"I can't take this anymore."

I opened my eyes; the soft voice made an appearance in my head, yet again.

I had to admit, I should have been more concerned by her presence, but right now I agreed with her. This silence was going to kill me before we even arrived at the investigation site.

We were heading over to the site with Jaxson driving us. Junho had called shotgun, so I sat next to Michael. Ethan had found some leads on Lizard breath and would call us if anything changed in this location. Christian kept a close tab on his whereabouts, insisting he'd follow him if he moved from the coffee shop he was relaxing at.

I didn't get why they all kept calling him Lizard breath – the picture of his long black hair and black eyes gave me no such impression, but if that was his designated nickname, so be it.

The fifteen-minute drive had been in complete silence. I sighed, having enough of it.

“Can’t wait till we get to our destination.”

Junho turned his head to look at me.

"Me too.” The sing-song voice replied.

“Me three.”

I blinked, rubbing at my temple. Wait, who the hell are you?

The thought was left unanswered as the voices vanished, yet again. I groaned, getting frustrated. I need fucking counseling. Maybe a mental exam.

"Scar. You okay?"

I lifted my head to see Michael's worried expression. I turned to see Junho looking back at me and Jaxson looking through the rear-view mirror.

"What? Ya, I'm okay. Why?" I asked, confused.

"You said you need fucking counselling or a mental exam?" Junho replied. Aww fuck.

"Hahaha. Ah, it's nothing, nothing at all." I said, waving my hand in front of me to brush the subject away. Jaxson returned to concentrating on the road while Junho frowned, eyeing me closely before turning back to face the front.

I took a quick side glance at Michael who was staring intently at me.

"I'm fine." I whispered; my hand went on his knee. I saw his shoulders relax before he nodded. Yup, need to change the topic.

"Do any of you guys wanna go to a water resort?" I questioned. I was greeted with silence. Oh, c'mon. What did I do?

Jaxson and Junho burst into loud laughter; the car swerved a little to the left as Jaxson regained control.

"What's so funny?" I asked confused.

"Good fucking luck. Michael won't dare go closer than twenty feet near a fucking puddle." Junho laughed; his head fell back on the seat as he slapped his leg.

"Remember the time we went parachuting, and he thought he was gonna land in the fucking ocean? He fainted. Full on passed out. I nearly died." Jaxson roared with laughter.

I turned to face Michael who had a sour expression on his face.

"You don't like water?" I questioned.

"I hate it." He snarled before glaring at the two who continued their laughing fit.

"Why? It's just water. You bathe with it and drink it. What’s the deal?" I tried to think of all the possibilities why someone would hate water.

"I just do. It doesn't like me, and I don't like it." He argued.

"Water doesn't have feelings, Michael." I retorted. He looked away.

"Does that mean you can't swim?"

He didn't answer; his face appeared even sourer.

"He can't. We've tried. There's no way he'd come with us to a water resort." Jaxson commented, turning the wheel slightly as we pulled into the right lane – exiting the toll highway.

"What if I bribed him?" I rejoiced at the idea.

"There's nothing you can do to get him to say yes. We've tried everything." Junho brushed off the idea, not even bothering to turn around. I looked back at Michael, wondering what I could say for him to go.

"Even if I come along?" I questioned.

"Even if you come along, I won't go."

"Even if I wear a bikini."

"...No."

"A red, two-piece bikini." I continued. I could see his eye twitch as he tried to keep his sour expression.

"I still won't go."

Hmmm. What can I do?

"Tell him you'll go to the private hot springs with him and do lovely things." I took a moment to think about the idea. Not bad.

I took off my seatbelt, leaning forward as I whispered in his ear.

"You and me in the hot spring. No one around, no clothes, just us. I'll make the experience very enjoyable.” I whispered in a low, seductive voice. I could already feel his cock harden against my hand, not realizing I’d placed my hand directly on his lap, instead of his thigh. Oops.

He pulled back to stare at my eyes – as if he needed to make sure my words were truthful.

"Fine."

The car came to a dramatic stop; Michael’s hand wrapped around my waist to stop me from falling back.

