The tunnels running under the building brought them to an entrance on the first floor.

"They use this point for evacuations," Tania's whisper came over the comms device in each person's ear, "stay frosty."

The teams swept the marble-floored entry passageway. The old school décor reminded Breanna of photos from the late nineteenth century. Reaching the first floor without encountering any resistance made Breanna nervous.

"Entry was too easy," Jarred said, "we'll probably encounter resistance somewhere."

"Agreed," Kelvin muttered.

"I can hear minds," Cara said, "a lot of them …" she faltered, frowned, turning to Breanna, "do you know someone called the Phoenix?"

"The Phoenix?" Breanna frowned, "not by that name, but I knew an Aero Phoenix. Why?"

"That person is here but using The Phoenix," Cara said, "whoever they are, they do not like Darcia."

"You saying we have an ally?" Breanna whispered.

"Maybe," Cara nodded, "there is the possibility you may be his target as well."

"What have you heard?" Breanna asked, checking her weapon and ammunition.

"Only what he wants me to hear," she said, "he is powerful and enhanced to a level that may scare Darcia."

"He told you that?" Breanna's eyes snapped to Cara's startled expression.

"Not exactly," she frowned, "more like let me see it."

"Will he let you see what Darcia has in store?" Breanna whispered, moving with the group along the first-floor passageway.

"Don't think that will be possible," Cara said, "Darcia just arrived in his vicinity, and his mind closed..." Cara frowned, "... like a steel hatch on a tank."

Breanna stopped walking, "Say that again."

"His mind closed like a steel hatch on a tank," Cara repeated.

"Craig, stop," Breanna talked into the comm unit. The group waited while Breanna met up with Craig; she looked at the floor.

"Like a steel hatch on a tank," she muttered.

"The Phoenix," Craig said quietly, "I know him from The Madhouse."

"He made contact with Cara. Darcia arrived in his vicinity, and his mind closed like a steel hatch on a tank."

"They're in the floors," David muttered, "tank lids go flat."

Craig motioned for Clio and Tania to join them.

"Do you recall any hatches or doors on the floors?"

"The first floor," Tania said, "just up ahead and down the side passages."

Craig scanned the area, frowned, narrowed his eyes and watched as his team moved in unison to the intersections of the passageways. Clio stopped next to him. Silently he indicated where she was to station herself.

"All hell is going to break loose. Isn't it?" Tula asked.

"You can say that," Breanna whispered, "we have no idea who Darcia has with her or her plans."

"That is true," Tula said, "even someone who can take on someone else's appearance … maybe."

Breanna heard the words but chose not to react. David turned suddenly and thrust out a taser, connecting to the person's chest who looked like Tula. The person convulsed. Fell to the floor as their skin rippled to show the change to an unknown person.

Reilly stepped forward, snagging the necklace and pulling it from the neck. He opened a water tank on Jarred's back and dropped it in. The water fizzed black. Kneeling, he rolled the body over, locating a slight incision behind the ear. Taking the taser from David, he applied a low charge to the incision. Another jolt went through the body.

"Fiona?" he asked.

"It's gone," she nodded, "we found a safer way of disabling the devices."

"You have been busy," Breanna nodded.

"Jarred?" David looked at the man's focused expression.

"They are waiting for us to pass by," Jarred said, "this person was supposed to be a scout."

"Where is Tula?" Trevet asked quietly.

Oran and Cara came around the corner behind the group, helping a groggy Tula.

"There she is, Trev," Craig said, "can you focus now?"

Trevet nodded as a hue of red deepened his cheeks, "I'm good."

"New strategy," Jarred said, "they will probably have a few up ahead, but they want to come from the rear and wipe us out wholesale."

"Then we go ahead," Breanna said, "let them think we don't know. When they move to "wipe us out"," Breanna said, "we return the favour."

"Sounds like a plan," David said, "Craig, you good with that?"

"To start with," Craig said, "but if Darcia is there, Breanna, you'll have to deal with her. I can help, but I don't half the enhancements she has done to herself nor the level she has strengthed those abilities."

Moving down the passageway toward the T-junction, they moved into place. Waiting. Breanna noticed the trapdoors in the ceiling pointing up, bringing awareness to the possibility of a change of attack. The knowledge rippled through the group. Shuffling feet were heard at the same time as a creak from above.

Tension hung in the air like wet laundry on a humid day. Breanna glanced around the team as they silently manoeuvred to cover the ceiling, floor and passage.

Silently waiting.

"I have heat signatures all around you," Valencia whispered on the open comms line, "they should be coming into view any minute."

"Five … four … three... two..." Tina's voice hesitated, "... one."

