I only own my OC's

Beta read by Sabrina06

Normal POV

Candace and Ferb stood on the train platform ready to congratulate the team on a job well done. As the train stopped in front of them, they noticed Phineas and Katie were missing. Gretchen shut off the train and stepped onto the platform, walking to the back.

Isabella got up and headed towards the bunks.

"Isabella where are Phineas and Katie?" Candace asked with concern. Isabella just continued to walk, her head hung down, ignoring the question.

Gretchen and Adyson looked at each other, worried. "Do you want to tell them, or should I?" Gretchen whispered.

"You're Isabella's best friend and you didn't see what happened, you go with Isabella; I'll break the news to them." Adyson answered.

Gretchen rushed after Isabella while Adyson approached the brother and sister.

"Adyson, what happened? Where's Katie? Where's Phineas?" Candace asked her voice getting louder; while Ferb took off his sunglasses and stared at Adyson.

She removed her beret and began "Candace, Ferb. I'm so sorry but Phineas-" her eyes began to water as she looked down. "Katie got hit and Phineas tried to rescue her but he got hit too, there were too many bots we couldn't get to them. I'm sorry, I'm so sorry but they're, they're-" She couldn't finish the sentence.

Ferb dropped his sunglasses as he knelt on the ground and began to cry, while Candace knelt beside him and hugged him as she began to cry, as well.

In the living quarters of the base Isabella was in her room, sitting on her bunk. Her tears fell as she stared at the logo on her beret. Gretchen opened the door and came in, and sat beside her.

Gretchen hesitantly put a hand on Isabella's shoulder and said, "It wasn't your fault Chief, you did everything you could."

"No I didn't. I left them behind!" she exclaimed as she looked at her second in command, tears in her eyes. "I should have tried harder, I just wasn't good enough."

"Chief, I know that you would have tried everything to save them, but you would have been killed too. You're a damn good leader-,"

"No, I'm not, I failed to bring them home!" She interrupted, then turned and pushed Gretchen hand away then said, "Leave. Gretchen, that's an order!"

Gretchen wanted to say something but knew better than to argue with her leader. Gretchen got up and opened the door before turning to see Isabella lay down on her bunk. She then sighed and left the room closing the door behind her, as the door clicked shut, she ran into Candace.

"Sorry Sir, I didn't see you."

"It's okay, how's she doing?" Candace asked.

Gretchen shook her head and said, "Not good sir, she's taking it hard. How are you holding up?"

"I'm about the same as Isabella, though Phineas and Katie knew the risk when they joined up." Candace put a hand on her shoulder and said, "Go with Adyson and tell the other Firestorm Girls what happened, I'll talk to Isabella."

Gretchen saluted and went to find Adyson. Candace took a deep breath before turning the knob and entering Isabella's room, she saw Isabella lying down in her bunk, her back to her. Candace walked towards her and stopped.

"I thought I ordered you to leave Gretchen." She stated without looking, her voice full of anger and sadness.

"Two problems with that, one I'm not Gretchen and two I outrank you." Candace stated.

Isabella quickly stirred at the sound of Candace's voice and leapt out of the bunk; standing at attention. "Sorry sir, it won't happen again."

Candace shook her head and said, "At ease chief and sit down." Isabella did what she was told; Candace sat beside her, "I hear you're beating yourself up pretty bad about what happened." She stated.

Isabella looked down and said, "I'm sorry sir-,"

"Call me Candace for now." Candace interrupted.

"Yes si-, I mean Candace. I'm sorry. I failed to bring them back, I think it's best I don't lead another mission. I should be dismissed… as leader of the Firestorm Girls." She said as she handed Candace her beret.

Candace took her beret and examined it, she then handed it back to her and said, "Request denied. I need a leader and that leader is you."

Isabella looked up at her and stated, "But Candace I lost two people today; worst of all, one was your brother. I'm a poor leader and a weak person." She stated.

Candace kneeled in front of her and said, "Phineas and Katie knew the risks when they joined the resistance. Trust me. When I let Phineas and Ferb stay in the resistance I was worried for their safety, but I knew that they accepted the risk for joining and it didn't help to worry about them every second of the day."

Candace put an arm around Isabella and continued, "Just because they died, doesn't mean you're a bad leader. It's sad to say but, people die in war and there's nothing we can do about it. We have to keep moving forward and honor their memories by fighting, and not letting their sacrifice be in vain. Crying Crying doesn't make you weak, it makes you human; it proves that you cared about them. You're a damn good leader, and the resistance needs you." Candace then handed back Isabella's beret.

Isabella stared at her beret; she then grabbed it and put it back on; her confidence being reignited. She straightened out her clothes, ready to lead again. Candace smiled as she stood up and said, "There's the leader I remember. Now, let's destroy some bots and get even."

A mischievous smile crossed Isabella's face as she saluted and said, "Yes sir!"

Please R&R. lmL.