"Jaxson! Scar doesn’t have a seat bel–" Michael cursed but was interrupted.

"WHAT!" Junho and Jaxson both yelled.

"What the fuck you mean what?" Michael yelled back.

"You did not just say you'd go to a fucking hot spring. My ears must have popped and misheard your agreement." Junho said dramatically.

"Scarlet what did you say to him?" Jaxson questioned. I smiled sweetly before sitting back in my seat, pulling my seatbelt on.

"It's our secret, but Michael's going with us. I can't wait." I said, clapping my hands in glee.

They both eyed Michael before mumbling under their breaths; Jaxson took his foot off the brake; continuing the drive down the residential road.

That was a good icebreaker. Thanks, mysterious voice.

"Serenity."

What?

"My name is Serenity."

You’re from my dream.

"I'm more than a dream Scarlet. I'm –"

"We're here. Let's get this over with. Agent titles if someone is nearby, and make sure your handguns are loaded." Jaxson announced as he parked the car on the empty street.

Dammit. Serenity?

No reply. Ugh. I need to tell the others or maybe Cece after this.

I took a deep breath as I opened the car door, allowing my investigator side to take over as we faced the abandoned-looking home.

Ethan explained that the house we were going to investigate was owned by a jewelry shop owner who was currently in a different country, having decided to go abroad to check out the sales market pricing.

Christian had kept tabs on Xerxes' junkies and this house was their prime spot. Xerxes had been searching for something that he believed could potentially be in this house. It was up to us to find out what. We were fairly certain that he was searching for the stone or jewel they spoke about in my vision.

I hadn’t remembered anything from the vision – Ethan had retrieved the detailed images I had drawn immediately afterwards, from the file back at headquarters and brought them over for me to review.

Junho said he had a few friends who may potentially know the location of the stone if it wasn't hidden in this house. If today's mission was a failure he'd contact his best friend Marcus Hunt and see if he or his group of friends knew of the stone's whereabouts.

I took a quick scan of the old, run-down home complex. The brown wood was covered in vines, the leaves withered and shriveled up. The garden was a wasteland, not even one flower alive, confirming that no one had attended to them in months. Jaxson was in front of me, while Junho and Michael trailed behind as we made our way to the front porch.

The excessive amount of mail sticking out of the mailbox and on the floor was enough to tell us the owner wasn't planning to return anytime soon. From what we’d gathered, we presumed he wasn’t going for a short trip.

We’d checked the records and his current shop had been doing very poorly and he’d most likely been using his own funds to keep the place running.

Now, after a lengthy period of time he’d yet to return – our database and information gathered left us no clue as to how long he’d been gone. It made me curious as to whether he opened a jewelry store elsewhere? If I was in his situation and found somewhere I could sell jewelry, beads, other crafts and made double the income, I wouldn’t return either.

Jaxson turned to look at us.

"Michael and Scar. Investigate the house. Find as much as you can. Xerxes' junkies shouldn’t come back, so we have time, but I’d rather get this over in a timely manner. Junho and I will investigate the backyard and perimeter. Maybe we can talk to some of the neighbors and see when was the last time they saw Mr. Yuzaki. I want a detailed timeline as to how long he’s been overseas. Put on your communicator devices. Ethan is on surveillance monitoring and will let us know if anyone’s coming. Christian is nearby as well. Any questions?"

I turned back to look at Michael and Junho who shook their heads.

"Alright. Let's get going."

Michael went ahead, slipping on a pair of gloves before opening the door, making his way in. I was about to follow when Jaxson blocked my path.

"Scarlet, gloves."

I blinked; my eyes grew wide before I realized I wasn't wearing my gloves. Aww shit! I left them in the car.

He smiled at my distraught face; pulling out a small, decorative package with a bow on top. He presented it to me.

"What’s this?" I whispered; Junho only a few feet away on his phone.

"Open it, and you'll find out." He whispered back. I took my time opening the gift, cherishing this moment.

