Fates Intertwined

26. | Company

"No, because if we use our powers, we can win against Van Helsing. Quick and easy." Nara shrugged from the backseat of the car, Aurora and Zyran up front. They had been driving for over two hours, the sun setting, and Nara was still droning on about the best way to defeat Van Helsing.

"I think you forget the part where we just learned we have powers. We don't know how to use them yet." Lina stated.

"You do."

"That's besides the point."

Aurora blew out a breath, pressing against her temple. "You all are giving me a headache." She murmured.

"I'm with you." Eric spoke, his head leaning back against the headrest with his eyes shut. "My head is killing me."

"How much money we got?" Nara asked then, leaning forward.

"Twenty." Zyran answered. "If that."

"Maaan, I wanted to stop at a restaurant or something and get some food— Some normal food." Nara complained.

"Already tired of living off junk food, Nara?" Lina taunted.

"Shut it." She scowled.

"Why doesn't Aurora use her thingy to pay for it?" Eric offered.

"It's called compulsion, and I can't do it in public. Someone's going to notice and I'm not taking any chances." Aurora spoke, lifting her head.

"I'm hungryyyy." Nara whined, tapping the headrest of Aurora's seat.

"Stop it." She scowled, reaching behind her and slapping Nara's knee. "And if you're so hungry, there's plenty of snacks in the bags."

"All the good ones are gone." She pouted.

"Then maybe you should've grabbed better snacks." Zyran retorted.

"I was panicking!"

"We all were, Nara." Lina sighed, leaning back in her seat with her arms crossed. "Besides, we can't stay in one place for long. Who knows how long it'll take before Van Helsing finds us again."

"Lina's right." Aurora stated. "It's best we stay on the road."

"Fine. But if I can't have food, then I at least get to pick the music." Nara bartered, reaching in between the seats and fidgeting with the radio.

Zyran slapped her hand. "Sit back." He demanded, pushing her just as a cop car drove past. Nara waited till it was gone before she was back. Zyran tsked. "Nara."

"I want my music, Mr. Grumpy Pants." Nara smacked back when he went to push her back again. Zyran rolled his eyes.

Aurora heard a noise and glanced out the window, trying to see behind them from the mirror. She stared for a long moment before a large figure appeared. It was large, and it flew. The closer it got to the car, the more Aurora realized what it was.

"Guys," Aurora called. "We've got company."

They all looked out the windows, just as the creature flew overhead. It circled back around and dove straight for the car. Zyran slammed on the brake.

The creature let out a screech, aiming for the car, but Aurora threw up a shield before it could touch, forcing it to move away.

"Go! Get out! Everybody out!" Aurora yelled, and the five piled out.

Abandoning the car, they ran down the road as the creature circled back, chasing them down. Aurora stopped, slinging the backpack off her shoulder and ripping it open. But inside were snacks. She snapped her head up, but there were only three bookbags.