BEASTLY || CHASE STEIN (EDITING)

chapter twenty-three

The drive to the construction site was crowded and unsettling but once they made it to the empty lot their plan was finally in action. Everyone stood outside the car which Gert had discreetly parked near an empty gate, all except Molly were dressed in their dancing clothes consisting of nice dresses and tuxes.

“All right, everyone double-check that your phone’s off so our parents can’t find us using WizKidTracker,” Alex announces as all the teens take out their phones and turn them off, watching the screen go black after a couple of seconds.

“The invention of which we can add to the long list of evil things my mom has done,” Nico complains as the teens all line up against the car with Alex standing in front of them.

“We’re a long way from Brentwood,” Gert notes, looking around at their surroundings that were very unfamiliar.

“Hey, it’s okay, we got this. Chase, fistigons?” Alex questions wanting to make sure they had everything before heading in to potentially save the world. No pressure.

“Got ‘em” Chase responds by tapping the backpack that rests on his back allowing the teens to hear the shuffle of metal.

Nico reaches into her own bag and pulls out her staff just as Alex turns to her and asks, “Staff?”

“Done.” Nico allows the golden staff to be powered off as she holds it against her chest.

“Karolina? Molly?”

“Ready”

“I’m so good.”

“I’m good thanks for asking Al. My charming personality really brings this team together doesn’t it?” Garfield says as he pushes the boy's shoulder jokingly.

“What about my secret weapon?” Gert asks, referring to her dinosaur who still sat in the back of the car with a blanket over her.

“Um, she stays in the car. For now.” Alex says not knowing how they were to explain to the guard on shit that having a pet dinosaur was something everyone has.

“Crack the windows, though. This is LA. If anybody sees an animal in the car, they’ll call the cops, even if it is a dinosaur”

“Wait. you reckon we could still get done for animal endangerment even though it’s a dino?”

“I don’t know Gar you want to find out?”

“And what are you bringing to the party, Alex? We already know about Garfield's charm.” Nico rolls her eyes as she asks the Wilder boy.

“Access. Stole it from my dad.” Alex states as he takes out an ID card to hold up while looking back to the empty security booth behind him. With a short pep talk from Alex, the teens walk towards the gate ready to unlock it with the card key when a flashlight shines on them accompanied by a voice shouting, “Hey, excuse me! Stop right there.”

Everyone turns around to vaguely see an officer who was slowly running up to them with his flashlight, which was still pointed in their direct eyeline, “um, hi, I’m Alex. I think you, uh, know my dad, Geoffrey Wilder. This, uh, is his site.”

“Wilder construction isn't in charge anymore. This site belongs to the Church of Gibborim now,” the guard comments, taking the kids by surprise yet luckily they still had a way in.

“So are we knocking him out?” Garfield whispers to Chase only to get elbowed harshly in his side. Sorry, I asked.

Karolina walks to the front taking over Alex’s spot which surprised the guard as he knew who she was, “Oh, maybe you should call my dad and have him authorise it.”