The wrapping paper revealed a brand-new pair of black, leather gloves. I inspected the smooth material, noticing the gloves could become fingerless with the flip of the fabric. I noticed the embroidered lettering at the wrist – AGENT SINCLAIR in pink cursive with red lips designed on the end.

"This...is for me?" I tried to keep my emotions at bay, but shit. I hadn't received a gift from anyone but Cece in years. Even Jake failed at giving me gifts. I guess he didn't realize after five years of dating me that the price tag didn't matter to me when it came to gifts. As long as you thought of me, you could give me a pair of socks and I'd treasure them.

"Yes. Can't have you passing out today or on any investigation that requires us to be on high alert. They’re water and blood proof, so feel free to get messy with them. If dust gets on them, hold your breath and clap a few times. It will fall off instead of clinging to the material." Jaxson explained.

I looked up at him, giving him a wide, teeth exposing smile.

"Thank you, Jaxson." I whispered.

"You’re welcome Scarlet. Now back to agent mode. We don't have any more time to spare." He gave me a quick kiss on the forehead before heading over to Junho who was smiling like he'd won the lottery, clearly watching our exchange. I slipped the gloves on; making my way inside, using my foot to close the door.

Two steps from the door, and I was already in the living room. I wrinkled my nose; the stale air made me want to sneeze. Michael walked out of the kitchen to my right.

"Someone's been snooping around for sure. I checked the kitchen pantry and there are sheets tucked in the shelves."

"Sheets? Why would there be sheets in there?"

"I think it's the sheets that were once on the furniture." Michael suggested.

"So, Mr. Yuzaki knew he'd be a while." I mumbled. I heard the beep in my ear.

"Ethan here. Update on Mr. Yuzaki's plans. He was aware of his long-term stay abroad. I found a call made between him and some real estate agent two years back. He explained that the furniture was draped to ensure the antique pieces would be intact. He also hired a gardener to come check the premises once a week as well as a cleaner. I personally think he wasn’t planning to stay such a lengthy period of time."

Michael and I shared a look. Michael pressed the button on his earpiece.

"Did you search on the whereabouts of the gardener and cleaner?" He questioned.

"Yup. Dead. Gardener has been dead for six months and the cleaner had been on vacation in the Philippines, returning last week. She was found dead an hour after visiting the home. I called her employer and they informed me that she had wanted to speak with the manager as to who was covering while she was gone but didn't go into details with the secretary." Ethan explained.

I started pacing around; my thoughts left my mouth.

"She would have informed them that no one had been attending to the house. Not to mention the removal of sheets. They don't want anyone finding out they've been snooping."

Michael nodded.

"Thanks, Ethan. We’ll start looking around and fill you in." Michael confirmed. We both took a glance around the room.

"Scar. Stay down here and start your assessment. I'll go upstairs. If you find anything suspicious, use the com device." Michael ordered. I nodded; my body moved to the kitchen.

After an hour and fifteen minutes of searching through the kitchen, bathroom, living room and fireplace, I'd found nothing. I opened the closet door, looking at the one suit coat jacket hanging in the bare closet.

"Really. Only one coat jacket." I mumbled. This doesn't make sense, why would these junkies leave this jacket...

"It's laced with magic."

I practically jumped, looking around the empty room. I heard a creak from the ceiling, giving me the clue that Michael was still upstairs doing his designated search.

Serenity?

"Who else would have a voice like mine, silly girl?" She giggled. I sighed.

It's not my fault. I don't think I should be talking back to the voice in my head.

"Well you’re a tad special, Scarlet. Now, check the coat jacket before I disappear again." She ordered.

I can't believe I'm taking orders from the voice inside my head.

"It's Serenity, not the voice inside your head. Stop stalling, you don't have much time."

I wanted to argue, but I decided to roll my eyes and get on with checking the jacket pockets.

I flinch at the electric jolt that shocked my fingertips. Jeez, settle down electricity.

I cautiously poked at the fabric again, bracing myself for another shock but was greeted with nothing.

 I checked each pocket; my eyes scanned the interior gold lining, and they caught a line. That's not supposed to be there...a hidden pocket?