Shuffling feet quickened as the ceiling trap doors dropped open and the floor opened. Simultaneous attacks and responses resonated off the walls like a volcanic explosion in the silence. Breanna faced two assailants clad in black with the fanatical red bands on their arms. Quickly, she dispensed one using her mind as she took on the second physically. In a moment of inattention from her attacker, she grabbed his necklace, pulling it off. Finding Jarred nearby, Breanna spun away, dropping the chain and pendant into the portable tank of water strapped to his back. It fizzed a deep red and disappeared completely. That was new. Looking back at her assailant, she found him motionless on the floor.

"The red armed banded guys are genetically attached to the necklaces," Breanna said, alerting everyone through the open comms, "without the necklaces, they die."

Cara glanced at Breanna before she began ripping at the necklaces of anyone within reach. Swivelling toward Jarred, who was fighting off three simultaneously while ducking fireballs from Jeff, Cara dropped the devices into the tank. Without hesitation, she continued to rip at necklaces around nearby necks and drop them into the water tank. Darcia's fanatics fell around them. Bewilderment filtered through those fighting with them. One or two disintegrated with the assistance of Jeff. Oran, Tania, Jarred and Trevet worked through the oncoming horde with fists flying, knives flashing, and the occasional gun fired. Breanna guarded Clio as she kept the oncoming forces from increasing. Simon used his ability and blinded as many as possible. Frank whispered in their ears before taking the necklaces and delivering a blow to the back of the head.

Chaos reigned.

At the bottom of the passage, Breanna saw Aero Phoenix. He strode toward the fray, the necklace hanging a little high around his neck as though it had been shortened deliberately. No armband decorated his arm. He seemed unaffected by Clio's ability or Jeff's power balls. Breanna watched as a flame shimmered around him.

"Don't attack him," Breanna said, "focus on the others."

"Well done, Breanna," his mental whisper said, "take the necklace off my neck and destroy it."

Finishing the combat between herself and a fire breathing enthusiast, Breanna pivoted into range. Grabbing the necklace, she ripped it from around his neck. The heavy chain seemed undecided but finally broke. Ducking a blow from a meaty fist, a swipe of a knife and the descent of the butt of a gun, Breanna came up next to Jarred, necklace in hand. Pulling the lid open on the tank, she dropped the chain in. The fiery red and orange colour fizzed abnormally long.

"Darcia is moving to the main summit meeting room. She wants to rule now, not dominate," his mental whisper came again, "stop her."

Breanna took off at a dead run toward the meeting room as she heard Aero's voice lift in a warning song before she felt the heat of his glow extend from his hands. Glancing back, it was impossible to see who stood and who didn't. Breanna took the stairs two at a time encountering little opposition.

Approaching the semi-open door of the main room. Breanna could see half moon tables positioned in a circle with the required refreshments, writing utensils and various paraphernalia. Pushing the door wide and exposing the remainder of the room, Breanna found Darcia sitting in the chairman's seat. Ambling forward, she stopped on the opposite side of the large circular table.

"I don't think that seat belongs to you, Darcia," Breanna said, pulling her gun from the back holster of her fatigue pants.

"Still telling me what doesn't belong to me," Darcia spoke softly, "well after tonight, that will no longer be."

"You always need to be told. Besides, it's rude to continue controlling people," Breanna said, moving closer.

Darcia rose from the chair, "I can do as I please," she raised her brutal, insanity filled eyes to stare at Breanna, "you will stay out of my way."

"Sorry," Breanna sighed, "I can't do that."

"Then you watch your friends die," Darcia said, turning toward the side of the room as she continued to speak "what about Cara? Your faithful puppet."

The bound and gagged woman who looked like Cara raised her head to look at Breanna in a nearby chair. Breanna's heart stuttered.

Cara, where are you?

In the hall with Phoenix, we're on our way to you.

"Darcia, when will you stop pretending?" Breanna said, "even if that is Cara, why would you find any joy in killing something you could improve?"

"I don't need to improve anyone else but me," Darcia roared.

Air rushed past Breanna before her back hit the wall. The gun skated across the floor away as Breanna crumpled to the floor. Sucking air into her lungs. Glancing around, she found the switch for the main audio speakers in the building. Casually pressing it as she pushed to her feet, Breanna inhaled deeply.

"Trying out new toys, Darcia?" Breanna hedged, looking around the room, "who did you steal that one from?"

"That is not for you to know," Darcia said imperiously, "you are beneath me now."

"How did you get Aero Phoenix to do your bidding?" Breanna asked.

"His necklace restrains his power," Darcia chuckled, "only my handprint and DNA will weaken the metal which holds it."

"Are his powers strong?" Breanna shuffled, moving away from the wall.

"Yes," Darcia hissed, "stronger than mine and stronger than yours. I only allow him to use his power for my bidding."

