp-46