I poked my hand against the lining, using some force to separate the re-sewn material. I stuck my two fingers in the space, feeling a thick piece of paper.

I pulled the item out – a business card. My eyes widened at the familiar name – Marilyn Sinclair – Artist & Craft Designer.

What is my mom's card doing in his pocket? She's been dead for years.

I looked at the back, noticing the symbol before me – a replica of the tattoo on my back. Yup, totally not scary at all.

"SHIT! Scar, Michael. Lizard breath is approaching the home."

My eyes widened, quickly looking around for a place to hide. Fuck, where can I hide this thing? My one jean pocket could barely fit my phone – the device stuck out. If we have to run, I may lose it.

"Bra, silly."

RIGHT! Serenity you're a genius. I quickly slid the card in my bra, before a fast set of footsteps came down the stairs – Michael's wide eyes greeted me.

"He's at the fucking porch guys. HIDE." Ethan snarled through the speaker. I looked at the open closet that was big enough to fit one person or maybe two people my size.

But Michael's tall structure would lead to a very cramped space. I guess we don't have a fucking choice.

I ran into the closet, Michael joined me as he closed the door, locking it. I then noticed his hand glowed – a weird circle design appeared on the doorknob. What. The. Fuck.

"Michael –" I whispered; fear laced my words.

He turned to face me; his body pressed against me as my back hit the wall.

"Scarlet, listen to me. You can’t speak until Lizard breath leaves. He can sense fear."

"What do you fucking mean he can sense fear? We’re hiding!" I whispered back, trying not have a full-blown panic attack.

"What he means is that the lizard shifter can sense how scared shitless you are."

I froze at the new voice in my head. Oh, my fucking god. I'm officially going crazy.

Who the fuck are you?

"Aurora."

"Maybe you should have waited till after Lizard breath was gone before appearing."

"Well, shit, it's not my fucking fault this stupid seal thing keeps blocking us."

I felt my hands begin to tremble. There are voices talking in my fucking mind.

Michael hands gripped my shoulders.

"Scarlet. Are you listening to me? You need to calm the fuck down." He snarled in a hushed tone.

"I can't! There...there's these voices in my head ever since the crystal ball incident, and they're talking to me, and I don't know what to do." I explained quickly, feeling like Ethan when he went off on a spur of words.

Michael's eyes widened for a second before he cursed.

"Scarlet listen to me. I swear, we’ll explain this later, but I'm gonna do something to calm you down, but I want your permission to do it and we don't have time for you to think about it."

He pulled me into an embrace; his hands wrapped around my waist as my chest pressed against his. I blushed.

"What are you?"

"GUYS! He's coming to where you guys are. Michael! Distract Scar." Jaxson’s voice boomed into our earpieces. FUCK.

"Scarlet, I'm going to use my gift on you, and I apologize in advance." Michael announced; his lips against my ear. Gift? Like mine?

I wanted to question more, but I heard footsteps, only making my heartbeat escalate.

I nodded quickly in confirmation. If this Lizard breath can sense fear, we were screwed.

Michael’s hand went under my chin, lifting it up which caused me to stare directly into his eyes.

My eyes grew as wide as saucers as his began to glow – the bright, gold light mesmerizing as my body tingled.

I bit my lip, feeling strange and immensely attracted to Michael – my desire for him intensified. I tried to think of how it would be possible for me to feel such a strong, sexual desire to wrap my arms around his neck and kiss him senseless.

No, I wanted to do more than that. I struggled to keep my hands at my side, but I needed to taste him, needed my hands to go through his ash blonde hair, and my hardened nipples to be pressed even harder against his chest. I wanted Michael Moore like he was the last fucking man in this universe, and I was going to have him now.

My resistance vanished as my arms slid up his chest and around his neck as I pulled him down into a deep kiss. He froze; his body felt tense, but my lips stayed firmly pressed against his. His arms tightened around my waist to press me harder against his body.

We kissed, and I tried my hardest to not make any noise as we continued to make out. That was one of the hardest things to do. I just wanted to feel his chiseled body with my hands, cursing at the fact my gloves were still on.