"That makes a lot of sense," Breanna said, moving to an uncluttered section. Darcia followed her.

"What makes sense?" Darcia hissed.

"When I pulled it from his neck and destroyed it," Breanna braced her feet, "it did seem a little undecided whether or not it should come off."

"You released him?" Darcia snarled, anger contorting her features.

"Yes," Breanna nodded blandly.

"You allowed him to do as he wishes," Darcia shouted.

"Guess I did," Breanna said, nodding again, pulling her strength inwards.

"You have destroyed my plans," Darcia screamed, her hands extending to the side of her body.

Breanna could only guess what Darcia was going to try; quickly blinking her eyes and thrusting her hands forward, Breanna sent Darcia into the opposite wall.

Quickly Darcia gained her footing, "You will pay."

Darcia flexed her hand in midair, reaching out toward the person tied to the chair. The person started gasping, rippling as she battled to breathe.

Breanna quickly put her shield between the young woman and Darcia. Gathering her strength once again.

The woman started to breathe with more ease. Her tear-filled amber eyes met Breanna's.

"No," Darcia screamed, releasing the woman and charging at Breanna. Her attack came hard and fast. Breanna met every advance deflecting them as quickly as she could.

Mentally she pushed Darcia back again and again, but still, there was no relief from her advances. Physically or mentally.

Gathering her strength, she delivered a mental knockout blow. Darcia flinched slightly and flew backwards, toppling over the table. Breanna could feel a pull on her reserves. She had to finish this; she had never fought someone whose abilities were as strong as hers; she was tiring. She had to finish Darcia regardless of the cost.

Moving quickly, she stood in front of the woman tied to the chair. Cara's face no longer looked up at her but a brunette with a teenager. Terror filled eyes silently, begging for help.

"If you're going to kill someone Darcia," Breanna turning to her sister, "pick on someone your own size."

Darcia's maniacal scream instantly tore the air as she launched herself.

"Unlike you, I can kill more than one person simultaneously," Darcia snarled, lips curled back over her teeth like an angry animal.

Breanna watched in horror as Darcia's hands glowed like hot fire. Who had she extracted that from? There was no time for emotions or pity as Darcia moved toward her, reaching for her throat. Desperately throwing up her shield, Breanna watched Darcia walk into her protected space like a hot knife sinking through butter. Breanna tried to throw her across the room with her ability, but Darcia continued to move toward her. Raising her hands, she added to her mental enhancement by physically pushing Darcia away while staying clear of the glowing hot hands.

Breanna fought fatigue and the constant physical attack from her sister. She had to keep going and refused to give in. She would not allow Darcia near the terrified whimpering young woman in the chair. Whose racking sobs were heard over the sounds of her fighting against the restraints at her wrists, the desperate crying grew louder until the chair moved with the force of the emotions felt.

Breanna could feel the heat from Darcia's hands coming closer, reaching toward her face. Grasping the heated wrists, she dared not move. She was the only protection between the insanity of her sister and the defenceless innocent behind her.

The sudden banging of the doors against the wall drew Darcia's attention from her enjoyable task.

"Darcia," a thundering voice roared in anger, "let my sister go."

"She will die tonight," Darcia stated, reaching out first toward the teenager and Breanna.

Breanna felt darkness start to swim through her mind. A cold silence met the pressure. Strength seeped into her consciousness and muscles. More power and strength than she had ever known.

Keeping Darcia at bay, Breanna glanced at Aero. Giving a tiny nod to acknowledge the union of minds.

"Together, Aero," Breanna said softly, instinctively knowing he heard her.

Shoving Darcia away. Breanna raised her hands to her side, bracing her feet wide apart, jerking her hands forward, concentrating everything on Darcia.

Darcia flew across the room as Aero propelled radiant heat forward, engulfing the angry scream and silencing it.

Suddenly a shimmering dome swam around the fireball on the wall keeping the flames in one place. Breanna and Aero turned to the doorway. David stood with his hand outstretched toward the glowing ball.

"Can't have all that mess when the Summit is here in a few minutes," David quipped.

Breanna stood panting. The pain in her chest at the sudden loss of her twin added to the breathlessness and hurt inside. The need to fight the darkness trying to push into her mind came strong. She was not finished. Repelling it, she forced her mind to clear and turn toward Aero.

"Your sister will receive help," Breanna said as weakness crept through her body; steeling herself, she walked toward the trembling young woman tied to the chair.

"You're going to be okay," Breanna said, pulling the gag from her mouth before working the knots on the chair, "we have people who can check you out and heal whatever injury you may have."

"Thank you," the young woman sobbed.

"You're Aero's little sister," Breanna smiled, "you can shift. That is a cool ability."

"You..." she gasped, "… you protected me," the look of wonder made Breanna feel uncomfortable, "I don't understand why but thank you."

