A/N: Hello, the worst fanfic writer here. I really do apologize for not updating. I really don't have any excuse; I just have been feeling down/sick lately and couldn't concentrate. I hope you are all doing well. I don't know how much longer this story will go on (I am thinking three chapters or so). I just wanted to take this moment to thank everyone for reading the story and all of you're wonderful reviews. I have enjoyed working with each of your characters and will miss them. Thank you wwareham1 for adding this fic to your favorites.

Robin kept his eyes firmly on the road although there were no cars on the dark road. The van's headlights were the only light even the moon stayed hidden. He gripped the wheel tightly making his knuckles turn white. He watched the lines on the highway blur hoping that they would dull the strange tightness in his chest. The oldest halfa tried not to voice his concerns to the others; he spared a glance at Gwen. The girl seemed relaxed in the passenger seat her feet on the dash. She had her head tilted back, but her eyes were staring at the dark sky. She seemed deep in thought, but serene. He smiled with affection at her beautiful silhouette. She must have felt his stare; she turned to face him as he looked back to the road. Robin tried not to make it obvious that he was staring, but Gwen's face turned to a small smile.

He spared a glance at the rear-view mirror. He couldn't see much due to the lack of light, but he could see the two shadows of his comrades. Alex and Sylvia were leaning toward each other using the other as support. Sylvia had her head on Alex's shoulder and from the relaxed body language he didn't mind. Robin could tell they were speaking, but he couldn't focus on the words. They were nothing more than wisps of air in the air. The oldest halfa could tell whatever they words were, they were encouraging. "This is a fun road trip," Gwen said sarcastically. "Come on, we're not dead yet. Can we at least act halfway alive?" Gwen stated taking her feet off the dash.

"And we're not going to die, Gwen," Robin stated knowing that the negativity could become a self fulfilling prophesy. "We will be fine. When we get to Wisconsin we can go through our plan." He turned back to the road trying to focus. Robin saw the exit and he turned expertly. He could almost feel everyone becoming tense as they got nearer.

"We should leave the car here. It would be too obvious if we drive it right to the hideout," Alex stated. Robin agreed pulling over and stopping the car. All four halfas stepped out stretching out their legs and arms from the long trip. They didn't even have to speak with each other to simultaneously shift forms and taking to the skies.

DP~DP~DP

Thalen and Leon landed at the abandon hideout. The same old shack was there, but to Thalen it seemed even more devoid of life. Everything was silent and the world was at peace; everything the halfa wasn't feeling. He sighed before speaking to his companion. "Let's get inside it is getting cold out here," he mumbled taking the initiative.

Thalen stepped into the elevator before Leon followed silently. The two stood awkwardly in the elevator. The former thief had flashbacks of watching movies with a similar situation. He shifted uncomfortably, but didn't add to the silence. The elevator finally stopped after what felt like a lifetime. The doors slid open to an empty hall.

"I'm going to check the kitchen first," Thalen stated walking slowly to the room he mentioned. His footsteps echoed lonely in the hall while Leon's footsteps became quiet. The former thief pushed open the door to the kitchen to see no one. He almost could feel panic setting in wondering if they too where killed by Dan. He calmed himself enough to remember a lesson he shouldn't have forgotten; he could easily just search out for their energy. He closed his eyes to look for that energy that became as familiar to him as his own. Thalen sensed...nothing besides Leon. Cold chilled his core at the implications of this new revelation. He shook his head. He couldn't think of the worst. He turned heel to meet Leon in the hall.

"It appears that they aren't here," Leon stated in his usual cold manner. "Do you have any idea where they would have gone?"

Thalen shrugged. "I actually don't have a clue," he stated defeated. Leon put a hand on the other teen's shoulder trying to comfort him. Thalen allowed it this once just because he wanted some assurance that everything was okay. The elevator made a bright ding before the door slid open. Both teen boys looked to the doors.

A female ghost with dark purple hair floated out holding a sword too large for her in her hands. "Abigail?" Thalen called out his heart feeling relieved to see the girl. She didn't say anything, but dropped the weapon in her arms to slam into the former thief. Thalen held onto her back tightly not letting go in fear that she would disappear.

"I am so glad you are okay, Thalen," Abigail said also tightening her grip. Thalen could almost feel joyous tears build up.

"The feeling is mutual," Thalen said finally releasing the girl to look at her. "Why don't you change back to your human form? It would be more comfortable," Thalen suggested. The girl looked down to her feet her eyes suddenly sad. Thalen swallowed roughly as the worst thing crossed his mind; she wasn't even half human even more. "Don't worry about for now. What's important is that you are here," Thalen added saving the girl from saying what was clearly caught in her throat.

"Thalen, Abigail," a voice called out. Thalen barely turned to the source before he was nearly tackled by another female. She backed off so Thalen could see who was his attacker. Sylvia stood the look of pure relief on her face, unshed tears glistened in her eyes. "I thought you were dead," the girl clarified wiping her hand across her face.

Thalen looked at the other people who entered. Alex stood behind Sylvia a small smile on his face. The two male halfas didn't say a single word but the message was clear; they were glad that the other hadn't bit the dust. Alex looked at the group before asking, "Is Catalina with you?"

Thalen could feel his throat close knowing that the older halfa wasn't with them. "She held Dan off while we escaped. We haven't seen her since," Thalen said the words slowly. Sylvia and Abigail grew silent in their joy their faces turning to matching ones of sorrow. Alex didn't say a word but turned away.

"My condolences," Robin stated getting to the center of the group. "However, with all of us gathered here, Dan is sure to follow."

"We don't have time to mourn. That can be done after we beat Dan," Gwen stated crossing her arms. "If we all work together, we could figure out a fool-proof plan to guarantee our victory." Thalen looked at the gathered halfas each with a determined stance. He grinned and dared to hope for a good outcome.