"Michael enough. I know you're using your magic on her to calm her, but she's gonna pass out with that much magic usage." Jaxson scolded through our earpieces, kicking me out of my dazed state.

I didn't know how long it had been since hiding in the closet, but I finally pulled away, both of us trying to catch our breath as we kept quiet. I stared into his eyes; my eyes began to sting – the same feeling I had back at my apartment when Christian had arrived.

I noticed Michael's image shift – his shoulder-length hair which had been tied up was now left loose and way past his shoulders.

His skin was pale, complimenting his pink, swollen lips and flushed cheeks. His vibrant gold eyes glowed with power, and his cheeks had a beautiful, intricate design.

I pulled back to see a pair of white wings – the glowing feathers drawn in to fit the closed space. Holy mother of pearl.

"You’re an angel." I whispered, astonished.

"Scar…how?" He began.

"Lizard breath is gone but we have to follow him! I think he has what we're looking for. Christian, Junho! Follow him. Jaxson, regroup with Scar and Michael. Then track Lizard breath." Ethan ordered.

Michael pulled away, turning to unlock the door; the same glowing light reappeared before the door knob would turn.

I took three steps before my world began to spin. Shit, can't faint. Nope. Not fainting.

A pair of hands stabilized me; my eyes looked up to see Jaxson's worried expression. His eyes widened for a moment – the stinging in my eyes returned to me as I noticed his image change.

His black hair had orange highlights; his amber eyes blazed orange like fire. His skin was tanner, and a pair of flaming wings appeared outstretched from his back.

"What the fuck, are you a phoenix?" I questioned, utterly confused.

"What?" He replied, wide-eyed.

"Fuck, Scarlet you need to snap out of it for a moment." Michael urged.

I pushed away from Jaxson, needing space and a moment to rub at my eyes.

Angels, Phoenixes? Next thing you know, people will start walking on water! Ugh, I don’t have time to stand here and debate about this right now.

“Listen, both of you. THIS needs to be addressed but not now. When we catch Lizard breath, you’re telling me everything. Understood?”

They both nodded in agreement. I took a deep breath before calling upon Agent Scarlet. Deal with the crazy, paranormal stuff after.

"Let's go." I announced. Michael nodded, Jaxson met my gaze and nodded before all three of us darted out the house.

"Ethan, where is Lizard breath?" Jaxson questioned as we made our way around the house, heading towards the forest.

"Christian's on his tail. He's heading your way to the forest. The docks are nearby. There's only one boat stationed there so you have to stop him before he reaches it. Be careful. He has wind skills." Ethan warned. Wind skills?

"What the fuck is a wind skill?" I called out as I ran; Michael and Jaxson ahead of me.

"Wind as in the element! He can call upon the wind and bend it to do his bidding."

"Like a superpower?" I questioned.

"Yes! Scarlet whatever you do don't get in the path of the wind. It will send you flying." Jaxson warned.

"Got it." Yup, everyone is insane and I’m chasing a lizard with super powers.

We ran through the forest. It didn’t take us long to reach the clearing and spotted Lizard breath a few feet ahead.

"Fuck!" Jaxson cursed; his strides became faster as he bolted towards him.

Michael began to speed up, making me curse as I huffed. Why the fuck do I have to have short legs?

"You could run just as fast or even faster than them if you just concentrated for one second." The second, lower toned voice, Aurora pointed out.

You know, you have some major attitude that you need to fix. I don't like that fucking tone. I can't believe I'm scolding a voice in my head.

I began to concentrate – my intentions to catch up to Jaxson my new-found goal. I felt my legs feel lighter; my lungs had an easier time breathing in more air which helped with the burning sensation I felt before.

It didn't take long till I passed Michael; the ground turned from grass to wooden planks as we reached the docks – the single, white boat not too far from reach.

Lizard breath looked over his shoulder; his reptilian eyes scared me as he growled. His teeth appeared far sharper than the average set.

He came to a sudden stop before turning around; his arm rose up to face his body parallel before slashing outward – a gust of wind formed and aimed straight for us.