"You're welcome," Breanna murmured, "what's your name?"

"Sam," the young woman whispered, "Samantha Mary Phoenix."

"That is a beautiful name," Breanna nodded, "Sam, meet Rose and Hana. They will take you to our mobile unit and take care of you. Aero will be with you in a moment."

Rose and Hana gently helped Sam from the chair and into the waiting arms of her brother. Here she closed her eyes and relaxed against his shoulder.

"I've put her in a trance," he murmured.

"Rose and Hana, please take Sam to the mobile unit. Aero will be with you in a moment."

"We can wait," Rose said quietly, her head cocked to the side, looking up at Aero, "I don't think he will let her out of his sight."

Aero smiled his thanks as he passed Sam gently into their care before asking Breanna, "What is it?"

Breanna waited until Rose and Hana moved out of earshot.

"Thank you for your help," Breanna extended her hand.

Aero shook hands without hesitation, "It was the least I could do," he smiled, "you once saved my life in the lab. You probably don't remember, but I do."

"I remember you," Breanna smiled, "just not this … brawny."

"No," Aero blushed, "after five years of manipulation and … the rest. I look like this."

"If you want a place where Sam and yourself can heal and learn to live again," Breanna said, "I know a place available where you can stay until you're ready to move into the world."

"What are the strings?" his eyes narrowed in suspicion.

"No strings," Breanna said, "whatever you choose is your choice."

"Really?"

"Yes," Breanna nodded, "it's a new concept we are working on. The chance to choose your own course."

"I'll think about it," Aero said.

Nodding, Breanna signalled to Rose and Hana, "Go with Aero. If you can fix anything, then do so."

Aero scooped his tranced sister into his arms, "Lead the way, ladies."

"Come with us," Hana said, "Rose, can you bring up the rear?"

"After you," Rose smiled sweetly at Aero, "I insist."

Aero shook his head but followed Hana. Rose winked at Breanna before following Hana and Aero.

Turning toward the open windows, loss flooded through Breanna lancing her soul.

"Are you okay," David asked, standing in front of Breanna.

"No, but I'll live," she said, "are you concerned, David?"

"Yep, I've been concerned about you since I rolled through your dining room window," pulling her against him, bending his head and brushing his lips against hers in a gentle, sweet kiss. Breanna sighed, "I like your concern very much."

"Sorry, but you two will have to wait for later," Craig said, "we have a summit to prep for and guard."

David stepped away from Breanna, groaning, "Your timing sucks," he muttered, moving toward a small group setting up security equipment.

"How long have you known he has feelings for me?" Breanna asked.

"Since I walked through the tech room doors on my first day," Craig chuckled, "those "feelings" he has for you is a full-blown case of love, little sister."

Breanna looked at Craig's retreating back. Glancing at David, she met his warm, melting look. Dare she hope.

Three hours later

Looking over the room and shaking her head at the chared wall, Breanna nodded while checking in with the nearby mobile command centre.

"We are a green light here," Breanna said, "the Summit is going strong. Nothing to report at this time."

"Copy that," Iris said quietly, "will keep the scanners open. Oh, a message for you, Bre. The Phoenix says he will be in touch. If you need him, ask Michale, who is arranging accommodation."

"That is good news. Thanks, Iris," Breanna smiled, "all other floors, what is your status?"

"All other floors are clear," Cara said quietly, "although the conversations are not something I would want to hear again."

Chuckling, Breanna glanced at the other team members in the room.

"We did good tonight. Well done, everyone," pausing, Breanna felt understanding for another loss blossom, "Tina, we have not given up on Daisy. We will locate her."

"Copy that," came the soft reply.

Somewhere in an apartment across town

Lying very still. Careful not to make a noise. Tied to a bed in an apartment smelling of stale boiled vegetables. Carefully pulling a hand from the ropes while trying not to draw unnecessary attention from the other room, picking up the necklace and running shaking fingers over the design. Remembering the last words heard from a man she realised she loved.

"Find the soft raised section and press three times, then slide it across the surface," Jonathan whispered, words fluttered from her memories.

Clever man. She felt the design, finding the soft raised section pushing once ... twice ... thrice. A smile spread across her face. A homing device. She was careful not to break it; she depressed the one movable part across the surface until it stopped. A sound outside her prison door brought her eyes to the door handle. Carefully she pushed the necklace under her shirt. Quickly slipped her hand back into the ropes.

Across the city, in a building housing the World Summit, a vibration against a leg housed in black fatigue pants had a hand reaching for a mobile device. Adjusting his automatic rifle before pulling his mobile from his fatigue pocket, Jonathan looked at a map zooming in on a blinking blue dot.

Smart girl. A smile spread against his lips. She was alive.

Daisy.