"SHIT!" Jaxson and Michael cursed, as the gust of powerful wind approached.

I skidded to a stop, frozen in fear.

"Lift your hand and command it to not hurt you!" The low tone voice ordered.

I didn't argue; my hand rose up as I closed my eyes shut. My arm felt immensely warm as words left my mouth before I could think.

"Wind, I am your governor. You shall not hurt me!" I commanded, bracing for the impact. I didn’t know where the words came from – flowing into my mind as if I’d always known. It was like my body had fallen into a trance – the words flowed without my command or knowledge until they were said.

My back began to burn; the hot sensation made me grit my teeth, feeling a powerful energy ran within me and up towards my outstretched hand.

I heard the wind brush past me; the sound muffled as if I was in a bubble. I opened my eyes to see Jaxson fall to the ground and heard a loud splash behind me.

The lizard guy gawked at me before he glared, turning around and sprinting again. Jaxson scrambled to his feet, running after him. I lowered my hand, about to chase after them when I felt a weird sensation – fear.

"Why do I feel scared all of a sudden?" I said out loud, looking around, realizing I was the only one left in this section of the dock. Wait...where's Michael?

I looked back and forth as I began to panic.

Shit, shit, shit. He can't swim!

"FIFTEEN STEPS TO YOUR RIGHT!" Serenity screamed in my head, causing me to bolt forward, counting my steps till I saw an area in the clear, blue water bubbling.

I pulled my jacket off, throwing my phone and earpiece on the ground as I ran, picking up enough speed before taking a large breath of air.

In one smooth motion, I soared into the water; the frigid, cold water greeted me as I widened my eyes to scan the area. It didn't take me long to find Michael stuck at the bottom of the lake, tugging his feet which were wrapped by something. How did he sink to the bottom?

I reached him in less than twenty seconds, noticing the unnatural looking seaweed string gripping to his leg. His panicked gaze met mine as I signaled for him to calm down.

He nodded, relaxing as I swam to his legs. I tugged at the seaweed – the same jolt like the when I touched the coat back at the house pulsed through my hands, causing me to pull back.

I looked back at Michael who was giving me a worried expression.

"He's running out of air." Serenity cautioned.

I swam up, pulling his face to my lips. I gave him a large portion of air, pulling back before making my way down to the seaweed, ignoring the jolt as I struggled to pull it apart.

Dammit. It won't budge! He won't last much longer.

"Command the water to move." The low voice announced.

WHAT? We're in a fucking LAKE! Where am I moving the water too?

"Stop questioning and just do it! Tell the water to make a path!" The voice commanded.

I closed my eyes, allowing myself to calm as words began to flow into my mind.

The water began to swirl around us – becoming faster and faster and I reluctantly closed my eyes. I felt a hand wrap around my wrist; Michael pulled me into his chest as the water swirled around us like a whirlpool.

I struggled to continue holding my breath; the fear of Michael getting hurt and us being swallowed by the waves caused the panic rising inside of me. We fell onto a hard surface; the impact caused both of us to gasp.

I prepared myself to swallow water, but air greeted us, causing the both of us to gasp and cough. I scrambled to my hands and knees; my eyes opened to see what happened.

I almost shrieked, shocked at what I was witnessing.

As if the Bible scriptures had come to life; the water had split in half – making a path from where Michael and I were to the dock which was fifteen feet away; the top of the water wall the same height as the brown, wood dock.

"Scar."

I turned over to Michael; his eyes wide in astonishment. I blinked before looking down at myself.

I subconsciously raised my hands, which now glowed a light blue, multiple swirls imprinted into my skin like a tattoo. I turned to the wall of water; the density clear enough to reflect my image – glowing, green eyes and glowing, white, curly hair that floated lightly in the air, reflected back at me. That can't be me.

"SCARLET! MICHAEL!"

We both turned to the loud voice – Christian waved frantically on the deck.

"Scar, we need to move. Can you walk?" Michael's concerned voice questioned.

"Ya. The seaweed." I pointed out, noticing it was still attached to his leg.

"Don't freak out."

I nodded. I'd apparently cut the lake in half and looked like Storm from that comic, X-Men. Yup, no need to freak out.

A small, red circle formed on his hand – a dagger emerged from the light. I blinked, watching him cut the seaweed in half, freeing himself. He jumped to his feet, rushing to my side. I tried to pull myself up, but my legs wouldn't work, struggling.

Michael noticed; his arms went under my arms and legs, lifting me up and running forward. As he ran the water began to collapse.

"Um, Michael. The water’s falling." I screamed.

"Scarlet close your eyes."

"But."

"Please Scar."

"Okay." I squeezed my eyes shut, praying I'd live to tell all of this to Cece. I felt the air shift, feeling as if we floated in the air. The weird sensation ended just as fast; a loud splash prompted me to open my eyes.

We stood on the dock; Christian now faced us. I glanced back at Michael, the same white wings as before spreading out wide, retreating into his back and vanished within seconds. Oh Nah, I'm done.

I wiggled in his embrace. My legs received an energy boost from the fresh amount of adrenaline pumping through my veins. Michael let me go, lowering my feet to the ground before I pushed away, making space between the two of them.

I noticed Jaxson in the distance, running back.

"Shit, are you guys okay?" He called out, reaching us in ten seconds. I took another step back.

"Fuck, Scarlet. Look at me. We aren't going to hurt you, just don't freak out." Michael warned.

I stared at the three of them in silence.

“Scar?” Jaxson questioned.

*Silence*

“I think we’re in serious trouble,” Christian commented.

"You’ve got to be fucking kidding me. Freak out? FREAK OUT! Nope, nope. I've officially lost it. Yes, my dad was right. I'm crazy. I must be crazy. Insane? What category would that be classified as?" My hands trembled; my drenched clothes contributed to the chill gripping at my skin.

"Scarlet." Christian took a step forward, making me take a step back as I waved my hand.

"Nope. Nope, nope, nope, nope, nope! I'm not dealing with y'all. You're a fucking angel, you’re a flaming bird which I'm one hundred percent sure is a phoenix, and YOU are a demon, aren't you? Oh god, is Cece a fucking demon? My best friend is a fucking demon! I can't believe this! That's why you're called Paranormal INC. CAUSE YOU’RE ALL INHUMAN!"

"Junho, get your ass here and call Cece. Scarlet’s freaking out." Jaxson ordered.

"I’M NOT FREAKING OUT!" I screamed; the winds lashed out around me, hitting all three of them. They didn't expect the impact; all three of them fell on their butts.

I gaped at them; my eyes returned to my arms which were now a dark green – the same markings glowed brightly.

"I did that." I whispered.

"Scarlet, sweetie, you need to calm down or you're going to hurt them." Serenity's soothing voice entered my mind. I don't want to hurt them.

"Scarlet. Take a deep breath. I know you don't know us. Everything doesn't make sense right now, but we're a part of you and this state isn't good for you or your friends. You need to relax. I'm Aurora. Sorry for being snappy with you. C'mon, breathe." The low voice of Aurora soothed.

I began to take deep breaths, remembering the techniques I used to practice back at the mental institution when I was younger and had panic attacks.

Christian was the first one up. He put his hands up, staying still.

"Scarlet. I get it. This is a lot to take in. Please, trust us. We'll explain everything." He stood in place, not attempting to move any closer.

I looked to my right; my left foot at the edge of the dock when I noticed a figure from afar – a person walking on water. You have got to be shitting me.

Junho was speed walking towards us; his brown hair was now turquoise blue with white highlights. His eyes glowed a sapphire blue as he approached; he walked effortlessly across the water like it was land itself.

Nope...not gonna faint. Not gonna faint. Not...

My body leaned to the side; my eyes rolled back as my consciousness flooded with darkness.

The last sounds that my ears picked up on were a number of faraway shouts, followed by a muffled, submerged sound; the same subdued, distant sound I experienced when I dove into a pool.

Fuck it.

I gave into the darkness.